Malolotja Nature Reserve
Malolotja Nature Reserve
4.5
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
With 26 waterfalls, hills and pristine forests, the reserve offers top scenery and opportunity to see numerous animals and rare birds.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.5
95 reviews
Excellent
48
Very good
35
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Martin H
Johannesburg, South Africa101 contributions
Jan 2020
The Malolotja Reserve has it's own unique beauty compared to the other SNTC or BGP reserves in the country. The canopy tour is highly recommended. Cost is E695 per person which includes a bottle of water afterwards as well as sandwiches at the restaurant. The trip is well organised, extremely safe and well worth it for the views. Total time approximately 3 hours. Highly recommended.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GeneralShamu
New York City, NY1,275 contributions
Jul 2022
You must arrange for a guide in advance via the park's office as you run the risk fo getting lost along the way. We did the hike to the dual waterfalls from Logwaja view point. A low clearance, 2WD vehicle was sufficient to get there but the guide had to get out and assist in directed us around the last half kilometer or so, so be prepared.
There are plenty of herbivores in the park so, if you are lucky, you'll be able to see some elusive eland, the largest of antelopes.
Hike time in total was about 5 hours - start as early as possible as you descend and then ascend back.
Park's office number via WhatsApp is +268-7806-8934.
There are plenty of herbivores in the park so, if you are lucky, you'll be able to see some elusive eland, the largest of antelopes.
Hike time in total was about 5 hours - start as early as possible as you descend and then ascend back.
Park's office number via WhatsApp is +268-7806-8934.
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Navigator
Johannesburg, South Africa89 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
I did the canopy tour at Malolotja Nature Reserve. I had done ziplining before in South Africa but I enjoyed this one too.
It is quite scenic, also includes a 50m suspension bridge. There is a steep hike up back to the car after the canopy tour-watch out for that. The guides were quite good and welcoming. In fact, people in eSwatini(Swaziland) are sweet, soft spoken and welcoming. The country is also very safe and clean.
It is quite scenic, also includes a 50m suspension bridge. There is a steep hike up back to the car after the canopy tour-watch out for that. The guides were quite good and welcoming. In fact, people in eSwatini(Swaziland) are sweet, soft spoken and welcoming. The country is also very safe and clean.
Written 10 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Project25
Mumbai, India279 contributions
Oct 2011 • Couples
We have just returned from 3 days hiking in Malolotja and were bowled over by the beauty of the park.
There are a number of 206 hour hikes which can be done from the main centre or after a short (but bumpy) drive.
The meadows of wild flowers in Springtime are beautiful and can be enjoyed with out having to roam too far. For the more adventurous, some of the longer hikes involve up to 600m of climb but the dramatic vistas are well worth the effort.
Wild blesbok roam the meadows but do be aware that there are leopard and wild dogs in the area.
We chose not to drive too far on the roads and were glad we did so as a couple became stranded on the 4x4 road just hours after we met them on the fell. Please also note that despite leaving details, the centre may not follow up 'missing' day visitors.
There are some very good value chalets at the main office with room for up to 5 people.
There are a number of 206 hour hikes which can be done from the main centre or after a short (but bumpy) drive.
The meadows of wild flowers in Springtime are beautiful and can be enjoyed with out having to roam too far. For the more adventurous, some of the longer hikes involve up to 600m of climb but the dramatic vistas are well worth the effort.
Wild blesbok roam the meadows but do be aware that there are leopard and wild dogs in the area.
We chose not to drive too far on the roads and were glad we did so as a couple became stranded on the 4x4 road just hours after we met them on the fell. Please also note that despite leaving details, the centre may not follow up 'missing' day visitors.
There are some very good value chalets at the main office with room for up to 5 people.
Written 1 November 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary A
Maputo16 contributions
Feb 2013 • Family
This national park is wonderfully quiet and an easy place to visit. The high altitude meadows are beautiful but bear in mind that the it can rain a lot, especially in summer, and the mountain mists can come down quickly. There are numerous mammals to see - Blesbok and Zebra are common around the visiting area; Black Wildebeest, Eland and Black-backed Jackal less common or further away. There are no large predators so you are free to roam on foot or bike, and there is a network of rough tracks, some drivable in 2WD, others 4x4 only, in the eastern part of the park. But about 60% of the parks area is only accessible by foot and this means that it has a really quiet atmosphere. It is a great place for kids to just run...
Others have commented that the staff are unhelpful. As a western visitor then this is certainly the impression one gets as the staff are government employed and are often local people who have had little training. We found that if you are prepared to engage, explain and explore what it is you are trying to do then they will try very hard to help, but it still can be frustrating. The major exception is the excellent canopy tour where the guides are first class.
The park accommodation could do with some investment. The chalets are fine but basic with rudimentary equipment. Take your own toaster, grater, sharp knife etc. That said they are clean and conveniently placed, and moreover, cheap to stay in.
Others have commented that the staff are unhelpful. As a western visitor then this is certainly the impression one gets as the staff are government employed and are often local people who have had little training. We found that if you are prepared to engage, explain and explore what it is you are trying to do then they will try very hard to help, but it still can be frustrating. The major exception is the excellent canopy tour where the guides are first class.
The park accommodation could do with some investment. The chalets are fine but basic with rudimentary equipment. Take your own toaster, grater, sharp knife etc. That said they are clean and conveniently placed, and moreover, cheap to stay in.
Written 6 February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
binderdundat
Vancouver299 contributions
Jun 2012 • Family
Our family did the canopy tour on route from southern Kruger to Mlilwane (we did not stay overnight at Malolotja). Having never done a canopy tour we have no basis for comparison, but we were very impressed -the staff is extremely safety conscious and friendly; the 10 zip lines and one suspension bridge are engineering masterpieces and are beautifully designed to show off the pretty scenery; and the value is very good (the even served free refreshments with sandwiches after the tour). It's exhilarating, but I wouldn't call it super scary - very easy to control your speed.
If you're doing it as a day trip and not staying at the park, give yourself enough time. Once at the reception area you are transported via 4X4 on a bumpy trail for almost 30 minutes. The canopy tour itself takes about 2 hours. Book ahead to reserve a time.
The park looks beautiful and it appears to have lots of good hiking with very few people.
If you're doing it as a day trip and not staying at the park, give yourself enough time. Once at the reception area you are transported via 4X4 on a bumpy trail for almost 30 minutes. The canopy tour itself takes about 2 hours. Book ahead to reserve a time.
The park looks beautiful and it appears to have lots of good hiking with very few people.
Written 23 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scottbsauer
Madison, WI15 contributions
A real surprise for us. Although a little pricey - ~ $100 for three people for one night - well worth it. Malolotja allows you to leave your vehicle and walk around, as well as affording the opportunity for serious backpacking. Accomodations were clean, modern, and comfortable, and the view from the "log cabins" was awesome. Information for the preserve was abundant and clear, and the staff are polite and efficient. We were there in the South African summer, so many of the wild flowers were in bloom. I'd go back in a flash.
Written 3 February 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jssyjss
Roissy-en-France, France15 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
This reserve is so peaceful, with a great scenery... Be aware of thunderstorms during the rain season : it's very shiny but suddenly big clouds come and you have to come back quickly to your car. It's part of the adventure.
Awesome campsite in the middle of nowhere, very nice place.
I didn't expect a lot from the restaurant. I was wrong. The staff is very friendly and the food is good (even the spaghetti bolognaise !). I really had the impression that everything was homemade.
Awesome campsite in the middle of nowhere, very nice place.
I didn't expect a lot from the restaurant. I was wrong. The staff is very friendly and the food is good (even the spaghetti bolognaise !). I really had the impression that everything was homemade.
Written 7 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arowpax
Cape Town, South Africa47 contributions
Jul 2014 • Solo
I arrived by bike late evening (10pm) with only the security guard to assist.
Luckily I had made a booking for the log cabin, and with very friendly and broken English I was quickly assisted and directed how to get to my appointed cabin "down the hill and right".
Turned out to be a bit more of an challenge than I anticipated and had to park the bike in one of the 2-spoor tracks and go search for the correct cabin on foot. Armed with a headlamp torch I eventually was rescued by another friendly staff member who saw the funny light weaving criss-cross around the chalet area. Turns out chalet number 5 (mine) has no number displayed on the outside.
I moved my bike to the parking area in front of the restaurant (deserted by then), and carried my luggage to the chalet. In spite of being in desperate need for some varnish the log cabin was very clean and spacious. Electricity was working and gas powered hot water on tap was a blessing. I know the camping area does not offer electricity at all, so be prepared for this if you plan to go camping.
In the cabin, large windows present serene views of the little 'valley' and a jackal family could be clearly heard calling close by. Perfect for relaxing with a hot cuppa and feet kicked out. Do remember to also take your own food and drinks as there's no supplies offered or shops close by.
The cabin also has a built in fire place which was stocked with a few logs. Unfortunately it wasn't cold enough to warrant lighting it up.
Sleeping arrangements offered was in the form of two separate bedrooms, with two single beds in one room, and a bunk bed in the other. Clean linen and towels were provided. It would be possible to push the two single beds together to form one large bed, but the single bed linen wouldn't quite cover the 'big bed' then. I suppose for romantic getaways, couples wouldn't mind snuggling a bit closer.
The cabin has no TV, air-conditioner or other fancy city luxuries. But it is stocked to allow you to cook a meal and only needing to bring food. There is a large fridge and gas powered stove/oven with all cooking utensils in place.
The restaurant hours are from 8am until +-6pm depending on how many visitors have booked for supper. Again, make sure to inform the staff if you intend to eat supper there. Vuzi the chef cooks a mean steak if you're a carnivore.
Full bar service is also available during normal office hours. In summer time the views will be nice from the restaurant & bar as the roll-up screens will then be opened. Unfortunately the faded see through screens are a bit old and do not allow you much of a view even during day-time if these haven't been rolled-up. DsTV service is offered in the dining area with a few lounge chairs spaced around.
No visitors are allowed to do self drive game viewing. Plenty walking trails of varying difficulty around the reserve, and they do offer guided game drives in dedicated game viewing vehicles. Not much game to be seen though, even though it is the dry winter season which is better for game viewing. I didn't take them up on the tree-top canopy tour on zip lines, but heard only good things from fellow tourists who had done so. My only gripe with the reserve is that the reserve map and hiking trail map was not very detailed.
Payment can be made on site by credit card (Visa & Master) and cash, and meals and drinks need to be payed directly thereafter.
I made mission to explore a bit of Swaziland by bike and can report that the main roads I rode on are mostly in very good condition. The usual African road obstacles like free range cows and goats are plentiful, so best not drive at night if possible. Most speed-bumps are also not clearly marked, and can damage a regular car if not taken slowly. These are found at nearly every village along the main roads.
When entering Swaziland from SA through the Oshoek border towards the Malolotje Reserve, there is a completely destroyed 10m section of tar road. There are some sign posts indicating "Road Failure" which one need to be on the lookout for, especially when driving a regular 2x4 car.
Entering Swaziland through the JosefsDal border (18kms from Pigg's Peak) is a very laid-back experience as they have to rely on manually capturing your passport and vehicle details into a book. The route from Baberton is spectacular, but NOT tarred once you enter Swaziland. The very scenic route winds through commercial forests shared with occasional forestry trucks. I did it by bike in daytime and will do so again without hesitation just for the views alone. But I would not recommend doing so at night, as well as prefer not to drive via JosefsDal border to Malolotje Reserve in a normal 2x4 sedan.
All in all, I would definitely return during summer when everything is nice and green. There's a lot more exploring to be done...
Luckily I had made a booking for the log cabin, and with very friendly and broken English I was quickly assisted and directed how to get to my appointed cabin "down the hill and right".
Turned out to be a bit more of an challenge than I anticipated and had to park the bike in one of the 2-spoor tracks and go search for the correct cabin on foot. Armed with a headlamp torch I eventually was rescued by another friendly staff member who saw the funny light weaving criss-cross around the chalet area. Turns out chalet number 5 (mine) has no number displayed on the outside.
I moved my bike to the parking area in front of the restaurant (deserted by then), and carried my luggage to the chalet. In spite of being in desperate need for some varnish the log cabin was very clean and spacious. Electricity was working and gas powered hot water on tap was a blessing. I know the camping area does not offer electricity at all, so be prepared for this if you plan to go camping.
In the cabin, large windows present serene views of the little 'valley' and a jackal family could be clearly heard calling close by. Perfect for relaxing with a hot cuppa and feet kicked out. Do remember to also take your own food and drinks as there's no supplies offered or shops close by.
The cabin also has a built in fire place which was stocked with a few logs. Unfortunately it wasn't cold enough to warrant lighting it up.
Sleeping arrangements offered was in the form of two separate bedrooms, with two single beds in one room, and a bunk bed in the other. Clean linen and towels were provided. It would be possible to push the two single beds together to form one large bed, but the single bed linen wouldn't quite cover the 'big bed' then. I suppose for romantic getaways, couples wouldn't mind snuggling a bit closer.
The cabin has no TV, air-conditioner or other fancy city luxuries. But it is stocked to allow you to cook a meal and only needing to bring food. There is a large fridge and gas powered stove/oven with all cooking utensils in place.
The restaurant hours are from 8am until +-6pm depending on how many visitors have booked for supper. Again, make sure to inform the staff if you intend to eat supper there. Vuzi the chef cooks a mean steak if you're a carnivore.
Full bar service is also available during normal office hours. In summer time the views will be nice from the restaurant & bar as the roll-up screens will then be opened. Unfortunately the faded see through screens are a bit old and do not allow you much of a view even during day-time if these haven't been rolled-up. DsTV service is offered in the dining area with a few lounge chairs spaced around.
No visitors are allowed to do self drive game viewing. Plenty walking trails of varying difficulty around the reserve, and they do offer guided game drives in dedicated game viewing vehicles. Not much game to be seen though, even though it is the dry winter season which is better for game viewing. I didn't take them up on the tree-top canopy tour on zip lines, but heard only good things from fellow tourists who had done so. My only gripe with the reserve is that the reserve map and hiking trail map was not very detailed.
Payment can be made on site by credit card (Visa & Master) and cash, and meals and drinks need to be payed directly thereafter.
I made mission to explore a bit of Swaziland by bike and can report that the main roads I rode on are mostly in very good condition. The usual African road obstacles like free range cows and goats are plentiful, so best not drive at night if possible. Most speed-bumps are also not clearly marked, and can damage a regular car if not taken slowly. These are found at nearly every village along the main roads.
When entering Swaziland from SA through the Oshoek border towards the Malolotje Reserve, there is a completely destroyed 10m section of tar road. There are some sign posts indicating "Road Failure" which one need to be on the lookout for, especially when driving a regular 2x4 car.
Entering Swaziland through the JosefsDal border (18kms from Pigg's Peak) is a very laid-back experience as they have to rely on manually capturing your passport and vehicle details into a book. The route from Baberton is spectacular, but NOT tarred once you enter Swaziland. The very scenic route winds through commercial forests shared with occasional forestry trucks. I did it by bike in daytime and will do so again without hesitation just for the views alone. But I would not recommend doing so at night, as well as prefer not to drive via JosefsDal border to Malolotje Reserve in a normal 2x4 sedan.
All in all, I would definitely return during summer when everything is nice and green. There's a lot more exploring to be done...
Written 30 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SkyetravellerLondon
London14 contributions
May 2012 • Friends
We did the canopy tour at Malolotja, which was incredible. Not for the faint hearted, but whizzing along on the ropes is great fun, and a really beautiful way of seeing the gorge. I felt that the safety standard was very good and felt in good hands, although it's not one for people with vertigo. The park itself is also very beautiful, although we didn't see very much wildlife. Would thorough recommend.
Written 6 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good day. Can anyone advise how to book accommodation at the log cabins in the Malolotja Nature Reserve? I could not find anything online. Also struggling to get through to the canopy tours, advice will be appreciated?
Thank you kindly!
Written 4 July 2019
How are the roads to and in the reserve?
Written 3 September 2018
The roads to the gate and then onto the main reception were good. We were in a mini van and this coped well. When we completed the zip wire attraction we went in one of the reserves 4 wheel drive vehicles and the roads were not as good, washed out a bit here and there from the rains. Hope that helps?
Written 18 September 2018
Do you know what times the Reserve gate opens and closes ?
Written 13 March 2018
Do you need to book ahead for the zip line tour? I've tried to find info online but haven't been able to.
Written 3 June 2016
Booking essential. Tel +268 2444 3048
Cell: +268 7660 6755 or +268 7697 5704
Written 11 July 2016
londiwe h
Manzini, Eswatini (Swaziland)
how much is the place booking for a day ,for trip students
Written 17 June 2015
Hi, I want to know if motorbikes are allowed at Malolotja Nature Reserve? It will be only for overnight stay....We will be a group of approximately 6 to 8 people with 4 or 5 motorbikes touring Swaziland from Oshoek Border post to Barberton border post?
Thanks
Written 30 January 2015
Yes. Some of the reviews were done by people on bikes
Written 8 March 2015
Hi, I want to know if motorbikes are allowed at Malolotja Nature Reserve? It will be only for overnight stay....We will be a group of approximately 6 to 8 people with 4 or 5 motorbikes touring Swaziland from Oshoek Border post to Barberton border post?
Thanks
Written 30 January 2015
Hi, I want to know if motorbikes are allowed at Malolotja Nature Reserve? It will be only for overnight stay....We will be a group of approximately 6 to 8 people with 4 or 5 motorbikes touring Swaziland from Oshoek Border post to Barberton border post?
Thanks
Written 30 January 2015
Nkosingiphile M
Mbabane, Eswatini (Swaziland)
do you offer picnic facilities,how much for entrance fee and food?
Written 28 January 2015
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