Roaming Wildlife at Mlilwane

Following this morning’s dance at the Swaziland cultural center, I drive to nearby Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. I hear it’s possible to rent bikes and ride around the property, admiring the animals who call this place home. I end up walking instead — they have a few trails that wind through pretty scenery and wildlife hangouts.

IMG_1206.jpg

This lily pond is right near the entrance:

IMG_1226.jpg

I park the car and sign in at the ranger station (near lodging for tour groups, families, and individuals staying at this property overnight) and begin my walk.

It’s a pretty idyllic path. Most of the photos that follow are creatures and scenery I spot while meandering around for an hour or so.

IMG_1276.jpg

IMG_1235.jpg

I’ve seen trees that look like this in other parts of Africa — those little nests are built by the male species of this bird to impress the female. If she approves of his design, then they mate. If not, bye-bye birdie.

(Ah, it is so gratifying to sneak in musical theater references.)

IMG_1229.jpg

The landscape and light looks like this for most of the time I’m in the park:

IMG_1238.jpg

But occasionally the clouds part to allow for more dramatic views against Swaziland’s hills.

IMG_1243.jpg

Sign spotted early on in the walking tour… watch out for crocs!

IMG_1248.jpg

I spy with my little eye…

IMG_1357.jpg

Here’s a guinea fowl. Their bodies are works of art; a canvas of dots and dashes in high contrast.

IMG_1264.jpg

A cluster of birds:

IMG_1268.jpg

A large antelope rests in the distance:

IMG_1289.jpg

Another turtle! He jumps off that rock the second after I snap the photo.

IMG_1297.jpg

Love these bright red dusty roads:

IMG_1303.jpg

IMG_1280.jpg

IMG_1305.jpg

Hey, guess what?

… Zebra butt!

IMG_1366.jpg

I stumble upon a whole bunch of them grazing on greens. They ignore my presence and keep eating.

IMG_1322.jpg

Another croc in the distance…

IMG_1327.jpg

A closer look:

IMG_1323.jpg

I have no idea what kind of species this next guy or gal is. Anyone have a guess? I’d love to know.

IMG_1330.jpg

I encounter a lone zebra further down the path.

IMG_1333.jpg

IMG_1336.jpg

IMG_1413.jpg

At this point the trail goes through the woods. This weirds me out a little because I can’t see the animals as clearly and it’s not a good idea to sneak up on them, even unintentionally. But their instincts are better to hear me coming, and all’s well that ends well.

IMG_1374.jpg

IMG_1369.jpg

There are many trees of purple blossoms — they remind me of jacaranda trees. Perhaps they are, or maybe they’re a cousin species?

IMG_1398.jpg

IMG_1401.jpg

Back to the ranger and lodging area. There are cool beehive huts you can stay in for the night:

IMG_1422.jpg

IMG_1423.jpg

At this point, a group of African schoolgirls runs over and asks to take photos with me, like I’m Angelina Jolie or something. I should’ve gotten a group shot with my own camera but the whole thing makes me uncomfortable.

On my way out of the park, I run into this guy — a warthog:

IMG_1428.jpg

IMG_1432.jpg

Sign spotted while exiting the park:

IMG_1438.jpg

Thanks for the fun afternoon, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary!

One thought on “Roaming Wildlife at Mlilwane

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *