Set off the beaten track, the Special Elephant Reserve, referred to as the Maputo Elephant Reserve until 1969, was established in 1960 to protect the elephant population in the region. Now, one of earth's 36 biologically richest and most endangered ecoregions, the Maputo Special Reserve is a crucial component of the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation and Resource Area. Measuring just under 1,500 km², this expansive region links a mosaic of marine, coastal and inland landscapes that offer significant conservation value and potential for high-value tourism. Home to exquisite lakes, floodplains, mangrove swamps, woodlands, and forested dunes sweeping down to unspoilt golden sand beaches, this beautiful piece of untouched wilderness provides a sanctuary for an extraordinarily diverse array of African wildlife, including impressive flocks of vibrant flamingos and exotic birds. Keep an eye out for leopard, antelope, crocodile, hippo, side-striped jackal, zebra, kudu, baboon and bushpig. It is also renowned for its population of over 400 elephants that graze in large herds on the open floodplains or explore the dense dune forests.
