Mbuluzi Game Reserve Eswatini

The privately-owned Mbuluzi Game Reserve in Swaziland (Eswatini) is well run. Contrary to the neighboring Mlawula Nature Reserve, poaching is well under control here and wildlife numbers are increasing. Aside from crocodiles, the reserve doesn’t have any dangerous animals and activities are self-guided. Other than driving around, walking and mountain biking are encouraged. The habitat is kept pristine and birding is superb. A portion of the proceeds generated by the reserve goes to a community development fund.

Located in northeast Swaziland, Mbuluzi is low-lying reserve situated at the bottom of the Lebombo Mountains. it is popular for its birdlife boasting over 400 different specie including Narina trogon, dwarf bittern, African finfoot, crested guinea fowl, yellow spotted nicator, gorgeous bush shrike, black-headed goliath, and white-backed night herons, cuckoo hawk, great spotted cuckoo, pennant winged nightjar, palm swift, crowned hornbill, dusky flycatcher, thick-billed weaver, red-backed manikin, African broadbill, black sunbird, woodland kingfisher.

The park is easily accessible on sealed roads and has many hiking trails ranging from 2 to 5 hours.

Size of Mbuluzi game reserve

Mbuluzi Game Reserve is a 3000-hectare bushveld paradise in northeast Swaziland and part of the larger Lubombo Conservancy.

Location of Mbuluzi game reserve

Mbuluzi Game Reserve is a privately owned reserve in Eswatini, within the Lubombo Conservancy. There are 3 lodges privately situated on the Mlawula River, and a campsite, situated above some rapids in the Mbuluzi River.

How to get to Mbuluzi game reserve

Mbuluzi can usually be accessed in a 2WD vehicle. It is located about 90km/55mi from Manzini and the drive takes about 1½ hours.

Things to do in Mbuluzi game reserve

Hiking

The nature reserves in Eswatini are well known for their excellent range of self-guided hiking trails, offering the opportunity to visitors to experience nature at a pace suited to their group. What better way to explore Eswatini’s many and varied highlands, forests, and reserves than on foot. There are paths and trails in many locations across the country allowing for hikes from a couple of hours to many days in duration, and give access to places and views that are inaccessible by vehicle. Alternatively, those with initiative and a good map or GPS can simply head off into the countryside.

If you are interested in taking a hiking tour or exploring the country’s stunning landscape on foot, Eswatini has a number of local operators who can assist. dust and boots is a specialist hiking tour operator whilst out of Africa is an adventure operator that works with a team of 25 experienced local hiking guides, assistant guides, and porters throughout Eswatini, offering day to multi-day trips, with accommodation or camping options available for a range of fitness levels and group sizes. Their guides lead treks for families, couples and school expeditions so are able to adapt to the needs and experience of a range of hikers.

Biking Tours

You can also take biking tours in the Mbuluzi nature reserve.

Birding safaris

it is popular for its birdlife boasting over 400 different specie including Narina trogon, dwarf bittern, African finfoot, crested guinea fowl, yellow spotted Nicator, gorgeous bush shrike, black-headed goliath, and white-backed night herons, cuckoo hawk, great spotted cuckoo, pennant winged nightjar, palm swift, crowned hornbill, dusky flycatcher, thick-billed weaver, red-backed manikin, African broadbill, black sunbird, woodland kingfisher.

When to visit Mbuluzi game reserve

Mbuluzi can be visited throughout the year, but the dry months from June to September are best for wildlife viewing. During this time, the bush is less thick and animals drift towards permanent 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. Birding is best then too as migratory birds are present. The summer months (from October to May) can be very hot though, and it rains regularly in the afternoon. April and September are beautiful transitional months.

Where to stay in Mbuluzi game reserve

Some of the places to stay in the Mbuluzi game reserve include Nkhankanka lodge, the tented lodge, Tambuti tented lodge, and Singwe lodge.