Mbuluzi Game Reserve

Nestled in the pristine lowveld of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Mbuluzi Game Reserve offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of African wilderness. This privately owned reserve is a sanctuary where stunning natural beauty converges with abundant wildlife, creating a truly immersive experience for families, couples, and groups of friends. Bound by the perennial Mlawula River and the majestic Lubombo mountain range, the reserve's diverse habitats support a remarkable variety of animals, including gentle giraffes, elegant nyala and impala, striking zebras, and many other species. What sets Mbuluzi apart is the freedom it grants visitors to explore the bush at their own pace, whether on a scenic game drive, a peaceful bush walk, or an exhilarating mountain bike ride.

The reserve is not just a destination; it’s a paradise for nature enthusiasts and avid birders. With over 185 bird species recorded, including sought-after specials like the Green Twinspot and Pink-throated Twinspot, the riverine forests and woodlands provide a world-class birding habitat. Photographers and tranquility seekers alike will find their perfect frame, from the dramatic rapids of the Mbuluzi River to the gentle grazing of wildlife right outside your lodge. The commitment to conservation and community, through projects like the Savannah Research Centre and the Mhlumeni Community Camp, ensures that your visit contributes to the preservation of this incredible ecosystem.

Accommodation & Lodging Options

We provide a diverse portfolio of self-catering accommodation designed to suit every preference, from rustic camping to luxurious riverside living. All our lodges are strategically placed to maximize privacy, scenic views, and wildlife encounters along the Mlawula and Mbuluzi rivers.

Luxurious Self-Catering Lodges

• Singwe Lodge: A gorgeous stone-clad lodge with four private ensuite rooms, air-conditioning, and a prime setting on the Mlawula River, perfect for a serene group getaway.
• Liwa Luxury Tented Lodge: Situated in riverine forest, this lodge features two luxury tented rooms, a spacious common area, and a refreshing pool, blending comfort with bush ambiance.
• Imfihlo Lodge: Meaning "Secret" in siSwati, this eco-style bush retreat offers an exclusive, intimate experience overlooking the Mbuluzi River.
• Nkhankanka Lodge: A charming four-bedroom retreat with a fully equipped kitchen, Starlink WiFi, a deck with river views, and a private pool, ideal for families.
• Kendricks Lodge: A spacious four-bedroom haven featuring a modern kitchen, DSTV, fast Starlink WiFi, and a private pool with panoramic river vistas.
• Nyala Cottages: Comfortable cottages with en-suite bathrooms, kitchenettes, and a shared communal area boasting a large swimming pool and lounge.
• Liphiva Bush Lodge: Uniquely designed, luxurious rustic cottages nestled on the bank of the Mlawula River, offering an authentic bush experience with modern touches.

Camping & Community Experiences

• Campsite: Our rustic campsite is spaciously laid out among shady trees on the banks of the Mbuluzi River, overlooking some of its most amazing rapids.
• Mhlumeni Community Camp: For a culturally enriching adventure, this community-run camp offers a chance to connect with local Swazi community life while enjoying the surrounding nature.

Activities & Wildlife Experiences

Your days at Mbuluzi are filled with adventure and discovery. The absence of dangerous predators means we offer uniquely up-close and personal wildlife encounters on foot or by bicycle, making this a prime destination for active travelers.

• Game Drives & Self-Drives: Explore a network of well-maintained roads that crisscross the reserve, offering excellent opportunities to spot giraffe, zebra, warthog, and numerous antelope species against the stunning backdrop of the Lubombo mountains.
• Guided & Self-Guided Bush Walks: With no large predators, you can safely walk the trails and truly feel the pulse of the wild, observing birds, plants, and insects from a unique ground-level perspective.
• Mountain Biking & Cycle Trails: Rent a bike on-site and traverse dedicated trails that wind through diverse habitats, from riverine forest to open savannah. The annual Swazi Reserves MTB and Mbuluzi Trail Run events showcase our top-tier terrain.
• Birdwatching: With dedicated bird hides and over 185 species, the reserve is a haven for ornithologists. Key species include the Thick-billed Cuckoo, Green Twinspot, and Narina Trogon.

Services & Facilities for Guests

We are committed to ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay while preserving the wild, untouched character of the reserve. Our facilities are designed to enhance your self-catering experience, allowing you to focus on relaxation and exploration.

• Self-Catering Excellence: All lodges feature fully equipped kitchens, private braai/BBQ areas, and outdoor dining spaces. The Kendricks and Nkhankanka lodges offer complimentary high-speed Starlink WiFi, keeping you connected in the bush.
• Swimming & Relaxation: Most lodges include private swimming pools, perfect for cooling off after a day of adventure. The Nyala Cottages share a large communal pool.
• Booking & Concierge: Our dedicated reservations team assists with booking accommodation, planning activities, and providing detailed maps and directions. We offer a seamless online booking system via NightsBridge.
• Vital Information: The reserve is a malaria area, so guests should take necessary precautions. We are a child-friendly destination, welcoming families with open arms, though children must be supervised at all times near water and wildlife.

Serving Simunye, Lubombo & the Hhohho District

Mbuluzi Game Reserve is perfectly positioned as a stopover or primary destination for travelers throughout the region. We are a short distance from key border posts, making us easily accessible for our neighbors and the local communities we support.

• Strategic Location: We are just 9km from the sugar estate and village of Simunye and a short drive from the Lomahasha/Namaacha border into Mozambique, the Golela/Lavumisa border from KwaZulu-Natal, and the Ngwenya/Oshoek border from Johannesburg.
• Regional Connections: Our location serves visitors from across the Hhohho District and the greater Lubombo region, providing a vital natural escape for residents of Mbabane, Manzini, and nearby sugar estates.
• Community & Conservation: We collaborate with the Mhlumeni Community Camp, the Savannah Research Centre, and local Swazi Reserves, ensuring that tourism directly benefits the region's development and ecological protection.

Planning Your Visit & Directions

Getting to your natural escape in eSwatini is straightforward. We provide detailed maps of both the northern and southern sections of the reserve to help you navigate our game drive roads, viewpoints, and trails upon arrival. For precise navigation, we recommend using our What3Words location: prohibiting.drill.taskforce.

Key Border Post Hours

• Lavumisa/Golela: 07:00 – 22:00 (ideal from KZN/Durban)
• Ngwenya/Oshoek: 07:00 – 22:00 (ideal from Johannesburg/Pretoria)
• Borgdergate/Mananga: 07:00 – 18:00 (ideal from Kruger Park/Nelspruit)
• Lomahasha/Namaacha: 07:00 – 20:00 (ideal from Mozambique)
• Mhlumeni/Goba: 24 hours service (ideal from Mozambique)

Detailed driving directions from Johannesburg, Durban, Maputo, and Nelspruit are available on our official website and map page. Upon entering the reserve, you are greeted at reception, where you check in and receive your lodge keys and maps for an unforgettable stay.