This week on PeaceParks.TV, a media tour takes in the marvels of Maputo National Park. Journalists from Britain, Germany, the Kingdom of Eswatini, and South Africa are travelling through the Lubombo transboundary landscape looking to uncover new tourism destinations. They are excited to experience the park’s remarkable sights and activities, and to see the benefits of eco-tourism for communities and conservation.
“I think Maputo National Park is not probably as well-known as it should be, and these guys are looking forward to putting it on the map and seeing the benefits of that through increased tourism,” says Nick Tucker, Regional Tourism Expert at Boundless Southern Africa. Since 2009, Boundless has been looking to promote tourism in transfrontier conservation areas across parts of southern Africa.
Bush-to-Beach Adventures
The park puts on an irresistible show. One moment the journalists are rolling along 4×4 tracks to view game, the next wandering the picture-postcard shore and taking in the wonders of the ocean. “There are very varied landscapes, which is pretty cool,” says Lucy Corne, a freelance travel writer. “The dunes and the views – to be able to see the ocean and then, 30 seconds later, seeing the lake with hippos.”
“Three things stand out to me,” says Fiona McIntosh, a freelance journalist and travel writer. “Accessibility – it’s so easy to get here from Maputo, Eswatini or South Africa. The pristine nature of the environment – the ocean is just so beautiful, and the beaches are clean. And it feels very, very safe.”
This outstanding natural beauty is a testament to dedicated efforts by Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas and Peace Parks Foundation to restore, rewild, and manage the landscape. The park’s wildlife is thriving, making way for a flourishing eco-tourism scene and income for local communities.
Where Conservation Meets Tourism
In 2005, the Government of Mozambique appointed Peace Parks Foundation to help implement a community development strategy. The vision was to bring about new livelihood opportunities for people living in and around Maputo National Park, through nature-based tourism and conservation activities. Twenty per cent of the revenue generated by national parks in the country is shared with communities.
Since 2015, more than 99,500 tourists have visited the park. People are attracted by the upgraded 4×4 tracks where they can enjoy the wild experience that this remote corner of the world offers. Recently, the award-winning, eco-friendly Membene Lodge opened its doors to local and international tourists, boosting local employment. In addition to two other lodges, there are five 4×4 camps, picnic sites, and activity options for adventurous tourists such as snorkeling, diving and birdwatching.
The lodges and the facilities that have been developed are absolutely world class – the work that has been done, the way things have been visualised, it’s absolutely world class,” says Nick. “I’ll probably plan to bring my family here in July or August, because I feel bad that I’ve gotten to experience this and they haven’t had a chance to.”
It is exciting to see journalists, as well as local and international visitors, appreciate Maputo National Park’s unique tourism offerings, knowing that the benefits extend to people and #NatureWithoutBorders.
Find out more at parquemaputo.gov.mz.
