Bulembu

Bulembu lies in the extreme northwest of Eswatini, at around 1,300 meters elevation in the Makonjwa Mountains, right on the border with South Africa. The town became famous for one of the largest asbestos mines in the world, operated from 1939 to 2001 and employing more than 10,000 people at its peak. A 20-kilometer-long aerial cableway carried the asbestos directly to Barberton in South Africa. After the mine closed, Bulembu turned into a ghost town until in 2006 the Christian foundation Bulembu Ministries bought the entire town and launched a remarkable regeneration project. Today Bulembu is being sustainably revived: hundreds of formerly abandoned houses have been renovated, and a school, clinic, hotel, bakery, honey factory and water mill have been established. Special emphasis is placed on caring for orphaned children, who live in family-style foster homes. The climate features cool, often misty summers and cold winters with occasional snowfall, a rarity in Africa. Bulembu is also a popular destination for hikers who can explore in the Makonjwa Mountains some of the oldest rocks on Earth (about 3.5 billion years old) and the Barberton Greenstone Belt.

Nearby cities

Mbabane

Nestled at the foot of the Dlangeni Hills, the capital of Eswatini is known for its cool mountain climate and clean streets.

Piggs Peak

Named after a gold prospector, this town is now a center of forestry and is surrounded by scenic forests.

Lobamba

Lobamba is the traditional and legislative heart of Eswatini, home to the parliament and the Ludzidzini Royal Village.

Ezulwini

Ezulwini, the 'Valley of Heaven', is Eswatini's tourism hub with top-tier hotels, casinos, and craft markets.

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Mantenga Nature Reserve

Mantenga Nature Reserve is famous for its beautiful waterfalls and the Swazi Cultural Village, offering a perfect blend of nature and her…

Havelock

Havelock, also known as Bulembu, was the site of one of the most significant mining operations in the country's history.

Darkton

Located near the Ngwenya border, Darkton is a small place that serves as a gateway to the western part of the country.

Ngwenya

Known for its world-famous glass factory and the oldest iron mine in the world, Ngwenya is a highlight in the west.

Mondi

A small community near the capital that benefits from agriculture and proximity to Mbabane.

History & landmarks

Maguga Dam Wall

A gigantic engineering structure, representing one of the highest dam walls in Southern Africa.

Waterford Kamhlaba United World College

A world-renowned educational institution set in the hills above Mbabane, known for its stand against apartheid.

High Court of Eswatini

The highest court in the country, an impressive building representing the judiciary and legal system of Eswatini.

UN House Eswatini

The headquarters of various United Nations organizations in Eswatini, a symbol of international cooperation.

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Mbabane Clock Tower

A prominent clock tower in the center of Mbabane, serving as a landmark and symbol of the capital.

Swazi Plaza

The largest shopping center in the capital Mbabane, a central hub for trade and daily life.

Nature

Phophonyane Falls

A dramatic waterfall set in a lush forest near Piggs Peak, surrounded by ancient rock formations.

Maguga Dam

This large reservoir on the Komati River is both an engineering feat and a place of natural beauty.

Mlumati River

An important river in the north, which is a tributary of the Komati and flows through scenic landscapes.

Komati River

A major river flowing through the northern highlands, forming the basis for important irrigation projects.

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Malolotja Falls

The highest waterfall in Eswatini plunges into a deep mountain gorge, offering a breathtaking sight.

More places

Emlembe

Emlembe is the highest peak in Eswatini, offering spectacular views over the Drakensberg mountain range.

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Makonjwa Mountains

Part of the Barberton Greenstone Belt, these mountains house some of the oldest rock formations on Earth.

Peak Fine Forest

A significant forestry area in the north near Piggs Peak, known for its dense timber plantations and green mountain landscape.

Peak Timbers Sawmill

A modern sawmill in the northern highlands, processing high-quality pine timber for regional and international markets.

Piggs Peak Historical Hotel

A landmark of the town, which has hosted travelers for decades, preserving the colonial charm of the highlands.

Malolotja Mountains

The Malolotja Mountains are home to some of the Earth's oldest rock formations and a diverse flora.

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Phophonyane Wildlife Zone

A lush riverine habitat supporting a variety of monkeys and elusive forest birds near the waterfalls.

Malolotja Iron Age Site

An archaeological site providing evidence of early iron smelting and human settlement from centuries ago.