A journey of care, connection, and conservation along Mozambique’s southern shores — where land, sea, and spirit move as one.
A Coastline Woven from Wonder
Along the far southern curve of Mozambique, where coral reefs shimmer beneath turquoise water and ancient elephants still follow sand-dusted trails to the sea, lies a story of deep care and reconnection — the story of Maputo National Park.
It is here, in this meeting place of land and ocean, that Halo Gaia Adventure Travel has lived, learned, and worked for over two decades — guiding travellers through the wild beauty of Ponta Malongane and its surrounding marine sanctuaries.
This is more than a destination. It’s a living ecosystem of resilience, balance, and belonging.
2009 — The Birth of the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve
In 2009, Mozambique’s southern coastline was officially recognised as the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve (PPMR) — a pivotal step in protecting one of the most biodiverse stretches of ocean in Africa.
This declaration safeguarded the wild bottlenose dolphins, pristine coral gardens, and migrating whales that define the region. It also established a foundation for responsible, community-based eco-tourism — the very heartbeat of Halo Gaia’s purpose.
The reserve became a cornerstone of the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area, a visionary cross-border collaboration linking Mozambique’s waters with South Africa’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Together, these protected zones form over 220 kilometres of continuous coastline, creating one of the longest protected marine corridors in Africa — where the ocean breathes freely, and nature moves without borders.
2018 — The Creation of Maputo National Park
In 2018, Mozambique united the Maputo Special Reserve (land) and the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve (sea) under one shared name — Maputo National Park.
This powerful union connected savannah and sea, forest and reef, elephant and dolphin — creating a sanctuary unlike any other on Earth.
Here, elephants roam down to the beach at sunrise, while offshore, pods of dolphins dance in the morning surf. It is a place where two worlds meet in harmony, reminding us that land and sea are part of one vast, breathing organism.
2025 — A Global Honour
On 14 July 2025, Maputo National Park was officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising its exceptional biodiversity and its unique role as a living bridge between ecosystems, cultures, and countries.
This global distinction celebrates more than just natural beauty — it honours decades of dedication from conservationists, communities, and eco-guides who have worked tirelessly to protect this wilderness.
For Halo Gaia, this recognition is deeply personal. Our story has always been woven into this coastline — its people, its dolphins, and its spirit. Watching this land and sea be celebrated by the world is like watching an old friend finally recognised for her true brilliance.
Today — A Living, Breathing Sanctuary
Today, Maputo National Park stands as a symbol of what’s possible when respect leads conservation.
Stretching from Cape Vidal to Santa Maria, this transfrontier sanctuary is home to:
🐘 Elephants wandering the coastal plains
🐬 Dolphins gliding through turquoise waters
🐋 Humpback Whales migrating along ancient ocean highways
🪸 Coral reefs and sea grasses nurturing the next generation of marine life
It’s a place that invites you to walk softly, breathe deeply, and remember that nature’s wisdom thrives when humans choose to listen.
Halo Gaia’s Connection
For more than twenty years, Halo Gaia Adventure Travel has operated within this protected region — facilitating ethical dolphin encounters, wellness and nature-based retreats, and eco-conscious travel experiences that support local communities and conservation initiatives.
Through our partnerships with Complexo Turístico da Ponta Malongane and the Maputo National Park, every ocean launch and land-based journey contributes directly to sustaining the park’s ecosystems.
Our mission echoes that of the park itself – to create meaningful connection between people and planet, and to remind every traveller that protecting nature begins with loving it.
A Future Rooted in Harmony
Maputo National Park’s new UNESCO status is not the end of a story — it’s the beginning of a legacy.
A living reminder that balance is possible, that nature knows no borders, and that when we travel consciously, we become part of something sacred.
“From the dunes to the deep blue, everything is connected — and when you experience that truth, you never see the world the same way again.” ~ Courtney Ward, Halo Gaia Founder
Come. Experience the wild harmony of Mozambique’s southern shores.
Walk with elephants. Swim with dolphins. Be part of a story that continues to evolve — in rhythm with the Earth itself.