Hawane Nature Reserve

Hawane is the smallest reserve in Eswatini, a patch of marsh and dam at the head of the Black Mbuluzi river northwest of Mbabane, set aside to protect the wetland and the Kniphofia umbrina, a red hot poker that grows nowhere else in the world. Waterbirds use the dam and the marsh behind it. A short trail runs around the water and the reserve adjoins Malolotja to the north. The dam also supplies water to Mbabane, so the reserve does practical work as well as conservation.

Background

The reserve was set up in 1978 to protect a stretch of marsh along the Mbuluzi River, including habitat of Kniphofia umbrina. The Hawane dam followed in 1988 to supply Mbabane with water, and the reserve was enlarged to take in the wetlands around it. It covers 232 hectares, and the Swaziland National Trust Commission manages it. On 12 June 2013 it was listed as a Ramsar site under the name Hawane Dam and Nature Reserve. Birdlife is its main attraction, and a trail is laid out for watching it. Species include the white-faced whistling duck, pied kingfisher, Egyptian goose and lanner falcon.

Source: Wikipedia, "Hawane Nature Reserve"

What's there

• The wetland - marsh at the head of the Black Mbuluzi river.
• Kniphofia umbrina - a red hot poker found nowhere else on earth.
• The dam - the open water used by waterbirds.
• The Malolotja edge - the larger reserve adjoining to the north.

When to go

September to April is the growing season and when the Kniphofia flowers. Winter is dry and the marsh recedes. Birdlife is best after summer rain.

Before you go

The reserve is very small and the visit is short. Facilities are minimal. The rare plant is not conspicuous outside its flowering period.

Nearby

Malolotja is north, and Mbabane is southeast.

Key facts