Plizio Visual Lab

Limpopo National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

Limpopo National Park covers approximately 1,123,300 hectares in southwestern Mozambique, forming a vital component of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. Originally designated as a hunting concession known as Coutada 16 in 1932, it was officially upgraded to national park status on November 27, 2001. The terrain is characterized by vast mopane woodlands, sandveld communities, and the alluvial plains of the Shingwedzi River, which provide essential habitats for diverse wildlife. It serves as a strategic corridor for the movement of large mammals, including elephants, lions, and buffalo, between South Africa's Kruger National Park and Zimbabwe's Gonarezhou National Park. Extensive rewilding efforts and community resettlement programs have been implemented to restore ecological balance and mitigate human-wildlife conflict. Today, the park is a focal point for transboundary conservation initiatives and sustainable ecotourism development in Gaza Province, offering visitors a rugged and authentic wilderness experience while protecting regional biodiversity.

Location: Mozambique
Nearby: Massingir (26 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	28	27	25	22	20	20	22	25	27	28	29
Rain mm	119	82	74	42	12	15	10	6	11	27	62	126

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The best time to visit is the dry season from April to October when animals gather at waterholes. In the wet season, vegetation is dense and wildlife viewing is harder.

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Best time of day

Dawn and dusk are the most active times for wildlife viewing. In the midday heat, most animals retreat to the shade.

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Etiquette

Always stay in your vehicle while driving through the park, and do not feed animals. Maintain a safe distance of at least 20 meters.

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What to bring

Binoculars and a camera with zoom are essential for game drives. Comfortable clothing, a hat, and sun protection are recommended due to strong sun.

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Getting there

The park is reached via the EN1 from Maputo; a 4×4 vehicle is recommended. There are several entrance gates, with the main gate near Massingir town.

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What to expect

Large mammals like elephants and lions are not always easy to find - patience and persistence pay off. Plan at least two full days for a game drive.

Geography

Coordinates

-23.71000, 32.33000

Facts

Covers an area of 11,233 square kilometers.
Established as a national park in November 2001.
Forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.
Shares a long border with Kruger National Park.
Features the Shingwedzi River as a primary water source.
Managed as a key biodiversity corridor in Southern Africa.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Massingir26 km · SWExplore →

Massingir Lake31 km · SWExplore →

Limpopo wildlife school46 km · SWExplore →

Gaza educational farm77 km · WExplore →

Gaza Plain79 km · NExplore →

Banhine National Park85 km · NEExplore →

Kruger forest areas96 km · SExplore →

Kruger National Park99 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Which animals are seen most often?

Elephants, antelopes, and many bird species are common.

Is a 4x4 needed?

Yes, a 4x4 vehicle is essential for the park roads.

Are there camping options?

Yes, there are designated wild camping spots.

When does the park close?

The gates usually close at sunset.

Do you need a visa for the park?

Not for the park itself, but for entry into Mozambique.

Limpopo National Park: where is it located?

Limpopo National Park is located in Mozambique.

Limpopo National Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

Limpopo National Park: why is it worth visiting?

Limpopo National Park covers approximately 1,123,300 hectares in southwestern Mozambique, forming a vital component of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →