Reilly's Rock - Hilltop Lodge

Formally the home of Mickey Reilly, one of Swaziland’s earliest white settlers and a highly entrepreneurial man, the house has

Description

In the heart of the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary close to Mbabane, Reilly’s Rock is a historic Colonial homestead providing a comfortable base for the eco-tourist exploring the region. With charmingly furnished interiors and bedrooms, the Lodge has the ambience of a bygone era.

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 tow en-suite rooms with a communal lounge and fireplace.

Situated in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

Historical, colonial, luxurious, elegant and personal, Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge is the ultimate destination in Swaziland. This exclusive retreat is situated on the Mlilwane Hill, within the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, against the back drop of Nyonyane Mountain (Execution Rock) and with commanding views of game-studded plains and the Ezulwini and Malkerns Valleys below.

The atmosphere is one of peace and tranquillity, with an almost spiritual link to years gone by. The original stone house was built at the turn of the century in true colonial style, and the necessary additions have been made in keeping of this style.

A unique combination of stone and hardwood create the sense of solidarity, while the very tasteful interiors offer an air of elegance and romance.

At Reilly’s Rock our guests receive personal attention from our very friendly Swazi staff and the cuisine is assured to tickle the fancy of the most sensitive pallet!

If relaxation, rest and regeneration is what you need, Reilly’s Rock is the place to go! Within the gardens you will find numerous secluded spots ideal for that sought after moment of solitude, thought or just quite reading, while nature goes about its harmonious way around you.

Each of the six exquisitely furnished rooms (five doubles and one twin) has been decorated individually within the overall colonial theme. The communal dining and lounge areas are equally inviting, and breakfast on the verandah is a great start to the day.

Activities such as Land Rover tours, horse riding, mountain biking, guided and self-guided walks, white water rafting and sight seeing can be arranged for the adventurous guest.

Reilly’s Rock is an ideal venue for the corporate getaway with a conference facility accommodating up to 60 people, away from the hustle and bustle, in a setting conducive to decision making and future planning - it is, after all, the place where the dream of Swazi Nature conservation was born!

Reilly’s Rock occupies a commanding position high above the Ezulwini Valley from where guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the valley and the herds of wildebeest, impala, zebra and blesbuck in the plains below.

What to bring :
Passports are essential for the border. Visas are not required by most nationalities - if in doubt please check with your travel agent.

Good walking shoes, hats, sunscreen, swimming costumes, tick repellent, binoculars, cameras and plenty of film are also recommended.

Attractions

Enjoy walks amongst plains game in the reserve. Day excursions to other game parks including Big Five game reserves. Horse riding arranged. Nearby art and craft markets offer local African products.

The Sanctuary covers 4,560 hectares and comprises of 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 northern section, which includes one of the highest surrounding points at Luphohlo. Tourist activities are concentrated in the southern section, with only guided trails entering the pristine mountains of the north.

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.

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.

For big game enthusiasts, day trips to Mkhaya Game Reserve and Hlane Royal National Park can be arranged from Reilly’s Rock. Both of these parks are less than 90 minutes drive from Mlilwane and offer intimate encounters with game such as black and white rhino, elephant, giraffe, buffalo and lion.

Facilities