Travels around the world 2009-2024
Exploring our beautiful planet

Ponta do Ouro to Maputo

July 6, 2015  —  Mozambique

Ponta do Ouro

Ponta do Ouro - Mozambique

Ponta do Ouro is located at the southernmost point of Mozambique. I was told to go there mainly for excellent diving. It is a nice area with pretty beaches, but I didn't like the vibe. This small village attracts mainly a crowd of South African family.

For a solo traveller, it is boring to be among families. Thus, after one day and one fairly boring dive, I started to drive north. Surely, there will be places that are more interesting. After all, it is still more than 3000 km before reaching the border with Tanzania. Of course, since I will be making detours, it will be far longer.

Ponta do Ouro - Mozambique
Ponta do Ouro - Mozambique
Ponta do Ouro - Mozambique
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Reserva Especial de Maputo

Reserva especial de Maputo - Mozambique

Parks and reserves in Mozambique are in a bad state. During the civil war, animals were hunted for money or as food. Nowadays, the animal density is very low even if things have improved in recent years.

However, However, elephants are still victims of poaching for the ivory traffic. Since the last 5-6 years, the elephant population went down by about 50%.

Thus, I visited the Maputo Reserve more for the adventure than for seeing animals. In fact, I saw very little animals. The only elephant I saw was outside the reserve and very aggressive. He came near the van during a night in the bush.

Reserva especial de Maputo - Mozambique
It's a very clear message.
Reserva especial de Maputo - Mozambique
The road in the reserve is very sandy.
Reserva especial de Maputo - Mozambique
Bush camping near a lake.
Reserva especial de Maputo - Mozambique
Reserva especial de Maputo - Mozambique
Reserva especial de Maputo - Mozambique
It is difficult to get close to the animals.
Reserva especial de Maputo - Mozambique
Lake Xingute.
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Road toward Maputo

Near Zitundo - Mozambique
Near Zitundo - Mozambique
The road toward Maputo is mostly destroyed. There are still a few sections with pavement in bad shape.
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Catembe

Catembe - Mozambique

Facing Maputo, on the other side of the river, is the village of Catembe. It's a chaotic and very busy fishing village.

Indeed, a bridge will soon link Catembe to Maputo and a few port developments are going on.

Catembe - Mozambique
Catembe - Mozambique
View of Maputo.
Catembe - Mozambique
Catembe - Mozambique
Catembe - Mozambique
Catembe - Mozambique
Catembe - Mozambique
Catembe - Mozambique
The ferry I must use to reach Maputo.
Catembe - Mozambique

As you can see, cars are tightly packed on the ferry. I can't even get out of my car.

Catembe - Mozambique
Catembe - Mozambique
Catembe - Mozambique
View of Maputo.
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Maputo

Maputo - Mozambique

Maputo, capital of Mozambique, is a typical city of Africa. It's chaotic, run down, dirty, and noisy. In Mozambique, everything is more run down than neighbouring countries (except Zimbabwe).

I must admit the first time I visited such a city, I really liked it. Now, I don't have the patience or the eagerness to visit such locations.

Maputo - Mozambique
Train station.
Maputo - Mozambique
Maputo - Mozambique
The fort.
Maputo - Mozambique
The fort.
Maputo - Mozambique
Inside the fort.
Maputo - Mozambique
Maputo - Mozambique