Mozambique Vacation

The Bazaruto Archipelago is made up of five glorious main islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangue. Bazaruto Island is the largest, sporting a 30-kilometre spine of dazzling dunes that roll down its eastern flank above an impossibly turquoise see. Across a narrow channel to the south, Benguerra Island is less than half the size, and Magaruque Island and Santa Carolina are even smaller still. Bangue Island, in the far south, is little more than a sandbar, while a sixth tiny satellite called Pansy (or Shell Island) gets completely submerged at high tide. The whole area is protected within a 1430km2 marine park and offers some of the best diving, snorkelling and recreational game fishing in Africa.

Credit: Santorini Ozambique

Highlights

Around 5000 Mozambicans call the islands their home, giving the archipelago a ‘lived-in paradise’ feel. Kids splash in the waves and colourful dhows fish offshore, and there’s a timeless, friendly atmosphere if you feel inclined to explore. Bazaruto’s sand dunes are wonderful to climb, and the freshwater lakes and inland forests support crocodiles, tiny antelope, endemic butterflies and over 180 species of birds. Take a day trip to Pansy sandbar and you’ll find it sprinkled with intricate sea-urchin shells, while divers and snorkelers can see whales, sharks, turtles and rays. Over 2000 species of fish have been recorded and the surrounding waters are also home to the highly threatened marine mammal, the dugong. Though sightings are rare, this is the best place to spot them, the last significant population remaining in the Western Indian Ocean.

Credit: andBeyond

Travel Tips

A handful of world-class luxury resorts are the only options for staying on the islands. For understated, intimate, exclusive escapes these lodges are some of the best in East Africa. Guests have the option of a short, spectacular flight from Vilankulo, or an equally beautiful transfer by boat. The sea can get choppy if the wind picks up so flights are preferable if you’re prone to getting seasick. The hotter summer months, from November to March, are best for spotting whale sharks, but with the greatest risk of rain and, occasionally severe, storms. Humpback whales are common during the dry, warm winter, but whenever you visit you’ll find astonishing life beneath the waves.

The Quirimbas Archipelago lies like a forgotten string of pearls, carelessly flung out along the far northern coast of Mozambique. 12 main islands and 20 smaller make up the chain, scattered along with shell-strewn sandbars and gleaming white tidal spits. The 11 most southerly isles are protected within the Quirimbas National Park, including Ibo Island, which is also the most accessible. Ibo was once an important trading centre on the East African coast, but its stately mansions now lie in ruins, amidst a laid-back community of subsistence farmers, fishermen and silversmiths. On Ibo Island, you’ll travel back in time to catch a glimpse of East Africa as it once was. And on the surrounding atolls you’ll find some of Mozambique’s most exclusive, romantic lodges, world-class diving and phenomenal beaches.

Highlights

Ibo’s old town has been suggested as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and shares a similar cultural and architectural significance as the Island of Mozambique further south. Most of the historical buildings are from a later period, however – late 18th and 19th century forts, churches and villas. Ibo itself lacks a truly postcard-perfect beach, but it’s an ideal staging post for island hopping along the coast. Dhow and kayaking adventures can be booked from here, and there are fantastic diving and snorkelling on the protected reefs nearby. This is a region that still sees very few visitors so even if you’re not headed to one of the private island lodges, you’ll likely feel like you have the whole exquisite archipelago to yourself.

Travel Tips

The easiest way to access the Quirimbas is by air. Pemba is the main local airport and from there you can connect to Ibo or fly directly to your lodge. Ibo Island has a handful of budget-conscious options, but for the most part the Quirimbas Archipelago is the realm of stunning private islands and exclusive romantic escapes. The proximity to Tanzania also allows for great beach and safari combos, just be aware that December to April can see heavy rain and, in some years, violent storms. In early 2019, two huge cyclones battered this coastline, with devastating effect on the community and infrastructure. Tourism is a vital way to support those in the region, but be sure to check the current situation before you travel.

The sleepy town of Inhambane was once a key trading centre in southern Mozambique. But the days are long gone since Portuguese galleons plied these shores for ivory and slaves. A neat, attractive town it’s now best known for its handful of good restaurants, Art Deco cinema and 19th century Catholic church. Most visitors stop only briefly, however, on their way to the popular beach resort of Tofo to the east. Tofo Beach, and the adjacent cluster of cottages at Tofinho, attracts a steady stream of sun and sea devotees. This chilled dive and surf hotspot is a firm favourite with backpackers, but there are also some stunning upmarket guesthouses and lodges, spread up and down along the coast.

Credit: Sava Dunes

Highlights

Tofo’s beaches and nearby resorts are some of the most popular in Mozambique. There’s plenty of space so it rarely feels crowded – just Christmas and Easter can get full. There are chilled bars and beach restaurants, and excellent seafood, especially the fresh prawns. And for surfers, the Indian Ocean swell throws up a couple of solid point breaks, one off the main beach and one around the corner in Tofinho. The main attraction, however, is undoubtedly the diving, and the off-shore snorkelling trips where you’ll swim with huge whale sharks and manta rays. Tofo is considered one of the best places in the world to see these giants – especially the mantas which can have wingspans over seven metres wide!

Travel Tips

Diving with manta rays is possible all year, but as the reef they frequent is around 24 metres deep you’ll need an advanced dive qualification to see them. Whale sharks are most common from November to April, and for them boat-based snorkelling trips are best. There’s a bustling little market just off the main beach, selling fresh fish, groceries and drinks. There’s also an excellent selection of local crafts, paintings and souvenirs, though you’ll find the prices in Inhambane slightly cheaper. There is no bank in Tofo, and no way to draw cash, so bring enough with you as few places accept cards.

Maputo is Mozambique’s fun, chaotic capital, fanning back from the northern shores of the sparkling Maputo Bay. On its downtown grid of jacaranda and acacia-lined avenues you’ll find Art Deco architecture alongside colonial-era Portuguese homes. Not all are well-maintained and there are certainly potholes here and there, but on the whole the impression is of a city on the rise. You’ll find excellent restaurants, vibrant nightlife and good hotels, and there’s also a three-hour ferry (or you can fly) to nearby Inhaca Island if time allows.

Highlights

Don’t miss Maputo’s Casa de Ferro (House of Iron), the strange pre-fabricated iron mansion that was imported from Belgium in 1892. The Natural History Museum should also be on yor list, although more for its wonderfully ornate Manueline gothic building than for the slightly dishevelled exhibitions inside. There are seven major street markets selling fresh fish, delicious food and crafts, but the huge Barracas do Museu night market deserves special mention. Hardly a market at all, it serves nothing but drinks – an absolute must if you’re on the hunt for a vibe! On the far side of the bay, the Ilha de Inhaca is the most accessible island in Mozambique. It’s an utterly beautiful, palm-fringed subtropical paradise and surprisingly crowd-free considering its proximity to the capital. Across the channel below Inhaca lies Cape Santa Maria, and the Machangulo Peninsula, which connects to the mainland in the south. Machangulo’s beaches are some of the most immaculate in Mozambique, through they’re hard to reach unless you stay at one of the region’s exclusive lodges.

Travel Tips

Maputo has a reputation as a friendly, relatively crime-free city, but take the usual precautions, especially regarding pickpockets. By law you’re required to carry personal identification at all times so it’s worthwhile bringing a certified copy of your passport and leaving the actual document at your hotel. Most larger establishments will accept payment by credit card, although mostly Visa over MasterCard (Amex is unheard of). Besides walking, the best way to get around the city is by taxi and if you plan on taking multiple trips, then it’s less expensive to negotiate a day rate in advance. A few days in Maputo is a rewarding option for the adventurous, a lively, attractive African city that’s more inviting than overwhelming.

The Ilha de Moçambique is a historical gem, and just a wonderfully laid-back slice of heaven. The entire island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and architectural significance, in particular its fine 16th century fort and associated chapel. It’s the island, not the mainland that first took the name ‘Mozambique’, derived from the sultan Ali Musa Mbiki who was the ruler here in the late 15th C. When the Portuguese arrived, and drove the sultan out, they established an outpost that would dominate the region for nearly four hundred years. Eventually the mainland assumed the name of this European base and when the bulk of trade then shifted south to Maputo, the Island of Mozambique faded from the world stage.

Highlights

The Island of Mozambique is the oldest European settlement in East Africa, with the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte (Our Lady of the Ramparts) thought to be the oldest European building south of the equator. The chapel dates to 1522 and is protected by the impressive limestone of Fort of São Sebastião. The fort was completed in the second half of the 16th century and saw off a number of major attacks, most notably by the Dutch in 1607 and 1608. The São Paulo Palace Museum is fascinating, as are the Sacred Art and Maritime Museums. And to top off these more cultural pursuits, there’s also sea-kayaking trips, excellent snorkelling, diving and boat-based humpback whale watching.

Travel Tips

The Island of Mozambique is not easy to get to. It’s in the far north of the country and the roads can be slow. The closest airport, at Nacala, is a two-hour drive to the north and the international airport at Nampula about three hours’ drive inland. The island’s upmarket hotels will arrange all necessary transfers, but if you’re on a tighter budget then prepare for an adventure. Regional buses and taxis only cost a few dollars, but you may have to switch between them en route. When you arrive you’ll find a wide range of hotels, from breezy romantic suites to family resorts and affordable backpackers. There are cash machines on the island and the bigger hotels accept credit cards, and everywhere you stroll you’ll feel completely safe, day and night.

Ponta do Ouro, literally ‘Tip (or Point) of Gold’, is a family-friendly beach holiday town, just north of the South African border. It’s the first of a succession of undulating sandy points that stud the wide, golden beach which rolls unbroken to Inhaca Island. This 85-kilometre ribbon of sand is one of the most beautiful and pristine in all of Mozambique. And ‘Ponta,’ as the town is affectionately known, is the most accessible and popular gateway into this slice of heaven.

Highlights

Ponta has a reputation as a bit of a party town, especially during the Christmas and Easter holidays when it’s a firm favourite with visiting South Africans. It’s a long way off the famous party resorts of the Med, but expect lots of kids on the beach, lively campsite barbeques and buzzing beach bars. It’s a great place to go if you’re travelling alone or with a young family, though there’ll more for the kids if they’re old enough to snorkel or take boat rides. Ponta’s Scuba diving is world-class and the conditions for underwater photography are ideal. The water is warm and clear and the offshore reefs are famous for their reef sharks, whale sharks, turtles, dolphins and rays.

Travel Tips

Ponta is a year-round beach destination, but for the best diving and snorkelling pick your dates with care. Whales and whale sharks are most common between July and January, while shark diving season (a specialty in Ponta) runs from September through to April. Dolphins, turtles and rays can be seen throughout the year, but the summer months (November to March) are the most pleasant to be in the water. Until recently Ponta could only be reached by 4×4, but a new sealed road now runs to Maputo and South Africa. It remains to be seen what impact this will have on the town, but if exclusive solitude is what you’re after then there are some superb, quieter lodges just a short way up the coast.

Vilanculo is probably Mozambique’s fastest-growing and most bustling beach town, a jumbled network of half sealed, half sandy streets, on a typically lovely ribbon of coastline. With a small, but international airport that sees daily flights from South Africa, it’s popular with luxury fly-in visitors and backpackers alike. Though it has its own gorgeous beaches and is a much-loved destination in itself, the town also serves as the perfect gateway to the Bazaruto islands. This stunning, protected archipelago beckons, just a lazy dhow-ride offshore, and for those who can’t quite manage the ultra-luxury lodges on the islands themselves, there’s a huge diversity of more affordable resorts in town.

Credit: Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel

Highlights

Day trips to the nearby reefs are arguably Vilanculo’s major draw – the diving and snorkelling is simply some of the best in East Africa. Two Mile Reef in particular is an absolute must and from July to November you may see humpback whales cruising by underwater. Even if you miss them, you’ll almost certainly hear their haunting songs, as a myriad bright fish flash by, along with rays, turtles and perhaps even a whale shark. Big-game fishing is also hugely popular off Vilanculo as marlin, sailfish, barracuda and tuna all frequent these waters. With its wide range of resorts, bare-foot bars and palm-fringed beaches, there’s really something for everyone in what remains a laid-back, uncrowded holiday town.

Credit: Santorini Mozambique

Travel Tips

Daily flights from Johannesburg and Nelspruit make travel arrangements easy. Nelspruit lies on the southern border of the Kruger National Park and with a flight time of only an hour and 10 minutes, it’s easy to combine South Africa’s most famous wildlife park with the beach. There are banks in Vilanculo as well as a pharmacy and a private hospital, plus a couple of well-stocked supermarkets if you’re booking a self-catering villa. Before you leave be sure to check out the two main central markets, where you’ll find an excellent selection of local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Affordable, mid-range hotels and resorts are more common along the southern coast of Mozambique. Look around Ponta do Ouro, Tofo Beach and Vilankulo for the best quality and variety. Generally speaking, the most affordable option will be to hire a house and self-cater, and all three regions have holiday cottages and villas where guests can cook for themselves. Also, look out for all-inclusive specials, which can be great value if activities are included.

Highlights

While you’re in Mozambique it’s worth splashing out on a once-in-a-life-time experience. Whether it’s diving with sharks or a desert island picnic, it’s these unforgettable moments that make Mozambique so special. You can go humpback whale spotting, take a dhow cruise or search for giant, loggerhead turtles. All of these can be booked as separate tours when you arrive, or you can book in advance and take advantage of any specials. One affordable route can be to find a more upmarket hotel that offers great value for money on their in-house excursions. Good deals are especially likely during the December to April low season, and the shoulder season months of November and May.

Credit: Rio Azul

Travel Tips

The metical is the local currency, but many mid-range hotels and restaurants will take US dollars, and around Ponta do Ouro South African rands are also widely used. Credit cards are increasingly accepted in the major centres, although Visa is preferred and smaller businesses will likely only accept meticais. Whatever you do, spend all your meticais before you leave. You’ll find it very difficult to exchange outside of Mozambique and will certainly get a very poor rate if you do find a willing FOREX agent.

For a budget-conscious holiday it’s best to head for one of the main southern beach towns – specifically, Ponta do Ouro, Tofo Beach or Vilankulo. Your principal expenses will likely be diving and boating activities, closely followed by accommodation, meals and local transportation. Internal flights in Mozambique are relatively expensive, as are private vehicle transfers between the more upmarket hotels. A flight from Maputo to Tofo (Inhambane), for example, will cost around $160 one way, while a bus or shared tourist shuttle is about $16 and a local shared taxi (chapa) even less.

Credit: Ibo Island Lodge

Highlights

Diving is one of Mozambique’s major highlights, but prices vary widely depending on where you go. Ponta do Ouro tends to be the most affordable at around $40 per dive, including gear. Tofo Beach is slightly more at about $50 (also with rented gear), while in Vilankulo it can be over $100 a dive, with the added boat transfer/fuel costs to reach the outer reefs. If you’re travelling alone, it’s worth making friends as many dive centres offer discounts for groups. And if you’re looking to learn, Mozambique’s warm waters are ideal. You can get your PADI Open Water certification from around $350.

Credit: Vamizi Island

Travel Tips

Mozambique has an extensive ATM network so it’s really not necessary to arrive with huge amounts of cash. Take at least two bank cards – Visa is preferred – and hide away some backup currency in case of any emergencies. Camping is by far the most affordable option and there are places to pitch a tent in all the main beach towns. The food is excellent and very well priced and you can feast on local dishes and street fare for less than $10 a day.

You’ll find outstanding luxury resorts all along Mozambique’s coastline, but the three main regions are the southern Machangulo Peninsula, the Bazaruto Archipelago, and the stunning coral atolls of the Quirimbas. The Machangulo Peninsula offers gorgeous, serviced beach villas and tasteful hotels, while the handful of lodges on the Bazaruto and Quirimbas islands serve up laid-back, barefoot luxury at its best.

Credit: Baia Sonambula

Highlights

A luxury holiday in Mozambique can also be a chance to get involved. Many of the top lodges are linked with local conservation and community projects and there’s an overall emphasis on long-term sustainability. Highlights include rare marine encounters with the highly threatened dugong, nesting turtles, bird-watching kayak adventures and spectacular diving in the Bazaruto and Quirimbas marine parks. Luxury in Mozambique comes with an easy-going island flare – a focus on comfort, breath-taking locations, privacy and exclusivity.

Credit: Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort

Travel Tips

Mozambique is an excellent choice for a beach and safari combo. The Bazaruto Archipelago has easy flight connections to top lodges in northern South Africa, and the Quirimbas Islands are not far from some of Africa’s best wildlife experiences in Zambia and Tanzania. Look out for special deals around the October and November shoulder season – it can be very hot, just prior to the rains, but it’s a great time for spotting animals and is usually perfect beach weather, especially in the Quirimbas. If you’re stopping in Maputo, the capital also has some fine luxury hotels. Slick and well-run, they offer excellent value for money and a convenient, comfortable base from which to explore this vibrant city.

In many respects, the south of Mozambique is the archetypal tropical beach nirvana, and also boasts world-class snorkelling, diving, and game fishing.

Tourism to Mozambique, consisting largely of South African fishermen, is concentrated here in a string of developed beach resorts. These include Tofo, Inhambane, Vilankulo and the offshore islands of Bazaruto National Park. The beaches of the north are no less beautiful, and the offshore reefs and islands are just as bountiful. However, amenities here tend to be more scattered. With the exception of the mainland resort of Pemba and the honeymoon-friendly Quirimbas Islands, they are generally also more rudimentary.

Mozambique has some of the most absorbing towns in southern Africa. These range from the modern capital Maputo, with its palm-lined avenidas and Art Deco architecture, to historic backwaters such as Ilha de Moçambique (capital of Portuguese East Africa for almost four centuries) and Ibo. For wildlife enthusiasts, highlights include the renascent Gorongosa National Park inland of Beira and the vast Niassa Game Reserve bordering Tanzania.

Mozambique has long been a family holiday favourite with South Africans and over Christmas and Easter in particular, the wide, southern beaches are a playground for kids. There’s plenty of space for children to run around and explore, plus laid-back, family-friendly resorts that offer kids’ clubs, child discounts and day care.

Credit: Santorini Mozambique

You’ll need something of an adventurous spirit, especially if you have very young children. Road transfers can be long and bumpy and there’s a high incidence of malaria throughout Mozambique. While travelling to Mozambique with very young kids is not impossible, it might be better all round to wait until they’re a little older. There’s more effective anti-malarial medication for older kids and teens, and once they reach 10 years old they can take introductory scuba diving courses and access the marvels beneath the sea.

Best places to visit in Mozambique

The best regions for a family holiday are in and around Ponta do Ouro, Tofo Beach and Vilanculo. Of the three, Vilanculo is the most accessible, with its international airport and regular flights from Johannesburg and Maputo. Family activities from Vilanculo include speed-boat trips, dhow rides, shallow dive sites and safe swimming. A snorkelling trip and picnic to one of Bazaruto’s sheltered beaches is an unforgettable experience for kids of all ages.

Further south, the Tofo Beach region is somewhat trickier to reach. It’s serviced by the tiny Inhambane Airport, but flights are less frequent and only connect internationally through Maputo and Vilanculo. If you’re driving in, it takes about seven or eight hours from Maputo which may be a trial with traffic and poor roads. Once there, however, it’s a great place for families. There are some excellent, affordable self-catering cottages, and the chance to snorkel with whale sharks. Just be aware that the waves here can be bigger than in Vilanculo, and ocean swimming is more suited to teens than young kids.

Credit: Travessia Lodge

In the far south of Mozambique, lies Ponta do Ouro, undoubtedly Mozambique’s most popular family holiday town. A new sealed road has now made Ponta much more accessible and what was once a hot and dusty 4×4-only journey, is now an easy hour-and-a-half drive from Maputo. Ponta is safe and easy going and loads of fun for kids. There are introductory diving courses for the older ones, plus swimming and snorkelling and a stunning, wide beach.

Highlights

Exploring the ocean as a family is one of Mozambique’s major highlights. This beautiful, warm coastline offers incredible marine life. Kids as young as 10 years old can already learn to dive and after a four-day course 10 and 11 year olds can be certified to 12 metres. You’ll need to check that the area you’re visiting has suitable shallow reefs, but 12 metres is more than enough to discover the enthralling world underwater. You’ll find turtles and dolphins and thousands of reef fish and with knowledgeable instructors and so much to learn, it’s an education for the whole family.

Above the waves it’s all about dhow rides and speedboats, and learning to fish from the beach. Mozambique’s highlights are very sea and beach orientated, including the culinary – this coast is famous for its fish! But if your kids don’t like seafood, there’s no reason to worry. You’ll find plenty of kid-friendly restaurants and no shortage of classic favourites such as pizza and burgers and chips.

Travel Tips

• If you’re travelling through South Africa to Mozambique, you’ll need an ‘unabridged birth certificate’ for each child younger than 18. It needs to show the full name of the child, as on their passport, as well as the full names of both parents. If one or other parent is travelling alone then you’ll need written consent from the absent parent. It’s all a bit of a hassle, but it’s aimed at curbing child trafficking – a worthy concern that the authorities take seriously.

• Another concern is the risk of malaria – be sure to consult a doctor before you travel. June to September are the months with the lowest risk, but at any time of the year it’s worth taking your own mosquito nets, and pack a roll of duct tape to repair any holes.

Mozambique is the very vision of romance, with its endless, empty beaches, swaying palms and turquoise sea. But what makes the country particularly special is the quality and variety of the romantic experiences on offer. From private beach huts to serviced villas, secluded island retreats to polished luxury hotels – whether you’re planning your honeymoon or plotting a more impulsive escape, you’ll find your postcard-perfect paradise whatever your taste or budget.

Credit: Azura Benguerra Island

Best places to visit in Mozambique

One of Mozambique’s major draws is that, a few bustling beach towns aside, it remains largely undeveloped and unexplored. The kind of intimacy and exclusivity that you might only expect on a private island can also be found on a quiet mainland beach, especially in the south of the country.

The southern coastline from Ponta do Ouro to Inhaca Island is one of the most beautiful and untouched in Mozambique. Ponta do Ouro itself can be a bit rowdy for romance, but as you head north up the coast the mood rapidly changes. Scattered along the deserted beaches you’ll find a handful of intimate lodges, tucked between the ocean and the stunning Maputo Special Reserve. The reserve protects not just miles of untrammelled beach, but a glorious stretch of inland lakes and forest, home to elephants, hippos and hundreds of species of birds.

Some 500km north of Inhaca Island, the Bazaruto Archipelago also lies within a protected park. These glorious islands are perfect for couples in search of an even more exclusive romantic break. There are only a handful of lodges across the archipelago’s five islands, all world-class and luxurious and ideal for couples. Think castaway picnics on dazzling white sandbars, candle-lit beach dinners, treatments and spas. The waters off Bazaruto are known for spectacular diving and, if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s lots more to do than simply stretch out on the beach. Besides diving, there’s also snorkelling, sea kayaking and sunset dhow cruises, while on land there’s horse riding, dune boarding and island tours.

Credit: Nkwichi Lodge

In the far north of Mozambique, the magnificent Quirimbas Archipelago is the most isolated, and arguably the most beautiful region in the country. This is the realm of dazzling private islands, luxury fly-in resorts and spectacular honeymoon escapes. If you’ve ever dreamed of a four-poster bed on the beach, then the Quirimbas islands are for you. Or perhaps you’d prefer to explore palm-fringed atolls on a guided island-hopping safari in your own private dhow?

Highlights

A Quirimbas Archipelago dhow safari is one of Mozambique’s major highlights for adventurous couples. Explore the islands with an experienced skipper and personal chef, picnicking on empty sandbars and sleeping in mobile beach camps under the stars.

Credit: Azura Benguerra Island

For more traditional resort-style pampering, you’ll find top-notch romantic lodges and secluded couples’ retreats up and down the coast. And if a week-long boat safari seems a little excessive you can easily take a day trip or a sunset dhow cruise instead.

Many of Mozambique’s lodges and resorts also have a strong sustainability and conservation ethos. There’s a real emphasis on low impact tourism, wildlife protection and community development. Whether you’re on an island-hopping safari or ensconced at a stunning beach lodge, there’ll be opportunities for bird-watching, learning about key wildlife projects in the area, and meeting and interacting with the local community.

Travel Tips

• Mozambique is perhaps the least conservative country in East Africa. Affection is public is generally not an issue, although topless bathing is not the norm and will almost certainly be frowned upon. Same-sex relationships have been legal in Mozambique since 2015.

• Mozambique is an excellent choice for honeymooners and romance, whether you’re looking for all-inclusive pampering, adventure or bare-foot luxury. Resorts and lodges in Mozambique are fully aware of what they can offer romantic couples – let them know in advance and they’ll happily tailor an experience just for you!

If you’re thinking of visiting Mozambique on your own, don’t let anything dissuade you. It’s a friendly, safe choice for solo travel and can be as adventurous or laid-back as you like. Those looking for solitude will find endless, empty beaches, ideal for long, peaceful strolls. And if you
’d like to meet people there are lively beach towns, with restaurants and group tours and buzzing bare-foot bars.

Credit: andBeyond Benguerra Island

It’s not advisable to leave valuables unattended while you swim, or to wander Maputo’s backstreets alone after dark. But these are the kinds of precautions you’d take almost anywhere and, infrequent petty theft aside, Mozambique is a very safe country to visit. Mozambicans have a well-earned reputation for being easy-going and friendly. The seafood is delicious, and very affordable, and there’s a fascinating history and a wonderful underwater world to explore.

Best places to visit in Mozambique

Credit: Financial Times

Perhaps Mozambique’s only drawback is that it can be challenging to get around. Public transport does exist, but it’s often bumpy and slow and can be difficult to figure out. The more exclusive resorts, especially on the islands, offer a seamless fly-in service. But if you’re a solo traveller, and in particular if you’re on a budget, then bear this in mind.

The far north of Mozambique is the hardest to reach, involving relatively expensive internal flights, long, bumpy roads, or quite often, both. If you’re feeling adventurous you’ll discover Mozambique’s rich cultural past – the evocative, deserted mansions of Ibo Island and the 16th century Portuguese fort and chapel on the tip of Ilha de Moçambique.

Travelling in the south is much easier than the north. There are direct flights to Vilanculo from Maputo and Johannesburg, and busses and/or backpacker shuttles between Maputo, Vilanculo, Tofo, and Ponta do Ouro. These main centres are by far the most popular destinations for solo travellers and many visitors pick just one or two spots and stick to them. Your choice will depend on ease of access and time of year, and especially on the key activities available in the area.

Highlights

If you’re looking to meet people, then Vilanculo and Tofo Beach are best. They’re at their most lively over Christmas and Easter, and again from the end of June to September. June to September sees the best beach weather and the far south usually has it better early in the season (May/June). Further north, it tends to be hotter and drier in October and, in the far north, it usually stays hot and dry well into November.

The weather is often a secondary consideration when it comes to Mozambique’s marine attractions. Snorkelling and diving with whale sharks is quite simply mind-blowing and although they can be seen year-round, October to March are best. Another marine giant, the humpback whale, is common off the coast from July to mid-November. So, while October and November can be increasingly humid and cloudy in the south, it’s the perfect time to see Mozambique’s magnificent marine giants and all other considerations might be secondary.

Turtles, dolphins, reef sharks and manta rays can be seen along the coast year-round. But specific local areas may have subtle seasonal variations so be sure to check with a local dive operator before you travel. If you’re not a diver already, then this is the time to learn! Mozambique has a number of excellent dive schools, and they’re a great way to socialise and meet new people.

Travel Tips

• Be aware that outside of the main resorts, English is not widely spoken. A Portuguese phrase book or app on your phone will go a long way to easing communication.

• Credit cards (preferably Visa) are accepted at most resorts and hotels, but for smaller enterprises and local transport you’ll almost certainly need cash. In Ponta do Ouro, South African rands are readily accepted, but otherwise the best option is to draw local currency (meticals) from an ATM when you arrive. ATMs are common in all the main centres (although Tofo is a notable exception – the nearest one is in Inhambane).

• Mozambique is generally considered a safe country for women travelling alone. Dress codes and attitudes are less conservative than in other East African countries and homosexuality has been legal since 2015.

Once the darling holiday destination of Southern Africa, Mozambique has suffered turbulence and tragedy in its recent past. It’s perhaps too much to say it was the ‘Algarve of East Africa’, but it’s unique, vibrant blend of sun, sea and Afro-Portuguese heritage attracted hundreds of thousands in the years before the war. Although the struggle for independence from Portugal began in the early 1960s, it was not until civil war broke out in ‘75 that all tourism effectively ceased. Lodges closed, resorts fell to ruin and millions of people were killed or displaced.

When the war ended in 1992, there was little infrastructure and no tourism to speak of. But as stability returned, so did an adventurous few, braving the rough roads and uncertain, often dilapidated lodgings. What the war could not destroy was arguably the most beautiful stretch of golden coastline in Africa. The lack of development simply added to the charm. Those who came found a country looking forward to the future, a laid-back seaside paradise of sun, surf and phenomenal seafood.

In the years since the war Mozambique’s shores have been battered by storms, but the upbeat outlook and easy-going charm remains. The roads are now much better and the quality and variety of lodges and resorts have vastly improved, but this magnificent coastline still feels wonderfully new and untamed. Mozambique’s two main island archipelagos, Bazaruto and the Quirimbas, are among the best in the world for ‘barefoot luxury’ breaks. Scattered up and down the mainland beaches, you’ll find high-quality, affordable lodges, secluded villas and attractive family hotels.

Though development is ongoing, the pace is slow and measured, and one of Mozambique’s major draws remains its wide-open views and lack of crowds. Although the far south can get busy over Christmas and Easter, for the rest of the year you’ll likely have entire beaches to yourself. The north of the country is harder to reach and quieter still, and inland the wildlife parks see only a trickle of adventurous guests. Most visitors still come specifically for the beaches and with over 2,500km of stunning coastline to choose from, there’s no shortage of room to stretch your legs.

Credit: Travessia Beach Lodge

In a sense, it’s Mozambique’s troubled past that makes it such a unique destination today. It’s been over 25 years since the end of the war, yet it remains relatively undeveloped and in many places, pristine. With its unique cultural blend, great food and sublime seas, Mozambique has a strong claim on the best beach holiday in Africa.

Most visitors, quite rightly, come to Mozambique for the sea. There are hundreds of dive and snorkelling sites along this quite extraordinary coast. And besides the abundant reef fish and spectacular coral, there are also the glorious marine giants. The soft-shelled leatherback turtle grows to over two-and-a-half metres long and the beach town of Tofo is famous for its whale shark snorkelling and dives with manta rays. Humpback whales can even be seen breaching from shore as they pass down the coast between June and December.

Away from the sea the wildlife is less prolific; Mozambique’s parks and reserves suffered extensive poaching throughout the war. To some extent the problem of poaching continues, but two reserves in particular are showing hopeful signs. Gorongosa National Park was once one of the top safari parks in Africa, and although populations are still recovering, lion, elephant and numerous antelope species can be found. In the far south, the Maputo Special Reserve protects some of Mozambique’s most pristine lakes and beaches, and there’s a small but visible elephant population that calls the reserve home.

Both of these parks, and Mozambique as a whole, are truly wonderful if you have a soft spot for birds. Pack your binoculars to see some of Mozambique’s 750 or more species – that’s 50 more species than across all of mainland Europe!