Maputo in 4 days: Elephant Safari, Marine Safari, and Beach

Highlights

• Follow elephants on a land safari and spot dolphins on a marine safari
• Explore Maputo beyond the usual tour guide and the FEIMA market
• Share a meal with a Mozambican family or host, not a buffet
• Stop at a traditional fishing village on the way south
• End the trip in the white dunes of Ponta do Ouro, with time to relax,

Description

Most trips to southern Mozambique force you to choose: the savanna or the beach, the reserve or the reef, the postcard sights or the real country. This 4-day trip doesn't ask you to choose. It starts in Maputo, not the version most visitors see, but the city as the locals experience it: its markets, its art, its street food. From there, we head to the Maputo Special Reserve, one of the only places in the world where it is possible to go on a land safari and a marine safari in the same protected area on the same day: elephants moving through the dune forest in the morning, dolphins jumping in the waves offshore in the afternoon. The trip ends in Ponta do Ouro, where the pace finally slows down: white sand, warm water, and nothing to do but enjoy. Day 1: Maputo, Beyond the Tour Guide Arrival and an afternoon exploring the true character of Maputo: the FEIMA market, away from the more touristy stalls, a stop at a local artists' cooperative to see work in progress, and a ride on a chapa (flatbed truck) as an experience in itself, not just as transportation. Dinner with a local family or community host, followed by an overnight stay in Maputo. Day 2: Double Safari: Land and Sea Full day inside the Maputo Special Reserve. Morning game drive looking for elephants, antelopes, and birds in the reserve's wetlands, pastures, and dune forest. In the afternoon, a marine safari along the coast in search of dolphins, with the possibility of sea turtles depending on the season. Overnight stay in or near the reserve. Day 3: Village Life on the Way South Departure in the morning towards the coast, with a stop at a traditional fishing village to see artisanal fishing nets and hear the history of the community, a detour that most operators completely ignore. Arrival at Ponta do Ouro/Ponta Mamoli in the early afternoon, with free time on the beach and a sunset on top of the dune to end the day. Day 4: Ponta do Ouro and Departure A leisurely morning in Ponta do Ouro, snorkeling or a visit to the local market at your own pace before the return transport to Maputo for departure.

Includes

Licensed English- and Portuguese-speaking guide for the entire trip All ground transportation (Maputo Reserve – Ponta do Ouro – Maputo) Entrance fees to the Maputo Special Reserve Land safari (game drive) Marine safari (cruise tour looking for dolphins) 3 nights' accommodation (1x Maputo, 1x Reserve area, 1x Ponta do Ouro) Daily breakfast 1x community dinner (Day 1) Visit to the village and interaction with the community

Excludes

International/domestic flights to Maputo Lunches and dinners not specified above Travel Insurance Personal expenses and souvenirs Gratuities (optional) Snorkeling gear rental in Ponta do Ouro (available locally)

Important Information

• Comfortable walking shoes recommended for the reserve and the village visit Swimsuit, sunscreen, and hat for the marine safari and Ponta do Ouro Valid passport required (visa requirements depend on nationality) Not recommended for guests with reduced mobility (some activities involve walking on sand/uneven terrain) Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed Minimum/maximum group size

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund