Malolotja Nature Reserve

The Malolotja Nature Reserve has an area of 18,000 ha/45,000ac. The name means "river with many rapids and waterfalls". In this area are some of the oldest rock formations in the world. The fauna is particularly notable for the many species of reptiles and of birds, and the flora is rich and varied.

In the southern part of the reserve is the Ngwenya Mine, probably the oldest mine in the world, in which hematite and smectite were already being worked 45,000 years ago. In more recent times iron ore was worked here, but the mine closed down in the 1970s. There are hiking trails through the reserve, and accommodation is available in numerous camps. In the Komati valley are some interesting Bushman paintings.