Reilly Rock Trails Tour

Spend 1 day in the Aloes on Reilly’s Rock Trails, with your camera and plant books. Either walk or drive down to Rest Camp’s Hippo Haunt Restaurant for lunch, meeting the more common, but by no means less important warthog, zebra, nyala, impala, and wildebeest. Wander around the Rest Camp Botanical Trail, marveling at how maize land can be converted into a natural forest and the home it has created for many animal species. Accommodation – Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge.

Within Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary just 3 km from Mlilwane’s Rest Camp is Mlilwane Hill. The hill is fenced off to facilitate the breeding of endangered and locally threatened antelope as well as safeguarding the Royal Botanical Gardens featuring the Gilbert Reynolds Memorial Aloe Garden.

Near the top of Mlilwane Hill is Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge, the original home of the former Mickey Reilly, now converted into a ‘quaintly colonial’ comfortable 6-room lodge. Many a colorful story is told of Mickey Reilly, an entrepreneur who ran the McCreedy Tin Mines in the early 1900s. His son, Ted Reilly, grew up here – and this is where Ted’s dream of nature conservation took root.

Linked to the greater Mlilwane Trails network, residents may wander the hillside, walk the trails, view the game, book an activity at Mlilwane’s Rest Camp, or simply relax on the terraced lawns and take in the spectacular views. Breakfast on the veranda and campfire dinners followed by our bushbaby experience in the evenings are unforgettable.

Children 13+ years old are permitted at Reilly's Rock.

Down Gran's Self-Catering Cottage (Max. 7 people)

Located approx. 200m from Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge, still within the Botanical Gardens, Down Gran's Self-Catering Cottage offers magical privacy for a small group of friends, keen for a little independence in serene surroundings with amazing species that call it home. This cottage is perfect for hikers, birders, horse riders, mountain bikers, and quiet time in nature. Guests are requested not to cycle within the breeding areas, using only the gate provided through the orchard.

All Mlilwane Activities are available to Reilly’s Rock and Down Gran’s guests.