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Nature Reserves & Game Parks
The Swaziland National Trust Commission (SNTC) is responsible for the preservation and development of Swaziland’s many areas of natural beauty and wildlife. There are currently four SNTC nature reserves, namely Malolotja, Hawane, Mantenga and Mlawula, all of which are inhabited by a rich wildlife (including rare species such as the aardwolf or African finfoot) and a wide range of bird species. These reserves are characterised by some of the most beautiful landscapes in southern Africa. In recent years, strong efforts were made to bring back wildlife to the country. As a result, the SNTC has taken a number of once privately run game parks under its wing such as Mlilwane, the country’s oldest established game sanctuary. Other game sanctuaries that have recently been proclaimed protected areas are Malolotsha, in the north near Piggs Peak; Hlane, in the shadow of the escarpment in the northeast; and Mkhaya. Hlane has wide open spaces supporting big herds of game where the visitor can see the old traditional scenes of Africa. Both Hlane and Malolotsha, which is situated on top of a mountain range and surrounded by steep canyons and waterfalls, are easily reached by road and different types of accommodation and tours are available. For more information, contact the Swaziland National Trust Commission, PO Box 100, Lobamba (tel: (41) 61481 or 61179; fax: (41) 61875; e-mail: staff@swazimus.org.sz; website: www.sntc.org.sz); or the Ministry of Tourism (see Contact Addresses section).
MKHAYA GAME RESERVE: Roughly 30km (19 miles) north of Big Bend is Mkhaya Nature Reserve, situated along a turn-off from the brilliantly named village of Phuzumoya (‘drink the wind’) in classic lowveld scrubland, filled with acacia and thorn trees. Ted Reilly initially purchased Mkhaya to save the long-horned Nguni cattle when white beef-farmers regarded them as too puny and unproductive for their industry, and replaced them with imported stock. Today, the cattle graze alongside zebra, wildebeest and antelope, just as they always used to. Among the other endangered species at Mkhaya are the rare black rhinos and the near-extinct roan antelope.
MLILWANE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: This reserve, near Lobamba, is in the heart of the Ezulwini Valley. Its name, Mlilwane, refers to the little fire that appears on occasion when lightning strikes the granite mountains. The wildlife is predominantly herbivorous, including antelope, giraffe and zebra, but crocodiles are not uncommon. Over 100km (62 miles) of road enables you to drive through the park to view game, or guided walks and drives can be arranged through the park office.
MLAWULA NATURE RESERVE: The Lubombo Mountains that run along the eastern border of Mlawula Nature Reserve provide fantastic views of both Swaziland and the western fringes of Mozambique. Unique species of ironwood trees and cycads grow on the slopes. There are well-organised trails through the reserve. The Mlawula stream and more substantial Mbuluzi River both flow through some spectacular valleys in this reserve, and early Stone Age tools over one million years old have been found along their beds.
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