30 000 hectares of untamed bush is home to lions, elephants, hippos and white rhino. Instead of heading to the busyand over-booked Kruger National Park, Hlane Royal National Park is a better alternative. A superb water hole means that game viewing can be done in the comfort of a camper chair with a gin and tonic close at hand. However, a guided walk or game drive will ensure a completely different perspective and appreciation for the bush.
Swaziland is one of two landlocked countries in South Africa. Swaziland lies in the North-Eastern part of South Africa and Lesotho is further south. Swaziland borders Mozambique and is a monarchy. King Mswati III rules over this small but prosperous country. Swaziland is an ideal gateway to Maputo, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the National Kruger Park. This makes Hlane Royal National Park perfect for a few nights’ stop over or a longer stay.
Swaziland has seen a lot of poaching over the years which was why conservation has begun to play such an important role. Hlane Royal National Park is one of three big game parks designed to conserve the wildlife. At the entrance to the park, visitors are reminded of this fact. Snares used to trap animals are piled up on top of each other in large towers.
The lion enclosure is separate to the park and can only be visited by booking a game drive. Poaching has caused the park to be divided into separate enclosures. There is also a lack of funding to provide sufficient electric fencing around the entire park.
