Maputo National Park
Overview
Mozambique Parks
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt guide to Mozambique.
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 inhabited by southern Africa’s last naturally occurring coastal elephants. Thousands of other animals have been translocated since 2010 as part of a rewilding program.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
Maputo Special Reserve was created in 1932 to protect southern Africa’s last coastal elephants, numbers of which have increased to 450–500 animals. Other wildlife includes buffalo, giraffe, warthog, blue wildebeest and zebra, which can often be seen grazing together. Reedbuck and impala are common in open habitats, while nyala and red duiker can be seen tiptoeing around in forest patches. There are healthy hippo and crocodile populations in the lakes.
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.
