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.