Hlane Royal National Park

Held in trust for the nation by his Majesty King Mswati III. The park has many structures constructed with thatch, gum poles, mud and rocks. These structures are great examples of vernacular architecture.

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Aerial view of park structures constructed with vernacular materials.

Welcome sign inside the park.

Round structure with thatched roof and wood poles for support.

Underside of thatched roof with wood poles supporting the roof.

Outdoor kitchen area with stone walls and thatched roof.

Gum pole embedded in the floor supporting the roof.

Outdoor gathering area with half walls and poles supporting thatched roof.

Wood poles are embedded into the half wall.

Close up of roof construction. A limb of the tree is cut at the point at the notch. This allows for a natural holding place for the horizontal member.

The underside of the roof demonstrates the beauty of vernacular materials.

Underside of a circular roof and wood pole structure.

Shadow of tree shadow on thatched roof.