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Exploring Tourism in Swaziland
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Shewula Nature Reserve

Eswatini, Swaziland

Shewula Nature Reserve covers 2650ha of land put aside by the local community for conservation. It is part of the Lubombo Conservancy and is home to the very popular Shewula Mountain Camp, which enjoys a spectacular location on top of the Lubombo Mountains. On a clear day you can see down to the Indian Ocean to the east and across Eswatini (Swaziland) to the mountains of Malolotja to the west.

Activities include guided nature walks down to the Mbuluzi Gorge, through beautiful scenery in search of crocodiles, birds and other wildlife, and mountain bike (or donkey cart!) rides around the plateau. The highlight is probably the village walk, taking you round the community; a chance to meet local people, visit a school and share some stories over a local beer, even visit the local sangoma (traditional healer). These walks do not feel contrived; the village simply gets on with life while you join in with as much or as little as you like.

The sunsets are spectacular, and after dark you can enjoy the communal Swazi meals and watch the sibhaca dance displays.

The camp is fully owned and run by the community, meaning that all profits are shared by the community in an effort to continually develop and improve this traditionally impoverished area. The camp is a vital source of income and employment for the community and is a proud achievement for all.

The Shewula Mountain Camp straddles the 500 metre high Lubombo Mountains with a 100 km panoramic view of Swaziland encompassing nearby Mbuluzi and Mlawula, and Hlane game parks. Maputo can be seen on clear day at about 100km away view. The camp is 20 minutes away from the Lomahasha border.

The camp has been in operation since 2000 and is ideal for cultural tourists, families, nature lovers, backpackers and those simply looking for a getaway from the bustle of city life. While at the camp, guests will be enamored with the cultural music and dance, dazzled by the gorgeous sunsets, relaxed by the spectacular nature walks, and challenged by a mountain bike trip around the plateau.

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