The coastal elephants for which Maputo Special Reserve was established in 1932 are flourishing and the national park’s population is now estimated at 450–500. The carnivore most likely to be seen is side-striped jackal, but small numbers of leopard, spotted hyena and cheetah are present. The most common antelope is reedbuck, which likes open grassland, but also look out for eland, nyala, red duiker, common duiker, greater kudu, waterbuck, bushbuck and impala.
Wildlife Highlights
A highlight of Maputo NP is an ocean safari. These are run by operators in Ponta do Ouro but can be booked through lodges in the park. Dolphins are seen frequently and humpback whales can also be spotted during their annual migration from July to November. From late October to late March, both loggerhead and leatherback turtles nest on the beaches. The hatchlings emerge from December through to late May.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
The drier months from July to October are the best time for wildlife viewing in Maputo NP. Wildlife is easier to spot at that time because vegetation is thinner and animals gather around the lakes and other permanent water sources.
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