Bulembu

Bulembu is a small town in the Highveld of north-western Hhohho, about 10 km west of Pigg's Peak near the South African border, sitting at the foot of Mount Emlembe, Eswatini's highest peak. Its name comes from the siSwati word for "spider's web." From 1939 to 2001 the town was built around Havelock Mine, once among the largest asbestos mines in Africa and part of the UK's Turner & Newall Asbestos Group; when the mine closed, the town was largely abandoned. In 2006 the property was purchased by the not-for-profit Bulembu Ministries Swaziland, which has rebuilt it as a self-sustaining community that cares for several hundred orphaned and vulnerable children, funded by enterprises including eucalyptus and pine forestry, honey and bottled-water production, a bakery, a dairy, a mill, and tourism.

By Car / Road

Bulembu is about 10 km west of Pigg's Peak by road, near the border crossing into South Africa's Mpumalanga province.

Walkable — the town is small and its core sits within a short walk of the old mine buildings and lodge.

The old Havelock Mine buildings and company-town architecture, now largely repurposed by Bulembu Ministries Swaziland, give the town its distinct character as a former mining settlement turned community project. Mount Emlembe, Eswatini's highest mountain, rises above the town and can be climbed as a day hike.

Hiking Mount Emlembe and exploring the surrounding eucalyptus and pine forests are the main outdoor activities; a nearby waterfall is also a popular short walk from town.

Bulembu Country Lodge, at the foot of Mount Emlembe, offers lodge rooms, self-catering houses, and hostel-style accommodation supporting the town's community enterprises.

Honey and other goods produced by Bulembu's community enterprises.

• Pigg's Peak — about 10 km east
• Malolotja Nature Reserve — in Hhohho, to the south
• South Africa — across the nearby border