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Exotic beaches, islands & azure oceans make Mozambique the ideal destination for a one-of-a-kind tropical vacation. Travel to Mozambique would typically be part of a more extended package that explores other parts of the subcontinent of Southern Africa on tours or safaris before days of relaxing on the sandy beaches of Mozambique, washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Need Advice?Mozambique is Southern Africa's tropical paradise travel destination, with pristine shores and remote islands for the ultimate beach vacation.
Tropical islands washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean are what make Bazaruto a top beach vacation destination.
Experience a diversity of Marine life in the 32 islands that make up the Quirimbas Archipelago, one of Africa's most remote beach destinations.
Those who visit Mozambique will encounter sun, sea, and sand in abundance.
Mozambique is naturally tropical and located on the eastern coast of the Southern half of the African continent. Though the country is extensive, its tourism base is focused just offshore on the myriad islands and the brilliant waters that encircle them.
As with its top destinations, most other destinations in Mozambique focus on worshiping the sun, sea, and sand. Gorongosa and Niassa are the only national parks currently recommended by African Sky for a unique safari experience.
Vilanculos is one of Mozambique's major coastal cities. A tourism injection has seen the town thriving in post-civil war Mozambique. Though it is primarily a gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, Vilanculos is a popular beach resort destination with many fine hotels and beautiful, sandy stretches along the shores of the Indian Ocean.
Inhambane is one of the least commercially developed tourism areas in Mozambique. Though the town is a short distance inland, the most important sites are a short drive through breathtaking palm tree forests and rural beauty. The waters around Tofo and Barra are among the finest in the world for encountering whale sharks and manta rays.
Gorongosa National Park is in the heart of Mozambique. Since restoration began in 2004, several lion prides have repopulated the park's predator force. Great elephant herds are also frequently encountered, with other large herbivores such as buffalo and wildebeest gradually reintroduced into the park's ecosystem.
Pemba is a port town in northern Mozambique. The town is located on a peninsula in Pemba Bay, one of the world's biggest natural harbors. Pemba is the gateway to the Quirimbas Archipelago. It is a fantastic beach destination, with Wimbi Beach being specifically notable as one of the finest beaches in Mozambique.
The Niassa Reserve was founded in 1954 when Mozambique was still a Portuguese colony. It is a large conservation area, 42 000 square kilometers in size, located in the far north of the country. It is home to about 16 000 elephants and protects a wild dog population of 350, which is quite significant as the total number of these animals in the wild number only 8 000.
Maputo is the capital city of Mozambique. It has a population of just under 1.8 million people and is primarily a port city. The city is the gateway to the attractions and destinations of Southern Mozambique. The city has a long and colorful history. Maputo developed around a fort built by the Portuguese. In 1787, it was destroyed by locals and subsequently rebuilt around 1850.
Ilha de Mozambique is emerging as one of Mozambique's most exciting destinations. It has a rich history, having served as an Arabic boat-building center before being visited by Vasco da Gama in 1498 when the Portuguese established a port and naval base on the island. It served as the capital of colonial Portuguese East Africa until 1898. The island currently has a population of about 14 000.
The Portuguese name Ponta D'Ouro - which translates to 'tip of gold' - is the largest town in the far south of Mozambique. It is a destination for its fine beaches, fishing, reef diving, and the many dolphins playing offshore. Ponta d'Ouro is easily accessible from the Kosi border post between Mozambique and the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal.
A vacation in Mozambique will involve lazy days spent unwinding on the beach and unforgettable adventures in and on the Indian Ocean.
The two most popular island chains on the coast of Mozambique combine on this ten-day luxurious beach adventure that starts in Johannesburg.
Enjoy a week of sun, sea, and sand on the Southern Coast of Mozambique, not far from Ponta Malegaan.
This beach holiday travels to the remote and exotic Azura Benguerra Lodge on the Mozambique coast.
Due to the Mozambique Current that flows south between the continent and Madagascar, the water is sublimely warm year-round, ceding hours of unwinding in the lull of the ocean. Enjoy your breakfast, watch the sun spill its gold onto the Indian, and delight in exotic seafood dinners under a canopy of infinite stars. Replace the whine of the traffic with the whisper of the sea on the shoreline.
Leisure activities can range from cooking lessons in local flavors, island picnics, horse-riding on the beach, deep sea angling, snorkeling, and various water sports and excursions to prime diving locations (all depending on your elected resort). Whether you fancy spending your afternoons bronzing on the beach, relieving your urban burden in the spa, or exploring all the treasures the natural surroundings offer, the experience is unforgettable.
Mozambique is a seafood mecca. The prawns sourced from these waters are widely revered. Bathed in garlic lemon butter (or a sauce of your choice), it is not uncommon for visitors to gorge themselves on prawns until they need to be rolled to bed. Crayfish (rock lobster) is the other esteemed favorite. Typically, however, if it is fresh and from the sea, it is delicious. The seafood is indelibly tasty: Calamari, barracuda, and fish of the day.
The top destinations in Mozambique are remote, and it may take quite some time and expense to reach them, but their secluded qualities make them so appealing to the world-weary. Many reefs and beaches have hosted only a handful of visitors over the past few decades. Mozambique is a place to unwind and get away from it all.
When traveling to Mozambique, you'll relish the opportunity to savor some of the most pristine beaches, islands, and coral reefs you're ever likely to encounter. Mozambique is a coastal paradise, pure and simple.
Mozambique is a dream destination of azure waters and white sandy beaches that line the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Mozambique is a travel destination with azure waters and white sandy beaches that line the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Excellent level of service received from the initial discussions of the itinerary to the holiday itself. Everything ran so smoothly, we enjoyed it tremendously, and it exceeded our expectations. We would not hesitate to use African Sky again or recommend them to fellow travelers.
Ian & Ethel Marley, CanadaThe accommodations recommended by African Sky in Mozambique consist of small intimate islands and beach lodges. These properties are remote and set in pristine environments.
View Beach & Island Lodges
The most popular beach destinations in Mozambique lie in the Southern part of the country around Ponta d' Oura and Ponta Malegaan and the central region around Inhambane.
Only remote and idyllic are the words that most aptly describe these small intimate, secluded beach getaways on various tropical islands of the Mozambique coast.
Transportation in Mozambique is mainly over water. As there are many extraordinary island lodges available for your indulgence, you will typically be ferried over in a dhow, powerboat, helicopter, or light aircraft – depending on the distance.
It is essential to remember that the more arduous it is to reach your destination, the more expensive the transport is likely to be. However, the most far-flung destinations are often the most extraordinary. If you can afford it, it is worth it to venture into these pristine archipelagos.
When charters of any kind are involved, luggage restrictions apply. Though 20kg of soft luggage is standard, each lodge may impose limits on boats and helicopters.
With an endless coastline bordering the Indian Ocean, most of the delicacies in Mozambique are seafood-based dishes.
Vilanculos is a coastal town in Mozambique. Dhows travel between the town and the Bazaruto Archipelago. It is home to a relatively new international airport, which offers daily flights to several regional destinations, including Johannesburg, Maputo, Swaziland, and elsewhere. Pemba is the capital of the province of Cabo Delgado and lies on a peninsula in Pemba Bay. It is the closest major city and airport for those who wish to visit the Quirimbas Islands and Quirimbas National Park.
Mozambique's azure coastline stretches for almost 2000km. The tropical Mozambique current of the Indian Ocean runs along its length, warming the translucent waters. Despite the wide range of latitudes, the country generally follows a typical Southern African weather pattern, with the wet season occurring mainly between December and March. Humidity can be uncomfortably high during this period.
Around April or May, the rain decreases, and the humidity drops. June to October is the dry season, with near-perfect tropical weather: clear skies, generous sunshine, and barely any rain. It is generally the best time to visit Mozambique.
Although still tropical, June, July, and August are Mozambique's coolest months; you may even need a light jacket in the evenings, despite temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F) during the day. The period between September and October remains dry as daytime temperatures climb. As is often the case, November is difficult to predict, but generally, it tends to become increasingly hot and humid just before the rains arrive.
Visas are required for most visitors traveling from outside of Africa and can be obtained beforehand at your nearest Mozambican embassy or, for a higher fee, upon arrival at certain borders and airports. However, acquiring your visa before your arrival is recommended to avoid the queues or unforeseen red tape that may delay your travels. Many British embassies also receive Mozambican visa requests. Tourist visas are valid for 90 days following their issue and allow a maximum stay of 30 days.
As a precaution, it is advisable to obtain an antimalarial from your physician before entering Mozambique, as malaria occurs throughout the country. In more rural areas or northern regions, avoid drinking tap water or using ice made from tap water and opt to purchase bottled water. As of 2015, Mozambique has been officially declared free of land mines – initially a relic of the civil war.
Additionally, ensure that your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. These include the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, and polio vaccine. The CDC also recommends vaccinations for typhoid and Hepatitis A in case of contaminated water or food exposure. However, the lodges used by African Sky are of a world-class standard, and the risk is relatively low.
Surrounded by spectacular tropical islands and the waters of the Indian Ocean, petty crime at Mozambique's remote lodges is hardly an issue. Nevertheless, be discreet with valuables and, should you be traveling with items of considerable value, confine them to your in-room safe or ask reception to look after them for your stay.
The largely untouched beaches of Mozambique are some of the best places in the world to see a few different species of turtle. These include the Leatherback, Loggerhead, Green, Hawksbill, and Olive Ridley turtles. Nesting typically starts in the last couple of months of the year and extends into the new year, with peak nesting season in March. Several of the hotels and lodges offer excursions to view these nesting sites. Visits usually are at night when the turtles come onto the beach for nesting purposes.
Mozambique is a snorkeler's and diver's paradise. Soft coral reefs teem with a colorful melange of marine life, from angelfish and puffer fish to potato bass and sea turtles - a kaleidoscope of anemones and starfish completes the seabed rainbow. Depending on the depth and location of the dive, manta rays, stingrays, moray eels, and reef sharks are all on the close encounter list. Divers and snorkelers alike may also meet the majestic whale shark or the ever-inquisitive pod of dolphins.
The calm waters of the Indian Ocean make it the ideal setting for skimming the surf. Sail in a colorful dhow like a local or explore the shallow reefs with a kayak and paddle. Try to navigate the wake of a boat on skis, a board, or a tube. A beach holiday need not necessarily be spent lazing your afternoons away on the sand when the occasion for adventures is beckoning at the shoreline.
Mozambique is an angler's paradise, with waters abundant with game and sailfish. Chartered deep-sea trips are easily arranged and standard for most resorts. Mackerel, kingfish, marlin, tuna, wahoo, and barracuda dominate the finned pursuits on the menu.
Several of the resorts in Mozambique offer a swimming experience with wild dolphins. In all cases, a strict code of conduct ensures no harm to dolphins during these interactions.
Leisure activities can range from cooking lessons in local flavors, island picnics, horse-riding on the beach, deep sea angling, snorkeling, and various water sports and excursions to prime diving locations (all depending on your elected resort). Whether you fancy spending your afternoons bronzing on the beach, relieving your urban burden in the spa, or exploring all the treasures the natural surroundings have to offer, your experience will be characterized by utter relaxation.
The traditional boats used by Arab traders in centuries past lend a different dimension when traveling between the various islands and the Mozambican coast. Whether you opt for an overnight trip, fishing from a dhow, or simply enjoying a sunset cruise from one of the lodges found on the islands, this traditional method of travel on the Indian Ocean is sure to lend a sense of romance and authenticity to the experience.
Gorongosa and the Quirimbas Archipelago - Ibo Island, more specifically - offer birders untouched natural areas with superb bird watching. From the wading species found on the islands to the endangered Tyolo alethe and the stunning white-tailed blue flycatcher, amateur bird watchers and experienced ornithologists will delight in the bird-watching opportunities available in Mozambique.
While enjoying Mozambique's pristine beaches and watersports, you will also likely spot some whales between June and November. The most common species encountered are the humpback and Southern Right whales, while those who are very fortunate may also spot the Baleen whale. The best whale-watching areas include the Bazaruto and the Quirimbas islands and Pemba and Inhambane on the mainland.
One of the primary reasons for visiting Mozambique is to come in contact with the amazing marine life in these tropical waters. Whether diving or snorkeling, you will likely see rare dugongs, whale sharks, and manta rays. A great number of reef fish and even predatory fish species can also be viewed in these waters.
Horse riding on the beaches of Vilanculos and Benguerra Island offers a unique way of experiencing the pristine beaches of Mozambique. Mozambique Horse Safaris offers a range of different rides in these destinations. Some cater to novice riders, and others to those with more experience in the saddle. A horse riding school is also available to those keen to get involved in this rewarding pastime.
Fort Sao Sebastian is of great historical significance, as it is the only entirely preserved fort in sub-Saharan Africa. The Portuguese on the Island of Mozambique constructed it. The construction lasted about fifty years and was completed around the year 1608.
Machilla Magic is in the coastal city of Vilanculos. This community arts and crafts project focuses on bringing the best in local handwork to the international visitor from a central location. If you are in the area, some fine examples of uniquely local artistry and handiwork warrant further inspection. At present, the work of more than fifty artists are displayed here.
Two Mile Reef is located between Benguerra and Bazaruto on the Mozambican coast. It is one of the most incredible diving destinations in the country. Protected in the Bazaruto National Park, the reef offers near-pristine diving conditions. The best months to dive in the region are between April and September. It is best to avoid the area between October and March when tropical storms may occur.
This vibrant marketplace is a hive of activity, local flavors, sights, and sounds. A wide variety of products and produce is available here, from local fruits and vegetables to the catch of the day and a host of crafts and curios. Remember to barter for the various products and try to get prices from at least two competing merchants to ensure a fair deal.
Casa do Ferro was designed by the famous creator of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Gustav Eiffel; this strange dwelling, though a masterpiece in its construction and design, could be more practical in tropical climates. The house has been built entirely from steel. It includes the walls, roof, and ceilings. A sight to behold but not practical to live in when outside temperatures approach - and sometimes - exceed 40 degrees centigrade.
Located about an hour south of the Mozambican capital city of Maputo, this unique 50 000 hectare reserve is dedicated to protecting the biodiversity and large mammal species in the area. It should be noted that travelers will need a 4x4 vehicle when visiting the site from Maputo, for roads are often in bad shape or no more than two-lane dirt tracks.
The main attractions found on Ilha de Mozambique, this four-hundred-year-old governor's residence, initially held a Jesuit College. From 1700, it was exclusively used as a residence for the governors of Portugal until 1898, when the capital of Portuguese East Africa was moved to Lorenzo Marques, which was subsequently renamed Maputo.
The finest locations for diving in Mozambique are in the Quirimbas Archipelago, accessed via Pemba, and the Bazaruto Archipelago, accessed via Vilanculos. These stunning slices of underwater Eden are protected as national parks and offer some of the best diving in the world.
Diving in the Quirimbas means temperate waters and fantastic visibility, and sightings of pristine coral reefs, game fish like yellowfin tuna and marlin, healthy schools of barracuda, king fish, red snappers, green and Hawksbill turtles, and encounters with a whale shark, pods of humpback dolphins and the Humpback whales in season. The diving sites are centered around the island lodges, like Medjumbe, Vamizi, Quilalea, and the legendary St Lazarus Banks.
The Bazaruto Marine National Park is also a scuba diver's paradise, with crystal clear waters and a range of spectacular soft coral ridges and reefs to explore. The national park allows visitors to encounter a wealth of marine life, including sightings of dolphins, whales, and the rare dugong. It is home to the famous Two-Mile Reef and Manta Ray Reef.
The vast majority of Mozambique's inhabitants are of African origin. The remainder of the population is Europeans (mainly Portuguese), Indians, east Asians, and 'mesticos' - people of mixed African-European ancestry. As is the case across much of the continent, the tribes living in Mozambique share cultural and linguistic similarities with their counterparts in neighboring states.
The primary tribal pattern in Mozambique results from pre-19th-century migrations from the north and west and people fleeing in the early 19th century from the violent Zulu Kingdom in South Africa. This has left a north-south split, with the Zambezi River as the dividing line. The tribes north of the Zambezi are predominantly agriculturalists and have matrilineal societies. The two largest tribes, the Macua and the Lomwe, who are concentrated in the Zambezia, Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado provinces, make up about 35% of the total population.
Another notable northern tribe is the Makonde, famous for their art, wooden statues, and masks, who live on both the Mozambican and Tanzanian sides of the Ruvuma River. The tribes south of the Zambezi River are mainly cattle-rearing and have patrilineal societies. The most important is the Thonga, the country's second-largest ethnic group, who are concentrated in the area south of the Save River and make up around 23% of the population. The majority of Africans in Maputo are Thonga. Meanwhile, most of the Sofala and Manica provinces are inhabited by Shona, a tribe whose numbers have grown due to migrations into Mozambique of Shona from Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The topography of eastern Mozambique is dominated by a low-lying coastal belt that widens from north to south to account for almost half of the country's surface area. The coastal plains rise gradually towards the west to meet a high plateau of 500m to 1 000m. Mozambique is generally characterized by relatively flat terrain. The country is mountainous throughout much of the northwest, and several areas of the western plateau are dotted with isolated granite koppies.
In the areas bordering Malawi and Zimbabwe, a few mountains rise to an altitude of more than 1 800m. Mount Binga in the Chiamanimani Range on the Zimbabwean border is Mozambique's highest peak at 2 436m. Other notable mountains include the massive inselberg of Gorongosa (1 862m) in Sofala Province, Mount Domue (2 095m) near Braganca in Tete Province, Mount Chiperone (2 054m) near Milange, and Mount Namuli (2 419m) near Gurue in Zambezia, and Mount Txitonga (1 848m) and Mount Jeci (1 836m).
