Following this morning’s dance at the Swaziland cultural center, I drive to nearby Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. I hear it’s possible to rent bikes and ride around the property, admiring the animals who call this place home. I end up walking instead — they have a few trails that wind through pretty scenery and wildlife hangouts.

This lily pond is right near the entrance:

I park the car and sign in at the ranger station (near lodging for tour groups, families, and individuals staying at this property overnight) and begin my walk.

It’s a pretty idyllic path. Most of the photos that follow are creatures and scenery I spot while meandering around for an hour or so.

I’ve seen trees that look like this in other parts of Africa — those little nests are built by the male species of this bird to impress the female. If she approves of his design, then they mate. If not, bye-bye birdie.

(Ah, it is so gratifying to sneak in musical theater references.)

The landscape and light looks like this for most of the time I’m in the park:

But occasionally the clouds part to allow for more dramatic views against Swaziland’s hills.

Sign spotted early on in the walking tour… watch out for crocs!

I spy with my little eye…

Here’s a guinea fowl. Their bodies are works of art; a canvas of dots and dashes in high contrast.

A cluster of birds:

A large antelope rests in the distance:

Another turtle! He jumps off that rock the second after I snap the photo.

Love these bright red dusty roads:

Hey, guess what?

… Zebra butt!

I stumble upon a whole bunch of them grazing on greens. They ignore my presence and keep eating.

Another croc in the distance…

A closer look:

I have no idea what kind of species this next guy or gal is. Anyone have a guess? I’d love to know.

I encounter a lone zebra further down the path.

At this point the trail goes through the woods. This weirds me out a little because I can’t see the animals as clearly and it’s not a good idea to sneak up on them, even unintentionally. But their instincts are better to hear me coming, and all’s well that ends well.

There are many trees of purple blossoms — they remind me of jacaranda trees. Perhaps they are, or maybe they’re a cousin species?

Back to the ranger and lodging area. There are cool beehive huts you can stay in for the night:

At this point, a group of African schoolgirls runs over and asks to take photos with me, like I’m Angelina Jolie or something. I should’ve gotten a group shot with my own camera but the whole thing makes me uncomfortable.

On my way out of the park, I run into this guy — a warthog:

Sign spotted while exiting the park:

Thanks for the fun afternoon, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary!