Sunset Pics at Malolotja Nature Reserve , Swaziland

Info on Malolotja Nature Reserve:

Malolotja Nature Reserve is situated in the heart of Swaziland's highlands and is the last unspoilt mountain wilderness left in Swaziland. In addition to astounding hill top views you may see numerous animals from ten or more species, plus a unique highveld birdlife.

Several rivers feed this reserve and tend to follow the lines of weakness in the hard quartzite ridges and have cut gorges and deep pools out of the rock and created rapids and waterfalls.

The Malolotja Falls -the highest in Swaziland - cascade over 292 feet (90metres) into thick Afro-montane forest.

The well watered lowlands offer a variety of habitats with swamps and lush plains thick with tall grasses, orchids and lilies, while ancient cycads grow in shaded spots. There is a profusion of wild flowers most of the year. The upper reaches of the river have crystal clear streams and pools good for swimming.

This park is not for the self drive amateur as apart from a meagre 15 miles (25km) of driveable road, the rest are 4x4 trails more suited to a mountain bike. However perseverance allows you to access seldom visited parts such as the top of Ngwenya Mountain.

ANIMALS & BIRDS

Zebra, wildebeest, reedbuck, blesbok, red hartebeest and oribi graze the grasslands while other animals including leopards, serval, aardwolf, jackal and bushpig tend to keep out of sight.

Birdlife is prolific with colourful attractive species like louries, sunbirds and sugarbirds, blue cranes and swallows as well as a breeding colony of bald ibis, who nest on the cliffs near Malolotja Falls.