Maputo National Park – Overview

Created in 2021, Maputo National Park amalgamated Maputo Special Reserve with a marine area bordering South Africa’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Managed by the Peace Parks Foundation, it protects a spectacular mosaic of grassland, forest, lagoons and beaches, along with southern Africa’s last naturally occurring coastal elephants. Such is the park’s ecological wealth, it became a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2025.

Best Time To Go

July to October (Animals are easy to find)

High Season

Mid-December to mid-January (South Africa's school holidays)

Size More info

1,700km² / 656mi²

Altitude More info

0-30m / 0-98ft

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Pros & Cons

• Wildlife viewing in a beautiful coastal setting
• Accommodations range from luxury beach resorts to simple campsites
• Stunning beaches
• Easily visited from the capital city of Maputo or the resort town of Ponta do Ouro
• 4x4 vehicle tracks for self-drive enthusiasts
• Marine wildlife including turtles, whales and dolphins
• Activities such as game drives, dune and beach walks, cycling and fishing
• Chance to support a great conservation effort and the local community
• Exceptional bird watching
• Relatively low wildlife numbers
• 4x4 vehicle driving skills required if self-driving
• Nearby beaches may get busy during South African school holidays

Wildlife

Maputo Special Reserve was created in 1932 to protect southern Africa’s last coastal elephant population, which now stands at 450 to 500 animals. Other wildlife, much of it translocated as part of a rewilding program, includes buffalo, giraffe, warthog, blue wildebeest and zebra. Reedbuck and impala are common in open habitats, while nyala and red duiker can be seen tiptoeing around forest patches. The lakes host healthy hippo and crocodile populations.

Scenery

As might be expected of a northern extension of South Africa's better-known iSimangaliso Wetlands, Maputo NP protects some absolutely stunning coastal scenery. A striking feature of the park is its pristine Indian Ocean beaches, a series of soft, sandy expanses hemmed in by tall forested dunes. Inland, a mosaic of tropical habitats includes rolling grassland, acacia savannah, sand forest and large freshwater lakes.

Activities

The park’s proximity to Maputo makes it ideal for a day trip from the capital city. Self-drive is an option if you have a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle, 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 see dolphins swim past or turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. Other activities include snorkeling 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, North America and Asia. 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.

Want To Visit Maputo NP?

• Tour Operators for Maputo NP