Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Rest Camp

The Mlilwane Rest Camp is found in the southern corner of the reserve, in the midst of a well-matured rehabilitated area. Tall indigenous trees, all grown from seed, now tower over the camp overlooking an artificially created wetland system, which is home to hippopotamus, crocodile and a variety of water birds including occasional fish eagles. The camp is unfenced, yet relatively safe, as only smaller species of wildlife occur in the Sanctuary.

Warning is given to camp patrons to be aware of hippo during the evenings, though this has not been a major concern during the camp's 41-year history. The camp is tranquil and relaxing with a continual stream of animals such as impala, warthog and nyala - ostrich too, walking between the facilities quietly tolerant of human presence.

To the west, the camp overlooks the Mhlambanyatsi River valley with its open floodplains and scattered herds of game. This view is enjoyed from the swimming pool, Shonalanga Cottage and the two Lontweni traditional thatch rondavels.

ACCOMMODATION

Rest Camp
There are a number of different types of accommodation available in the Rest Camp, all with bedding and towels provided.

Rest Camp Huts
There is a semi-circle of 8 rustic Rest Camp Huts around the central Rest Camp area, all consisting of a single room with an en-suite shower, toilet and basin. The first six huts are wood and thatch and the last two are a totally grass construction in the traditional dome "beehive" shape. A total of 20 people can be accommodated in the Rest Camp Huts.

Shonalanga Cottage
This is a large self-catering accommodation facility, with two separate rooms and its own kitchen. It has a high thatch roof and is suitable for a family group. It is near the swimming pool, overlooking the Mhlambanyatsi River.

Lontweni Thatched Rondavels
These new and very attractive huts are are constructed using traditional building materials and have thatch roofs. Single circular room with ensuite ablutions. Two of the units have kitchenette's whilst the third has a kingsize double bed in it, which together with its more private location, says romance honeymoon without a doubt.

Beehive Villages
The three beehive villages (Roan, Nyala and Blesbok) have the look and feel of traditional Swazi homesteads with grass dome-shaped huts, arranged in semi-circles, and seating areas all semi-enclosed by traditional Swazi kraal 'fencing'. The huts are simple and sparsely furnished containing beds and a fan. They have their own bathrooms attached. A total of 92 people can be accommodated in these villages, which are mostly twin accommodation - however there are 2 family units and 2 trple units.

Camp Ground
The informal camping ground is situated under an impressive, mature Eucalyptus forest. Fallen logs and a few scattered concrete tables roughly mark out the campsites. Electric power points are available. Campers are requested not to leave foodstuff in their tents as warthogs may raid them Communal ablutions for the Camping grounds equipped with showers, toilets, washbasins and laundry basins. There is a bath and additional toilets in the day visitor's ablution block.

These huts are part of the original main camp of the reserve and face onto the restaurant and day visitor area. They consist of a single room with an en-suite shower, toilet and basin. They are of wood and thatch and can sleep 4 persons.

Facilities include: fridge, ceiling fan, shower, basin and toilet.

Note: There is no kitchenette. The Hippo Haunt Restaurant and Bar is located nearby.

Room amenities: Bathroom-Private: Shower only, Fan(s), Mineral/ Bottled Water Available, Potable Tap Water, Terrace/Patio (Ground floor)

These huts are part of the original main camp of the reserve and face onto the restaurant and day visitor area. They consist of a single room with an en-suite shower, toilet and basin. They are of wood and thatch and can sleep 2 persons. Facilities include: fridge, ceiling fan, shower, basin and toilet.

Note: There is no kitchenette. The Hippo Haunt Restaurant and Bar is located nearby.

Room amenities: Bathroom-Private: Shower only, Fan(s), Mineral/ Bottled Water Available, Potable Tap Water, Terrace/Patio (Ground floor)

This is the original main camp of the reserve ahd is positioned around the restaurant and day visitor area. There is a semi-circle of 8 rustic Rest Camp Huts around the central Rest Camp area, all consisting of a single room with an en-suite shower, toilet and basin.

There are 2 Beehive huts which are a totally of grass construction in the traditional dome "beehive" shape. The both sleep 2 persons in a twin bed configuration. Facilities include fridge, ceiling fan, shower, basin, and toilet.

Note: There is no kitchenette. The Hippo Haunt Restaurant and Bar is located nearby.

Room amenities: Bathroom-Private: Shower only, Fan(s), Fridge, Mineral/ Bottled Water Available, Potable Tap Water

This traditional type thatch accommodation or "beehive village" has the look and feel of a Swazi homesteads with grass dome-shaped huts arranged in semi-circles. The huts and internal seating areas all semi-enclosed by traditional Swazi kraal 'fencing'. The huts are simple and sparsely furnished containing beds and a fan. All units are en-suite with their own ablutions attached.

Roan Village has 15 twin rooms.

Note: there are no kitchenettes. The Hippo Haunt Restaurant and Bar is located nearby.

Room amenities: Bathroom-Private: Shower only, Mineral/ Bottled Water Available

This traditional type thatch accommodation or "beehive village" has the look and feel of a Swazi homesteads with grass dome-shaped huts arranged in semi-circles. The huts and internal seating areas all semi-enclosed by traditional Swazi kraal 'fencing'. The huts are simple and sparsely furnished containing beds and a fan. All units are en-suite with their own ablutions attached.

Blesbok Village has 14 twin rooms.

Note: there are no kitchenettes. The Hippo Haunt Restaurant and Bar is located nearby.

Room amenities: Bathroom-Private: Shower only, Mineral/ Bottled Water Available, Potable Tap Water

This traditional type thatch accommodation or "beehive village" has the look and feel of a Swazi homesteads with grass dome-shaped huts arranged in semi-circles. The huts and internal seating areas all semi-enclosed by traditional Swazi kraal 'fencing'. The huts are simple and sparsely furnished containing beds and a fan. All units are en-suite with their own ablutions attached.

Nyala Village has 10 twin rooms, 2 triple rooms and 2 family quad rooms, totally 14 in all.

Note: there are no kitchenettes. The Hippo Haunt Restaurant and Bar is located nearby.

Room amenities: Bathroom-Private: Shower only, Mineral/ Bottled Water Available

These huts have the best view outwards from the camp, as they overlook the Mhlambanyatsi ('where the buffalo wallow') River.

There are 2 huts which are set-up as self-catering units. They sleep 3 persons, each with a double bed and a single bed. Facilities include shower, toilet, basin, kitchenette, fridge, stove, cooking utensils, and wall mounted fan.

Room amenities: Bathroom-Private: Shower only, Cooking facilities/ Utensils, Fan(s), Fridge, Mineral/ Bottled Water Available, Potable Tap Water, Ensuite

This hut is slightly separate from the others and has one of the best views outward from the camp. It overlooks the Mhlambanyatsi ('where the buffalo wallow') River.

There is only hut of this type. It sleeps 2 persons and features a giant kingsize bed. Facilities include shower, toilet, basin, and wall mounted fan. Meals can be taken at the nearby Hippo Haunt Restaurant.

Room amenities: Bathroom-Private: Shower only, Fan(s), Mineral/ Bottled Water Available, Potable Tap Water, Terrace/Patio (Ground floor)

This is a large self-catering accommodation facility with a high thatch roof, suitable for a family group. It is near the swimming pool, overlooking the Mhlambanyatsi River.

It is a 6-sleeper: The master bedroom has a double bed and the second open plan room has four singles. The cottage has a wide veranda, kitchen, fridge, electric stove, full supply of all catering and eating utensils, lounge/dining room, bath, basin, toilet, and private braai area.

Room amenities: Bathroom-Private: Bathtub, Cooking facilities/ Utensils, Dining Area & Settings, Fan(s), Fireplace, Fridge, Living Room/Sitting Area, Mineral/ Bottled Water Available, Potable Tap Water, Terrace/Patio (Ground floor)

The informal camping ground is situated under an impressive, mature Eucalyptus forest. Fallen logs and a few scattered concrete tables roughly mark out the campsites. Electric power points are available.

Campers are requested not to leave foodstuff in their tents as warthogs may raid them. Communal ablutions for the Camping Grounds are equipped with showers, toilets, washbasins and laundry basins. There is a bath and additional toilets in the day visitor's ablution block.

Room amenities: Cooking facilities/ Utensils, Dining Area & Settings, Fireplace, Fridge, Living Room/Sitting Area, Mineral/ Bottled Water Available, Potable Tap Water, Shared Bathroom