Marromeu National Reserve

Located along the warm Indian Ocean coast of Mozambique, halfway between Quirimbas Archipelago and Maputo National Reserve, is the Marromeu National Reserve. Famed for its buffalo herds and abundant populations of waterbirds, the reserve is popular with birders and day-trippers in search of wildlife.

Situated at the meeting point where the Zambezi River flows into the Indian Ocean, this picturesque reserve is mainly a floodplain characterised by swamps, grasslands and a mosaic of rivers. The destination is ideal for a safari focusing on spotting water-loving wildlife and unique birdlife. The 1,500 square kilometres of contrasting landscapes spill out over swathes of landscapes and picturesque coastlines.

The reserve lacks tourism infrastructure, therefore making it ideal only for day trips. It is about two hours from the town of Marromeu and is easily accessible from Beira city, which is home to an international airport.

The reserve supports diverse populations of wildlife because of its varied terrain comprising deltas, oceans and rivers. Renown for its wattled-crane sightings, the reserve is a breeding ground for these waders. Additionally, visitors can also spot great white pelicans, Goliath herons, Woolly-necked storks and Caspian terns. Marrameou National Reserve is a remarkable reserve for budding birders.

Land mammals include an array of antelope such as waterbuck, Burchell’s zebra, reedbuck, small elephant populations, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest and sable. The reserve’s claim to fame is its dense buffalo population, spotted in the waterways and grasslands.

The warm waters off the coast provide the ideal habitat for humpback whales, dolphins and other marine mammals.

The weather patterns of the Marromeu National Reserve are similar to the rest of Mozambique. The wet summer months drench the landscape with water, making the already rugged roads tricky to navigate. However, summer is when the migrant birds arrive and the ideal time for avid birders to visit. The swampy marshlands come alive with activity, and the waterways are jam-packed with waders. Summer is roughly from November to March.

Overall, the best time to visit is during the dry winter months when the roads are in better condition and it’s easier to spot game. A 4WD is needed to explore this rustic paradise.

Marromeu National Reserve is off the tourist route, which holds great appeal for many adventurous safari-goers. The reserve is mainly a self-drive destination popular with 4WD enthusiasts who enjoy endless landscapes with challenging roads. 4WDing trips and tours often venture in the reserve, where it’s possible to camp overnight.

Birders flock to the reserve to see breeding groups of woolly-necked storks, lifers and other significant wading birds. Birding is a highlight of visiting, and it never disappoints. It’s quite possible to organise birding tours into the reserve, which is only open to day visitors granted special permission to camp overnight.

There is no accommodation inside the reserve, apart from camping. Campers need to be completely self-sufficient and granted access from reserve management. The closest tourist city to stay in is Beira on the coast, where accommodation options are plentiful.

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com