Coutada 11

Coutada 11 is a protected area in Mozambique.

Coutada 11 at a Glance

Location
Central Coastal & Zambezi Delta, Mozambique, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-18.355206, 35.581516
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
May to November (dry season) for beach and marine activities. June to October for diving.

Getting to Coutada 11

Nearest airport: Aerodromo de Marromeu (RRM), 39 km away.

Nearest international airport: Club Makokola International (CMK), 453 km away.

Weather & Climate in Coutada 11

The warmest temperatures in Coutada 11 occur in December, averaging 27.9°C (up to 34.4°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 20.4°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in September with average rainfall of 13.9mm. Average humidity: 68.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 26.4°C (rainfall: 203.5mm)
  • February: 26.7°C (rainfall: 162.3mm)
  • March: 25.6°C (rainfall: 174.0mm)
  • April: 24.6°C (rainfall: 45.7mm)
  • May: 22.5°C (rainfall: 22.0mm)
  • June: 21.1°C (rainfall: 46.4mm)
  • July: 20.4°C (rainfall: 19.1mm)
  • August: 22.1°C (rainfall: 19.1mm)
  • September: 24.7°C (rainfall: 13.9mm)
  • October: 26.3°C (rainfall: 40.2mm)
  • November: 27.8°C (rainfall: 47.3mm)
  • December: 27.9°C (rainfall: 145.1mm)

Best Time to Visit Coutada 11

The best months to visit Coutada 11 are September, April, May, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 26.44°C, rainfall 203.5mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 82.9%
  • February: Good, temperature 26.7°C, rainfall 162.3mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 81.6%
  • March: Good, temperature 25.57°C, rainfall 174mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 81.1%
  • April: Great, temperature 24.55°C, rainfall 45.7mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 79.9%
  • May: Great, temperature 22.54°C, rainfall 22mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 76.6%
  • June: Great, temperature 21.08°C, rainfall 46.4mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 78.9%
  • July: Great, temperature 20.37°C, rainfall 19.1mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 77.1%
  • August: Great, temperature 22.13°C, rainfall 19.1mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 73.6%
  • September: Great, temperature 24.71°C, rainfall 13.9mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 68.3%
  • October: Great, temperature 26.34°C, rainfall 40.2mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 67.9%
  • November: Great, temperature 27.83°C, rainfall 47.3mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 68%
  • December: Great, temperature 27.93°C, rainfall 145.1mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 73.7%

Wildlife in Coutada 11

Home to 7 recorded species including 3 birds of prey, 3 waterbirds, 1 iconic birds.

Recommended Packing List for Coutada 11

Based on average temperature of 24.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 76%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 25°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Coutada 11

2 safari lodges available.

luxury

Similar Parks in Central Coastal & Zambezi Delta

Visitor Tips - Coutada 11

Coutada 11 offers an exclusive and wild safari experience, far from the crowds. We love the feeling of true wilderness here, where you can often have entire areas to yourself. The sheer remoteness and the commitment to conservation make it a profoundly rewarding destination for the discerning traveller.

Gate Times

Access to Coutada 11 is typically via charter flight directly to the concession's airstrip. There are no public gates. All arrangements, including flight schedules and permits, must be made well in advance through your safari operator. We recommend confirming all timings with your lodge or outfitter at least a week before arrival.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and appreciated. For guides, we suggest around $10-$20 per guest per day, depending on the quality of service and duration of activities. For camp staff (cooks, housekeepers, trackers), a general pool of $5-$10 per guest per day is a good benchmark, to be distributed by management. Rangers often receive separate tips if they are particularly knowledgeable or go above and beyond. It's best to present tips in USD or local currency in a sealed envelope at the end of your stay.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Mozambique

Travel advisory for Mozambique

Coutada 11 FAQs

What unique wildlife can I expect to encounter in Coutada 11, and how does it differ from more popular safari destinations?

Coutada 11 is renowned for its significant populations of sable antelope and Lichtenstein's hartebeest, species less commonly sighted in other major African parks. The park also hosts healthy numbers of elephant, buffalo, and various plains game, offering a more exclusive viewing experience due to its low visitor numbers.

When is the optimal time to visit Coutada 11 for prime wildlife viewing, considering Mozambique's climate?

The dry season, typically from May to October, offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities as animals congregate around dwindling water sources, making them easier to spot. During this period, the vegetation is also less dense, improving visibility and overall safari experience.

Given Coutada 11's low crowding level, what kind of safari experience can I expect, and are there specific activities available?

With its exceptionally low visitor numbers, Coutada 11 offers a truly intimate and exclusive wilderness experience, often feeling like you have the entire park to yourself. Activities typically include guided game drives and walking safaris, allowing for deep immersion in the natural environment away from typical tourist routes.

What are the typical travel logistics and cost considerations for reaching Coutada 11, given its remote location in Mozambique?

Access to Coutada 11 usually involves charter flights from major hubs like Maputo or Beira to nearby airstrips, followed by a road transfer to your lodge. Due to its remote nature and the need for specialized logistics, safari packages here tend to be on the higher end, reflecting the exclusivity and personalized service.

What specific safety precautions, beyond malaria prevention, should travelers consider when planning a safari to Coutada 11?

While general safari safety applies, visitors should be aware of the remote nature of Coutada 11 and ensure they travel with reputable operators who prioritize safety and have robust communication systems. It's also advisable to stay updated on local travel advisories for Mozambique and always follow your guide's instructions regarding wildlife encounters.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Bradt Guide: Mozambique by Philip Briggs - Covers Gorongosa National Park, the Quirimbas Archipelago, and Maputo Special Reserve. The only standalone English-language guide to this emerging safari destination.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.