Mlawula Nature Reserve, Swaziland: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Mlawula Nature Reserve, Swaziland? If you're planning to go to Mlawula Nature Reserve, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Mlawula Nature Reserve, Swaziland

Based on the climate and weather in Mlawula Nature Reserve, Swaziland, the best time to go is May. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Mlawula Nature Reserve, Swaziland

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Mlawula Nature Reserve, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Mlawula Nature Reserve, Swaziland by month

January

January in this region is really hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Swaziland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mlawula Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types M. Check that you choose the right type. Most adapters available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

February

February is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Swaziland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mlawula Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types M. Make sure to choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

If you are traveling to Mlawula Nature Reserve in March, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Swaziland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mlawula Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types M. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

April

April in Mlawula Nature Reserve is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Swaziland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mlawula Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types M. Be sure to find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

May here dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Swaziland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mlawula Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types M. Make sure to find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

June in Mlawula Nature Reserve dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Swaziland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mlawula Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types M. Check that you pick the correct kind. Many adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

July

July for Mlawula Nature Reserve dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Swaziland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mlawula Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types M. Take care to get the right kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

August

Traveling to Mlawula Nature Reserve in August, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Expect it to rain sometimes. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Swaziland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mlawula Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types M. Make sure to get the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

September in Mlawula Nature Reserve is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Swaziland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mlawula Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types M. It's important that you find the correct type. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

October

October for Mlawula Nature Reserve is warm. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Swaziland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mlawula Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types M. Make sure to pick the correct type. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November in this region is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Swaziland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mlawula Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types M. Be careful to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

December is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Swaziland has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mlawula Nature Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types M. Be careful to choose the correct type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Mlawula Nature Reserve, Swaziland

Mlawula Nature Reserve in Swaziland is a magical place that attracts nature lovers from all over the world. This Reserve is approximately 16,500 hectares of unspoilt wilderness, which boasts an unparalleled variety of flora and fauna, with activities ranging from hiking to wildlife viewing. Here are the top tourist attractions in Mlawula Nature Reserve.

1. Game Drives

Mlawula Nature Reserve is home to numerous wild animals, including giraffes, zebras, impalas, warthogs, and many species of birds. Game drives give visitors the chance to explore this amazing wildlife on a guided 4x4 tour. Many tour operators offer guided tours, and you can also rent a private vehicle.

2. Hiking Trails

The Reserve also offers several hiking trails that wind through the stunning landscape. These trails range from easy to challenging, with options for all ability levels. The trails are well-marked and offer breathtaking views of the reserve. Some of these trails even lead to the famous Mbuluzi and Mlawula Falls.

3. Mbuluzi River

The Mbuluzi River runs through the park and is a great place to enjoy some aquatic activities, including fishing, canoeing, and white-water rafting. The river is surrounded by stunning scenery, and a tour around it will offer visitors an unforgettable experience.

4. Mlawula Falls

Mlawula Falls is one of the most famous attractions in the park. The water tumbles down a sheer rock face before plunging into the Mlawula River. The area surrounding the falls is a great place for a picnic, and the hike to the falls itself is an adventure worth exploring.

5. Stargazing

Mlawula Nature Reserve is an exceptional place for stargazing. The clear skies above the reserve provide ideal conditions to view the stars, planets, and galaxies that fill the universe. Visitors who are interested in stargazing can take advantage of the evenings from viewing platforms arranged, where astronomers and experts provide a guided tour and add to this mesmerizing experience.

6. Cultural Tours

The Reserve is also home to Mlawula Cultural Village, a living museum providing visitors with incredible storytelling and traditional Swazi music and dance performances. The village is an ideal place to learn more about the country’s various cultures and customs and delve into the Swazi way of life, which has been passed down through generations.

Conclusion

Mlawula Nature Reserve offers a breathtaking blend of wildlife, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re interested in hiking, wildlife watching, stargazing, or cultural tours, Mlawula Nature Reserve provides all these opportunities. This diverse nature reserve is sure to add an unforgettable experience to anyone's bucket list.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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