Mlawula Nature Reserve

Mlawula runs along the western face of the Lubombo mountains in eastern Eswatini, taking in both the flat lowveld bush at the bottom and the escarpment climbing behind it, which puts two very different habitats side by side within a short walk. Antelope, zebra and hyena live in the reserve and the birdlife along the ridge is unusually good. Trails run up onto the escarpment and along the rivers below it.

What you actually see

• The escarpment - the Lubombo ridge rising behind the lowveld floor.
• The two habitats - flat bush and mountain slope meeting within one reserve.
• The antelope and zebra - the plains animals across the lower ground.
• The ridge birding - raptors and cliff species along the escarpment edge.

When to go

May to September is the dry winter, cooler for walking and better for spotting animals. Summer is hot and the bush is thick. Rivers can be up after summer rain.

Honest expectations

There are no big predators to speak of and expectations of a classic safari should be adjusted. Roads inside are rough and a high-clearance vehicle helps. Facilities are basic camps rather than lodges.

Nearby

Mbuluzi is north, and Hlane is west.