Mlawula Nature Reserve

Mlawula Nature Reserve is a large protected area in northeastern Eswatini covering about 16,500 hectares of land. The terrain features mixed environments including acacia woodlands, mountain ranges, and river valleys that create a varied landscape.

The area was first protected in 1914 but later became private ranches before being officially restored as a nature reserve in 1978. Since then it has remained dedicated to wildlife conservation and protection.

The reserve is managed by local conservation authorities who work to keep the landscape and its wildlife intact for future generations. This management approach helps balance protection with allowing visitors to experience the natural environment firsthand.

The reserve has more than 50 kilometers of walking trails where visitors can explore and move freely without special vehicle restrictions. The absence of dangerous predators makes hiking safer and more relaxing for visitors of all abilities.

The reserve is home to around 1,000 different plant species and serves as a major refuge for bird watchers. This is because roughly 70 percent of the country's bird species can be observed here, making it a hotspot for bird lovers.

Inception: 1978

GPS coordinates: -26.23400,32.00000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:01