Mbuluzi Game Reserve is a private share-block development where visitors can stay in luxury family lodges or camp. It is home to plenty of wildlife, but no dangerous terrestrial mammals, though and occur in the rivers. The habitat is pristine, birding is superb, and self-guided activities are encouraged. A portion of proceeds goes to a community development fund.
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Best Time To Go
- June to September (Dry season, best wildlife viewing)
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High Season
- Dec to Jan (It never gets very busy)
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Size
- 30km² / 12mi²
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Altitude
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150-450m /492-1,476ft
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Pros & Cons
- Off-the-beaten-track destination
- Accommodation options include luxury riverside lodges and a campsite
- Family friendly
- Unspoiled wilderness with pristine habitat
- Safe for unguided walking and biking
- A good base for day trips to Hlane Royal National Park
- Small park with limited road network
- Not many big safari animals
Wildlife
Animals likely to be seen include giraffe, , , , zebra, , , , and . There are and in the rivers. On a night drive, lucky visitors might see nocturnal creatures such as , , , and . are often heard and leopards are around but seldom observed. The birdlife is exceptionally varied and rewarding, with more than 300 species recorded.
Scenery
Mbuluzi Game Reserve is flowed through by the Mlawula River in the south and enclosed by a loop in the beautiful Mbuluzi River to the northeast and northwest. It boasts a remarkable diversity of habitats. This includes with towering sycamore figs and wild date palms, rocky cliffs, , and open grasslands. The Lebombo Mountains rise to the east.
Activities
All activities in Mbuluzi are self-guided. A network of game-viewing roads and walking trails runs through the reserve. Walking is permitted anywhere and mountain biking is allowed. Birding is excellent, especially along the rivers, and a couple of bird overlook . To see the likes of , elephant and lion, book onto a guided at Hlane Royal NP, which is only 15 minutes’ drive away.
Weather & Climate
Mbuluzi has a hot, humid climate typical of low-lying subtropical destinations. Daytime temperatures usually peak at above 30°C during the summer (Wet season), which runs from October to April and is also when afternoon rainstorms are most likely. By contrast, the Dry season winter months of May to September are warm by day and very cool at night.
Best Time To Visit Mbuluzi GR
Mbuluzi can be visited throughout the year, but the dry winter months (May to September) are best for wildlife viewing. This is because the is less thick and animals drift towards permanent water. As Mbuluzi isn’t primarily a wildlife-viewing destination, you might prefer the wet summer months (October to April) when the scenery is lush and green, and are present. April and September are beautiful transitional months.
How To Get to Mbuluzi GR
Mbuluzi lies in the far northeast of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and can be accessed in a 2WD vehicle. It is located about 90km/56mi from Manzini (allow 1½ hours* for the drive) and 52km/32mi (45 minutes) from King Mswati III International Airport.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Health & Safety
Although activities in Mbuluzi are self-guided, it is a safe destination 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: