Maputo Elephant Reserve (Reserva Especial de Maputo)
Maputo Elephant Reserve (Reserva Especial de Maputo)
Maputo Elephant Reserve (Reserva Especial de Maputo)
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Mozambique’s southern province of Maputo is home to this reserve, a sandy and humid habitat that is still working to replenish its wildlife population that was destroyed in 1970s civil wartime.
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4.0
107 reviews
Excellent
40
Very good
39
Average
19
Poor
5
Terrible
4
SusieWS
Maputo, Mozambique31 contributions
Aug 2021
We saw elephants, all kinds of ungulates, giraffes, warthogs, zebras and water buffalo, all from our car. It was wonderful. Drivers beware tho: The sandy tracks are treacherous and it is easy to get stuck. Be sure to get advice at the gate on what tracks to use.
Written 20 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GOTTLIEB1010
Bloemfontein, South Africa6 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
During May 2014 we wanted to drive from Ponto Malongane to Santa Maria through the park.
We were 4 vehicles with two passengers each. At the gate they wanted to charge us R 450.00 per vehicle. When we said that all the tariffs on the internet was R 210 per vehicle the official said that that is very old tariffs. We felt that this is exorbitant entrance fee for a reserve with no
facilities, bad 4X4 roads and very little game to see. We just came from the reserves in KZN where you pay R 120.00 per day for the same vehicle and passengers.We turned around and went back to Ponta Malongane. We checked the entrance log of the reserve and in the 5 days previously only one vehicle passed through the gate and that was someone on business. In my opinion not a sustainable situation. I recommend you stay away and visit somewhere else.
We were 4 vehicles with two passengers each. At the gate they wanted to charge us R 450.00 per vehicle. When we said that all the tariffs on the internet was R 210 per vehicle the official said that that is very old tariffs. We felt that this is exorbitant entrance fee for a reserve with no
facilities, bad 4X4 roads and very little game to see. We just came from the reserves in KZN where you pay R 120.00 per day for the same vehicle and passengers.We turned around and went back to Ponta Malongane. We checked the entrance log of the reserve and in the 5 days previously only one vehicle passed through the gate and that was someone on business. In my opinion not a sustainable situation. I recommend you stay away and visit somewhere else.
Written 3 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
heykhoury
Quintay, Chile23 contributions
The journey from Maputo city to Reserva Especial de Maputo is not one to be taken lightly. Setting out from the capital requires either crossing Maputo Bay to Catembe by ferry or detouring around the bay via surface roads and the village of Boane—a much longer option. A 4WD vehicle is an absolute must, for though the road from Catembe south is the principal north-south road to the South African border, in the dry season it is either severely pitted and rutted or deep, soft sand. Only for a few short kilometers is it sealed, and even then potholes are present. But it is a gorgeous road through southern Mozambique grasslands and forest. Arriving at the Reserva itself by way of a well-posted turn-off brings the feeling that you are truly isolated from it all; this is true southern African bush country. And, appropriately, you will need to be completely self-sufficient in the Reserva. After a brief check-in at the ranger station, where there is one functioning flush toilet, you proceed via a sandy track into the reserve. The views include thick brush, small meadows, dense forest, wide open savannahs, and fresh-water lakes. The road is deep sand for its length, and if you encounter another vehicle, it is required that one of you reverse until there is room to pass. The land is spectacular in the reserve. I saw about a dozen elephants in tall grass, though not at close range; my guide said we were extremely lucky to see elephants at all, given the horrors of poaching and civil war that the Reserva has suffered through the years. We saw several crocodiles in and along the shore of Lago Xingute, and also about 20 hippos in the same place. Birds, gazelles, and some smaller animals were ubiquitous. Seeing the elephants was a thrill, but most of the enjoyment of this place comes from the sheer isolation you feel within the pristine wilderness. And, as a reward, after driving 30 kilometers or so through the Reserva, cresting a final grassy hill brings a panoramic view of the aquamarine Indian Ocean, to which the sandy track arrives after curving down through more brush and thickets. The reserve's wilderness beach at Ponta Milibangalala is amazing; it's a long, crescent-shaped sandy beach with strong surf and tall sand dunes. It is also a perfect location for a quiet, seaside lunch, where you'll feel alone in the world (save a few campers scattered in the brush just back from the beach). The drive back through the Reserva to the main gate was no less spectacular than the drive in, and there is a separate loop road so you don't have to retrace the same steps. The sandy tracks through the reserve do have signs at most junctions, but I would recommend bringing a guide who knows the reserve well. Dana Tours in Maputo can recommend/arrange excellent guides. Don't expect the same up-close animal encounters as in large South African game parks, but do enjoy the reserve—it's absolutely worth the trip—and the feeling of being caught in a vast wilderness.
Written 19 August 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carla R
Maputo, Mozambique17 contributions
Jan 2018 • Family
Amazing landscapes, the scenario is magnificent. All rangers are very friendly and always willing to assist. It’s a plus that one has now tarred road all the way up to the main gate (except if coming from Kosy Bay/Ponta do Ouro). Once inside the park a 4x4 is required, preferably with high clearance. The only main concern to travelers is really the lack of signs, but if you follow the electricity posts you will not get lost
And yes, animals, we saw plenty elephants, zebras and giraffes. And lots of birds,some monkeys and pala palas.
Make sure you take sufficient water, food and petrol, there are no facilities inside the park, only restrooms at the gates and a small coffee shop at the main gate
Definitively worth a visit
And yes, animals, we saw plenty elephants, zebras and giraffes. And lots of birds,some monkeys and pala palas.
Make sure you take sufficient water, food and petrol, there are no facilities inside the park, only restrooms at the gates and a small coffee shop at the main gate
Definitively worth a visit
Written 14 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UsaJules
usa447 contributions
Jul 2013 • Couples
If you want to go just know that there are not many elephants at all. It is about a 3.5 hour journey from Maputo whether by ferry or by the bad road around the water (we did both routes). Also be prepared there are not any bathroom facilities!
Written 21 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vanessa M
Eshowe, Zululand96 contributions
Mar 2016 • Family
Having traveled Southern Africa fairly extensively and read all the reports on this reserve, we were somewhat disappointed. We didn't see much game (a few bokkies) but this was expected. The bird life was very disappointing with very little seen. Scenery I thought was very average. Varied between rolling grassland, coastal scrub and coastal forest.
We drove through the reserve in order to reach Ponta Mucombo north of the Reserve. The park transit fees were nothing short of exorbitant. I forget exact figures but cost in the region of R600 one way for 2 people to drive through.
Is a 4X4 essential? The going is tough in parts but with skill a 2X4 high rise bakkie can get through. It is important to have clearance and a smaller SUV such as a Rav is not advisable - would be very difficult in fact. We drove as 2 vehicles in convoy, one vehicle a 4x4 Mazda BT50, the other vehicle a 2X4 double cab Ford Ranger bakkie. Traveling North we needed to help the 2X4 in 2 places - specifically a long steep sandy hill. Traveling South the 2X4 (driven by a lady incidentally!) traveled through the park with a knowledge of sand driving and did not need assistance.
The road was badly corrugated in many parts.
A compressor is important to re-inflate tyres after letting them down whilst sand driving.
Be sure to take plenty drinking water.
If travelling around it is advisable to take extra fuel. Fuel is available in remote areas North of the park, but at a price as it is hauled across in containers from Maputo.
This review is written merely on observations while transiting the park, and not on any of the campsites along its beaches.
We had no option but to transit the park and were looking forward to this, however now if I needed to get from a to b and there were alternative options to transiting the park, I would chose the alternative.
We drove through the reserve in order to reach Ponta Mucombo north of the Reserve. The park transit fees were nothing short of exorbitant. I forget exact figures but cost in the region of R600 one way for 2 people to drive through.
Is a 4X4 essential? The going is tough in parts but with skill a 2X4 high rise bakkie can get through. It is important to have clearance and a smaller SUV such as a Rav is not advisable - would be very difficult in fact. We drove as 2 vehicles in convoy, one vehicle a 4x4 Mazda BT50, the other vehicle a 2X4 double cab Ford Ranger bakkie. Traveling North we needed to help the 2X4 in 2 places - specifically a long steep sandy hill. Traveling South the 2X4 (driven by a lady incidentally!) traveled through the park with a knowledge of sand driving and did not need assistance.
The road was badly corrugated in many parts.
A compressor is important to re-inflate tyres after letting them down whilst sand driving.
Be sure to take plenty drinking water.
If travelling around it is advisable to take extra fuel. Fuel is available in remote areas North of the park, but at a price as it is hauled across in containers from Maputo.
This review is written merely on observations while transiting the park, and not on any of the campsites along its beaches.
We had no option but to transit the park and were looking forward to this, however now if I needed to get from a to b and there were alternative options to transiting the park, I would chose the alternative.
Written 9 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AmyMoz
Maputo17 contributions
Jun 2012
I love the elephant reserve. Don't go to see animals, there are very few. Go because it's super fun to 4-wheel it in to the beach, and the beach is gorgeous. Pretty campsites, which are basic but you can hire women to bring water and firewood (thus eliminating the 2 biggest hassles of camping). They'll even heat the water up for a bucket bath for you. The beach is gorgeous, and sometimes the waves glow from bioluminescent bacteria. Excellent camping place.
Written 18 February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karendrc13
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo9 contributions
Dec 2013 • Friends
We booked a day trip with mosaic travel/bushland tours not only on very short notice but for Christmas day. They were very accommodating, the guide (Almero) knowledgeable and helpful. They warned we may see nothing, but we were lucky to see giraffed, zebra, gnu, and yes elephants as well as a fascinating array of ecosystems. All while provided with pick up from hotel, breakfast, lunch and good company.
Written 25 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex9Maputo
Hong Kong, China76 contributions
Apr 2013 • Friends
If you are looking for animals then I'm afraid that this is not the place for you....nor if you want luxury! But if you want long deserted beaches, stunning scenery and complete peace and tranquility then this is the place. We cheated and booked an experienced driver to help us navigate the unsigned dirt tracks, and avoid getting stuck. But am definately keen to go back again and put the 4 x 4 truck to good use !!! The camp sites are very basic, and all self catering, but there is plenty of local help available to hire for tent construction and dish washing etc....and yes we took the lazy option!
Written 11 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcel S
50 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
Please note you must have a 4x4 to get to Milibangala. The roads are tarred in South Africa to the border post at Kosi Bay, from there it's all sand roads, or heavily eroded, possibly civil war damaged formerly tar roads. Watch where the locals drive, that's the safest route.
We set up camp at Ponta Milibangalal. You can fish, snorkel, scuba and walk safely in most places but make sure to get your permit for fishing and other sports like boating before arrival to avoid any issues with the constabulary. The park rangers are friendly and most speak enough English to get by but Portuguese is probably a must for more complex discussions.
You have to take everything with you! There are vegetable and fruit food stalls as well as bottle stores but they are far apart and the alcohol is pricey. We packed our scuba gear but actually only used it once. We swam every day for 10 days in wetsuits (shorty's) by shore entry and witnessed dolphins frolicking in the bay who were happy to come within a few feet.
One of our group successfully caught fish in the bay every day and we ate like kings. Fresh water is pumped from an underground well (recently they have installed a solar powered pump) but you should boil it without exception to be safe.
While driving through the park we encountered armed militia on a few occasions. We found it's best to be polite but not interact with them unless they approached us. Another thing to keep an eye out for is the hundreds of small children who appear from nowhere calling out for sweets when you drive close to villages.
Under no circumstances should you drive on the beaches. It is a criminal offence to drive on the beach in Mozambique outside boat launching areas, be careful, the fines are payable in cash immediately and heavy!
We set up camp at Ponta Milibangalal. You can fish, snorkel, scuba and walk safely in most places but make sure to get your permit for fishing and other sports like boating before arrival to avoid any issues with the constabulary. The park rangers are friendly and most speak enough English to get by but Portuguese is probably a must for more complex discussions.
You have to take everything with you! There are vegetable and fruit food stalls as well as bottle stores but they are far apart and the alcohol is pricey. We packed our scuba gear but actually only used it once. We swam every day for 10 days in wetsuits (shorty's) by shore entry and witnessed dolphins frolicking in the bay who were happy to come within a few feet.
One of our group successfully caught fish in the bay every day and we ate like kings. Fresh water is pumped from an underground well (recently they have installed a solar powered pump) but you should boil it without exception to be safe.
While driving through the park we encountered armed militia on a few occasions. We found it's best to be polite but not interact with them unless they approached us. Another thing to keep an eye out for is the hundreds of small children who appear from nowhere calling out for sweets when you drive close to villages.
Under no circumstances should you drive on the beaches. It is a criminal offence to drive on the beach in Mozambique outside boat launching areas, be careful, the fines are payable in cash immediately and heavy!
Written 18 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good day I want to now the price to go in the Elephant Reserve to go on holiday to Santa maria
6 people and 2 bakkies and jetski please thank you
Written 4 February 2020
hi
sorry but I didn't see camp in this park!!
Written 2 September 2019
Hi guys, can I only go to the Maputo Elephant Reserve with an organised tour guide? If I just tune up will I find a tour guide with a 4X4 there?
Written 16 April 2019
A Tripadvisor member
Enschede, The Netherlands
Dear Belle,
No, you don't need an organised tour guide to travel around. What is necessary is a 4x4 vehicle (it is not allowed nor possible to drive around with a regular vehicle).
During my visit I didn't observe any organised tour guides with vehicles waiting at the entrance. It might be possible to arrange a tour from Maputo.
Personally I would recommend to drive by yourself, although when you are on your own and the car gets stuck or you get a flat tyre it might be tricky.
Written 17 April 2019
Good day,
Can you give me an indication of the cost for camping in the reserve over December?
Will we be able to take an off-road caravan?
Many thanks,
Rene
Written 2 October 2018
Is it possible to visit this reserve on one day from maputo with our own car without guide ?
Written 7 July 2018
Hi Kajtku, A friend of mine is taking a borrowed vehicle and is a bit concerned about scratching the vehicle going through forest areas. What was your experience?
Written 2 June 2018
Very easy to have the car scratched in some areas
Written 7 July 2018
bblaauw2018
Somerset West, South Africa
Hi we are planning to go to Santa Maria through Maputo Elephant Reserve. We are only 1 car and would like to go in July 2018. Please advice how long it would take from Ponto de Ouro through the park to Santa Maria. Also please comment if it is safe to go in one vehicle
Written 20 May 2018
A Tripadvisor member
Conifer, Colorado
Hi there. It can take a while. It is quicker to take the ferry from Maputo but the reserve is beautiful and there is a good chance to see elephant, hippo and other wildlife. The trip probably takes about 3 hours. Make sure you have essentials including extra water and gas.
Written 26 January 2019
Melt P
Durbanville, South Africa
Information re the facilities in the camp site and where to book for Maputo Elephant Reserve
Written 10 May 2018
I am trying to book at the Milibangalala camp site, but I am unable to find the contact details or persons to get this done. It is URGENT.
My contact details are Brenda Nel 072 212 7477
Written 11 May 2017
A Tripadvisor member
Conifer, Colorado
Nothing happens quickly in Mozambique. You must plan ahead. You can contact the Park System in Maputo if you do not have luck contacting the park directly.
Written 22 April 2018
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