Maputo National Park
Overview
Mozambique Parks
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Mozambique.
Proclaimed in December 2021, Maputo National Park is Mozambique’s newest conservation area. It is the mergence of Maputo Special Reserve, which was established to protect southern Africa’s last-remaining coastal elephants, and the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve. The reintroduction of cheetah is the most exciting development of a rewilding program, which has translocated almost 5,000 animals to the park since 2010.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
The park is a sanctuary for 400 or so coastal elephants. Other animals include giraffe, warthog, blue wildebeest and zebra, which can often be seen grazing together. Reedbuck is abundant in the grasslands and red duiker can be seen tip-toeing around in forest patches. There are healthy populations of hippos and crocodiles in the lakes.
Scenery
The main draw of the park is not its wildlife, but the idyllic, sandy beaches. Farther away from the shoreline, you’ll find a spectacular area that combines lakes, wetlands, sand forests, grasslands and mangrove forests.
Activities
The park’s proximity to Maputo makes it ideal for a day trip from the city. Self-drive is an option, but a guided drive in an open safari vehicle is generally more rewarding. For many people, the park is more a beach than bush destination. Ocean safaris are highly recommended. You might also be able to swim with dolphins or see turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. Other activities include snorkeling, ocean fishing and sea kayaking.
Weather & Climate
Maputo NP has a subtropical climate with hot and humid summer months (October to April) and cooler, dry winter months (May to September). Winter and summer are at opposite times of the year to Europe and North America. The wettest months are January and February, and regular heavy downpours can be expected.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Maputo NP depends on your interests. General wildlife viewing is best during the drier months from July to October, while swimming, snorkeling and other beach activities can be enjoyed throughout the year. Late October to late March is when you’ll have a chance to see turtles coming onto the beach to lay their eggs.
