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Swaziland lowveld intersected by the Black Mbuluzi and Mbuluzana Rivers, overlooked from the east by the Lebombo Mountains. Aptly named (Hlane is the Swazi word for wilderness), the park is covered by acacia and broadleaf trees, the savannah plains interspersed with tracts of shrubland and dense bush. Mtfombotsi Forest holds giant hardwood trees up to 1000 years old. Hlane has 100km of roads. Big game abounds: elephant, dehorned rhino, hippo, crocodile, lion, cheetah, leopard and scavengers such as hyaena and jackal. Also warthog, giraffe, various antelope species, zebra and the highest concentration of wildebeest per km2 in Africa - including the Serengeti. Birdlife prolific, especially around camps; vultures and raptors the most visible. The park is refuge to the world's most southerly colony of Marabou storks. Excellent game-viewing and bird-watching by car, the park minibus, on guided walks or from hides overlooking waterholes near camps and in the bush. Two self-catering camps: Ndlovu (five thatched rondavels and a camp site) and Bhubesi (remote stone cottages overlooking a riverbed). The nearest shop is 10km from the park gate. Copyright © 2002 Travel Africa. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of the author is prohibited. By Daryl Balfour |
