Malolotja Nature Reserve

Pros & Cons

• Off-the-beaten-track destination
• Excellent hiking
• Many camping spots in the mountains
• Unspoiled wilderness
• Activities include walking, mountain biking and the canopy tour
• Not much wildlife
• Only basic log-cabin accommodation inside the park

Wildlife

Malolotja is not primarily a wildlife viewing destination, but this tract of pristine wilderness is home to a good variety of species. Zebra and blue wildebeest are often seen grazing together. More interesting is the black wildebeest, a rare highland special. Blesbok are quite common but the largest of all antelopes, the eland, is harder to spot. Klipspringers can be found on rocky outcrops. Other small antelope species include oribi, red duiker, common duiker and the rare grey rhebok. Leopard is present but the chance of seeing one is very small.

Scenery

The rugged terrain of Malolotja includes rolling grasslands, deep ravines and patches of woodland. Three rivers, fringed with riverine forest, run through the reserve. Ngwenya Mountain, Eswatini's second highest mountain, stands out. Another landmark is Malolotja Falls, the highest waterfall in the country with a drop of 89m/292ft.

Weather & Climate

Malolotja’s weather and climate is generally comparable to that of Eswatini. See:

• Weather & Climate – Eswatini

Best Time To Visit

Malolotja can be visited throughout the year. The dry winter months from May to September are ideal, but the nights can be bitterly cold. The wet summer months are more pleasant, but peak temperatures can be high for hiking and rain can interfere as well. Mist is common throughout the year, but particularly from October to March. April and September are lovely months because the nights are less cold, but it doesn’t rain a lot. The scenery is more appealing in the wet summer months from October to April.

Getting There

Malolotja can usually be accessed in any vehicle, although some of the roads in the reserve are 4x4 only. Malolotja is located about 30km/20mi from Mbabane, and the drive takes about 40 minutes.

Health & Safety

Please read our malaria and vaccinations page for Eswatini, and our general wildlife viewing safety precautions page for more info:

• Malaria & Vaccinations – Eswatini
• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

Want To Visit Malolotja NR?

• Malolotja Safaris & Tours
• Tour Operators for Malolotja