Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge

eSwatini (Swaziland)

LoginSave

Promoted as ‘quaintly colonial’, this is an oh-so-delightfully tranquil, old-world, nonfussy luxury experience at its best. The main house is in an incredible setting – a Royal Botanic Garden with aloes, cycads and an enormous jacaranda – and shelters four rooms with striking views of the valley and Mdzimba Mountains. Entry to the reserve is included.

Generous dinners are served communally by the fire and full breakfasts are enjoyed on the veranda, in sight of beautiful birds and even small antelope. If you are looking for something more private, book the Down Gran's Cottage, which stands alone 200m from the main house (E2970 per person). Note that no children under 15 are allowed.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Mbuluzi, Swaziland- Famous Swazi landmark "Sibebe Rock", is the largest exposed granite pluton in the world and the world's second largest rock.

    Sibebe Rock

    16.45 MILES

    About 8km northeast of Mbabane is Sibebe Rock, a massive granite dome hulking over the surrounding countryside. It's the world's second-largest monolith,…

  • African Blesbok antelope in Swaziland

    Malolotja Nature Reserve

    22.93 MILES

    The ruggedly beautiful Malolotja reserve is a prime spot for hiking, with varied terrain to keep walkers interested. The centrepiece is the Komati River,…

  • In the fields

    Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

    0.39 MILES

    There are many reasons to visit this private reserve – eSwatini’s first protected area: it's quiet, easily accessible and really rather beautiful. Its 46…

  • National Museum

    National Museum

    2.38 MILES

    This museum has some interesting displays of Swazi culture, as well as a traditional beehive village and cattle enclosure, and several of King Sobhuza II…

  • Manzini Market

    Manzini Market

    12.26 MILES

    Manzini’s main drawcard is its colourful market, whose upper section is packed with handicrafts from eSwatini and elsewhere in Africa. Thursday morning is…

  • Maguga Dam

    Maguga Dam

    28.54 MILES

    This very scenic dam is on the Komati River, and was constructed to provide irrigation and energy to local communities. With its glittering waters…

  • Ngwenya Iron-Ore Mine

    Ngwenya Iron-Ore Mine

    20.64 MILES

    Ngwenya is one of the world’s oldest known mines. The visitors centre has an interesting display of photographs and information, including the original…

View more attractions

Nearby eSwatini (Swaziland) attractions

1. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary

0.39 MILES

There are many reasons to visit this private reserve – eSwatini’s first protected area: it's quiet, easily accessible and really rather beautiful. Its 46…

2. Eludzidzini Royal Residence

1.52 MILES

At the end of a palm-lined avenue south of Lobamba lies Eludzidzini, the queen mother's royal residence. It's not open to the public except during…

4. King Sobhuza II Memorial Park

2.21 MILES

Across the road from parliament, this memorial was established as a tribute to King Sobhuza II, who led eSwatini to independence from British rule in 1968…

5. Parliament

2.37 MILES

Opened in 1969 as a post-independence gift from the departing British, this hexagonal building topped with a brass dome is a major landmark in Lobamba. It…

6. National Museum

2.38 MILES

This museum has some interesting displays of Swazi culture, as well as a traditional beehive village and cattle enclosure, and several of King Sobhuza II…

7. Somhlolo National Stadium

2.5 MILES

Built for eSwatini's independence in 1968, the 20,000-capacity national stadium hosts soccer matches, as well as important state occasions, such as…

8. Manzini Market

12.26 MILES

Manzini’s main drawcard is its colourful market, whose upper section is packed with handicrafts from eSwatini and elsewhere in Africa. Thursday morning is…