Location

The Santa Maria peninsula is one of a few idealic locations in Southern Africa where one can face the sunset in the evenings

stretches 38kms from Maputo to the peninsula. One feels like you are living on an island, with Inhaca and Portuguese Islands to the northwest. This area is a paradise to explore and has substantially been retained as a nature reserve. Maputo is 550km from Johannesburg by road and Nhoxani is 38kms across the bay. 

MAPUTO NATIONAL PARK DECLARED AS WORLD HERITAGE MAPUTO, 13 JULY 2025 – Maputo National Park has been classified as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The final decision regarding its recognition was made in Paris, France, during the 47th year.

 UNESCO has officially inscribed Maputo National Park as a World Heritage Site, marking a significant achievement for Mozambique and an important step forward in protecting biodiversity on the African continent.

 “This is a historic and proud moment for Mozambique,”  “Being recognized by UNESCO is a powerful endorsement of the work being done here. Honoring the dedication of our government, communities, and partners in restoring this unique landscape. ”

 Maputo National Park boasts an extraordinary array of untouched and visually stunning environments, ranging from coral reefs and seagrass banks to wetlands, freshwater lakes, coastal dunes, savannas, marshes and sprawling mosses.

 Located in southern Mozambique, the park covers an ecologically rich area of 1,794 km2. The designation recognizes the fundamental role of Maputo National Park in the preservation of endangered species and habitats. Their beaches are home to the southernmost nesting sites of the leather turtles and the common turtles. The area is home to the world’s largest concentration of giant kingfishes and serves as a key stop for migratory birds on the East African migration route.

 “Protecting these wild spaces is essential to sustain Africa’s biodiversity in the face of global environmental changes,”  “Being the country’s  World Heritage Site, and our first Natural Heritage Site, this designation demonstrates our commitment to protection. ”

 Declared as a national park in 2021, Maputo National Park has merged the Maputo Special Reserve and the Golden Point Partial Marine Reserve into a large protected area.

Originally established to protect the region’s iconic coastal elephants, the park has undergone a drastic transformation from a once-de-ruined landscape to one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation success stories. Through a partnership with the Peace Parks Foundation, significant investments in infrastructure and law enforcement have set the tone for the successful reintroduction of 5,388 wild animals, helping to restore balance and vitality to the ecosystem.

 The park currently welcomes visitors to three tourist establishments, offering experiences ranging from rustic camping to luxury travel.

Local communities also benefit directly from the park’s success through 20% revenue sharing, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and managed access to natural resources. Ongoing community initiatives include conservation agriculture, sustainable fishing, pasture management, aquaculture, ecotourism and paid restoration work such as barbecue rehabilitation.

 “This moment represents an important milestone not only for Mozambique, but for the entire region,” said Werner Myburgh, CEO of the Peace Parks Foundation. “We praise the Government of Mozambique’s unwavering commitment to conservation and community development. We are extremely proud to have walked this journey with them as co-workers. What was once a paper-only protected area is now a thriving, productive landscape of global importance. This achievement would not have been possible without the generosity and vision of many donors and friends who have helped us revitalize, protect and reimagine this vital ecosystem for generations to come. ”