Von wiki Das Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary ist das älteste Schutzgebiet in
Swasiland. Es ist ein Nationalpark in Öffentlich-private Partnerschaft, der auf
private Initiative von Ted Reilly auf seiner Farm im Jahr 1960 gegründet wurde
und vier Jahre später als Schutzgebiet anerkannt wurdeDas Mlilwane Wildlife
Sanctuary liegt im Ezulwini Tal in der Nähe von Lobamba. Dieses Resservat war
das erste seiner Art, das in Swaziland gegründet wurde.
von igrids welt
Alle Wildreservate in Swaziland verdanken ihre Entstehung der Familie Reilly und
dem verstorbenen König Sobhuza II.. Schon Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts waren die
letzten freilebenden Spitzmaulnashörner verschwunden und während der ersten
Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts verringerte sich auch der früher reiche Wildbestand
des Landes immer weiter. 1959 kehrte Ted Reilly in seinen Geburtsort Mlilwane
zurück. Sein Vater Mickey hatte sich bereits 1908 hier niedergelassen, die Farm
Mlilwane begründet und nach Zinn geschürft. Auf dem 450 ha großen Farmland
entstand das Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Ted pflanzte heimische Baumarten,
legte Wasserflächen und Feuchtgebiete an und brachte verschiedene Tierarten
zurück nach Mlilwane . Das Königreich Swaziland ist mit einer Fläche von 17.363
km² neben Gambia der zweitkleinste Staat des afrikanischen Kontinents und es
gibt heute drei Schutzgebiete für Wildtiere. Zu den Big Game Parks in Swaziland
gehört neben dem Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary auch das Mkhaya Game Reserve und
das größte Schutzgebiet, der Hlane Royal National Park. Dieser steht der unter
dem persönlichen Schutz seiner königlichen Hoheit, König Mswati III. Weitere
Informationen unter www.biggame.co.sz
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Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the oldest and most
popular wildlife reserves in
Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland). Located in the
Hhohho District, it
offers a unique experience of nature and wildlife with a mix of
scenic landscapes,
wildlife viewing, and
cultural experiences.
Mlilwane is particularly known for its accessibility, making it ideal
for travelers looking for a more intimate, less commercialized wildlife
experience.
Key Features of
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary:
-
Wildlife and Nature:
-
Diverse Wildlife:
While Mlilwane is not home to the “Big Five” (lion, elephant,
buffalo, leopard, rhino), it is still rich in wildlife,
including zebra,
wildebeest,
impala,
bushbuck,
giraffe, and
baboons. There
are also a variety of bird species, making it a great spot for
birdwatching.
-
Small Mammals and
Reptiles: In addition to larger mammals, the sanctuary
is home to several smaller animals, such as
mongoose,
genet, and
hares.
Reptiles like snakes
and lizards
can also be found in the reserve.
-
Scenic Beauty:
- The sanctuary is located
in the Lubombo
Mountains, and the landscape is a mix of
grasslands,
woodlands,
and wetlands.
This variety of habitats supports a diverse range of plant and
animal life, and it provides spectacular views, especially from
the higher points of the reserve.
- Visitors can enjoy
panoramic views
of the mountains and the surrounding valleys, making the area
perfect for nature walks and photography.
-
Activities:
-
Walking Safaris:
One of the best ways to experience Mlilwane is on foot. The
sanctuary offers guided walking safaris, which allow you to get
closer to nature and observe animals in their natural habitat.
This is a unique way to see the wildlife compared to a
traditional vehicle safari.
-
Mountain Biking:
Mlilwane offers several biking trails that take you through its
diverse landscapes, allowing you to explore the sanctuary in an
active way.
-
Game Drives:
Although walking is a popular way to explore, there are also
game drives
available, offering a chance to view wildlife from a vehicle.
-
Cultural Activities:
The sanctuary is deeply connected to the culture and heritage of
Eswatini. Visitors can take part in
cultural tours
to learn about local traditions, including the famous
Swazi craftwork
and ceremonies.
-
Accommodation:
- Mlilwane offers a range of
accommodation options, from
budget to
luxury.
Visitors can stay in traditional
beehive huts
(a distinctive Swazi-style accommodation), or choose from
camping sites
and self-catering
chalets. For a more luxurious experience, the
Mlilwane Lodge
offers comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.
-
Overnight stays
allow visitors to experience the sanctuary in a peaceful
setting, with opportunities to hear the sounds of the wild at
night.
-
Conservation Efforts:
- Mlilwane was established
in the 1960s
and is managed with a focus on both wildlife conservation and
sustainable tourism. It plays an important role in preserving
the biodiversity
of the region and educating visitors about the importance of
conservation.
-
Proximity to Other
Attractions:
- Mlilwane is conveniently
located close to other attractions in Eswatini, including the
Mantenga Cultural
Village, where you can experience traditional Swazi
life, and Ngwenya
Glass, where you can watch local artisans create
beautiful glassware.
- The sanctuary is also just
a short drive from the
Mkhaya Game Reserve, which is known for its rhino
population, and the
Royal National Park.
Best Time to Visit:
- The best time to visit
Mlilwane is during the dry
season (May to October), when wildlife is easier to spot as
animals gather around the waterholes. The weather is cooler and more
pleasant for outdoor activities.
-
November to April
is the wet season, with lush green landscapes, but also more
challenging conditions for wildlife viewing due to the thick
vegetation.
Quick Tips for Visiting:
-
Bring comfortable shoes:
Whether you’re walking or biking, the terrain can be rugged, so it’s
best to wear sturdy footwear.
-
Binoculars: If
you enjoy birdwatching or wildlife photography, bringing binoculars
and a camera is a good idea.
-
Respect wildlife:
As with any wildlife sanctuary, maintain a respectful distance from
the animals and avoid disturbing them.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is
perfect for travelers who want to experience wildlife in a peaceful and
relatively unspoiled setting. It's ideal for nature lovers, those
interested in culture, and anyone looking for a relaxed but immersive
adventure.
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