Magoe National Park (MNP) is a relatively large (~3500 km2) protected area on the southern banks of the Cahora Bassa dam in north-western Mozambique. Only proclaimed in 2013, the park had been earmarked as Tete Province’s flagship tourist attraction and is the first and thus far only national park proclaimed by the independent Mozambique government.

More than two million people inhabit Tete Province, with about 3000 of them living in and around MNP. The park’s establishment came amidst growing interest in Tete’s vast coal reserves. Given that more than 60% of the province has been identified as a coal-mining country, MNP’s significance in the region is swelling. However, since its inception development has been slow.

Currently, its human resources are limited to park director Luis Namanha and resident communities, who are collaborators in an IUCN-partnered community-based natural resource management program, SUSTAIN. This program is attempting to expand the park’s socio-economic portfolio to alleviate both environmental pressure and poverty. Avenues for this expansion include more sustainable agricultural practices and tourism. MNP hosts a surprising abundance of wildlife and especially large predators. Since taking up office as park director, Namanha has collected invaluable data on wildlife within the park’s unfenced borders. His observations hint at previously unregistered populations of the African lion, spotted hyena, and African wild dog, to name a few.

MNP is a conservation cornerstone in a region destined for unsustainable growth. Not only can the park provide environmental relief, but also draw a community-centric template for the rest of the region. To fulfill its potential, however, MNP and its people are in urgent need of more support – in any form. Perennial Wild has recognized MNP’s value and would like to help cultivate a stakeholder framework capable of supporting the park and its dependents for generations to come.

Size of Magoe national park Mozambique

The park is 3,559 square kilometers (1,374 sq mi) in the area and is situated on the southern banks of the giant Cahora Bassa Dam.

Location of Magoe national park Mozambique

Magoe National Park is a protected area in Tete Province, Mozambique. The park was proclaimed in October 2013. Previously the area was an integral part of the Tchuma Tchato Community wildlife management program.

How to get to Magoe national park Mozambique

Most visitors arrive by air at Chingozi Airport (flights operate from Maputo, OR Tambo in Johannesburg, from Harare, Lilongwe, and some other small airports).

Travelers navigating their way between Malawi and South Africa will pass through Tete as one of the major towns and one of the only crossing points on the Lower Zambezi.

Things to do in Magoe national park Mozambique

Tourism potential that includes land, wildlife, and rivers, natural forests, a variety of vegetation types, local culture, and beautiful panoramic views. The focus of governments is to ensure that tourism benefits the community and contributes to poverty eradication across the area.

When to visit Magoe national park Mozambique

The dry season is considered the best time to visit Magoe national park (May to November) as the weather is much more pleasant.

Where to stay in Magoe national park

There are currently no places to stay in Magoe national park but travelers can stay in Tete city province and take day visits to the park and some of the places to stay include Baobab hotel Tete, Tete ferry sun, Hotel natura Tete, VIP executive Tete