Mozambique offers world-class accommodation, pristine beaches, adventure activities including fantastic diving, snorkelling, fishing, and a diverse culture with a trading history with China, Persia, India and Europe. Mozambique was known for its fine gold and ivory, as well as having been active in the slave trade. It is safe and despite its regained popularity, this warm-hearted country remains for the most part un-commercialised, and gives an open-armed welcome to those willing to explore its pleasures and treasures.
Mozambique is an enormous country, encompassing some 800 000 square km, with a coastline extending roughly 2 500km along the Indian Ocean in the southeast of Africa. At the northern-most extreme is Cabo Delgado province, including the Quirimbas Archipelago. A recently established National Park (Cabo Delgado Biodiversity Project) offers visitors both marine and land environments to explore. With top-notch diving, fishing and bird watching, this is a remote piece of paradise. Perfect for those wanting to combine solitude with an experience of a lifetime.
Travel further south into Nampula province to Ilha de Mozambique and one is transported back in time while exploring the former capital of Mozambique. This part of the coastline has been declared a "World Heritage Site" and is an architect's dream, with buildings made of coral dating back to the 16th century.
The Bazaruto Archipelago is one of the best known beach destinations in Mozambique. One is completely spoiled for choice in terms of both accommodation and environs. Benguerra and Bazaruto islands are quite exclusive, and the entire archipelago boasts fantastic beaches, perfect diving, fishing conditions and amazing bird life.
In southern Mozambique is the capital, Maputo. Formerly known as Lorenzo Marques, this thriving, bustling city never seems to sleep! From markets to colonial hotels, promenades and bistros, this is a city worth exploring and enjoying. Just minutes away by boat is the Catembe Peninsula, with breathtaking views over the city and a delightful boutique hotel. Excursions to the nearby Elephant Park Reserve are now possible. Regular flights from various South African airports to Vilanculos, Maputo and Pemba make Mozambique a convenient and accessible destination, with the added bonus of visas being available on arrival for all nationalities. What are you waiting for?
Mozambique Top Attractions
Cabo Delgado is the most northern province bordering on Tanzania. The birthplace of Maconde, who have rich traditions and culture.
Pemba: Pemba is the main city of Cabo Delgado, a traditional old Mozambique fishing port offering pristine island scenery, scuba diving and world-class blue water fishing.
Quirimbas Archipelago: The Quirimbas are one of the most biodiverse marine areas in the world. Dugongs graze in sea grass meadows, fish eagles perch in tall mangroves, turtles nest on white beaches, and humpback whales shelter their young in deep channel. The isle of Ibo located in the Quirimbas used to be an important island in Mozambique. Still today the hallmarks of a glorious past can be seen.
Quilailea Island resort rests in a marine sanctuary with Sencar Island. Quilailea is 12 kms from the mainland town of Quissanga and 55kms north of Pemba City by sea and 120 kms by road. The island is 34 hectares in area and lies alongside a deep 70 metres channel with direct access to the Indian Ocean.
Matemo and Medjumbe island resorts are further options for a stunning island holiday.
Vamizi - with its clear waters, abundant marine life and untouched coral reefs, is a tourist paradise.
Province of Inhambane
This province is one of the main centres of tourism today due to the existence of the biggest archipelago, Bazaruto. Inhambane is a fascinating town and worthwhile a visit if staying at the nearby hotels.
Praya de Barra (25 km from Inhambane town). Stay either at Barra Lodge & Flamingo Bay Water Lodge, where you will find unspoiled beaches bordered by the Inhambane estuary on one side and the sea on the other. Nestled amongst groves and coconut trees.
Bazaruto (and Benguerra) Islands: Sublime tropical isles off the Mozambican coast. Bazaruto and Benguerra island (formerly known as Benguela), the two largest, feature magnificent high sand dunes and green lakes inhabited by crocodiles; as well as lush coastal bush choked with indigenous birdlife. Specials include the Blue-throated Sunbird and Rudd's Apalis. World-class scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities await those who explore the coral formations around the isles. Excellent hotels and lodges exist on Bazaruto Island (Indigo Bay and Bazaruto Lodge) and on Benguerra Island (Marlin Lodge and Benguerra Lodge).
Vilanculos: Gateway to the Bazaruto archipelago 700 km north of Maputo. It lies on the mainland opposite the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago in the tropical Inhambane province. The area is lovely for hiking through untouched nature with an incredible bird life. The unspoilt and tranquil beaches are ideal for long scenic beach walks. The sea is calm and shallow in front of the lodge and ideal for swimming and paddling.
Read More
Scuba Diving Mozambique
