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Overview – Maputo SR

By Philip Briggs
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Mozambique.
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Mozambique.
Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook 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 viewing in a beautiful coastal setting
- Luxurious lodge owned by the local community
- Stunning beaches
- 4x4 tracks for enthusiasts
- Marine wildlife including turtles, whales and dolphins
- Activities include game drives, dune and beach walks, cycling and fishing
- Chance to support a great conservation effort and the local community
- Not a lot of wildlife in the reserve
- 4x4 driving skills required
- Beaches get busy with South Africans during school holidays
Maputo SR Safari Reviews
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- Wildlife
- Scenery
- Bush Vibe
- Birding
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.
Want to Visit Maputo SR?
Maputo SR Safari Reviews
- Expert Rating
- Wildlife
- Scenery
- Bush Vibe
- Birding
- User Rating – 0 Reviews
- Wildlife
- Scenery
- Bush Vibe
- Birding
Most Helpful Expert Review

Philip is an acclaimed travel writer and author of many guidebooks, including the Bradt guides to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa.
Elephant and bird nirvana
About an hour’s drive south of the capital Maputo, this reserve protects a scenic tract of coastal bush and grassland boasting 50km of Indian Ocean frontage and several lakes. Part of the Ndumo-Tembe-Futi Transfrontier Conservation Area,...