Mlawula Nature Reserve Visitor Information

Mlawula is located in the north east of Swaziland, in the lowveld and Lubombo Mountains. Ideal for groups, families, outdoor adventure, nature lovers and campers.

Accommodation

Magadzavane chalet Accommodation at Mlawula includes the Magadzavane Lodge, a forty bed lodge with furnished en-suite units, restaurant, bar, conference centre and swimming pool. Situated 15km away from Siteki on the edge of the Lubombo escarpement, near the Goba/Mhlumeni border, the lodge has spectacular views of the valley below.

SARA Tented Camp SARA Tented Camp has been upgraded, and now includes 6 luxury safari tents, two of them with en suite bathrooms and two twin beds, and four tents with queen double beds. There is also a separate ablution block, kitchen area and boma. This camp also has electricity.

Maphelephele Cottage Also available at Mlawula is the Maphelephele Cottage, which has been upgraded to sleep eight, with two upper (baboon-proofed) sleeping porches with a double bed on each, in addition to the two rooms inside, with two twin beds in each. The cottage includes full bath, sitting room with fireplace, braai area, gas hot water, oven/stove and refrigerator. No electricity. Kitchen utensils, bedding and towels supplied.

Siphiso Campsite The Siphiso Campsite at Mlawula Nature Reserve is designed for caravans and camping. It consists of a thatched ablution building with showers, baths, washbasins and toilets and a very spacious lawn area with taps and braai facilities. Shade is provided by indigenous trees and two thatched summer houses.

Activities

Python Pools Picnics at the designated areas around the reserve:
Python Pools - Contained in a small rocky gorge, this area sometimes offers the opportunity to see klipspringer, pythons, a variety of lizards, terrapins and diverse plant species.
Hyaena Pool - A small dam in the southern end of the Siphiso Valley. Hyaenas are occasional visitors to this area.
Mbuzi Picnic Site - Situated near the weir on the Mlawula River, start/end point for the Fishing Trail and the Baboon Cave Trail.

Short Walks and Hiking Trails: Mlawula has a network of 50 kms of trails, ranging in duration from 1.5 hours to 2 days (all water must be carried), and offers the rare opportunity for visitors to walk self-guided through the bushveld to experience the more intimate encounters with nature and wildlife. The trails in the Lubombo mountains provide excellent views across Swaziland to the west and as far as the Mozambique coast in the east.
Detailed hiking information

Guided game drives and night drives on request (when available, enquire at Magadzavane Lodge).

Self-guided drives: Over 33 km of well marked road network (only daytime drives are encouraged).
Siphiso Valley - The ideal area for game viewing of blue wildebeest, zebra, kudu, impala and other small antelopes in their natural habitat. The valley also offers access routes to surrounding Lubombo mountains, for visitors interested in hiking.
Mbuluzi Gorge - Accessible by car, offering spectacular river scenery, diverse bird life coupled with a wide variety of plants. Crocodiles may be seen in this gorge, which also offers visitors access to fishing spots.

Green-backed Heron Birdwatching at Mlawula is particularly rewarding and the reserve is known for its high bird diversity.
Detailed birdwatching information

Mountain biking Mountain biking: Over 33 km of dirt tracks.

Fishing in the Mbuluzi and Mlawula rivers is a popular past time (fishing permit required, available from the main entrance gate).