Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge (RRHL)

Reilly’s Rock literally oozes historical antiquity. The original house was built in 1928, Mickey Reilly’s third attempt at building a home. His first two attempts were raised to the ground by lightning, but this house was built further down the hill, constructed of hand-hued stone by an illiterate Afrikaner, in exchange for an ox-wagon.

The main house has a wrap-around veranda, from which the 4 double rooms are accessed. Reilly’s and Wallis Rooms are larger luxury rooms. Palm and Fern Rooms are standard rooms, adjusted to include part of the original veranda for more private space.

Just above the main house is the Garden Cottage, with two standard rooms and a shared lounge. Red Room has a double bed and Green Room is the only twin room available at Reilly’s Rock. Both these rooms are en-suite with ball-and-claw baths.

Rates include Mlilwane Conservation Fee, dinner, bed and breakfast. All but one room have double beds.

The spacious kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, with a large fridge, stove and preparation area. The lounge and dining areas share a room, with a 6-seater dining table, large leather couches and a central fireplace. An adequate veranda has comfortable seating under cover, with outdoor options too. Alongside the cottage is a sizable outdoor fireplace, complete with braai grid and chairs. Should guests prefer to dine at Reilly’s Rock or Mlilwane Rest Camp, rates are available on request.

Guests staying at Reilly’s Rock and Down Gran’s Self-catering Cottage have access to the Mlilwane Hill and the greater Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. By nature, Reilly’s Rock is the perfect quiet retreat, with relaxing seats placed discretely in the Botanical Gardens and on the tranquil terraces. Numerous walking trails explore Mlilwane Hill, creating a “secret garden” ambience. Walking these trails, guests will certainly see blue duiker, suni, crested guineafowl and klipspringer.

The Mlilwane Hill trails link to the greater Mlilwane Walking Trails network, with its 9 trails. Energetic guests can summit Nyonyane Mountain or walk to Rest Camp. Reilly’s Rock guests are welcome to make use of Rest Camp facilities and to participate in Mlilwane activities, booked through reception and departing from Rest Camp. These include horse trails, mountain biking, game drives and guided walks. The guided Umphakatsi Cultural Experience and Esitjeni Village Walk give groups of 4 or more people an insight to traditional Swazi life