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The Kingdom of Eswatini

Mlawula Nature Reserve

This wild reserve lies to the east of the MR3, north of Simunye, and is managed by the Swaziland National Trust Commission. Its savannah and woodland mosaic is flanked to the east by the Lubombo mountains and to the north by the Mbuluzi river. This habitat variety means that Mlawula boasts an even greater biodiversity than Hlane, but poaching over the years has taken its toll and larger game is harder to see. Impala are the most abundant large mammal, with zebra, wildebeest, nyala and kudu often seen. Predators include a few spotted hyenas, often heard at night, while baboons and klipspringers scale the cliffs of the Lubombos. Mlawula’s 350 recorded species of bird represent 70% of Swaziland’s total and include such local specialities as white-backed night-heron and African broadbill. The reserve is also a botanical hotspot, with endemic cycads and aloes among its 1,035 recorded species.

Mlawula is a rougher and more challenging destination than Hlane, with fewer facilities and activities, but offers rich rewards for those prepared to explore. Visitors can stay at Siphiso campsite or Magadzavane Lodge, the latter reached via Siteki. Most game-viewing roads are, with care, manageable in a normal vehicle. A map marks all roads, trails and picnic spots and, with no dangerous game, you can get out wherever you like. The walking trails offer a rare opportunity to wander unguided in pristine African bush. Trails vary in length from 1.5km to a full day’s hike.

Activities in Mlawula Nature Reserve
Accommodation in or near Mlawula Nature Reserve
Siphiso Campsite
Mlawula Nature Reserve
Spacious campsite with shaded areas in the Mlawula Nature Reserve
Mapelepele Cottage
Mlawula Nature Reserve
Rustic self catering cottage in the wilderness of Mlawula Nature Reserve.
Magadzavane Lodge
Mlawula Nature Reserve
Highveld chalet accommodation with stunning views of the Lubombo Mountains.
Liphiva Bush Lodge
Mbuluzi Game Reserve
Stunningly located tented lodge with private pool and dramatic backdrop.
Nyala Lodge
Mbuluzi Game Reserve
Stunningly located tented lodge with private pool and dramatic backdrop.
Liwa Tented Lodge
Mbuluzi Game Reserve
Stunningly located tented lodge with private pool and dramatic backdrop.
Leadwood Lodge
Mbuluzi Game Reserve
Quaint stone cottage tucked away in the Mbuluzi's pristine river forest.
Imfihlo Lodge
Mbuluzi Game Reserve
Stunning bush retreat overlooking the Mbuluzi River.
Vovovo Lodge
Mbuluzi Game Reserve
Stunning modern self catering lodge set within the Mbuluzi Game Reserve
Nkhankanka Lodge
Mbuluzi Game Reserve
Hidden safari lodge overlooking the Mlawula River surrounded by Leadwood trees.
Tambankulu Club & Guesthouse
Sugar Estates & Country Clubs
Peaceful Guesthouse set in the North East of Eswatini.
Intsini Tented Lodge
Mbuluzi Game Reserve
Luxury tented lodge in the heart of the Mbuluzi bush with adjacent swimming pool.
Tambuti Tented Lodge
Mbuluzi Game Reserve
Tented accommodation and brick lodge with Self Catering facilities in Mbuluzi Game Reserve.
Siteki Hotel
Siteki
A well presented hotel in the town of Siteki close to the Lubombo Mountains.
Singwe Lodge
Mbuluzi Game Reserve
Secluded and rustic self catering lodge in Mbuluzi with its own private swimming pool.
Simunye Country Club
Sugar Estates & Country Clubs
High end accommodation with beautiful grounds on the Country Club's estate.
Shewula Mountain Camp
Shewula Nature Reserve
A fantastic example of community tourism, with stunning views of the surrounding lowveld.
Mphangele Lodge
Mbuluzi Game Reserve
Peaceful safari lodge located in Mbuluzi Game Reserve wilderness.
Mhlumeni Bush Camp
Lubombo Conservancy
Luxury tents with spectacular views of the surrounding Mlawula Nature Reserve.
Mbuluzi Campsite
Mbuluzi Game Reserve
Spacious campsite located in the privately owned Mbuluzi Game Reserve.
Mananga Country Lodge
Sugar Estates & Country Clubs
Comfortable acccommodation in the Country Club's tranquil surroundings.
Varied accommodation types on a working dairy farm in Siteki
Hlane Ndlovu Camp
Hlane Royal National Park
Rustic Chalets with ensuite bathrooms and self catering facilities
Hlane Campsite
Hlane Royal National Park
Spacious camping ground beneath ancient hardwood Acacia trees
Hlane Bhubesi Camp
Hlane Royal National Park
Self Catering accommodation deep within the Hlane Royal National Park
Cultured accommodation with panoramic views.
Individual Locations
Privately owned reserve with plentiful giraffe offering walking and cycling tours
Set at the top of the Lubambos, this reserve is home to the Shewula Mountain Camp.
One of Swaziland’s earliest colonial settlements, and today offers a handful of accommodation options for travellers.
A lush green landscape with combining industry, colonial history and two 9-hole golf courses.
A wild and beautiful landscape, with rare flora and fauna found nowhere else in Eswatini.
This project is made up of 4 of Eswatini's nature reserves teeming with flora and fauna.
Eswatini's largest protected park with 4 of the Big 5.
Individual Locations
Stunning and wildlife rich game reserve in th south eastern corner of Eswatini.
A privately run game reserve with two luxury lodges north east of Manzini.
A picturesque and privately owned nature reserve.
Eswatini's most exclusive safari retreat. Home to 4 of the big 5 including Black Rhino.
One of a kind in Eswatini, with lush fairways, luxury accommodation and an array of activities.
A picturesque rocky valley with Eswatini's first church, and the furthest settlement in the South West.
An untouched wilderness ready to be explored, along with community run accommodation.
Set at the top of the Lubambos, this reserve is home to the Shewula Mountain Camp.
Privately owned reserve with plentiful giraffe offering walking and cycling tours
A wild and beautiful landscape, with rare flora and fauna found nowhere else in Eswatini.
This project is made up of 4 of Eswatini's nature reserves teeming with flora and fauna.
Eswatini's largest protected park with 4 of the Big 5.
A National Conservancy holding swaziland's largest collection of plants.
A town set among the Usuthu forestry plantations with beautiful scenery.
One of southern Africa's most impressive geological features.
One of Eswatini's highest peaks with a notorious history.
Best known nature reserve and Eswatini's birthplace of conservation.
Unspoilt woodlands with a traditional cultural village experience
One of the very best highland reserves in Southern Africa.
Large settlement in the North West with Swaziland's most scenic handicraft outlet.
A private nature reserve home to the tumbling Phophonyane River and Falls.
Incredible art by the Sam people up to 4,000 years ago.
The oldest mine in the world.
Impressive expanse of water set amongst beautiful mountainous scenery.
Eswatini's tourism hub with an abundance of hotels, lodges and activities
Nestled at the foot of a mountain. A rejuvenated mining town.
Mlawula Nature Reserve