About

ONLY VISA or MASTERCARD ACCEPTED - all bookings made via other credit cards cannot be honored by the property and therefore will be cancelled

A safe and peaceful base to explore Swaziland, Sondzela Backpackers boasts a wide range of exciting activities, great value accommodation options and excellent facilities all within the stunning Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary: an Outdoor Lover's Paradise.

Available activities at Mlilwane Rest Camp include open game viewer drives, hourly/overnight horse safaris, Umphakatsi cultural village visit, stunning aquatic wildlife viewing, close encounters with plains game, self-guided hiking & mountain biking and big game day tours to Mlilwane's Sister Reserves; Hlane Royal National Park and Mkhaya Game Reserve.

Recently renovated, the excellent value accommodation options include camping, bunk beds and dorms, private Rondavels and private rooms set within a beautiful garden where warthog and Ostriches are often spotted. Facilities include a games room and Hog and Wart Bar, swimming pool, great-value home-cooked Venison dinners, communal TV lounge, kitchen & laundry area.

A FREE Sondzela Shuttle to and from the neighbouring Malandela's Restaurant and Internet Cafe and FREE entry with a Wild Card is also offered.

Please note:

Check in from 14.00
Check out before 10.00

Breakfast not included. Light cooked breakfast - cereal, toast, egg, juice, tea/coffee. Self-catering facilities available.

Payment upon arrival by cash (South African Rand) or credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
Cancellation policy: 24h advance notice

15% VAT included in Rates

Conservation fee - ZAR85pp is applicable on entry to the park and is valid for the duration of your stay. Alternatively entry is FREE for Wild Card Holders.

All reservations accepted are subject to Big Game Parks reservation conditions.

House Rules

Check In

0:00 - 23:00

Check Out

until 10:00

  • Taxes Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free Parking
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Tours/Travel Desk
  • Shuttle Bus
  • Parking
  • Housekeeping
  • Card Phones
  • Reception (limited hours)
View all facilities

Reviews

9.4Superb(424)
  • Value for Money
    9.6
  • Security
    9.3
  • Atmosphere
    9.3
  • Cleanliness
    9.4
  • Staff
    9.7
  • Location
    9.9
  • Facilities
    9.0
Stayed in Dec 2025
8.9
G
Greg
Male, 41+, England
Nice backpackers in the middle of a nature reserve where you can walk around on your own. Some nice marked trails in the reserve. Very friendly and helpful staff. Kitchen had most things you will need to cook yourself. Swimming pool, pool, darts and table tennis available. Single beds in the dorms are comfy. Have stayed before and would stay again
Stayed in Nov 2025
9.4
D
Daniel
Male, 41+, South Africa
Its great to offer this backpacker service in Swaziland, where backpacker hostels are almost non-existent. The only critique is they lack 2-point plugs to charge your phone. There was only old-school 3 point plugs in my room, thus you need to bring a converter. The animals are separated from the accommodation by a fence. Outside the fence is Mlilwane Reserve. Great place to go for a run or to cycle between antelopes. The kitchen is available for guest's own meal prep if u bring food from town.
Stayed in Oct 2025
10
R
Richard
Male, 31-40, England
Wonderful spot - I'm so glad I booked.
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Location

Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Malkerns, Swaziland
4.1km from city centre