Bulembu- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Bulembu, located near the South African border, sits at the foot of Emlembe, Eswatini's highest peak at 1,862 meters. Surrounded by lush hills and eucalyptus forests, the town offers a blend of natural beauty and rich history. Originally built in the 1930s to support the Havelock asbestos mine, which was once a cornerstone of the local economy, Bulembu became a ghost town after the mine closed with the collapse of the asbestos market. Recently revived through a charity initiative, the town now supports various cottage industries and social welfare projects, including the rehousing of vulnerable children. Visitors can explore the preserved colonial-era buildings, visit the mining museum, and enjoy activities like hiking. Hiking routes range from a short 300-meter walk to a waterfall viewpoint to a challenging five-hour hike up Emlembe. The area is also a haven for birdwatchers, with a variety of species found in the montane grasslands and mistbelt forests.