Alan is a renowned Africa expert and has authored many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the Swaziland section of their 'South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland' guide.
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) offers excellent wildlife viewing. All of the Big Five are present in the country, although not all in one park. Mkhaya offers an exclusive safari experience, and this is a great place to see the endangered black rhino, as well as the only Cape buffalo in the country. Hlane is the place to see lions, white rhino and elephant.
Wildlife Highlights
Eswatini is a good place to see some of the more interesting antelope species. None of the parks have free-roaming lions, and threatened species are protected in special fenced-in sanctuaries. The elusive sable antelope is breeding successfully in Mkhaya. Other majestic species you can easily find here are roan, Livingstone's eland and tsessebe.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Eswatini offers wildlife viewing throughout the year. Many of the flagship species are kept in large enclosures which makes for easy viewing. However, the dry months of June to September are the best to see some of the smaller creatures, as at that time the bush is thinner. August to September is a lovely time as temperatures are higher than in mid-winter and the animals are concentrated around water sources.
Wildlife Rating per Major Park
- Hlane Royal NP 4.1/5 7 Wildlife Ratings
- Mkhaya GR 3.8/5 4 Wildlife Ratings
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