SAVE THE DATE!!!

SAVE THE DATE!!!

!!!Online entries open on March 11, 2024!!!

Nedbank and Mlilwane Game Sanctuary are excited to announce their continued partnership in hosting Imvelo MTB Classic; one of the oldest MTB event in Eswatini. The event will be on the 08th of June 2024 at Mlilwane Game Sanctuary.

‘Imvelo’, means ‘Nature’. The name pays homage to a passion for both people and wildlife, the conservation of Eswatini’s cultural and natural heritage, and the innovation and adventurous spirit underpinning Big Game Parks’ (BGP) core brand values.

Events have always been a significant element to our marketing strategy, placing Eswatini on the regional events calendars, as well as enticing adventure tourism both locally, regionally and on occasion, internationally.

Starting as Ngulube MTB Classic, the first mountain bike race in Eswatini in 2000, Mlilwane’s annual bike race changed its name to Imvelo MTB Classic in 2004, where Nedbank has been a constant supporter.

Our entries are capped to maintain a race with fabulous personality and
the lowest possible environmental impact. The 4 different categories are tailored for those looking for a challenge to family orientated race

Race Categories/ Start Times

  • 65km Classic – 07:30am
  • 35km Challenge – 08:45am
  • 22km Family – 09:15am
  • 12.5km Hoglet – 09:20am

For more information email imvelo@biggameparks.org or watsaap +268 7802 2899

Mlilwane’s July Weekend Meal Specials

Join us at the Hippo Haunt Restaurant to enjoy our Swazi Braai served with Pap/Rice or Chips at just E140.00. Come try our idea of our Swazi Braai which includes Chicken Kebabs, Boerewors and Beef. Join us on the 08th and 9th July 2023.

Join us at the Hippo Haunt Restaurant to try out our tasty slow cooked oxtail stew served with Pap/Rice at just E150.00. Join us on the 15th and 16th July 2023.

Join us at the Hippo Haunt Restaurant and enjoy a selection of Pizza at just E155.00 or try the Chicken & Mushrooms, Black Olive at only E140.00to try Join us on the 22nd and 23rd July 2023.

Join us at the Hippo Haunt Restaurant and enjoy our succulent Ribs served with chips at only E190.00. Join us on the 28th and 29th July 2023

NEDBANK ESWATINI’S IMVELO MTB CLASSIC ENTRIES OPEN!!

The Nedbank Swaziland’s Imvelo MTB Classic 2022 entry is now open!   This year’s race looks to be bigger and better after two years of not being able to properly host eveents. The event will take place at Mlilwane Wild Life Sanctuary on the 3rd September 2022.  The race is only limited to 450 participants, with four categories to suit the whole family.
Participants  can either enter online at http://myactive.cc/Imvelo or www.imvelo.co.sz or www.biggameparks.org  or email imvelo@biggameparks.org .

COVID-19 Operational Guidance At The Points Of Entry In The Kingdom Of Eswatini.

Fantastic news as of the 29 March 2022 new regulation regarding entering and exiting the Kingdom of Eswatini has been adjusted:

TRAVELERS ENTERING AND EXITING THE KINGDOM OF ESWATINI MUST PRODUCE EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING, UPON ARRIVAL AT THE POINTS OF ENTRY:

  • A valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate (hard or electronic) and MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED
    • OR
  • A valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result (hard or electronic) that is not older than 72 hours, for the un-vaccinated.
  • 5 borders in South Africa are operating at the moment to Eswatini, 1 border from Mozambique and the airport from Johannesburg.
  • Border post from South Africa:
    • Ngwenya/ Oshoek
    • Matsamo/ Jeppes Reef
    • Mananga
    • Lavumisa/Golela
    • Mahamba
  • Border post from Mozambique:
    • Lomahasha/Namaacha
  • Airport:
    • King Mswati 111 International Airport
  • All travelers entering the Kingdom of Eswatini will be screened at the Points of Entry for the following:
    • Symptoms of COVID-19
    • Temperature checks
    • Health declaration form
  • Travelers may be required to undergo a quarantine not exceeding 14days or isolation as advised by the Port Health Offices

For the full statement please visit www.thekingdomofeswatini.com or Eswatini Government twitter handle @EswatiniGovern1

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Newsletter

Big Game Parks News October 2021 – We have been busy!

Even without guests, we have done our best to make the most of the down time.  This has proven extremely difficult with staff on furlough, and the work load on those holding the fort just huge… no doubt we tell the same tale many in the tourism industry tell. 

Covid has been devastating.  No lie.  But Covid has also forced us to dig deep, think out the box, create, recreate, and boy, limited to largely our local clientele, we have been kept on our toes.  This has brought about amazing additions to our product range:

#IntimateNatureRetreats

DBB + 1 hour Activity

Bringing our guests closer to the bush, we have incorporated an element of bush catering into our activities.  After settling into the accommodation of choice, guests embark on their activity – Game drive, game walk or horse riding.  Either at the end of the activity, or during, guests stop for dinner in a gorgeous spot, to enjoy sun-downers in style.

#MoonlightMoments

For the 4 nights pre-full moon, and full moon itself, guests head out into the evening on either a guided walk, horse ride or game drive, watch the sun go down and return in the moonlight for dinner under the stars.

Poacher’s Breakfast / Poacher’s Picnic

Groups of 6 – 16 pax

On a foothill of Mlilwane’s Nyonyane Mountain is a superb lookout, Poacher’s Viewpoint.  Poachers has a fascinating history, and being not far from Rest Camp, it is the ideal breakfast pozzie.  A one-hour hike or horse ride gets the group to Poachers, where guests indulge in a sit down breakfast with breath-taking views, before ambling home on a different route.  There are various route options which provide for different fitness levels. This group activity can be split between different activities including hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and game drives and allows for self-guided activities.

Hiking Trail Development – Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Through Covid, we have seen a surge in hiking, with our locals really embracing walking in Nature – something we encourage and are warmed to see.  Although Mlilwane has an extensive trail network, we have made a few adjustments… The Nyonyane Trail is essentially an extension of Machobane Trails, wrapping around the northern slopes of Nyonyane, through amazing forests.  The trail is virtually on contour, although is somewhat challenging.  Our newest Umfanyana Trail is a stunning new link to from the Hippo Trail to the Summit Trail, through old tin mining dongas filled with impressive indigenous forests and birdlife. The Makhaya Trail Network , is a super 6-legged trail network that explores a previously unknown area of Mlilwane.  This network offers extended options to climbing Nyonyane Mountain.  Further to these 3 new trails, we have redirected the Summit and Old Jeep Track Trails, combatting erosion and simultaneously increasing the aesthetic value of these popular trails!  Mlilwane is now busy remapping these trails, and request patience as we redevelop the maps and signage

Hlane Royal National Park Newsletter

Big Game Parks News October 2021 – We have been busy!

Even without guests, we have done our best to make the most of the down time.  This has proven extremely difficult with staff on furlough, and the work load on those holding the fort just huge… no doubt we tell the same tale many in the tourism industry tell. 

Covid has been devastating.  No lie.  But Covid has also forced us to dig deep, think out the box, create, recreate, and boy, limited to largely our local clientele, we have been kept on our toes.  This has brought about amazing additions to our product range:

#IntimateNatureRetreats

DBB + 1 hour Activity

Bringing our guests closer to the bush, we have incorporated an element of bush catering into our activities.  After settling into the accommodation of choice, guests embark on their activity – Game drive, game walk or horse riding, depending on the park.  Either at the end of the activity, or during, guests stop for dinner in a gorgeous spot, to enjoy sundowners in style.

Available on Hlane Royal National Park, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and KaMsholo Bushveld Safaris.

#MoonlightMoments

For the 4 nights pre-full moon, and full moon itself, guests head out into the evening on game drive, watch the sun go down and return in the moonlight for dinner under the stars.

Hlane Family Drive

IN the past, children U6 have not been permitted on game drives at Hlane.  We have now devised a drive that allows for young families, without age restriction.  For obvious reasons, these Family Drives do not enter the lion area and do not spend time with the elephants.

Eswatini receives Safe Travels stamp of approval

Eswatini receives Safe Travels stamp of approval

The Kingdom of Eswatini has received the Safe Travels Stamp of approval from the World Travel & Tourism Council for its recently implemented Health & Safety protocols brought in to give travelers the confidence to travel to and around the country as safely as possible when borders re-open.

Known for its rich culture, stunning scenery and thrilling safaris, Eswatini is one of the first destinations in southern Africa to have been awarded the Safe Travels Stamp. It brings the country in line with key tourism destinations around the world in following globally recognized and approved health & safety procedures to allow travel to re-start.

This is a wonderful achievement for this small southern Africa destination.

The Safe Travels stamp is the world’s first ever global safety & hygiene stamp for travel & tourism, designed specifically to address COVID-19 and similar outbreaks. WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, created the Safe Travels stamp to allow travelers to identify destinations and businesses around the world which have adopted the global standardized health and hygiene protocols. These worldwide measures provide consistency and guidance to travel providers and travellers about the new approach to health, hygiene, deep cleansing and physical distancing, in the ‘new normal’ of COVID-19 world.

 

The WTTC Safe Travels Protocols have been welcomed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and were developed in collaboration with leading industry associations and international organizations, taking into account current guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Eswatini’s own robust procedures were developed by the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) and Hospitality & Tourism Association of Eswatini (HOTAES) based on extensive engagement with the WHO and Eswatini Ministry of Health.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Our Safe Travels stamp continues to be a great success and we are thrilled to see even more popular countries and destinations adopt our global health and hygiene protocols. The WTTC Safe Travels stamp has had astounding success since its launch. This shows the importance of the initiative not only to countries and destinations, but also, crucially, to travellers and the 330 million people around the world whose livelihoods depend on the Travel & Tourism sector. The stamp represents a critical step in rebuilding consumer confidence in Travel & Tourism and allowing travellers to rest easy knowing that enhanced standards of hygiene are in place and they can once again experience ‘Safe Travels’.”

 

Already proud of its reputation as a welcoming, friendly and safe country, Eswatini has a rich variety of experiences on offer to its visitors that will make it an ideal post-lockdown destination. Much is nature-based and even the cultural attractions are largely open-air. With everything available in a small area (the whole kingdom takes only 2-3 hours to drive across), this means there is no need to spend lots of time indoors or cooped up in vehicles. And, for those wary of chopping and changing accommodation every day or two, it’s fine to stay in just one lodge or hotel, yet still enjoy all the diverse experiences around the country.

In welcoming the WTTC Stamp for Eswatini, Minister of Tourism, Hon Moses Vilakati said:

“Eswatini is pleased join other destinations in being part of the globally recognised WTTC Safe travels protocols and we applaud the initiative by WTTC.  These protocols will ensure consistency in tourist expectations and experience globally. Eswatini has put safety as a priority, as we adapt to the new normal. I would like to thank WTTC, Eswatini Tourism Authority and the Tourism Industry of Eswatini for collaborating in reaching this key milestone. Implementation of these protocols is part of our message to tourist far and wide that Eswatini is open for tourism business, we are ready to receive tourists warmly and safely to the Kingdom of Eswatini.”

COVID-19 Special Activity Rates

Following the announcement by His Excellency, the Honorable Prime Minister on the 15th May 2020 about the extension of the partial lockdown until the 19th June 2020, Big Game Parks will continue operating on low volume tourism. Our parks will ensure high standard of sanitization and the practice of responsible social distancing.

LIMITED NUMBERS

For all our Parks, only individuals, couples, family units and small gatherings (2-20 members) will be allowed to access the parks. This means that no kombis or buses may enter the parks during extended Lock Down.

All visitors are requested to bring and wear their own masks, bring their own sanitizer, to constantly sanitize and to maintain adequate social distancing when signing in at the gates and when in close proximity to other people.

Be a Responsible Guest!

While we will adhere to the protocols advised by WHO, we request our guests to do the same, as well as

·         Please bring your own mask and sanitizer

·         Sanitize consistently

·         Practice adequate social distancing at all times.

Special Rates for Activities and Accommodation

During the extended partial lockdown, we have come up with fantastic specials for our local! It is time to get out and enjoy the activities, view Eswatini differently and spend a night in our diverse parks and tick off an experience you may not have experienced in the past.

Conservation Fees E45.00 per adult / E25.00 child U13

For bookings or enquiries contact:

Tel: 2528 3943/4

Email: reservations@biggameparks.org

Special Rates available on each park are as follows:

Hlane Royal National Park:

Gates open 07h00 – 16h00

Guests on late activity will be let out after 16h00

Self-drive

Game Walks (1–5 guests): 07h30 -09h00 and 15h00 – 16h30

·   1 hour –   E120.00 per person

·    2 hours – E175.00 per person

Game Drives (2–5 guests): 07h30 -09h00; 10h00-11h30; 15h00 – 16h30

·   1 hour –       E150.00 per person

·  1.5 hours – E200.00 per person

·  2 hours –    E250.00 per person

Self-Catering Accommodation

Camping

Restaurant open for Light lunches, soft drinks.

Limited Braai Stands – max 6 people per braai stand.

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary:

Gates open 06h00 -17h30

Self- drive

Self- guided MTB, hiking, walking, trail running

Guided Activities 07h00 – 16h30 – 2hr notice

Game Drives (2-5 guests)

·         1 hour – E150.00 per person

·         1.5 hours – E200.00 per person

·         2 hours – E250.00 per person

Guided Walks (1-6 guest)

·         1 hour – E120.00 per person

·         2.5 hours – E175.00 per person

Guided MTB (1-6 guest) – Hired

·         1 hour – E140.00 Adult / E100.00 Child

·         2 hours – E280.00 Adult / E200.00 Child

Self-Guided MTB (1-6 guest) – Hired

·         1 hour – E100.00 Adult/ E60.00 Child

·         2 hours – E200.00 Adult/ E120.00 Child

Self- Catering Accommodation

Camping

Restaurant open for Light lunches, soft drinks

Coffee, tea, muffin, soft drinks, ice cream available at Sangweni Gate

Limited Braai Stands – max 6 people per braai stand

Swimming Pool remains closed

Mkhaya Game Reserve:

Game Walks (1 – 6 guests)

07h30 – 10h30 and 14h00 – 17h00

·         3 hours – E515.00 per person

Game Drives (2 – 5 guests)

07h30 – 10h30 and 14h00 – 17h00

·         3 hours – E415.00 per person

Pre – booking essential

Game Walk no children U13 years

Game Drive no children U10 years

Includes tea, coffee, muffins

Chubeka Trails:

Horse Riding (1 – 6 guests)

08h00 – 16h00 – 2 hr. notice

·         1 hour – E300.00 per person

·         2 hours – E575.00 per person

·         3 hours – E760.00 per person

ROE (2-6 guests)

08h00 – 14h00 (2hr notice)

·         3 – 4 hours – E815.00 per person

Cave Trail (2–6 guests)

13h30 – 11h00 – (24hr notice)

·         1 night/2 days – E2 120.00 per person

Klipspringer Trail (2–6 guest)

11h00 – 14h00 – (24hr notice)

·         2 nights/3 days – E4 800.00 per person

Swazi Mountains (2-6 guest)

11h00 – 14h00 – (24hr notice)

·         3 nights/ 4 days – E7 200.00 per person
We at Big Game Parks believe that quiet, quality time in Nature is essential for the health of body, mind and soul. We are dedicated to safe, respectful, healthy nature experiences. Should our conduct fall short at any time, or you have suggestions for improvement please contact 7602 1394 with relevant details.

We wish you a wonderful sense of freedom!