Maputo Special Reserve: A Haven for Wildlife Conservation and Adventure
Please note that The View @ Santa Maria is not affiliated with the Maputo Special Reserve, thus this information is subject to change without prior notice, despite our efforts to keep our information up to date.
Established in 1960, the 24,000-hectare Maputo Special Reserve stands as one of the world’s most endangered eco-regions. Despite suffering during the civil war from 1975 to 1992, where mines and snares harmed its wildlife, ongoing restoration efforts, including cross-border translocation programs between South Africa and Mozambique, have been successful. Today, the reserve boasts a thriving population, with over 400 elephants roaming its lakes, wetlands, swamp forests, grasslands, and mangrove forests.
Tourists, drawn to the opportunity of adventurous game drives amidst elephants, hippos, crocodiles, antelope, zebras, and giraffes, contribute to maintaining biodiversity and supporting ongoing restoration.
A significant milestone was the reintroduction of cheetahs in October 2021, enhancing the reserve’s biodiversity. However, challenges persist, including the ever-present threat of poaching and snare traps. To address this, a dedicated force of well-equipped game rangers patrols the reserve, aided by a state-of-the-art operations room and digital communication devices.
The reserve’s rules emphasise respect for wildlife, including maintaining a safe distance from elephants and refraining from disruptive behaviours. Entrance fees are applicable, and it’s crucial to adhere to opening times (06h00 – 17h00 in Summer, 07h00 – 16h00 in Winter).
You will need a 4×4 to navigate the loose sandy trails of the game reserve to reach your destination within. Before entering the reserve, reduce your tire pressures down to 1.5 or 1.4 bar. There are also tire guage and compressor facilities to check your tire pressures and pump them back up to normal tire pressures upon exiting the reserve back on tar roads. If possible, bring your own compressor in case the reserve’s entrance compressor is out of order otherwise you can get your tires pumped up at the Puma Filling Station 24km north in Bela Vista.
As visitors traverse the reserve’s sandy trails, helpful signposts guide them to various destinations.
Overall, the Maputo Special Reserve stands not only as a testament to successful conservation efforts but also as a picturesque destination where wildlife and responsible tourism coexist.