Highly regarded local operator Melula Travel is preparing for the upcoming birding season in the Kingdom of Eswatini, with birdwatching programmes being developed for leisure birders, photographers, university groups and visitors undertaking academic or field studies.
Eswatini has recorded more than 500 bird species across its varied ecosystems, which range from highland grasslands and forests to lowveld savannah, riverine habitats and the Lubombo Mountains. The diversity allows birding itineraries to be structured around different habitats and target species.
For visitors seeking a substantial birding list, Melula Travel can develop multi-day programmes covering several locations, with approximately 200 species potentially targeted during a suitably planned trip. The company’s previous Eswatini birding programme recorded more than 200 species during the 2025 Eswatini Birding Spectacular.
The northeast of the country is particularly significant for birdwatching. Mlawula Nature Reserve has recorded approximately 350 bird species, representing about 70% of the country’s recorded total. Nearby Mbuluzi Game Reserve has recorded more than 300 species, including African Finfoot and Narina Trogon.
Other potential birding locations include Hlane Royal National Park, Mlilwane Game Sanctuary, Malolotja Nature Reserve and Shewula Nature Reserve, allowing programmes to incorporate contrasting ecological zones.
Akhona Fakudze, Director at Melula Travel, said the company was seeing interest from both recreational birders and groups requiring structured field programmes.
“Eswatini provides a relatively compact destination in which several distinct habitats can be accessed within one itinerary. This makes it suitable for birders looking to build a substantial species list, as well as university groups undertaking fieldwork.”
Melula Travel, based in Mbabane, provides destination management services including transport, accommodation coordination, guided experiences and customised travel programmes throughout Eswatini.