African Blesbok antelope in Swaziland

Getty Images

Malolotja Nature Reserve

eSwatini (Swaziland)


The ruggedly beautiful Malolotja reserve is a prime spot for hiking, with varied terrain to keep walkers interested. The centrepiece is the Komati River, which cuts through a gorge, creating mini waterfalls and rapids as it goes. Big name wildlife is absent, but you'll likely see zebras, elands, wildebeest and various species of antelope. Birdwatchers are in heaven, with over 280 species recorded within the reserve's boundaries.

Malolotja is also home to the country's only canopy tour – a series of ziplines cutting through the treetops.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby eSwatini (Swaziland) attractions

1. Sibebe Rock

6.97 MILES

About 8km northeast of Mbabane is Sibebe Rock, a massive granite dome hulking over the surrounding countryside. It's the world's second-largest monolith,…

2. Ngwenya Iron-Ore Mine

7.93 MILES

Ngwenya is one of the world’s oldest known mines. The visitors centre has an interesting display of photographs and information, including the original…

3. Maguga Dam

8.86 MILES

This very scenic dam is on the Komati River, and was constructed to provide irrigation and energy to local communities. With its glittering waters…

4. Nsangwini Rock Art Shelter

11.07 MILES

Culture buffs will love this community-run archaeological site. The well-preserved paintings are under a small but impressive rock shelter, which is…

5. Songimvelo Game Reserve

17.16 MILES

This beautiful 560-sq-km reserve sits in lowveld country south of Barberton, with high-altitude grassland areas on its eastern edge along the mountainous…

7. Somhlolo National Stadium

21.27 MILES

Built for eSwatini's independence in 1968, the 20,000-capacity national stadium hosts soccer matches, as well as important state occasions, such as…

8. Parliament

21.51 MILES

Opened in 1969 as a post-independence gift from the departing British, this hexagonal building topped with a brass dome is a major landmark in Lobamba. It…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "eswatini-swaziland/northwestern-eswatini/attractions/malolotja-nature-reserve/a/poi-sig/1283250/1320584",
      "destination": "eSwatini-(Swaziland)",
      "continent": "Africa",
      "country": "eSwatini-(Swaziland)",
      "position": "superzone"
    }