Beaches and day trips around Maputo: Inhaca Island and Costa do Sol
Costa do Sol: the city beach
Just 10 km from the city centre, Costa do Sol is Maputo's most accessible beach. This long strip of sand lined with coconut palms runs along Maputo Bay, attracting local families and passing tourists alike. At weekends, the atmosphere is festive: seafood vendors, live music and swimmers enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Numerous restaurants and beach bars line the promenade, serving grilled prawns and icy caipirinhas with views of the marine horizon.
Inhaca Island: a diver's paradise
Reachable by ferry from Maputo port in about one hour, Inhaca Island is a preserved natural gem. The island is home to a biological reserve with exceptional marine biodiversity: coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles and dolphins inhabit its crystal-clear waters. Scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts will find remarkable spots, particularly around the island's southern tip. The marine biology museum on the island provides a fascinating insight into the local ecosystem. White sand beaches and mangrove forests complete this idyllic setting.
The Maputo Special Reserve
South of the city, the Maputo Special Reserve (formerly the Maputo Elephant Reserve) extends over more than 1,000 km² of wetlands, coastal forests and dunes. Elephants, hippos, crocodiles and over 300 bird species can be observed here. The freshwater lakes of Ponta do Ouro, on the South African border, are renowned for swimming with dolphins. This reserve makes an ideal day trip for nature lovers, with eco-lodge accommodation for those wishing to extend their adventure.
Ponta Malongane and the southern beaches
Continuing south along the coast, Ponta Malongane offers some of the finest beaches in southern Mozambique. Its turquoise waters and reefs shelter abundant marine life, perfect for sport fishing and diving. On-site lodges and campsites allow visitors to spend several days in a wild and unspoilt setting. From Maputo-Mavalane Airport, these destinations are reachable by car in two to three hours, making Maputo the ideal starting point for exploring Mozambique's southern coast.