The Untamed Beauty of Hlane Royal National Park

• HelloSawubona
  [sah-woo-BOH-nah]
• GoodbyeHamba kahle
  [HAM-bah kah-KLEH]
• YesYebo
  [YEH-boh]
• NoCha
  [chah]
• Please/You're welcomeNgiyacela
  [ngiyah-SEH-lah]
• Thank youNgiyabonga
  [ngiyah-BOHNG-gah]
• Excuse me/SorryUyaphuza
  [oo-yah-POO-zah]
• How are you?Unjani?
  [oo-NYAH-nee]
• Fine. And you?Ngilambile. Wena?
  [ngi-LAHM-bee-leh. WEH-nah]
• Do you speak English?Ukhuluma isiNgisi?
  [oo-khoo-LOO-mah ee-see-NGEE-see]
• I don't understandAngiphenduli
  [ahn-gee-PHEN-doo-lee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNgicela ukubona imenyu, siyacela
  [ngi-SEH-lah oo-koo-BOH-nah ee-MEH-nyoo, see-yah-SEH-lah]
• I don't eat meatAngiyi kudla inyama
  [ahn-GEE-yee koo-DLA ee-NYAH-mah]
• Cheers!Onga phumula!
  [OHNG-gah poo-MOO-lah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNgicela ukulipha
  [ngi-SEH-lah oo-koo-LEE-pah]

• Help!Usizo!
  [oo-SEE-zoh]
• Go away!Hamba!
  [HAM-bah]
• Call the Police!Vula amaphoyisa!
  [VOO-lah ah-mah-PHOY-sah]
• Call a doctor!Vula idokotela!
  [VOO-lah ee-doh-koh-TEH-lah]
• I'm lostNgikhohlwe
  [ngi-KHOH-lweh]
• I'm illNgilahlekile
  [ngi-lah-hleh-KEE-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Ngicela ukuthenga...
  [ngi-SEH-lah oo-koo-THEHNG-gah]
• I'm just lookingNgiyanceda kupheka
  [ngiyahn-chay-DAH koo-PHEH-kah]
• How much is it?Kutheni kuyoba?
  [koo-THEH-nee koo-YOH-bah]
• That's too expensiveLokhu kudinga okukhulu kakhulu
  [LOH-khoo koo-DEE-nga oh-koo-KHOO-loo kah-KHOO-loo]
• Can you lower the price?Ungakwazi ukushintsha isilinganiso?
  [oo-NGAH-kwah-zee oo-koo-SHEENT-shah ee-see-ling-gah-NEE-so]

• What time is it?Ngubani umsindo?
  [ngoo-BAH-nee oom-SEEN-doh]
• It's one o'clockKusasa kuyisikhombisa
  [koo-SAH-sah koo-yee-see-khohm-BEE-sah]
• Half past (10)Kusasa kuyisishiyagalombili
  [koo-SAH-sah koo-yee-see-shee-yah-gah-LOHM-bee-lee]
• MorningKusasa
  [koo-SAH-sah]
• AfternoonNtambama
  [n-tahm-BAH-mah]
• EveningEbusuku
  [eh-boo-SOO-koo]
• YesterdayIzolo
  [ee-ZOH-loh]
• TodayNamuhla
  [nah-MOOH-lah]
• TomorrowKusasa
  [koo-SAH-sah]
• 1Kunye
  [koo-NYEH]
• 2Kubili
  [koo-BEE-lee]
• 3Kuthathu
  [koo-TAH-too]
• 4Kune
  [koo-NEH]
• 5Kuhlanu
  [koo-HLAH-noo]
• 6Kuyisithupha
  [koo-yee-see-TOO-pah]
• 7Kuyisikhombisa
  [koo-yee-see-khohm-BEE-sah]
• 8Kuyisishiyagalombili
  [koo-yee-see-shee-yah-gah-LOHM-bee-lee]
• 9Kuyisishiyagalolunye
  [koo-yee-see-shee-yah-gah-loh-LOO-nyeh]
• 10Kuyisishiyagalolunye
  [koo-yee-see-shee-yah-gah-loh-LOO-nyeh]

• Where's a/the...?Kukuphi...?
  [koo-koo-PHEE]
• What's the address?Ilayisensi yini?
  [ee-lah-yee-SEHN-see YEE-nee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ungangibonisi (emephu)?
  [oo-NGAH-ngi-BOH-nee-see ee-MEH-poo]
• When's the next (bus)?Lapho kuzosasa (ibus)?
  [LAH-poh koo-zoh-SAH-sah EE-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Itikithi (ku ....)
  [ee-tee-KEE-thee koo]

Hlane Royal National Park, established in the 1960s, was initially a private hunting ground for the Swazi Royal family. The park's name 'Hlane' translates to 'wilderness' in siSwati, reflecting its untouched and wild nature. The area was set aside as a conservation effort to preserve the natural habitat and wildlife of Eswatini.

In 1970, King Sobhuza II officially declared Hlane as a national park, opening it up for public enjoyment and conservation education. This marked a significant shift from private royal use to a public conservation area, aiming to protect the diverse ecosystems and species within its boundaries.

Hlane Royal National Park has played a crucial role in wildlife conservation. Notable efforts include the reintroduction of white rhinos in the 1990s, which were on the brink of extinction in the region. The park's management has also focused on increasing the populations of other endangered species such as lions, elephants, and various bird species.

The park holds deep cultural significance for the Swazi people. It is not only a symbol of natural heritage but also a place where traditional ceremonies and rituals are occasionally conducted. The Swazi monarchy continues to have a special connection with the park, underscoring its importance in the national and cultural identity of Eswatini.

Community involvement has been a cornerstone of Hlane's success. Local communities are actively engaged in the park's conservation efforts, benefiting from eco-tourism and educational programs. This partnership has fostered a sense of stewardship and pride among the local population, ensuring sustainable conservation practices.

In recent years, Hlane Royal National Park has seen significant developments in eco-tourism infrastructure. Improved facilities, guided tours, and educational programs have been introduced to enhance visitor experience while maintaining the park's ecological balance. These developments have positioned Hlane as a key destination for eco-tourists and wildlife enthusiasts globally.

Hlane Royal National Park has gained international recognition for its conservation efforts and unique wildlife. It has become a model for other conservation projects in Africa, attracting researchers and conservationists from around the world. The park's success stories have been featured in numerous documentaries and publications, highlighting its global importance.

Hlane Royal National Park is located in the northeastern part of Eswatini. The nearest international airport is King Mswati III International Airport, approximately 70 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a car or take a taxi to the park. The drive typically takes around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Mbabane, the capital city of Eswatini, which is approximately 100 kilometers from the park. The bus journey takes about 2 hours.

Within Hlane Royal National Park, the best way to get around is by car. You can rent a car at the airport or in major cities like Mbabane and Manzini. The park offers well-maintained roads suitable for most vehicles. Guided game drives are also available and highly recommended for wildlife viewing. If you prefer not to drive, organized tours are available from major cities and some hotels offer shuttle services to the park.

The official currency in Eswatini is the Swazi Lilangeni (SZL), which is pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR). Both currencies are accepted interchangeably. Credit cards are accepted at most lodges and larger establishments within the park, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases and tips. ATMs are available in Mbabane and Manzini, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to the park.

Hlane Royal National Park is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night and always keep your belongings secure. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists within the park, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. When driving, be cautious of wildlife on the roads, especially after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. The park has a visitor center where you can report emergencies and get help. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are medical facilities in nearby towns like Simunye. Always have a basic first aid kit with you and know the location of the nearest hospital.

Fashion: Do dress in neutral colors to blend in with the natural surroundings and avoid startling wildlife. Avoid brightly colored clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. If visiting any cultural or religious sites, dress modestly. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. A slight nod of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Hlane Royal National Park like a local, engage with the park rangers and guides who are often from the nearby communities. They can provide unique insights into the park's wildlife and history. Visit the local market in Simunye for fresh produce and traditional crafts. Don't miss the early morning and late afternoon game drives for the best chances to see wildlife. For a unique cultural experience, try to attend a traditional Swazi dance performance.