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.
Marromeu National Reserve (also known as Marromeu Buffalo Reserve) was originally proclaimed to protect one of the densest buffalo populations in the world. Unfortunately, these numbers have dwindled dramatically, and so have the densities of other wildlife in the reserve. The birdlife however is fantastic and Marromeu supports the densest waterbird population in the country. A highlight are the many breeding pairs of wattled cranes. There are currently no tourist facilities but self-drive visitors with a 4x4 can explore this underdeveloped reserve.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
A change in ecology – when several dams were built along the Zambezi River that reduced the natural flooding of the land – depleted wildlife numbers in the reserve. The civil war also took its toll, as it did on all the parks in Mozambique. Wildlife numbers are slowly increasing in the area though, and animals present include buffalo, elephant, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, zebra, waterbuck and sable. There might still be small numbers of leopard and lion as well.
Scenery
The reserve is located on the southern side of the Zambezi Delta where the Zambezi River flows into the Indian ocean. The terrain mostly consists of grassland and seasonal swamps crossed by numerous rivers and streams.
Weather & Climate
The weather and climate of Marromeu National Reserve is comparable to that of Mozambique in general. More info:
Best Time to Visit
Marromeu National Reserve is best visited in the dry winter months from June to October. The roads might be very difficult to navigate in the wet summer months, but this is when the birdlife in the swamps will be best.
Getting There
Marromeu National Reserve is a self-drive destination, accessible by 4x4 only. Even in a 4x4, it is not advised to go there in the rainy season from November to May as the roads can deteriorate badly. The reserve is about 400km/250mi from Beira.
Health & Safety
Please read our vaccinations and malaria page for Mozambique, and our general wildlife viewing safety precautions page for more info: