Why Visit Mozambique?
Mozambique stands out as an exceptional destination for travellers to experience a distinctly African beach holiday. What defines the Mozambican experience from any other beach holiday is the uniquely African cultural landscape in a tropical paradise with long stretches of flawless beaches.
Although most of Mozambique is part of mainland Africa, there are some superb holiday islands that fall under Mozambican territory. But regardless of whether you’re on the mainland or islands, a holiday in Mozambique is sure to make you feel like you’re in a tropical paradise.
Hotels and lodges on the Mozambican coastline are scattered. Some close to cities and towns, but many are some distance away in complete isolation.
From a cultural perspective, Mozambique offers a blend of Portuguese and native African cultures. As a country previously ruled by Portugal, the national language and lingua franca of Mozambique is Portuguese.
Mozambican cuisine is popular in many countries. It combines traditionally Portuguese ingredients with local produce, creating food that’s especially known for being spicy and intensely flavourful. Enjoying delicious Mozambican food is sure to be a part of any holiday in this beautiful country.
Activities: seasonal turtle watching, whale watching, scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, kiteboarding, yacht charters, scenic helicopter flights, stand-up paddle boarding, dhow sailing, water skiing, tubing, knee or wake boarding, island excursions, cultural village tours, horse-riding, spa treatments, whale watching
Mozambique is mostly visited as a beach destination. The coastal resorts can be visited throughout the year, but January and February tend to be very wet which might spoil a beach holiday. The turtle nesting season runs from November to March and the humpback whale migrating season runs from June to November. Diving and snorkelling is at its best from April to June and from September to November. At this time the water is clear and calm, and visibility is very good.
For game viewing the best time to visit Mozambique is from July to October. Water sources in the bush have dried out and animals congregate around the few remaining water sources.
Best Time
May to October (dry season, clear skies, almost no rain)
July to October (best time for humback whale sightings)
April (sunny days, less rain & humidity)
High Season
June to August (winter months, can be breezy)
Low Season
January & February (monsoon season)
December to March (hot & possibly rainy)
November (is a less predictable transition month)
Best Weather
September & October
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What to See in Mozambique
Quirimbas Islands
Although not part of the mainland, the 32 individual islands comprising the Quirimbas often bridge with the coastline through sand dunes and shallow waters with coral reefs. The waters that surround the islands are teeming with exotic marine life that can be viewed through snorkelling or scuba diving trips.
Ibo Island and Medjumbe are two of the most popular tourist islands in the group. With the best luxury accommodation and access to fun activities, the islands offer visitors an exceptional luxury travel experience.
Bazaruto Archipelago Islands and Marine National Park
The Bazaruto Archipelago is a group of six islands off the Mozambican coastline. These islands are named Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Banque, Santa Carolina and Shell Island, respectively.
These islands stand out as the best luxury travel destinations – with exceptional luxury hotels and a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
The islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago are surrounded by Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, which is the largest marine conservation area on the eastern coastline of Africa. The park was first instituted in 1971 to protect rare and unique species living in the water, such as dugong, dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays, to name just a few.
Dugongs are especially rare aquatic mammals and it’s well worth travelling to the conserved waters simply for the chance to view one of these magnificent creatures. It’s believed that approximately 250 dugongs live in marine national park. There’s no other place on the east coast of Africa with a more a significant population of dugongs than Mozambique. However, as an extremely endangered animal, dugong sightings remain rare.
Ponta d’Ouro
Ponta d’Ouro is a small town located near the southern border of Mozambique close to South Africa. Maputo Special Game Reserve is also located within less than 2 hours’ drive from the town.
Best known for its beaches, Ponta d’Ouro boasts some of the best surfing waves in Mozambique. Diving, deep sea fishing and swimming with dolphins are among some of the unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences visitors can expect here.
Maputo
Most tourists will probably enter Mozambique from Maputo, as it’s the capital city of the country. As a coastal city, there are plenty of beach holiday resorts located in the surrounding areas of Maputo.
Tofo Beach
Tofo Beach is a small coastal town approximately 500 kilometres north-east of Maputo. The town is a popular destination for visitors hoping to experience local Mozambican culture.
With great restaurants and adventurous activities such as snorkelling the reefs, kitesurfing and other water sports, Tofo Beach is the perfect town to visit if you’re looking for both a cultural and adventure-packed Mozambican getaway.
Barra Beach
Barra Beach is a popular tourist beach offering luxury accommodation. Located close to Tofo Beach, it’s serves as the perfect place to enjoy a remote, tranquil beach holiday.
Vilanculos
Vilanculos is a popular coastal town in Mozambique. As the main entry point to the Bazaruto Archipelago, Vilanculos is known for having a broad range of exciting activities available to tourists. Water sports, tours, horseback safaris and fishing are just a few activities visitors can add to their itineraries.
Pemba
Pemba is town located in the northern area of Mozambique. It’s situated close to the Quirimbas islands and serves as the main entry point to the islands for tourists. The town is located next to a natural harbour, named Pemba Bay after the town. With its beautiful beaches, palm trees and African charm, Pemba is a great getaway spot.
Kosi Bay
Kosi Bay is a tiny, rural town located just over the border of Mozambique in South Africa. On the Mozambican side of the border, there are multiple great hotels and lodges close to Kosi Bay.
Niassa Game Reserve
Niassa Game Reserve is the largest protected area in Mozambique, covering a total area of 42,000 square kilometres. The park is still largely unknown to the public and offers a remote wilderness experience like no other.
An impressive elephant population and a large number of herbivores, such as antelopes and zebras roam the park. Endangered predators, such as wild dogs and leopards can also be seen.
Lake Niassa (also called Lake Malawi) is located near Niassa Game Reserve. The lake is stunningly beautiful – certainly worth visiting when in the area.
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