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.

Background

The reserve covers approximately 165 square kilometres in north-eastern Eswatini and borders Hlane Royal National Park, Mbuluzi Game Reserve and Simunye Nature Reserve. Protection here goes back to 1914, when the area was first proclaimed, but it later lost that status and was divided into cattle ranches. In 1978 a donated section became the first conservation area here, Ndzindza Nature Reserve. Mlawula Estates was bought soon afterwards, and Nyala Ranch was then donated. Over 350 bird species have been recorded.

Source: Wikipedia, "Mlawula Nature Reserve"

What you'll find

• 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.

Practical notes

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.

Key facts