| Formally
the home of Mickey Reilly, one of Swaziland's earliest white settlers
and a highly entrepreneurial man, the house has remained in the family
and has recently been transformed into a unique Hilltop Lodge, tastefully
decorated in keeping with its colonial roots by Swaziland's leading
conservation team, Ted and Liz Reilly. Notwithstanding the necessary
subtle additions and renovations, the house still stands as it was
built almost a century ago. Reilly's Rock is steeped in intriguing
history, (the main building was built of stone in exchange for an
ox-wagon in the early 1900's), encompassing Swaziland, conservation
in the Kingdom and the Reilly family. The original house has three
bedrooms, all accessible form the veranda. Two of these rooms have
double beds and their own private bathroom across the veranda, while
the third room, Reilly's Room, is complete with fireplace and en suite
bathroom. The fourth en suite room is a converted office. Separeate
from the house is the cottage encircled by a wide veranda comprising
of two en-suite rooms with a communal lounge and fireplace.
Mlilwane
Wildlife Sanctuary - An Outdoor Lover's Paradise
Mlilwane, Swaziland's
pioneer conservation area, is a beautiful, secluded sanctuary situated
in Swaziland's Valley of Heaven, the Ezulwini Valley, in between
Mbabane and Manzini. With 24-hour access to the Sanctuary, guests
are free to enjoy the neighbouring tourist hubs of Ezulwini and
Malkerns, with their many unique attractions and craft shops. From
the western boundary, the huge Usutu Forest provides a dramatic
backdrop stretching into the distant hills.
The Sanctuary
covers 4,560 hectares and comprises a southern and northern section.
The southern section is predominately open grassland plains with
middleveld vegetation, stretching up onto the striking Nyonyane
Mountain with its exposed granite peak known as the "Rock of
Execution". Nyonyane is where ancient San once lived and where
Swazi Royal graves are situated, giving historical significance.
Behind these mountains, the stunning Mantenga waterfall and beautiful
Usushwana Valley form the divide, before stretching up to the northern
section, which includes one of the highest points at Luphohlo. Tourist
activities are concentrated in the southern section, with only guided
trails entering the pristine mountains of the north.
Mlilwane means Little Fire, being derived from the numerous fires
started by lightning strikes on the Mlilwane Hill. Many a colourful
tale can be told about the Reilly Family, with special relevance
to the early pioneer Mickey Reilly, whose family still manages and
lives on the Sanctuary.
Mlilwane is
Swaziland's oldest protected area, owned and managed by a non-profit
making trust. Mlilwane serves as a headquarters for the Big Game
Parks including Mlilwane's sister reserves Hlane and Mkhaya. Formerly
a productive mixed farming operation, with extensive tin mining
in the low foothills of the Nyonyane Mountains, the Sanctuary has
been rehabilitated and is now Swaziland's most frequently visited
reserve where one can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and the
abundant wildlife that grace the plains.
Visitors can explore the southern portion of the Sanctuary by foot,
vehicle, on horseback and on mountain bikes. Those who simply want
to relax can sit back in the camps and enjoy the tranquility of
Nature.
Mlilwane
also offers Conferencing and Events
Mlilwane has
an outside function area Inkhundla, about 200 meters from the Hippo
Haunt restaurant which is suitable for private functions, such as
weddings, graduation parties and so on and is often used by members
of the Royal Family. It consists of a reed and semi-tin roof, riversand
floor, railway sleeper benches, a bar area and has an ablution nearby.
Catering can be arranged.



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