Maputo Special Reserve, Protected coastal area in Maputo Province, Mozambique
Maputo Special Reserve is a protected coastal area in Mozambique that contains lakes, wetlands, swamp forests, grasslands, and mangrove forests. The landscape spans thousands of square kilometers and offers varied habitats for wildlife along Maputo Bay.
The area was established in 1932 as an elephant reserve to protect wildlife. The Mozambican Civil War from 1975 to 1992 caused severe animal losses, from which the area has since recovered.
The reserve shares tourism revenue with nearby communities and works with them on conservation efforts. This partnership shows how protecting nature and supporting local people can happen together.
A four-wheel-drive vehicle is needed because the trails are sandy and difficult to travel. Visit times change with the seasons, so check conditions before you go.
The area has been restocked with wildlife including hundreds of elephants that now roam freely across the landscape. These reintroduction programs show how damaged ecosystems can be restored.
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