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Marromeu National Reserve (also known as Marromeu Buffalo Reserve) was established in colonial times to protect one of the densest buffalo populations in the world. Unfortunately, wildlife numbers have dwindled dramatically since then, but conservation efforts are in place to restore this beautiful ecosystem. The birdlife is fantastic and Marromeu supports the densest waterbird population in Mozambique. A highlight is seeing the many breeding pairs of wattled cranes. There are currently no tourist facilities, but self-sufficient visitors with a 4x4 vehicle can explore this underdeveloped reserve.
Best Time To Visit
Marromeu is best visited in the dry winter months from June to October. The roads might be very difficult to navigate in the wet summer months, but this is when the birdlife in the swamps will be best.
Scenery
The reserve is located on the southern side of the Zambezi Delta where the Zambezi River flows into the Indian Ocean. The terrain mostly consists of grassland and seasonal swamps crossed by numerous rivers and streams.
Activities
There are currently no formal activities on offer in Marromeu. Self-sufficient visitors can explore the reserve independently, but for a small fee, you can probably get a ranger to come along. It might also be worth inquiring about a walking safari.
From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day
From: June to October (Road conditions are better)
From: Never (Little-visited reserve)
From: 1,500km² / 579mi²
Wildlife numbers in Marromeu were depleted by a change in ecology when several dams were built along the Zambezi River, reducing the land's natural flooding. The civil war also took its toll, as it did on all the reserves in Mozambique. Wildlife numbers are slowly increasing in the area though, and animals present include buffalo, elephant, zebra, Lichtenstein's hartebeest, waterbuck, and sable. There are small numbers of leopards and lions, and cheetahs were recently reintroduced as well.
The weather and climate of Marromeu is comparable to that of Mozambique in general. The climate in most of Mozambique is tropical and warm. There is a dry, cooler season from May to October and a wet, hot season from November to April. The Dry season corresponds with winter and the Wet season with summer (at the opposite time to winter and summer in Europe, North America and Asia). The beaches are lovely throughout the year, though regular (but generally short-lived) storms should be expected from December to March.
Dry Season –May to October – Winter
There is little rainfall during the entire Dry season and humidity is low. Wildlife gathers around waterholes and other permanent water sources.
Wet Season –November to April – Summer
Travel conditions are harder at this time of year because of torrential rains. A 4x4 vehicle is essential as road conditions can deteriorate dramatically.
Marromeu is a self-drive destination, accessible by 4x4 vehicle only. Even in a 4x4, it is not advisable to go there in the rainy season (from November to April and into May) as the roads can deteriorate badly. The reserve is about 450km/280mi from Beira and the drive takes around 8 hours*.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
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