Maputo Special Reserve
Finding the Entrance – Futi Gate
From Kosibay / Farazul
From the border, the entrance to the reserve is approximately 40km away.
Head out on the tar road and continue straight. The reserve begins about 10km before your turn-off; you’ll know you’re there when you cross a cattle grid and encounter numerous speed bumps.
Please note that the speed limit within the reserve is 50km/h on the tar road.
As you near the end of the reserve, easily identified by the guard house, look for a paved road branching off to the right. This is your turn-off. Turn right and follow the road to the gate.
Additionally, please be aware that there is one toll gate on this route.
Ponta do Ouro – 130 MZN
From Maputo / Katembe
From the Katembe Bridge, the entrance to the reserve is about 77km away. Head south along the N1 towards Ponta do Ouro.
You will pass through Bela Vista and then Salamanga. Just after the Futi River, you will see the entrance to the reserve ahead of you. This is not the payment point, so drive through this gate. Approximately 100m past the gate, you will see a paved road branching off to the left. This is your turn-off. Turn left and follow the road to the gate.
Please note that there are two toll gates on this road:
Katembe – 125 MZN
Bela Vista – 100 MZN
Information about the Maputo Special reserve
- Entrance fee is determined by the passport you hold and vehicle registration.
- You can pay by card or cash. (Meticals, Rands and Dollars are accepted)
- Keep your receipt as you will need it when you exit the park.
Tips
- Deflate your tyres to 1.8 or 1.6 bar, if you get stuck deflate them some more. remember to deflate your trailers tyres too.
- Momentum is your friend, go as fast as possible but as slow as necessary and don’t stop in thick sand
- There is little to no cell signal in the reserve, if you see someone in trouble stop and offer help. You may need their help soon.
Emergency Numbers
- +258 85 509 6721
- +258 86 668 6317
Penalties and fees apply for non-compliance and recovery attempts
Entrance Times
Summer: October – March
06:00 – 18:00
No entry allowed after 16:00 without prior arrangements
Winter: April – September
07:00 – 17:00
No entry allowed after 16:00 without prior arrangements
Driving through the Maputo Special reserve
Driving Through Maputo National Reserve
It’s highly recommended that you only drive through Maputo National Reserve with a high clearance 4×4, and ensure that the driver has some 4×4 experience.
From the gate to Santa Maria is about 67km, which will take you between 3 to 4 hours. (No, I am not smoking anything, it is a long journey but the destination is worth it!) Please give yourself enough time to travel through the reserve and reach Santa Maria during daylight hours. Our rule of thumb is if we are not in the reserve by 15:00, we don’t enter.
Remember, there is almost no cell signal for most of the way, so other travelers are your best friends and often your only help if needed.
Directions
Upon entering the gate, stay to the right. Follow the road for about 5 to 7 km. The addition of red sand to the surface has helped with the thick sand, but it is still slow going, especially when it is wet. You will come to a large opening (it’s a marsh) with a fork in the middle (signposted 4).
It is highly recommended to take the right fork, towards the power lines. The left fork is shorter but passes through wet marsh and forest areas with protruding roots, which often cause sidewall damage.
Follow the power lines for the next 60km (they end in Santa Maria).
About 40km in, you will reach the Entrada de Machangulo gate (see co-ordinates above) where they will ask for your entrance receipt. Once they have checked your paperwork, you will continue towards Santa Maria.
Avoid driving in the mangroves as it damages the ecosystem and can result in heavy fines. Additionally, the seemingly dry surface can be deceptive, hiding thick, black, muddy gunk beneath.
Keep following the power lines for the next 28km, which will lead you straight to Santa Maria.