Under-rated.
A mountain kingdom where the ruling monarch has -who knows- 100s of wives, until recently known (or largely not known) as Swaziland, Eswatini deserves more than the four days we gave it. Wish we had gone to Hlane Royal National Park, but glad we saw the two parks we did.
After a quick peek at the Ngwenya Glass Factory, our first stop in Eswatini was Malolotja Nature Reserve.
There's plenty of blesbok around the main area of the park, which sits close to the capital Mbabane.
There are leopards and other wildlife in the park, but to see that requires a multi-day hike into the deep. We didn't.
There are plenty of day trip hikes near the camp and gate.
A couple of waterfalls can be seen en route.
But the main attraction is the views themselves.
The hiking was a bit strenuous- lots of up and down, and lots of rocks.
Another excellent way to enjoy the park is by zipline, a bargain at around $20. Less walking, too.
Expect to have the camp to yourself. Great views and facilities, including hot showers.
The rocky areas around the camp and hike trails sees quite a few bucks too.
A short drive and beef stew lunch took us to Lobamba, billed as the cultural heart of Eswatini.
With a KFC and a Pick N Pay, we thought it was over-rated, and would rather have stayed out here, Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary.
We only spent a morning there, but the huts and camp looked good. The place was really well run.
Attentive staff, well marked trails, good views and wildlife.
It is run by Big Game Parks, which also run Hlane Royal NP.
Hlane boasts 4 of the so-called Big 5, and after seeing BGP's prices for camp and safari, we wish we had gone.
Bald ibis is one of the target species for Milwane.
There were also secretary birds, warthog, wildebeest, kudu, impala.
Our time in Eswatini was too short.
There was plenty of good eating, good parks.
Overall, one friendly place.