Marromeu National Reserve

Marromeu covers a large part of the Zambezi delta, floodplain grassland, swamp and palm savanna that floods and dries with the river, and it holds one of the biggest concentrations of Cape buffalo anywhere on the continent, herds numbering in the thousands. Waterbuck, reedbuck and very large numbers of waterbirds use the same ground. The reserve is a Ramsar wetland and infrastructure within it is almost nonexistent.

What you actually see

• The buffalo herds - among the largest concentrations in Africa, in thousands.
• The floodplain - grassland that floods and dries with the Zambezi.
• The waterbirds - very large numbers using the delta wetlands.
• The palm savanna - borassus palms across the drier ground.

When to go

June to October is the dry season, after the floods recede, and the only practical window. From December to May much of the reserve is under water. Buffalo concentrate as the ground dries.

Honest expectations

There is essentially no infrastructure: no roads maintained, no accommodation and no fuel. Access is through operators or a fully self-sufficient expedition. Poaching has reduced numbers from historic highs and continues to be a problem.

Nearby

Beira is south, and the Zambezi runs through the reserve.