Things to Do in Machangulo Peninsula

Formerly known as the Maputo Elephant Reserve, the Maputo Special Reserve is a perfect day trip for people staying in the Maputo area. Recently the reserve joined parks in Swaziland and South Africa and now forms part of the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area. The scenic diversity of marine and inshore habitats offers amazing opportunities for watching wildlife, as well as sport fishing, diving, and canoeing. Elephants, hippos, crocodiles, monkeys, and a large variety of bird species are frequently spotted.

Bilene Beach offers an extensive stretch of white sandy beach. Tucked behind the beach is the wonderful 27 km long San Martin estuary, also known as Lagoa Uembje. Bilene is the closest beach resort in Mozambique to Johannesburg, and attracts numerous South African visitors during the holiday season. Although Bilene is an ideal Mozambique holiday destination on its own, it also serves as a good stop over point for travellers en route to Xai Xai, Inhambane and the Bazaruto Archipelago. Numerous water activity options are on offer, in the estuary or in the ocean. Bilene is popular for scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, deep-sea fishing, boat transfers to the beach, and sundowner cruises, paddling, para-sailing and water-skiing.

Situated in the northernmost section of the stunning iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve is a wonderful sub-tropical wilderness escape. Four interconnected lakes and an estuary link up to the ocean, offering a playground for canoeing, boat trips, snorkelling, hiking, bird watching and horse riding. The Kosi lake system is home to numerous birds and animals including hippos and crocs. Humpback whales are regularly seen from the beach on their migration to calve in Mozambique. During December and January loggerhead and leatherback turtles labour up the sandy beaches to lay their eggs. Community run trails offer a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture as well as an experience of the natural beauty of the area. The traditional fishing reed traps are definitely worth a visit. These structures have been handed down from father to son for hundreds of years. If you hook up with a local Tonga fisherman you could try and catch a few fish with their traps. Access to Kosi Bay mouth and beach is a 45-minute drive requiring a 4WD vehicle. The route provides spectacular views across the fish trap dotted lake to the ocean from the top of the high coastal dunes. NOTE: Kosi Bay is in a malaria region. If you are planning to travel to iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Kosi Bay please consult your doctor or travel clinic for advice and refer to our article on malaria.

Stretching south of the Mozambique border, the gorgeous sandy beach at Kosi Bay Nature Reserve has much to offer nature and ocean lovers. Part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beach lies parallel to the Kosi lakes and long strip of high sand dunes interrupted by a sandy estuary. Dolphin and whale watchers will be delighted by frequent sightings, particularly during winter when humpback whales migrate north to calve in the warmer Mozambique waters. You could take a boat trip to see dolphins and whales and there is some great snorkelling on the reefs. December and January is a particularly exciting time in Kosi Bay, for this is when loggerhead and leatherback turtles haul themselves up the beach to scoop out nests and lay their eggs. Access to Kosi Bay estuary and beach is a 45-minute drive requiring a 4WD vehicle. The route provides spectacular views across the fish trap dotted lake to the sea from the top of the high dunes. NOTE: Kosi Bay is in a malaria region. If you are planning to travel to iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Kosi Bay please consult your doctor or travel clinic for advice and refer to our article on malaria.