Maputo Special Reserve Safaris

Where Ocean Meets Savannah: Mozambique’s Coastal Wilderness.

High Season

June to September

Size

Approx 1,040 square kilometres

Altitude

Sea level to 150 metres 

Maputo Special Reserve Safari Holidays

Wild Shores and Open Plains on the Edge of the Indian Ocean

Maputo Special Reserve is one of those rare places where the rhythm of waves and the call of the wild blend into one.

Situated just south of Mozambique’s capital, it’s a landscape where rolling grasslands spill into palm-fringed lagoons, and elephants wander against a backdrop of turquoise sea. Here, sandy tracks lead past hippo-filled lakes, pods of dolphins cresting offshore, and herds of zebra grazing within sight of the beach.

For travellers who want the exhilaration of safari without straying far from the coast, Maputo Special Reserve is an untamed gem waiting to be explored.

Why Visit Maputo Special Reserve?

Maputo Special Reserve offers a safari experience unlike anywhere else in southern Africa.

You’ll swap distant horizons for a unique meeting of ecosystems — coastal forest, freshwater lakes, open savannah, and marine-rich shoreline.

The park’s elephant herds are thriving, often seen alongside giraffe, wildebeest, and abundant birdlife.

Accessibility is another bonus: you can be watching wildlife here within hours of landing in Maputo. Add in its role as part of the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area, linking Mozambique, South Africa, and Eswatini, and you have a destination where every visit supports a bigger conservation vision.

Wildlife and Nature

The park’s habitats are a magnet for diverse wildlife.

Towering elephants roam in family groups, joined by plains game like zebra, kudu, and reedbuck. Hippos wallow in glinting lakes, while Nile crocodiles bask on their banks.

Birders can look for fish eagles, flamingos, and rare coastal species like the African finfoot.

Offshore, the marine protected area shelters dolphins and seasonal humpback whales, and the beaches are important nesting grounds for turtles.

The variety of life here — from terrestrial giants to delicate shorebirds — makes every game drive and coastal walk full of possibility.

Best Time to Visit Maputo Special Reserve

The dry season from May to October is the best time for wildlife viewing, as grasses are shorter and animals congregate around the park’s lakes and lagoons.

Temperatures are warm but comfortable, with less humidity than in the summer months. 

June to September is high season, coinciding with humpback whale migration along the coast and superb birdwatching.

The wet season from November to April brings lush scenery, dramatic skies, and fewer visitors, though heavier rains can make some roads challenging.

For photographers, the green season’s contrasts between stormy skies and golden dunes can be spectacular.

Safari Experiences in Maputo Special Reserve

Tracking Elephants Across Coastal Plains: Set out in the early morning when the mist still hangs over the lakes and the elephants begin their day. Watch as they move between freshwater lagoons, feeding on reeds and palm fronds along the way. Guides share insights into their behaviour and the conservation efforts that protect them here. Midday sightings can bring encounters with younger bulls enjoying a muddy wallow. As the light softens in the afternoon, the sight of elephants silhouetted against the ocean horizon is unforgettable.

Birdwatching in Lagoons and Wetlands: With over 350 recorded species, Maputo Special Reserve is a rewarding destination for birders year-round. Early mornings bring the haunting call of fish eagles and the flash of malachite kingfishers. Flamingos often gather in large numbers, their pink reflections rippling in the water. You might spot the elusive African finfoot paddling silently under overhanging branches. Whether from a hide or the comfort of a 4x4, every stop offers a new feathered highlight.

Beach and Bush in One Day: Few parks allow you to spend the morning spotting giraffe and wildebeest, then head straight to an untouched beach for a barefoot stroll. The reserve’s coastline is a protected marine area where dolphins play in the surf and sea turtles come ashore to nest. Spend time beachcombing, swimming in warm shallows, or simply relaxing under a palm tree with the sound of waves in your ears. The contrast between savannah and sea makes each day here a multi-sensory adventure.

Exploring the Lubombo Transfrontier Route: Maputo Special Reserve is part of a vast conservation area linking three countries. Travel along the Lubombo route to see how wildlife corridors connect this reserve to South Africa’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Eswatini’s reserves. Along the way, you’ll cross varied landscapes, from coastal forests to river valleys, learning about the cooperative conservation projects that safeguard this unique region. The journey deepens your appreciation of the park’s role in a bigger ecological story.

Where to Stay in Maputo Special Reserve

Staying inside or near Maputo Special Reserve means waking to bird calls and falling asleep to the distant crash of waves.

Options range from simple, eco-friendly stays to indulgent coastal lodges.

• Luxury Coastal Lodges — Private villas or suites with ocean views, infinity pools, and fine dining, often including guided safari activities.
• Tented Safari Camps — Comfortable canvas tents set close to prime wildlife areas, combining rustic charm with modern amenities.
• Community-Run Eco-Lodges — Locally operated properties that channel profits into conservation and community development.

We have access to a wide range of handpicked accommodation options in Maputo Special Reserve — from rustic eco-camps and authentic bush lodges to stylish coastal retreats. If you don’t see the exact lodge or camp you’re looking for, just let us know — we’re able to arrange a variety of stays to suit different tastes, travel styles, and budgets.

A Selection of our Maputo Special Reserve Safari Accommodation

We have access to a wide range of handpicked accommodation options — from rustic eco-camps and authentic bush lodges to stylish tented retreats with breathtaking views. If you don’t see the exact lodge or camp you’re looking for, just let us know — we can arrange a variety of stays to suit different tastes, travel styles, and budgets.

Average Weather and Climate in Maputo Special Reserve

Maputo Special Reserve has a warm, subtropical climate influenced by its coastal position, making it pleasant to visit most of the year.

Here’s what to expect month by month:

• January: Hot, humid, with afternoon storms; lush and green, excellent for birding.
• February: Similar to January; high humidity, vibrant landscapes, fewer visitors.
• March: Rainfall decreases; migratory birds still present, warm seas.
• April: End of wet season; comfortable days, cooler nights, good wildlife activity.
• May: Dry season begins; 20–27°C days, clear skies, increasing sightings.
• June: Peak dry; crisp mornings, concentrated game, start of whale season.
• July: Cool and clear; whales visible offshore, superb birding conditions.
• August: Warm, dry, excellent for combined bush and beach activities.
• September: Temperatures rise slightly; wildlife plentiful, whale migration continues.
• October: Hotter days, still dry; great time for both land and marine viewing.
• November: First rains return; landscapes green up, migratory birds arrive.
• December: Hot, humid, turtle nesting on beaches, rich birdlife.

Whatever the month, the blend of marine and terrestrial wildlife means Maputo Special Reserve always has something remarkable to offer.

Combine with Other Destinations

Maputo Special Reserve pairs effortlessly with Mozambique’s southern coast, especially Ponta do Ouro for world-class diving and marine encounters.

It also connects well with South Africa’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park just across the border, making for a unique two-country safari and marine adventure.



For a longer itinerary, add the Bazaruto Archipelago for a luxury island escape or venture north to Gorongosa for a more traditional wildlife safari. Talk to us about creating a custom itinerary.

Travelling from the UK to Maputo

From London, the quickest route is to fly to Maputo via Johannesburg, taking around 14–16 hours including layovers.

From Maputo, the reserve is a 2–3 hour drive south along the coast, making it one of the most accessible safari destinations in Mozambique.

Transfers can be arranged in a comfortable 4x4, and self-drive is also possible for confident travellers.

For a seamless experience, we recommend combining your visit with a stay in Maputo city before or after your safari.

Discover the Wild, Your Way: Tailor Your Maputo Safari with Us

Where else can you watch elephants against an ocean backdrop in the morning and swim with dolphins in the afternoon? Maputo Special Reserve is a place of contrasts, connections, and unspoilt beauty.



Talk to us about the experiences you’ve always dreamed of. We’ll match you with handpicked lodges, expert local guides, and authentic adventures that bring Maputo Special Reserve to life.

Speak to one of our safari specialists today — call us or fill out our quick enquiry form, and let’s start planning your tailor-made adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions