Sondzela is a top choice for budgeteers, located in the southern part of the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. It boasts fine, breezy dorms, clean private doubles and a clutch of lovely rondavels (round huts with conical roofs) with wraparound views. And it doesn’t end there. The delightful gardens, kitchen, swimming pool and a hilltop perch provide one of the best backpackers’ settings in Southern Africa.
Breakfast (E45) and hearty traditional dinners (E75; cooked on the outside braai) are available for a song. If you’re driving, you’ll need to use the main Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary entrance, pay the entry fee and drive through the park to reach Sondzela. Alternatively, Sondzela’s own shuttle bus departs the lodge at 8am and 5pm, and from Malandela’s B&B in Malkerns Valley 30 minutes later.
