SWAZILAND (NOW eSWATINI), Kruger and Blyde River Canyon - PT 1

After landing into Johannesburg airport, we pick up a roof-tent 4x4, our home for the next 16 nights.  Let's just hope I can still get up the ladder!

Our first four nights are to be in national parks, Mlilwane and then Hlane, both in what was until recently known as Swaziland (His Majesty King Mswati III took everyone by surprise by declaring back in February, on the 50th anniversary of independence, that His Kingdom of 'Swaziland' is to be renamed 'eSwatini')

 

 

Mlilwane is a pretty and very peaceable place (no predators so you can walk/cycle/horse-ride around).  

The locals who visit the campsite of a morning are very friendly

Outside the bar is a small lake where lots of waterbirds (like reed-dwelling red bishops) live
 

 

as well as insects and other, bigger inhabitants

Weaver-bird nests hang on the water's edge,





and this paradise fly-catcherlanded briefly


And off after two nights to its sister camp, Hlane. They leave you in no doubt what to expect.  Don't say you weren't warned!

It has no power (nights are illuminated by paraffin lamps and, hopefully, starlight) - a great place for a braai

It boasts a sizeable number of white rhino.  Nine in one evening at a waterhole - too many to get in a single shot

plus a few hippo

Allegedly, there are lions too but, despite the night-time roaring, we saw no sign of them.  

But did I mention the rhino?  Each with his personal oxpecker in attendance

 

and some squaring up

There may be no leopards but there are leopard tortoises...