Established
1960
Size
1,040 km²
Elevation
0–150 m
Ecosystem
Coastal Forest, Wetland, Savanna
Best Time
April – November
Entry Fee
$10 per adult/day
About Maputo Special Reserve
Maputo Special Reserve is Mozambique's most accessible wildlife destination — a unique combination of Big Five bush safari and Indian Ocean beach that is just 2 hours from the capital Maputo. The reserve's 1,040 km² of coastal forest, swamps, and savanna support a growing population of elephants (reintroduced from South Africa), hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. The adjacent Ponta do Ouro Marine Reserve protects pristine coral reefs and a resident pod of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins that can be encountered on swim-with-dolphin experiences. This bush-meets-beach combination is unique in southern Africa.
What Makes It Special
Bush and beach in one
Dolphin swim experiences
Turtle nesting beaches
2 hours from Maputo
Elephant reintroduction success
Wildlife & Species
Things to Do
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season
Best wildlife viewing
AprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov
Shoulder Season
Fewer crowds, good value
MarDec
Green Season
Lush landscapes, birding
JanFeb
Where to Stay
Anvil Bay
LuxuryEco-luxury beach lodge within the reserve with ocean chalets and bush activities.
From $400/night / night
Ponta do Ouro Beach Resort
Mid-RangeBeachfront resort with diving center and dolphin encounter bookings.
From $100/night / night
Maputo Reserve Campsite
BudgetBasic bush camping in the reserve with self-drive game viewing.
From $15/night / night
Safari Packages
4-Day Maputo Bush & Beach Safari
Game drives in the reserve plus dolphin swims and snorkeling on the coast
3-Day Maputo Marine & Wildlife
Elephant encounters by day, dolphin swims and diving by afternoon