Malolotja Nature Reserve is a prime hiking and walking destination notable for its spectacular mountain scenery, gushing waterfalls, unique highland flora and rich birdlife. There’s no dangerous wildlife, so you can walk unguided. Zebra, , and antelope are plentiful and can be approached on foot. The reserve houses a thrilling zip-line circuit called the Malolotja Canopy Tour.
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Best Time To Go
- May to September (Dry season)
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High Season
- December to January (It never gets very busy)
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Size
- 180km² / 69mi²
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Altitude
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640-1,829m /2,100-6,001ft
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Pros & Cons
- Off-the-beaten-track, unspoiled wilderness atmosphere
- Excellent for unguided hiking, walking and mountain biking
- Thrilling zip-lining on the scenic Malolotja Canopy Tour
- An affordable rest camp of log cabins and an attractive campsite
- Rewarding birdlife includes the
- Plenty of non-dangerous wildlife
- Colorful seasonal wildflowers, including paintbrush lily and pincushion protea
- Not a reserve
- Accommodations inside the park are quite basic
Wildlife
Malolotja is not primarily a wildlife-viewing destination, but large herds of and the graze around the rest camp and campsite. Other commonly seen species include (the world’s largest antelope), , , , and . It is also an excellent birding destination. Look out for (which breeds on the cliffs), , and the boulder-loving buff-streaked chat.
Scenery
Malolotja supports a cover of rolling montane grassland studded with patches of woodland and interesting island-like clusters of weathered boulders. Three rivers, including the namesake Malolotja, carve deep forested ravines into this majestic highland setting, which incorporates Ngwenya, the second-highest mountain in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). The 89m/292ft Malolotja Falls is the country’s highest waterfall. Another landmark is the potholes on the Malolotja shortly above where it joins the Komati River.
Activities
Unguided walking is permitted throughout Malolotja. A network of quiet dirt roads offers drivers, cyclists and walkers an opportunity to look for wildlife, birds and wildflowers. The most popular of several well-marked walking trails leads to the Malolotja Falls. Overnight hiking is possible for suitably equipped visitors. For a real adrenaline rush, the Malolotja Canopy Tour, on the Majolomba River Gorge, incorporates 10 zip-line slides and a 50m-/164ft-long suspension bridge.
Weather & Climate
Malolotja lies in the northwestern highlands of Eswatini and has a markedly cooler climate compared with the parks of the lower-lying east and south. Daytime temperatures in the dry winter months (May to September) are generally pleasantly warm, but nights can be bitterly cold. The wetter summer months (October to April) are characterized by hotter days, comfortable evening temperatures and occasional rainstorms. Mist is possible throughout the year.
Best Time To Visit Malolotja NR
Malolotja can be visited throughout the year. Winter (May to September) is ideal for hiking but cold at night. The scenery is greener and prettier in summer (October to April), but hikers should be prepared for hotter days and possible rain interference. The months of April and September offer a recommended compromise between these extremes. September and October are good for spring wildflowers; October to April is best for birding.
How To Get to Malolotja NR
Malolotja can be accessed in any vehicle on a surfaced road that should be taken carefully due to potholes and livestock. Most internal roads require a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle. Malolotja is 30km/19mi from Mbabane and the drive takes about 40 minutes*. Coming from South Africa, the reserve is 23km/14mi (25 minutes’ drive*) from Oshoek border and 75km/47mi (1½ hours’ drive*) from Matsamo border.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Health & Safety
Although Malolotja is generally explored independently (i.e. without a guide), it is safe to visit in our opinion. For more information, please read our malaria and vaccinations page for Eswatini, and our general ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ page: