Maputo, Inhaca & Ponta do Ouro Short Route
A short getaway centered around the capital, covering the old town, islands, elephant herds, and southern beaches.
A southern short route that avoids domestic flights: explore Maputo's old town, take a ferry to Inhaca Island for an overnight stay, cross the suspension bridge to Maputo National Park to spot elephants, and spend the night in Ponta do Ouro. The roads inside the park are sandy, requiring a 4WD tour. This itinerary offers a mix of marine life and wildlife, making it perfect for a long weekend trip flying in from Johannesburg.
Elephants are more likely to gather around water sources during the dry season; sandy tracks in the park can be difficult to navigate after rain.
Day by day
Day 1 · Half-Day in Maputo Old Town
Maputo（Maputo Central Railway Station、Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception、Casa de Ferro (Iron House)、Mercado Central (Mercado Municipal)）
Take a taxi from the airport to the lower town (approx. 30 mins), explore the historic architecture on foot, and return to the waterfront in the evening.
If you arrive on a Thursday, the schedule aligns perfectly for a Friday ferry to the island and a Saturday return.
Stay: Avenida Marginal
Day 2 · Ferry to Inhaca Island
Take a morning ferry from the Porto de Pesca (on Avenida 10 de Novembro) for about 2.5 hours, followed by a small boat transfer to the shore.
The public ferry runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, but schedules are subject to change; verify in advance.
Stay: Inhaca Island
Day 3 · Return to Maputo
Maputo（Mercado do Peixe、Costa do Sol & Avenida Marginal）
Enjoy free time on the island in the morning, take the afternoon ferry back to Maputo, and take a taxi to the waterfront.
For dinner, head to the fish market to buy fresh seafood and have a local restaurant cook it for you.
Stay: Avenida Marginal
Day 4 · Elephant Spotting in the Park to Ponta do Ouro
Maputo（KaTembe & Maputo–Katembe Bridge、Maputo National Park (Maputo Special Reserve)） → Ponta do Ouro
Cross the suspension bridge and drive south for about 1 hour to the park, enjoy a half-day 4WD game drive, and then drive about 1 hour to Ponta do Ouro.
Only 4WD vehicles are allowed inside the park; if self-driving, ensure you have enough fuel and recovery gear.
Stay: Ponta do Ouro
Day 5 · Morning Ocean Activity & Return to Maputo
Maputo（Igreja de Santo António da Polana）
Go snorkeling or dolphin watching in Ponta do Ouro in the morning, then drive north along the paved road (approx. 108 km, 2 hours).
Ensure your flight is scheduled for the evening or later; if you have an early flight, return to Maputo the night before.