Mozambique Parks
By Philip Briggs
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Mozambique.
Maputo Special Reserve was established in the 1930s to protect southern Africa’s last remaining coastal elephants. In 2010 over a thousand other animals were reintroduced to the reserve, including zebra, warthog, wildebeest, giraffe and several antelope species. The community receives 20% of the park’s revenue from several local projects.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
As the reserve’s name suggests, it is a sanctuary for 400 or so coastal elephants. Other common animals include 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 hippo and crocodile in the lakes.
Scenery
The main draw of the park is not its wildlife, but the idyllic, sandy beaches. Further away from the shoreline, you’ll find a spectacular area that combines lakes, wetlands, sand forests, grasslands and mangrove forests.
Weather & Climate
Maputo SR has a sub-tropical climate with hot and humid summer months (from October to April) and cooler, dry winter months (from May to September). Winter and summer are at opposite times of the year as in 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 SR depends on your interests. General wildlife viewing is best from July to October in the Dry season, while swimming, snorkeling and other beach activities can be enjoyed throughout the year. December to late March is when you’ll have a chance to see turtles coming on the beach to lay their eggs.
