Top Game Reserves in Eswatini: Comparing the Best Safari Spots for Wildlife Encounters

Looking to explore the best game reserves in Eswatini? This tiny African kingdom may be small in size, but it offers some of the most authentic and under-the-radar safari experiences in Southern Africa.

Whether you're hoping to spot incredible wildlife, enjoy a peaceful bush escape, or learn about local conservation efforts, there’s a reserve that suits every kind of traveler. Each park has its own unique atmosphere, landscapes, and highlights.

In this guide, we compare the top game reserves in Eswatini to help you choose the one that’s right for your next adventure.

Game Reserves in Eswatini: a Brief Intro

Eswatini is small, but it actually has plenty of game reserves to enjoy! There are 4 main game reserves in Eswatini, as well as several other nature reserves with opportunities to witness incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes.

 The Top 4 Game Reserves in Eswatini

• Hlane Royal National Park
• Mkhaya Game Reserve
• Mlilwayne Wildlife Reserve
• KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris

Other Incredible Nature & Game Reserves in Eswatini

• Shewule Nature Reserve
• Malolotja Nature Reserve
• Mlawula Nature Reserve
• Mbuluzi Game Reserve
• Dombeya Wildlife Estate
• Mantenga Nature Reserve

The Best Game Reserves in Eswatini: Comparing Each One

Now that you know the main game reserves in Eswatini, let's take a look at what makes each one special.

1. Hlane Royal National Park

As one of the largest and most popular game reserves in Eswatini, Hlane offers some of the best opportunities for spotting big wildlife, including elephants, white rhinos, and lions. It’s the only park in the country where you can see lions, although they are kept in a separate enclosure for safety reasons.

The park is easily accessible and offers both guided game drives and affordable accommodations. Unlike some of the other game reserves in Eswatini, Hlane allows self-drive safaris as well, so it's one of the most budget-friendly options for spotting wildlife in the country.

Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, Hlane is a solid choice for a traditional safari experience in Eswatini. We highly recommend doing the rhino walking safari there!

2. Mkhaya Game Reserve

Mkhaya is one of the most intimate and conservation-focused game reserves in Eswatini. Known for its success in rhino conservation, it’s a great place to see both black and white rhinos in a semi-wild setting.

Visits here are highly structured, with guided safaris and overnight stays in stone lodges nestled in the bush. If you’re looking for a quieter, more exclusive safari, Mkhaya delivers a truly unique and personal experience.

We originally wanted to do our rhino walk here, but were unable to book last minute. Hlane was also much more budget friendly, while Mkhaya is known for being more of a luxury safari destination.

3. Mlilwane Wildlife Reserve

Mlilwane is Eswatini’s oldest protected area and a favorite among travelers looking for flexibility and active exploration. 

Unlike other game reserves in Eswatini, Mlilwane allows walking, biking, and even horseback safaris since it’s free from dangerous predators.

It’s located close to Ezulwini Valley and offers affordable accommodations, a family-friendly atmosphere, and scenic views of the Nyonyane Mountains. With its convenient location and great prices it really is the perfect stop for a first-time visitor to the country.

4. KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris

KaMsholo is a smaller, lesser-known reserve near the border with South Africa, but nevertheless was one of our favorite game reserves in Eswatini!

While not as expansive as other game reserves in the country, it offers a peaceful setting with giraffes, zebras, and different antelope species, as well as a full area for bird watching.

KaMsholo is especially good for day visits and has picnic areas, guided tours, and traditional Swazi-style huts for overnight guests. It’s a great stopover for road-trippers exploring southern Eswatini, and you can also do a fully-customizable walking safari inside!

6. Malolotja Nature Reserve

Malolotja is ideal for nature lovers who prioritize hiking, birdwatching, and dramatic scenery over spotting big game. It’s one of the most rugged and untouched game reserves in Eswatini, home to forests, waterfalls, and the famous Malolotja Canopy Tour.

There are fewer large animals here, but you’ll still encounter antelope, baboons, and plenty of bird species. It’s best suited for adventurous travelers who want to immerse themselves in raw nature.

We went to Malolotja Nature Reserve in the early morning, and the canopy of low clouds with the antelope running around made for a truly surreal experience. Also, it's conveniently located just outside the capital!

7. Mlawula Nature Reserve

Mlawula is a diverse and underrated gem among the game reserves in Eswatini. Its landscapes include savannah, riverbanks, and forested hills, giving it an incredibly varied ecological makeup.

Visitors can explore the reserve via self-guided trails or stay overnight in basic bush camps. It’s also located near both Mbuluzi and Hlane, making it easy to combine all three in a single trip.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

8. Mbuluzi Game Reserve

Mbuluzi is a privately owned reserve offering self-drive and self-guided experiences, which makes it stand out from other game reserves in Eswatini. It’s predator-free, so you can walk or drive through the reserve at your own pace.

It’s home to giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and dozens of antelope species, and is popular among families and long-term travelers thanks to its peaceful campsites and lodges along the river.

If you want a spontaneous or flexible opportunity to enjoy Eswatini's wildlife then this is definitely a great choice.

9. Mantenga Nature Reserve

Mantenga is more of a cultural and scenic stop than a traditional safari destination, but it still deserves a mention among the game reserves in Eswatini for its accessibility and family-friendly vibe.

The reserve features short nature trails, waterfalls, and the well-known Mantenga Cultural Village, where you can learn about Swazi traditions through dance performances and historical reconstructions.

You won't see a ton of wildlife here, but we were able to see some monkeys which were super cute!

10. Dombeya Wildlife Estate

Dombeya is a small, lesser-known game reserve in central Eswatini. While it doesn’t draw the same numbers as the more prominent parks, it offers a tranquil setting with opportunities to spot giraffes, nyalas, and bushbuck.

Accommodations here are more upscale and self-catering, with a focus on privacy and relaxation. It’s a great option for couples or travelers seeking a quiet nature retreat.

The Best Game Reserves in Eswatini: Conclusion

There are a variety of game reserves in Eswatini for all travel types! Here is a bit of recap for you:

• If you are looking for unique safari experiences, we'd recommend the giraffe walking safari at KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris or the rhino walking safari at Hlane Royal National Park.
• If you're looking for an upscale safari experience, you should opt for making a reservation at Mkhaya Game Reserve.
• Those that want to support eco-friendly adventures and conservation, head over to Shewula Nature Reserve.
• Some of the game reserves in Eswatini that allow you to walk around on your own are Mololotja Nature Reserve and Mbuluzi Game Reserve.
• If you want to stay in traditional beehive huts, you can stay at KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris or Miilwane Game Sanctuary.
• If you want to experience the Big 5, then head to Hlane Royal National Park.
• The best times to experience the games reserves in Eswatini are during both sunset and sunrise, which is when the weather is ideal and the most wildlife are out.

So are you ready to check out all of the amazing game reserves in Eswatini? We're sure you are going to fall in love with the unique animal encounters that this tiny country has to offer, just like we did!

Looking to experience other fun things to do in Eswatini and in the surrounding countries? We have a bunch of Africa travel guides for you to check out, as well as plenty others coming up- so make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of the most recent updates!

Ready to book your trip to Eswatini? We're here to help! Now Scratch Your Mapa offers travel planning services to help you find the most affordable flights and some super unique accommodation options! Not only that, but we're creating really awesome group trips to South Africa and Eswatini in the near future!

Here are some other articles you'll love: