Hostels in Shewula, Swaziland

Shewula is in the northeast of Swaziland and located 24 kilometers from the Lomahasha border with Mozambique off the MR3 highway. After a little over 8 kilometers, the dirt road D45 turns off east and 15 kilometers up the hillside to Shewula village. Here you will find some community-run hostels with great views. Shewula village itself is more of a spread-out community of small farms that dot the hillsides rather than a cluster of houses; you can get a real insight into traditional rural Swazi life here. The real reason to come here is the uplifting view and the location adjacent to the nature reserves of Shewula, Mbuluzi, Mlawula and Hlane. Guided walks into the nature reserves can be arranged at your hostel accommodation. There is an easy villagers' trail that leads down the escarpment to the Mbuluzi river. The spectacular vistas are the drawcard, though, especially west across the Swazi plains and south over the hilly Mlawula Nature Reserve. You may be lucky and spot animals roaming below by the river. There are also plenty of birds and butterflies to spot just about everywhere. If you have your own mode of transportation, you can stay in a hostel in the Malkerns or Ezulwini valleys and easily commute to Shewula; just be aware that the last 15 kilometers are along a very rough dirt road. A typical hostel in Shewula is very good considering how rural this place is. There are, however, limited accommodations and shopping options available. Phone reception is a little sketchy and you most likely will not get wifi! Don’t expect to find banks or ATMS up here, so be sure you carry enough cash with you. If you are taking a bus or minibus which stops a bit away from your destination, you can ask the driver to take you farther for an extra charge. One way or another, you can find the right accommodations as well as transportation to suit your needs.