Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

A highlight of our month-long travels in Southern Africa was walking with the wildlife in Mlilwane.

One of our first stops on our tour of 6 countries in Southern Africa was Mlilwane Sanctuary in Swaziland. We stayed in a delightful thatched-roof rondavel at Sondza Backpackers, and had great dinners and breakfasts cooked up by the local ladies. In the morning, we walked from Sondza to the sanctuary centre and then along the Hippo Trail. Altogether about a 3-hour hike along well-kept paths through spectacular scenery, with some very special close-up moments with wildlife. Nothing dangerous... no hippos or "big 5", though a few crocodiles in the distance. But lots of impala, warthogs, nyala, hartebeest, wildebeest, waterbucks, and my favourite, zebras. Who knew that zebras would make squeaky sounds to each other while patiently waiting for us to go by so that they could cross the path? Each one with its unique dramatic stripes and beautiful black-lashed eyes. Also much enjoyed were the birds such as hamerkops, blue cranes and lapwings. And the little stuff, like dung beetles and locusts. And the huge termite hills. This was one of the few times we could actually walk with wildlife, and not be driven in a vehicle. With misty mountains and green forests in the distance, it was quite a magical day.