About 350 species of birds have been recorded in Mlawula, out of just under 500 species recorded for the whole of Eswatini. This includes species such as the African finfoot, African broadbill and Bateleur eagles. Over sixty species of small and large mammals have been recorded in the reserve, including reintroduced species, but this does not include elephant or lion, allowing for the reserve policy where visitors can explore the area on foot without a guide. Reptiles recorded in the reserve include the Natal hinged tortoise and the Lubombo flat lizard. A similar diversity of amphibians is found, with 21 species of frogs and toads recorded, and 39 species of fish have been recorded in the rivers. The invertebrates are not well studied, but the area is rewarding to those with an interest in animals such as spiders or butterflies.

The flora of Mlawula is notable for its great richness and diversity, more especially in the deep rocky ravines of the Lubombo mountains; here, almost pure stands of the unique Lubombo Ironwood may be found, and in their shade grows a cycad found nowhere else in the world, as well as many uncommon succulents and climbers.

The Mbuluzi river valley provides a floral link with the Mozambican coastal flats, and several species of plant more typical of that area grow here. The higher ravines and south-facing valleys tend to support a wetter type of forest or thicket, and are well worth a visit.

The dryer Siphiso valley is characterised by knobthorn savanna, with bushwillow species on the rocky ridges. The flora of the reserve comprises about 1035 plant species including 55 alien species

The Siphiso Campsite provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the experience of bushveld camping. The campsite is very spacious, extending about 500 m, providing shaded sites spread out over its length. There are twelve sites as well as two thatched summerhouse shelters. Each site has a braai area and electrical plug-in, with water available nearby, and the ablution block offers baths and showers, with hot and cold water.

The campsite is seldom crowded, offering visitors the opportunity to avoid the crowds even on busy holiday weekends A bird hide is situated at one end of the campsite, near the start of the short hiking trail which takes visitors on a walk through the woodland near the campsite.
The campsite is also the start point for a number of longer hiking trails. Animals such as nyala, impala, wildebeest, warthog and duiker can sometimes be seen making their way through the campsite.

The Mapelepele cottage is a comfortable furnished self-catering two bedroom thatched house, suitable for a relaxing family holiday at an affordable rates. The cottage is a double story house with its bedrooms located on the top and can accommodate up to 8 people. The cottage overlook the Siphiso Valley area with a breath taking view of the wider landscapes. It is also equipped with a bathroom, fully fitted kitchen, dining area, and lounge with TV.

Situated on the top of a low ridge on the western edge of Mlawula Nature Reserve, ESARA camp offers views looking out over Mbuluzi Game Reserve. The camp has been upgraded, including 6 luxury safari chalets with aircons, TV units (Dstv), microwaves. Two of them with en suite bathrooms and four with double beds. There is also a separate ablution block, kitchen area and boma. This camp has electricity.

The chalets are each situated in amongst the natural vegetation, three with views to the west, overlooking Mbuluzi Game Reserve, and the other three with views eastwards of the Siphiso valley and Lubombo escarpment. There is a hiking trail starting from the camp, which takes about an hour and a half to complete. The trail is rocky but not steep, and has nice views both over the Siphiso Valley and west towards the sugar estates.