Mlawula Nature Reserve is more low-key than its popular neighbor Hlane National Park. It protects a wild tract of beautiful undisturbed bush in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), but wildlife is rather scarce and skittish. Mlawula is best explored on foot and with a network of 50kms of trails, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. Fishing and mountain biking are also allowed, but you’ll need your own gear. Birding is outstanding with over 350 species recorded. Raptors are particularly well represented.
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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 (Little-visited reserve)
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Size
- 165km² / 64mi²
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Altitude
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147m /482ft
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Pros & Cons
- Off-the-beaten-track destination
- Pristine habitat and excellent birding
- Many self-guided hiking trails available
- Fishing and mountain biking permitted
- Not much wildlife
- Trails are not well maintained
Wildlife
Mlawula is not a place to see a large variety of animals. You’ll mostly see zebra, blue wildebeest and several species of antelope. Impala, waterbuck, eland, bushbuck and greater kudu are all in the reserve. The beautiful nyala antelope is quite common and so is klipspringer in the rocky outcrops. Elephants and leopards are present, but rarely seen. If you’re staying inside the park, you might hear the characteristic whooping of spotted hyenas at night. Crocodiles and hippos are found in the waterways.
Scenery
The stunning scenery of Mlaluwa is best appreciated when hiking one of its many trails. A map is available at the entrance gate. The trails in the Lubombo Mountains provide excellent views across Eswatini to the west, and as far as the Mozambique coast to the east. The reserve features a plateau, which is home to unique flora including rare species of cycads. The trails on the plateau lead visitors past ancient caves, pools and waterfalls.
Weather & Climate
The weather and climate of Mlawula is comparable to that of Eswatini in general. More info:
Best Time To Visit
Mlawula can be visited throughout the year, but the dry months from June to September are best for wildlife viewing. At this time, the bush is not as thick and animals head for rivers and other water sources. As Mlawula isn’t primarily a wildlife viewing destination, you might prefer the wet summer months when the scenery is lush and green, and birding is at its best (this is the time migratory birds are present). The summer months from October to May can be very hot though, with regular afternoon rains. April and September are beautiful transitional months.
Getting There
Mlawula is quite accessible and any vehicle is usually fine for getting around the reserve. It is located about 100km/60mi from Manzini, and the drive takes about 2 hours*.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Health & Safety
Please read our malaria and vaccinations page for Eswatini, and our general wildlife viewing safety precautions page for more info: