Southern Coastal & Maputo Bay, Mozambique
    Very Quiet
    Malaria: High

    Safari in Licuati Forest Reserve

    Southern African Sand Forest is a sand forest, or a subtropical forest plant community of the tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests biome. It grows on ancient sand dunes in northern KwaZulu-Natal and southern Mozambique. In South Africa these forests are known simply as Sand Forest, while in Mozambique they are known as Licuati Forest.

    Best timeMay to November (dry season) for beach and marine activities. June to October for diving.
    Species
    41
    Big Five
    0/5
    Recommended stay
    1-2 days
    Est.
    1943

    Licuati Forest Reserve Map

    Park location

    Recent sightings at Licuati Forest Reserve

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    41 species recorded in Licuati Forest Reserve2 threatened

    No lodges listed for this park yet.

    Try searching nearby lodges on Go2Africa or SafariBookings.

    Book Safari Experiences in Licuati Forest Reserve

    Game drives, guided tours, and unique experiences in Licuati Forest Reserve

    For the quintessential Mozambique safari and beach experience, we recommend timing your visit during the dry season, from May to October. This period offers superb game viewing in Gorongosa National...

    January

    Now
    low

    Wet Season

    Hot and humid, with heavy rainfall across much of the country. Roads in some national parks can become challenging to navigate.

    The landscape is lush and green, offering fantastic birding opportunities as migratory species are present. Game viewing can be more difficult due to dense vegetation.

    We recommend focusing on the pristine coastal areas, where marine activities like snorkeling and diving in the Bazaruto Archipelago remain excellent.

    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago

    February

    low

    Wet Season

    Continues to be hot and very humid, with significant rainfall, particularly in the southern regions. Expect afternoon thunderstorms.

    Birdlife is at its peak, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Many antelope species are calving, bringing new life to the vibrant landscapes.

    This is an ideal month for those seeking solitude and exceptional birding, especially along the less-visited coastal stretches.

    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago

    March

    low

    Wet Season

    Rains begin to subside towards the end of the month, though it remains hot and humid. The air starts to feel a little lighter.

    Vegetation is still very thick, but as the rains lessen, animals may become slightly easier to spot. Birding remains strong.

    We love March for its vibrant, green landscapes and the promise of improving safari conditions as the dry season approaches.

    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago
    Gorongosa National Park

    April

    low

    Shoulder Season

    Rainfall significantly decreases, and temperatures begin to cool down, making for more comfortable conditions. Humidity drops noticeably.

    The landscapes are still beautifully green, but water sources are starting to diminish, causing animals to gather more predictably. Game viewing improves.

    April is a fantastic transition month, offering a blend of lush scenery and increasingly rewarding wildlife encounters in Gorongosa.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Limpopo National Park

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Cooler, drier weather sets in, with pleasant daytime temperatures and clear skies. Nights can be quite cool.

    Vegetation thins out, and animals increasingly congregate around permanent waterholes, making for excellent game viewing. Predator activity is high.

    We recommend May as the start of prime safari season; Gorongosa National Park truly comes alive with visible wildlife.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Limpopo National Park
    Niassa National Reserve

    June

    moderate

    Dry Season

    One of the coolest and driest months, offering ideal safari weather with comfortable temperatures and very little rain.

    Game viewing is superb, with animals easily spotted around water sources. This is a fantastic time for photography due to clear skies.

    The lodge feels luxurious and timeless during June, offering perfect conditions for a classic safari experience in Gorongosa.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Limpopo National Park
    Niassa National Reserve

    July

    high

    Dry Season

    Continues to be cool and dry, with comfortable daytime temperatures. Nights can be chilly, especially in inland areas.

    Peak game viewing conditions persist, with high concentrations of animals. Humpback whales begin to arrive along the coast for their migration.

    We love July for combining thrilling Gorongosa safaris with the start of incredible whale watching opportunities along the Indian Ocean coastline.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago

    August

    high

    Dry Season

    Still cool and dry, with consistent, pleasant weather across the country. Perfect for all outdoor activities.

    Game viewing remains at its absolute best, with predictable sightings. The humpback whale migration is in full swing, offering spectacular marine encounters.

    August offers the ultimate Mozambique experience-intense safari action paired with the sensational sight of breaching whales.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago
    +1

    September

    moderate-high

    Dry Season

    Temperatures start to rise, but it remains dry and sunny. The heat is generally manageable and pleasant.

    Wildlife sightings are still excellent as animals remain concentrated around dwindling water sources. Whale sharks begin to appear in the Bazaruto Archipelago.

    We recommend September for the unique chance to spot both big game on land and magnificent whale sharks in the ocean.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Niassa National Reserve

    October

    moderate

    Shoulder Season

    Hot and dry, with temperatures steadily climbing before the onset of the rains. Can feel quite warm, especially inland.

    Animals are highly concentrated around the last remaining water sources, leading to dramatic predator-prey interactions. Migratory birds start to return.

    The sunsets are sensational in October, and the intense wildlife action makes it a prime month for serious safari enthusiasts and photographers.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Limpopo National Park
    Bazaruto Archipelago

    November

    low

    Wet Season

    The first rains begin, bringing relief from the heat and transforming the dry landscape into a vibrant green. Humidity increases.

    Calving season commences for many species, bringing adorable newborns. Birding becomes exceptional as migratory birds arrive in large numbers. Whale sharks are more prevalent.

    We love November for its fresh, green scenery, the abundance of new life, and the fantastic opportunities for birdwatching and marine encounters.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago

    December

    moderate-high

    Wet Season

    Hot and humid with increasing rainfall, particularly towards the end of the month. Expect lush conditions and occasional heavy downpours.

    The parks are beautifully green, and birdlife is abundant. While game viewing can be more challenging due to dense vegetation, the coastal areas thrive.

    A festive time to enjoy the stunning coastal resorts and the vibrant, green beauty of Gorongosa, despite the occasional rain.

    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago
    Gorongosa National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Wet Season

    Hot and humid, with heavy rainfall across much of the country. Roads in some national parks can become challenging to navigate.

    The landscape is lush and green, offering fantastic birding opportunities as migratory species are present. Game viewing can be more difficult due to dense vegetation.

    We recommend focusing on the pristine coastal areas, where marine activities like snorkeling and diving in the Bazaruto Archipelago remain excellent.

    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago

    February

    low

    Wet Season

    Continues to be hot and very humid, with significant rainfall, particularly in the southern regions. Expect afternoon thunderstorms.

    Birdlife is at its peak, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Many antelope species are calving, bringing new life to the vibrant landscapes.

    This is an ideal month for those seeking solitude and exceptional birding, especially along the less-visited coastal stretches.

    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago

    March

    low

    Wet Season

    Rains begin to subside towards the end of the month, though it remains hot and humid. The air starts to feel a little lighter.

    Vegetation is still very thick, but as the rains lessen, animals may become slightly easier to spot. Birding remains strong.

    We love March for its vibrant, green landscapes and the promise of improving safari conditions as the dry season approaches.

    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago
    Gorongosa National Park

    April

    low

    Shoulder Season

    Rainfall significantly decreases, and temperatures begin to cool down, making for more comfortable conditions. Humidity drops noticeably.

    The landscapes are still beautifully green, but water sources are starting to diminish, causing animals to gather more predictably. Game viewing improves.

    April is a fantastic transition month, offering a blend of lush scenery and increasingly rewarding wildlife encounters in Gorongosa.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Limpopo National Park

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Cooler, drier weather sets in, with pleasant daytime temperatures and clear skies. Nights can be quite cool.

    Vegetation thins out, and animals increasingly congregate around permanent waterholes, making for excellent game viewing. Predator activity is high.

    We recommend May as the start of prime safari season; Gorongosa National Park truly comes alive with visible wildlife.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Limpopo National Park
    Niassa National Reserve

    June

    moderate

    Dry Season

    One of the coolest and driest months, offering ideal safari weather with comfortable temperatures and very little rain.

    Game viewing is superb, with animals easily spotted around water sources. This is a fantastic time for photography due to clear skies.

    The lodge feels luxurious and timeless during June, offering perfect conditions for a classic safari experience in Gorongosa.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Limpopo National Park
    Niassa National Reserve

    July

    high

    Dry Season

    Continues to be cool and dry, with comfortable daytime temperatures. Nights can be chilly, especially in inland areas.

    Peak game viewing conditions persist, with high concentrations of animals. Humpback whales begin to arrive along the coast for their migration.

    We love July for combining thrilling Gorongosa safaris with the start of incredible whale watching opportunities along the Indian Ocean coastline.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago

    August

    high

    Dry Season

    Still cool and dry, with consistent, pleasant weather across the country. Perfect for all outdoor activities.

    Game viewing remains at its absolute best, with predictable sightings. The humpback whale migration is in full swing, offering spectacular marine encounters.

    August offers the ultimate Mozambique experience-intense safari action paired with the sensational sight of breaching whales.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago
    +1

    September

    moderate-high

    Dry Season

    Temperatures start to rise, but it remains dry and sunny. The heat is generally manageable and pleasant.

    Wildlife sightings are still excellent as animals remain concentrated around dwindling water sources. Whale sharks begin to appear in the Bazaruto Archipelago.

    We recommend September for the unique chance to spot both big game on land and magnificent whale sharks in the ocean.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Niassa National Reserve

    October

    moderate

    Shoulder Season

    Hot and dry, with temperatures steadily climbing before the onset of the rains. Can feel quite warm, especially inland.

    Animals are highly concentrated around the last remaining water sources, leading to dramatic predator-prey interactions. Migratory birds start to return.

    The sunsets are sensational in October, and the intense wildlife action makes it a prime month for serious safari enthusiasts and photographers.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Limpopo National Park
    Bazaruto Archipelago

    November

    low

    Wet Season

    The first rains begin, bringing relief from the heat and transforming the dry landscape into a vibrant green. Humidity increases.

    Calving season commences for many species, bringing adorable newborns. Birding becomes exceptional as migratory birds arrive in large numbers. Whale sharks are more prevalent.

    We love November for its fresh, green scenery, the abundance of new life, and the fantastic opportunities for birdwatching and marine encounters.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago

    December

    moderate-high

    Wet Season

    Hot and humid with increasing rainfall, particularly towards the end of the month. Expect lush conditions and occasional heavy downpours.

    The parks are beautifully green, and birdlife is abundant. While game viewing can be more challenging due to dense vegetation, the coastal areas thrive.

    A festive time to enjoy the stunning coastal resorts and the vibrant, green beauty of Gorongosa, despite the occasional rain.

    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago
    Gorongosa National Park

    January

    Now
    low

    Wet Season

    Hot and humid, with heavy rainfall across much of the country. Roads in some national parks can become challenging to navigate.

    The landscape is lush and green, offering fantastic birding opportunities as migratory species are present. Game viewing can be more difficult due to dense vegetation.

    We recommend focusing on the pristine coastal areas, where marine activities like snorkeling and diving in the Bazaruto Archipelago remain excellent.

    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago

    February

    low

    Wet Season

    Continues to be hot and very humid, with significant rainfall, particularly in the southern regions. Expect afternoon thunderstorms.

    Birdlife is at its peak, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Many antelope species are calving, bringing new life to the vibrant landscapes.

    This is an ideal month for those seeking solitude and exceptional birding, especially along the less-visited coastal stretches.

    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago

    March

    low

    Wet Season

    Rains begin to subside towards the end of the month, though it remains hot and humid. The air starts to feel a little lighter.

    Vegetation is still very thick, but as the rains lessen, animals may become slightly easier to spot. Birding remains strong.

    We love March for its vibrant, green landscapes and the promise of improving safari conditions as the dry season approaches.

    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago
    Gorongosa National Park

    April

    low

    Shoulder Season

    Rainfall significantly decreases, and temperatures begin to cool down, making for more comfortable conditions. Humidity drops noticeably.

    The landscapes are still beautifully green, but water sources are starting to diminish, causing animals to gather more predictably. Game viewing improves.

    April is a fantastic transition month, offering a blend of lush scenery and increasingly rewarding wildlife encounters in Gorongosa.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Limpopo National Park

    May

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Cooler, drier weather sets in, with pleasant daytime temperatures and clear skies. Nights can be quite cool.

    Vegetation thins out, and animals increasingly congregate around permanent waterholes, making for excellent game viewing. Predator activity is high.

    We recommend May as the start of prime safari season; Gorongosa National Park truly comes alive with visible wildlife.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Limpopo National Park
    Niassa National Reserve

    June

    moderate

    Dry Season

    One of the coolest and driest months, offering ideal safari weather with comfortable temperatures and very little rain.

    Game viewing is superb, with animals easily spotted around water sources. This is a fantastic time for photography due to clear skies.

    The lodge feels luxurious and timeless during June, offering perfect conditions for a classic safari experience in Gorongosa.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Limpopo National Park
    Niassa National Reserve

    July

    high

    Dry Season

    Continues to be cool and dry, with comfortable daytime temperatures. Nights can be chilly, especially in inland areas.

    Peak game viewing conditions persist, with high concentrations of animals. Humpback whales begin to arrive along the coast for their migration.

    We love July for combining thrilling Gorongosa safaris with the start of incredible whale watching opportunities along the Indian Ocean coastline.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago

    August

    high

    Dry Season

    Still cool and dry, with consistent, pleasant weather across the country. Perfect for all outdoor activities.

    Game viewing remains at its absolute best, with predictable sightings. The humpback whale migration is in full swing, offering spectacular marine encounters.

    August offers the ultimate Mozambique experience-intense safari action paired with the sensational sight of breaching whales.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago
    +1

    September

    moderate-high

    Dry Season

    Temperatures start to rise, but it remains dry and sunny. The heat is generally manageable and pleasant.

    Wildlife sightings are still excellent as animals remain concentrated around dwindling water sources. Whale sharks begin to appear in the Bazaruto Archipelago.

    We recommend September for the unique chance to spot both big game on land and magnificent whale sharks in the ocean.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Niassa National Reserve

    October

    moderate

    Shoulder Season

    Hot and dry, with temperatures steadily climbing before the onset of the rains. Can feel quite warm, especially inland.

    Animals are highly concentrated around the last remaining water sources, leading to dramatic predator-prey interactions. Migratory birds start to return.

    The sunsets are sensational in October, and the intense wildlife action makes it a prime month for serious safari enthusiasts and photographers.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Limpopo National Park
    Bazaruto Archipelago

    November

    low

    Wet Season

    The first rains begin, bringing relief from the heat and transforming the dry landscape into a vibrant green. Humidity increases.

    Calving season commences for many species, bringing adorable newborns. Birding becomes exceptional as migratory birds arrive in large numbers. Whale sharks are more prevalent.

    We love November for its fresh, green scenery, the abundance of new life, and the fantastic opportunities for birdwatching and marine encounters.

    Gorongosa National Park
    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago

    December

    moderate-high

    Wet Season

    Hot and humid with increasing rainfall, particularly towards the end of the month. Expect lush conditions and occasional heavy downpours.

    The parks are beautifully green, and birdlife is abundant. While game viewing can be more challenging due to dense vegetation, the coastal areas thrive.

    A festive time to enjoy the stunning coastal resorts and the vibrant, green beauty of Gorongosa, despite the occasional rain.

    Bazaruto Archipelago
    Quirimbas Archipelago
    Gorongosa National Park
    Planning & reference

    Licuati offers a raw, untamed wilderness experience that we absolutely love. The feeling of true remoteness here is profound, with wildlife encounters feeling incredibly intimate and unscripted. We recommend embracing the quiet and letting the bush reveal its secrets at its own pace.

    Gate Times

    The reserve is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. While specific gate opening and closing times can vary, we recommend confirming these with your lodge or tour operator in advance. Permits are usually arranged through your accommodation, so ensure this is sorted before arrival.

    Tipping

    Tipping is customary and appreciated. For guides, we suggest around $10-20 per person per day. For camp staff, a general tip of $5-10 per person per day, pooled and distributed, is a good benchmark. Rangers on foot patrols might receive a smaller discretionary tip. Always tip in USD or local currency, and it's best to hand it over discreetly at the end of your stay.

    Dress Code

    We favour neutral, earthy tones like khaki, olive green, and beige for game drives and walks to blend in with the environment. Layers are key; mornings and evenings can be cool, especially during the dry season. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and a light rain jacket is wise, even in the dry season. In camp, casual and comfortable clothing is perfectly acceptable.

    Photography

    Photography is generally permitted, but always ask your guide before photographing people, especially in local communities. Drones are typically not allowed without prior special permission and permits, which can be difficult to obtain. We recommend a good zoom lens for wildlife and a wide-angle for landscapes. The light can be dramatic, especially at dawn and dusk, so bring extra batteries and memory cards.

    Etiquette

    Maintain a low noise level on game drives and walks to avoid disturbing wildlife. Always stay within your vehicle or designated areas unless instructed otherwise by your guide. Never feed animals or attempt to approach them too closely. In camp, be mindful of other guests and respect quiet hours. We believe in leaving no trace and respecting the natural environment.

    What to Bring

    High-strength insect repellent (DEET content 30-50%)
    Malaria prophylaxis medication
    Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
    Wide-brimmed hat
    Sunglasses
    Binoculars
    Camera with zoom lens
    Comfortable walking shoes
    Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and trousers
    Personal first-aid kit
    Headlamp or flashlight
    Reusable water bottle

    Packing list not yet available for Licuati Forest Reserve - weather data needed

    Monthly weather conditions not yet available for Licuati Forest Reserve

    Licuati Forest Reserve Reviews