Believe it or not, some major competition exists around the world surrounding where might have the most unique toilet views. From ‘thrones’ located on high mountain peaks to bathrooms overlooking the whole of New York City, it appears that there is some tough ‘loo with a view’ options to beat. Over in Mozambique’s Maputo National Park, Peace Parks Foundation’s Senior Project Manager, Antony Alexander, shows us the layout of the new ablutions being developed, which overlook Lake Xinguti. With the potential to spot wildlife while doing your business, well, we think that this could give most toilets a run for their money.
In Maputo National Park, Peace Parks Foundation and Mozambique’s National Administration of Conservation Areas are working towards developing additional tourism facilities that will provide visitors to the park with more experiential offerings. These new picnic sites that are being built along Lake Xinguti are the latest addition to Maputo’s tourism developments and offer visitors incredible game viewing opportunities of the lake’s resident hippos and crocodiles.
With the park’s newest lodge currently under construction, the current accommodation options within Maputo National Park include 4×4 campsites, Anvil Bay Lodge at Ponta Chemucane, a luxury ecotourism destination built in partnership with the local community as well as Montebelo Milibangalala Resort at Ponta Milibangalala.
What has also made a visit to this park a lot easier is the development of infrastructure such as roads and signage. A beautifully upgraded entrance gate also now welcomes visitors, offering ablutions (with a slightly less impressive view), a small shop and plenty of information that will allow visitors to confidently experience this spectacular park.
Tourism development remains a core focus of Mozambique’s national parks, as 20% of the revenue generated by conservation areas is shared with communities living near parks and reserves. For this reason, the income generated through eco-tourism in these parks will help to lift communities out of poverty.
After the reintroduction of 12 wildlife species, nature is thriving here. The ecosystem is healthy, and the people living around the park are starting to benefit from economic opportunities unlocked by a growing tourism industry. With new sites like these, more visitors can enjoy Maputo National Park and reconnect with nature.
