Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Maputo Special Reserve
En route to Ponta d'Ouro and just two hours from the capital is the 90-sq-km
Maputo
Special Reserve
(adult/child/vehicle Mtc200/100/200)
, which runs along a spectacularly
beautiful and completely isolated stretch of coastline. It was gazetted in 1969 to protect
the local elephant population (about 350 in the late 1970s), plus several turtle species.
Until recently it was known as the Maputo Elephant Reserve. The ele- phants, who
suffered from the effects of the war and poaching, are estimated to number only about 180
today - most quite skittish and seldom seen, but planned restocking should improve
chances of sightings. There are also small populations of antelope, hippo and smaller an-
imals. The main attractions are the pristine wilderness feel - it offers a true bush adven-
ture close to the capital - and the birding. Over 300 different types of birds have been
identified, including fish eagles and many wetland species. The coastline here is also an
important nesting area for loggerhead and leatherback turtles; peak breeding season is
November to January.
The heart of the reserve is
Ponta Milibangalala
, about 35km from the main gate along
the sea. While there are few spots that can rival the beauty of the coastline here, the bush
road in from the gate is also interesting, as it passes through the reserve's rich diversity of
habitats, including woodlands, grasslands and dry forest.
Although rehabilitation is scheduled - in conjunction with the planned extension of the
reserve, and its ultimate merger with South Africa's Tembe Elephant Park - there are cur-
rently no facilities, apart from a basic beachside
camping ground
(campsite adult/child
Mtc200/100)
at Ponta Milibangalala. You'll need to be completely self-sufficient, includ-
ing food and water (water suitable for washing is sometimes available at the main en-
trance). There's also an area at the main entrance next to the reserve office where you can
pitch a tent, although almost everyone goes further in to camp along the beach. A lodge is
scheduled to open in the park within the next several years; check
www.anvilbay.com
for
updates.
Outside the reserve, about 8km south of Salamanga town and signposted along the road
to Ponta d'Ouro, is the community run
Tsakane ka Madjadjane
( 82-215 1360; camp-
site per person w/ own tent Mtc150/250, dm Mtc300, s/d Mtc500/750)
. It offers very ba-
sic accommodation and the chance to arrange cultural activities, including learning about
honey harvesting and mat weaving. Advance bookings are recommended.
Continuing north within the reserve, past its northern boundary and on to the tip of the
Machangula Peninsula, brings you to
Ponta Torres Nhonguane Lodge
( 84-318 2443;
www.nhonguanelodge.co.za
;
4-person tent Mtc4000, self-catering houses per person from
about Mtc2000)
on Cape Santa Maria, with large safari-style tents and well-equipped self-
