Mozambique Honeymoon
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
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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.
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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!