'''Big Bend''' is a town in Swaziland. Big Bend, so named after the bend in the Usutu River, is a Village centered on the Ubombo Sugar Estate. Ubombo Sugar Ltd grows, mills and refines sugar for both the domestic and export market. The 45 bed hospital is maintained by the Company and provides medical care for both the staff and local residents. Excellent sporting facilities exist at the Ubombo Country Club, which include golf, tennis and squash.
The Van Eck Dam, in Big Bend, is the ideal camping ground for the fisherman as well as the bird watcher. The dam is surrounded by a game park and one can watch the animals grassing along the shore line. Permission is required to drive around the park. The dam has the renowned fighting tiger fish, barbel and bream. The official record tiger caught is 6.3kgs but one of 7.5 and 7.2kgs has been caught. One can also sail or water ski on the dam. One cannot swim in the dam because of the crocodiles.
Get in
Most people reach Big Bend by car, but tour buses also stop over for refreshments.The Golela/Lavumisa is the main entry point for those reaching Big Bend from Kwazulu Natal and is a major route into the Kingdom. It is one of the entry points used by many motorists wishing to travel through Swaziland to Mozambique or the Kruger Park in Mpumalanga.The road from Lavumisa to Big Bend runs along the bottom of the Lebombo Mountains which is the border with Kwazulu Natal. The Swaziland Lowveld is typical savannah, thorn trees and grasslands. The road is Tarred
From Mozambique visitors reach Big bend Via Siteki and from the transvaal via Oshoek border.
Get around
To get around Big Bend, you will need your own vehicle. The main roads are tarred, but roads to van eck Dam and to game reserve are gravel road.
Do
Visit Mhlosinga Game reserve, play golf at the country club, have sun downers at the Bend Inn.
Buy
The Village in Big bend has a small supermarket, but for clothing,necessities and curios there is a large retail complex called Matata 10 Kms outside the village.
Drink
There is limited choice for nights on the town. But you are sure to enjoy yourself if you visit the Big Bend Inn or Ubombo Country Club. Another great outing is having sundowners and a barbeque (braai) at the van eck dam.
Sleep
[http://www.swazilive.com/thelebombovilla.htm The Lebombo Villa] offers B&B accommodation and is the perfect half way stop between KZN and Mozambique. A swimming pool, snooker table and large plasma T.V. in the lounge with DSTV are all offered. Safe and Secure parking are offered for all Boats and Trailers. More accommodation can be found at the Riverside Motel and Big Bend Inn.