Northeast Swaziland is dominated by sugar plantations stretching into the distance, shimmering from the constant water spray, wreaking havoc with the water table - and leaving many locals without - but earning the country valuable foreign exchange. Three large tracts of bush - Hlane, Mlawula and Mbuluzi - have been preserved as wildlife and nature reserves, and these are the main attractions for visitors to this region. Together with Shewula Nature Reserve , these form part of the Lubombo Conservancy , a grouping of protected land in the Lubombo Mountains that runs along Swaziland's eastern border and provides fantastic views of both Swaziland and the western fringes of Mozambique.

 

The most direct and obvious route to the reserves from Mbabane is to follow the signposted and tarred Siteki road for 100km. The northern route is a little over twice as long and is part gravel, but makes for a far more spectacular journey. Travel north to Piggs Peak from Mbabane, and turn right at the Bhalekane turn-off towards Bhalkane, roughly 1km later.