WHAT'S HAPPENING AT MLAWULA
INTRODUCING THE BABOON VILLAGE

Did you know that baboons live in more-or-less the same community set up like humans.

Believe it or not these primates have permanent homes and villages with defined hierachial structures. Our photographer took a walk along the Mbuzi fishing trail and came across this fascinating site with the story untold.
Although it is not easy to have a close encounter with the inhabitants of this hide-out but a lot of evidence shows that this is a permanent territory. Ask the tourist officer at the reception desk for directions to the baboon cave.

The Main Cave
You can tell by the shiny floor that even the youngest in the group understands the basic rules, like no littering. This is the focal point of the village and presumably where most social gatherings take place. (insert picture 2)
Various sentry outposts can be observed around the cave and these serve as part of the strategy in ensuring that the group is not caught off guard by predators like leopards
Above the cave lies the sunbathing lounge and this is a perfect spot during the cold winter months. If one has been to Mlawula in summer they wont believe the sharp contrast in weather patterns, hence even visitors to the park can enjoy the comfort of this zone (…. with prior arrangements of course).
It must be noted though that access to the lounge spot goes through a tight security route. This is strictly for the lightweights, and moreover the route perfectly meets the expectations of one who seeks those extra adrenaline pumping adventures. So if you don't trust your rock climbing techniques you better not take any chances. Visit Mlawula and exhaust your desire in this pristine woodland.

Other Attractions
While in the vicinity of the baboon village one can spend time testing their fishing skills. For the experts even the notorious tiger fish will be a trophy without much sweat. But come to Mlawula and see it for yourself.
Among other things one would enjoy the spectacular sight of some of the oldest ironwoods of the region like Androstachys johnsonii.
As the saying goes, 'attention rewards those who pay it'. Just take a close look at the competitive strategy of this plant species. One would agree that this species has a special mechanism by which it discourages other trees to grow directly underneath except for a few shrubs and grasses. In this way the plant is able to deal with competition for nutrients by other deep rooted plants.
On another note, the park will be hosting a group of British students who will be undertaking a study on some ecological aspects of the reserve. This is part of the Lubombo Conservancy and the objective is to establish the species composition and location of some prominent sites that will boost the tourism attractions in the region. The tour has been organised by Quest Overseas and part of the activities will include the study of cycads in the park, as well as compiling data on medicinal properties of some plants in the park's nursery.

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