Despite being a small country, Swaziland has a diversity of scenic landscapes, from the mountainous western region to the low lying eastern region known as Lowveld. The savanna bushveld in the Lowveld is ideal for wildlife and several game parks and nature reserves are found here.
Hlane Royal National Park covers about 300 sq kms and does have the Big Five though there are different areas for wildlife – lions and elephant are in separated areas. Self drive is permitted in select areas and Hlane also offers guided safari activities.
Mkhaya Game Reserve has some of the best gameviewing in Swaziland with all large game present except lion. It is a refuge for endangered wildlife species. Mkhaya is home to Swaziland’s only buffalo, sable antelope, Livingstone’s eland and tsessebe populations. Along with special species such as black & white rhino, giraffe and roan antelope, these animals are often sighted at close range on safari.
The Mbuluzi / Mlawula Conservancy has a diversity of habitats with a reasonable complement of plains game. The reserve is a botanical hotspot and has some wonderful walking trails.