Hotel in Simunye, Eswatini
Ndlovu Camp - Hlane Royal National Park
Exclusive safari camp within Hlane Royal National Park offering luxury tented accommodation with Big Five game viewing. Features private decks, gourmet meals, and guided game drives. Limited capacity ensures intimate wildlife experiences.
Ndlovu Camp is the exclusive tented safari accommodation at Hlane Royal National Park, situated in the Simunye district of northeastern Eswatini, approximately 60 kilometres east of Manzini. Hlane is the kingdom's largest protected area, covering around 30,000 hectares of lowveld savanna, woodland, and thornbush terrain, and holds Eswatini's most diverse large-mammal assemblage. Operated by Big Game Parks, Ndlovu Camp sits within the park and provides direct access to habitats where white rhinoceros, African elephant, lion, leopard, giraffe, and a range of antelope species including sable, nyala, and impala are regularly encountered. The camp's accommodation comprises luxury safari tents set on elevated wooden platforms, each furnished with private en-suite facilities, quality bedding, ceiling fans, and a private deck overlooking the surrounding bush. The deliberate small scale of the camp — with limited guest capacity — ensures that game drives and walking experiences remain intimate and unhurried, free from the large-group traffic common at busier safari destinations. Meals are served communally in the central dining area of the camp, combining hearty bush-style cooking with gourmet touches; all meals are typically included in the nightly rate. A well-stocked bar provides local beers, wines, and spirits, and the evening fire around which guests gather after dinner is one of the defining features of the Ndlovu experience. Morning and evening game drives are conducted in open vehicles with knowledgeable Big Game Parks rangers familiar with the individual lion prides, elephant herds, and rhino territories within the park. Self-drive is permitted in designated sections of Hlane for guests who wish to explore independently during daylight hours. Hlane lies in the lowveld at lower altitude than the Ezulwini Valley, which means temperatures can exceed 35°C between October and February, and the area falls within a malaria risk zone. Visitors planning stays during the warm rainy season should consult a travel health clinic regarding prophylaxis before departure. The park is approximately one hour's drive from Manzini and is well sign-posted from the MR3 highway near Simunye.
Amenities
- game drives
- restaurant
- bar
- swimming pool
- wifi
- all meals included
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +268 2528 3944
Location
Hlane Royal National Park, Simunye, Eswatini
-26.3000, 31.8333 — View on map
Highlights
- One of the few places in Eswatini to see lion, white rhino, and African elephant on a single game drive
- Exclusive tented accommodation with private bush-facing decks and limited camp capacity for an intimate experience
- Morning and evening open-vehicle game drives guided by experienced Big Game Parks rangers
- All-inclusive rates covering meals and guided activities within Hlane Royal National Park
- Home to Eswatini's largest populations of white rhinoceros and African elephant
Tips
- Hlane's lowveld location means temperatures can exceed 35°C from October to February — pack lightweight clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen
- Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for visits during the warm wet season (October to April); consult a travel health clinic before departure
- Lion sightings are most reliable during early morning game drives when prides are most active; the evening drive is best for elephant and rhino at water holes
- Book directly through Big Game Parks reservations for the most accurate availability; the camp has limited capacity and fills early in peak season
- The road from Simunye is well-maintained and clearly sign-posted from the MR3 highway; allow about one hour from Manzini for the drive
FAQ
Are all activities at Ndlovu Camp guided?
Game drives depart with a Big Game Parks guide. Self-drive is permitted on designated tracks within some sections of Hlane during daylight hours. Walking safaris and tracking activities require a qualified ranger and must be pre-booked.
Are meals included in the Ndlovu Camp rate?
Ndlovu Camp typically operates on a fully inclusive or half-board basis covering accommodation and guided activities. Confirm the exact meal package at time of booking through Big Game Parks, as inclusions may vary seasonally.
Is Hlane Royal National Park in a malaria zone?
Yes. Hlane lies in the lowveld at lower altitude where malaria-carrying mosquitoes are active, particularly from October to April. Visitors should consult a travel health professional regarding appropriate prophylaxis before travelling.
What large mammals can be seen at Hlane?
Hlane is home to white rhinoceros, African elephant, lion, leopard, giraffe, nyala, impala, wildebeest, sable, and a variety of other antelope species. It holds Eswatini's largest populations of both rhino and elephant.
How far is Ndlovu Camp from the nearest town?
The camp is situated near Simunye, approximately 60 kilometres east of Manzini. Medical services and supplies are limited in the area; arrive with any necessary medications and personal requirements already in hand.
Accessibility
Ndlovu Camp's elevated tented platforms, open game vehicle access, and natural bush terrain present significant challenges for guests with mobility impairments. Paths between facilities are unpaved. Guests with accessibility requirements should contact Big Game Parks directly before booking to discuss whether any ground-level arrangements can be accommodated.
When to visit
The dry winter season (May to September) offers the best game viewing as vegetation thins and animals concentrate around water sources. Early morning and late afternoon drives are most productive year-round. Avoid midsummer (November to February) for heat comfort; malaria risk is also highest during this wet season.