Sweni is an “L” shaped hide in one of the most stunning settings in Kruger National Park. The Bird Hide overlooks the Sweni River creating a tranquil environment to view Hippos, Crocodile, Elephants etc. that come down to the water to drink. the bird life is also abundant at this beautiful spot. Birds that can generally be seen at Sweni include the African Fish Eagle, The Green Backed Heron, Grey Herons, Goliath Heron, Egrets. Hamerkops, Kingfishers and other shore birds that flock to this permanent source of water.
The bird hide is built in a “L” shape and is a suspended wooden structure that sits low over the water with a thatched roof and an opening below the roof for viewing from sturdy wooden benches.
Sweni is close to Satara Rest camp which makes it a must if you are staying at this Camp; there are other private camps nearby as well.
On a recent trip I saw elephant, crocodile, kingfishers, a variety of shore birds including several Herons. The most spectacular sighting though was an African Fish Eagle that caught a sizable fish right in front of us and proceeded to eat it before taking it into a nearby tree.
Unfortunately if you are not staying at a rest camp in the park it is impossible to reach Sweni Hide on a day trip into the park from either Malalene or Crocodile Bridge entrances. It might be possible to reach the hide if you enter at Orpen Gate early in the morning.