Maputo Special Reserve (Reserva Especial de Maputo)

The basics

As well as the elephants you’d likely expect, given its former name Maputo Elephant Reserve, the park is home to hippos, zebra, cheetahs, antelope, and small bucks, including red duiker, suni, reedbuck, and steenbok, as well as many species of birds, including kingfishers and fish eagles. Unusually for a safari destination, the reserve lies on the ocean, offering the possibility of exploring both the bush and Indian Ocean coastline on the same day. Travelers can opt for a day tour of the reserve from Maputo or a multi-day tour, which includes several game drives and tented overnight accommodations.

Things to know before you go

• There is an entrance fee per vehicle and visitor.

• Visitors must remain in their vehicles while in the reserve.

• Poaching remains an issue. Report suspicious activity to the park’s security rangers.

• Remember that elephants have the right of way. If they approach your vehicle, back up slowly, keeping a safe distance.

How to get there

It takes around 2.5 hours to drive southeast from Maputo to Maputo Special Reserve—a newly paved road has cut the travel time in half in recent years. A 4WD vehicle is necessary to drive on the reserve’s loose sandy trails. Book a guided tour for the best experience and in-depth insights into the reserve’s fauna.

When to get there

The best time to visit Maputo Special Reserve is during the dry season, from May to October. During this period, temperatures are cooler, days are typically sunny, and wildlife congregates around water holes, increasing your chances of spotting them. Additionally, the roads generally are in better condition during the dry season.

Landscape

Maputo Special Reserve is notable for its great variety of landscapes, which give visitors a taste of Africa's diversity. Within the reserve, there are swamp and mangrove forests, grasslands, and wetlands, as well as a stretch of the Indian Ocean with stunning white-sand beaches.