|
|
Nature
and Game Reserves
Malolotja
Nature Reserve
The Malolotja
Nature reserve is under the responsibility of the Swaziland National Trust Commission. It is approximately
18,000 hectares of highveld and middleveld landscapes. It is
situated in the north west of Swaziland. In it are situated two
of Swaziland highest mountains, the Ngwenya and Silotwana, plus
the highest waterfalls of Swaziland, the Malolotja falls which
are 95 m high. The geology of the nature reserve is highly interesting,
containing some of the oldest sedimentary rocks in the world
with fossils of the green blue algae having an estimated age
of about 3.5 billion years and part of the Barbaton green stone
belt running through it. In the south of the reserve just next
to the abandoned Iron ore mine is the lions cavern, this is believed
to be the oldest mine in the world. Here the stone age people
were mining for the red pigment some 42000 years ago, and more
recently the iron content. To get to this old mine you have to
enter the reserve through the southern gate just above Endlotane
Studios. |
|
One of
the greatest attractions of the reserve is its grate variety
of wild flowers and Birds. Among the great variety of birds in
the sighted are the bald ibis, blue swallow, blue crane, the
rare sacred ibis, fluftailes and even the gurneys sugarbird.
alone in the southern part of Malolotja at Endlotane Studios
more than 25 different species
of birds have been sighted. Apart for m the birds and the flowers there are
26 species of of reptiles (counted to date) and numerous species
of rare Frogs. Game viewing can be good with plenty of blesbock,
wildebeest, zebras and hartebeest. |
|
There
are more than 200 km of trailes set out in the reserve,
they range from easy walks to very straneous ones. At the 18
set out small camp areas only one group may overnight at any
one given time. Each of the camps has space for about 2 to 3
tents. Trout fishing is available in two of the Dams within the
reserve. Fishing licenses and firewood can be obtained at the
main gate. Ther is no shop within the reserve, you may at times
be able to buy game meat and firewoodfrom the main gate. If you
are not one for long wolks you can also stay in the 5 fuly equipt
log cabins holding 6 people each and situated not far from the
main gate.
. |
|
The Mlilwane nature reserve |
The oldest
Swazi park, established in the early 1960 by Swazilands renowned
conservationalist Ted Reilly and his family. Mlilwane is a successful
non-profit Trust. It covers an area of about 4500 hectares. Situated
within easy reach of the popular Ezulwini and Malkerns tourism
hubs, the Sanctuary is a tranquil retreat for the weary and a
scenic family paradise.
A wide selection of accommodation aims to satisfy every taste.
The Rest Camp is the centre of activity with rustic en-suite
wooden huts, a large family cottage and a village of traditional
beehive huts, simple in design and furnishing and a 'must do'
for adventurous travellers. With timberlog dormitories, a camping
ground and the nearby Sondzela Backpackers Lodge, Mlilwane is
also a budget traveller's mecca. Walking trails, the Hippo Haunt
Restaurant, a swimming pool, The iNkhundla boma and the camp's
famous Sibhaca dancing team complete the many attractions.
Self-catering travellers will find the private Nyonyane Camp
a quiet place to relax with self-contained facilities in comfortable
wooden cottages.
Allow your senses to take in the refreshing surroundings on Horseback,
mountain bikes, open Land Rover tours and foot trails. For the
more adventurous, our overnight Horse trails offer a fantastic
outdoor riding experience on beautiful Arabian ponies, through
the Sanctuary and into the mountains which afford a breathtaking
panoramic view of the "Valley of Heaven" know as Ezulwini.
Open your lungs by climbing to the top of a mountain and looking
out at infinity. Swimming in mountain springs and camping in
an exquisite mountain retreat on the river's edge make this experience
a Must-Not-Miss!
For the discerning traveller the stunning Homestead Lodge, or
Kagogo ('granny's place') as it is affectionately known, is an
exclusive and fascinating venue, offering a historical perspective
of early Swaziland, and Mlilwane's founding family.
24 hour access to the Sanctuary is a valuable feature for late
arrivals, business travellers and those on night excursions to
other nearby attractions.
For the discerning traveller the stunning Homestead Lodge, or
Kagogo ('granny's place') as it is affectionately known, is an
exclusive and fascinating venue, offering a historical perspective
of early Swaziland, and Mlilwane's founding family.
24 hour access to the Sanctuary is a valuable feature for late
arrivals, business travellers and those on night excursions to
other nearby attractions.
. |
|
Mkhaya |
In the
south east is Mkhaya - Swaziland's refuge for endangered species
- where the animals feel so unthreatened and have such confidence
in their world that visitors can literally associate with elephant,
rhino, buffalo, and a host of other creatures at little more
than an arms length. Black rhino are also a feature of Mkhaya.
It is pure Nature Magic. Mkhaya is also where the pure Swazi
Nguni - Swaziland's own indigenous breed of cattle - was saved
from extinction for posterity.
Mkhaya
is the Kingdom's VIP destination.
"Closer to nature" is the main focus of this unique
reserve and its no-nonsense approach to unpretentious outings
is becoming evermore popular with travellers sick of over-commercialisation
and loss of the real Africa. As Swaziland's Refuge for Endangered
Species, Mkhaya is a modern day success story for rhino conservation.
Black and white rhino, as well as elephant, buffalo and many
other species of rare game are easily tracked for visitors by
the same skilled Swazi rangers whose efforts ensure its survival.
Accessible
only by park vehicles, Mkhaya's tented safari camp is a model
for sensitive development. Woven into lush riverine vegetation
and connected by a threadwork of sandy paths, you will marvel
at the atmosphere of this private and secluded camp. With en-suite
showers and flushing "loos with a view", you will be
surprised at the comfort of these bush furnishings.
Managed
and hosted entirely by friendly Swazi staff, the daily camp routine
revolves in true romantic fashion around delicious meals on the
fire, Landrover excursions, guided walks and evenings under a
myriad of stars. Two night visits recommended.
A special
Landrover daytour between 10H00 and 16H00 allows access for day
trippers and local residents. |
|
|
|
Swaziland
National Trust commission |
|
For tours
in Swaziland contact Swazi Trailes at swazitrails@realnet.co.sz |
|
