DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Maputo Special Reserve

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Animal habitat
—°1
Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)

Weather…

Maputo Special Reserve, formerly known as the Maputo Elephant Reserve, spans approximately 1,040 square kilometers in the Matutuíne District of southern Mozambique. Established in 1932 to protect the region's remaining elephant herds, the reserve has evolved into a diverse ecological mosaic featuring coastal lakes, wetlands, mangroves, and dense dune forests. It is a cornerstone of the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area, linking Mozambique with South Africa and Eswatini to promote regional biodiversity. Over the last decade, a major rewilding project led by the Peace Parks Foundation has reintroduced thousands of animals, including zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and buffalos, restoring the natural balance of the ecosystem. The Futi Corridor is a defining geographic feature, providing a natural migration path for elephants between the reserve and South Africa's Tembe Elephant Park. Today, the reserve is a prime example of successful conservation management and is increasingly popular for ecotourism due to its unique combination of savannah wildlife and pristine Indian Ocean coastline, located just south of the capital city.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262625232119192022232426
Rain mm15110310468231917173253104126

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The best time to visit Maputo Special Reserve is during the dry season from May to October, when animals concentrate around remaining waterholes. In the rainy season from November to April, vegetation is denser and wildlife harder to spot.
🌅
Best time of day
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light and temperature conditions for elephant and bird watching. During the midday heat, most animals rest in the shade.
📜
Etiquette
Always stay in your vehicle unless otherwise instructed, and keep a safe distance of at least 20 meters from elephants. Feeding animals is strictly prohibited.
🎒
What to bring
Binoculars with 8x to 10x magnification are convenient for spotting coastal birds and elephant herds. A camera with telephoto lens and plenty of sun protection are also recommended.
🧭
Getting there
The reserve is located about 90 kilometers south of Maputo and is accessible with a 4x4 vehicle. Access roads are often sandy, so four-wheel drive is strongly recommended.
🦌
What to expect
Elephants are common but patience is needed to spot them bathing or in the coastal forests. Plan for several hours on game drives and also enjoy the birdlife.

Geography

Coordinates
-26.35000, 32.65000

Facts

  • Originally established as an elephant reserve in 1932.
  • Covers an area of 1,040 square kilometers.
  • Key part of the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area.
  • Home to a coastal population of over 400 elephants.
  • Features the vital Futi elephant migration corridor.
  • Located in the Matutuíne District of Maputo Province.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

CatembeCatembe33 km · EExplore →
Church of Santo António da PolanaChurch of Santo António da Polana36 km · EExplore →
Nucleo de ArteNucleo de Arte36 km · EExplore →
Maputo-Katembe BridgeMaputo-Katembe Bridge36 km · EExplore →
Maputo BayMaputo Bay37 km · NEExplore →
Maputo Botanical GardenMaputo Botanical Garden38 km · EExplore →
Monument to the Mozambican WomanMonument to the Mozambican Woman38 km · EExplore →
Xipamanine MarketXipamanine Market40 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Maputo Special Reserve (1)

Matutuíne District📍 landmark

Matutuíne District is in southern Mozambique, near the South African border. Its area includes coastal and inland landscapes.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How to get to the reserve?
Best by 4x4 vehicle directly from Maputo.
What can you see here?
Elephants, hippos, and a huge bird diversity.
Do you need your own car?
Your own vehicle or a private guide is advisable.
When is the best time?
The dry season (May, September) makes wildlife viewing easier.
Are there sanitary facilities?
Only very rudimentary facilities; be self-sufficient.
Maputo Special Reserve: where is it located?
Maputo Special Reserve is located in Mozambique.
Maputo Special Reserve: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
Maputo Special Reserve: why is it worth visiting?
Maputo Special Reserve, formerly known as the Maputo Elephant Reserve, spans approximately 1,040 square kilometers in the Matutuíne District of southern Mozambique.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Mozambique →

Nearby cities

Maputo — Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)
Maputo
Capital and largest city of Mozambique, located on the Indian Ocean.
Catembe — Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)
Catembe
A charming coastal suburb across the bay from Maputo, known for its skyline views and seafood.
Matola — Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)
Matola
Largest suburb of Maputo and a major industrial center in Mozambique.
Ponta Mamoli — Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)
Ponta Mamoli
An exclusive luxury destination with pristine beaches, known for its tranquility and sea turtles.
Inhaca Island — Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)
Inhaca Island
A diverse marine sanctuary off the coast of Maputo, known for coral reefs and marine biology research.
Boane — Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)
Boane
A town in Maputo Province known for its military base and agriculture.
Ponta Malongane — Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)
Ponta Malongane
A diver's and camper's paradise nestled in a coastal forest with spectacular offshore reefs.
Ponta do Ouro — Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)
Ponta do Ouro
A vibrant seaside resort famous for dolphin encounters, surfing, and its lively holiday atmosphere.
Macaneta — Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)
Macaneta
A beautiful peninsula near Maputo, known for its wide sandy beaches and the mouth of the Incomati River.
Marracuene — Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)
Marracuene
A historic town located on the banks of the Incomati River near Maputo.
Namaacha — Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)
Namaacha
A town situated in the Lebombo Mountains, near the border with Eswatini.

History & landmarks

Nucleo de Arte — Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)
Nucleo de Arte
An influential art center where local artists work and exhibit their pieces.
Maputo-Katembe Bridge — Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)
Maputo-Katembe Bridge
The longest suspension bridge in Africa, spanning the Maputo Bay.
Monument to the Mozambican Woman — Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)
Monument to the Mozambican Woman
A monument honoring the role of women in Mozambican society and history.
Xipamanine Market — Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)
Xipamanine Market
One of the largest and most traditional open-air markets in Maputo.
Estádio Nacional do Zimpeto — Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)
Estádio Nacional do Zimpeto
The largest sports stadium in Mozambique, used for various sporting events.

More places

🗺️
Natural History Museum Maputo
Exciting animal exhibits for kids.
Maputo Bay — Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)
Maputo Bay
A large bay on the coast of Mozambique near the capital, Maputo.
Maputo Botanical Garden — Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)
Maputo Botanical Garden
A beautiful garden for children to relax.
🗺️
Lebombo Mountains
A long, narrow mountain range along the border with South Africa.
🗺️
Mount Moamba
A prominent mountain near Maputo.
🗺️
Incomati Valley
A fertile valley in the Maputo province.
Church of Santo António da Polana — Maputo Special Reserve (Mozambique)
Church of Santo António da Polana
Unique modernist church in the shape of a lemon squeezer.
🗺️
Matola Cement Factory
The largest building materials production facility in the nation.