Activities
Mbuluzi is a unique Game Reserve; Encompassing some of Swazilands most pristine bush-veld, it has a variaty of landscapes and excellent bio-diversity. Located in the Lubombo Escarpment foothills, with two rivers flowing through, Mbuluzi offers a very diverse habitat from rocky ridges to knobthorn savanna, to riperian forest. Guest are free to explore at their own pace and without a guide.
What to bring
It is recommended that the following items are brought with you to make your stay more comfortable: a hat, binoculars, good hiking shoes, insect repellant, a bird book, a knapsack and a water bottle.
Walking Trails
There are many kilometers of well marked and maintained trails offering visitors a choice of short strolls or all-day hikes. Guides are not required and hikers are free to explore the area at their own time and pace. A transverse agreement with our neighbours allows hiking over more than 60 000ha.
Game Viewing
A good network of well-maintaned gravel roads cover the area; detailed maps are available allowing visitors eay access to the varied landscape. Common species include Giraffe, Zebra, Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, Nyala, Impala, Warthog amoung others. Leopard, Hyena and of course crocodiles make up the major predator population. High-clearance vehicles are reccomended.
Birdwatching
Over 300 species have been recorded at Mbuluzi. The are several low-level river crossings and a hide at a dam that offer good birding. Trails wind through riparian forest and over rocky ridges giving the birder ample oppertunity to see a variaty of species. Notables include African Fin-foot, Whitebacked Hight Heron, Yellow-Spotted Nicator, Crested Guineafowl.
Lubombo Conservancy
Mbuluzi enjoys a transverse agreement with our neighbors; allowing visitors access to the more than 60 000ha of protected area that makes up the Lubombo Conservancy. Hlane Game Reserve has Elephant, Rhino and Lion. Mlawula offers fantastic scenery and longf hiking trails. Shewula, a community run nature reserve, offers an easily accesible look into the culture and daily life of a rural Swazi community. Sundowner cruises can be arranged at the nearby Sand-River Dam.
Cycling
A good network of roads and trails makes Mbuluzi a great MTB destination. The topography is quite hilly offering a good challenge.
Bring your own equipment.
Fishing
Both the Mlawula and Mbuluzi Rivers have healthy populations of indegenous fish; Large-Scale Yellofish, various Tilapia species and Barbel [catfish] are popular angling species plentiful in our rivers. Catch-and-release is encouraged. Anglers must bring their own gear. Large crocs occur so care must be taken!