Mozambique

Shimmering golden sandy beaches, salty ocean breezes blowing off of the turquoise waters and gently swaying vibrantly green palm trees, Mozambique is without a doubt Southern Africa’s very own tropical destination. A place of adventure, interesting traditional customs, and an unforgettable laid-back vibe, it is surprising that Mozambique is not as well-known as it ought to be. With its gorgeous untouched coral reefs and abundant ocean life (making it the perfect place to go diving), sparkling waters and archipelagos which play host to a unique type of safari, and a surprisingly thumping urban nightlife, Mozambique has a surprising number of fascinating attractions.

Mozambique Highlights

If there is one destination well worth visiting, it has to be the sprawling nation of Mozambique. The pristine coastline with its warm Indian Ocean is without a doubt the biggest attraction and guests can look forward to activities which include snorkelling, deep sea diving, canoeing and swimming.

The ocean is home to Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, Dolphins and tropical fish of all types, and lucky divers can spot all of these and more in just one expedition. The ocean also serves up the best meals, with various delectable, locally prepared seafood, being popular at both restaurants and busy street markets.

The colonial history as well as the indigenous cultures come together to create a uniquely Mozambican vibe that will have all visitors enthralled during their time spent here.  Packages for Mozambique offer a wide variety of experiences for those intrepid travellers seeking adventure!

Great expanses of sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, almost devoid of life, complete with the soothing sounds of gentle warm waves and the iconic shady palm tree, create the perfect setting for quiet relaxation.

The coastline of Mozambique  is roughly 2 414km (or 1 500 miles) long and it is dotted with hidden enclaves and gorgeous underwater worlds, brimming with tropical marine life. 

Inhambane Province is a  popular destination with a number of holiday retreats including Praia do Tofo, Ponta da Linga Linga, Coconut Bay, Guinjata Bay and Praia do Barra. Tofo and Barra, in particular, are excellent places to go diving. 

The beaches of Vilankulo (sometimes referred to as Vilanculos) and the Bazaruto Archipelago easily offer some of the most scenic views. Vilankulo is the gateway to Bazaruto Archipelago, and Mozambique’s southern tourism districts.

Home to a quiet town, and lazy living, Vilankulo has some of the country’s best beaches and a popular fresh fish market. 

The turquoise waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago are home to a vibrant marine world, and divers and snorkelers alike can indulge in some of the most rewarding underwater experiences.

Visitors can keep a lookout for dolphins which swim alongside 2000 different species of fish. Green, loggerhead and leatherback turtles can also be spotted.

The entire archipelago is made up of 5 distinct islands and much of Bazaruto is protected by the Bazaruto National Park where guests can see Nile crocodiles, red duikers, and bushbuck, while pink flamingos and fish eagles are also commonly seen.

A safari in a traditional Dhow takes guests into the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, or to Magaruque Island and Bazaruto Island, for a unique kind of getaway.

Guests have the option of a camping safari, or if they just have a day to spare, the day safari or sunset safari are both fantastic ways to do a little exploring of these stunning natural destinations.

In the company of an experienced crew, and seated in a traditional Dhow, a laid-back adventure awaits. The Dhow is at the mercy of the wind and guests should be advised to not be in a hurry.

While Vilankulo is considered the gateway to the South of Mozambique, Pemba is the gateway to the north. The area is a perfect blend of urban town and laidback holiday escape.

It has all of the basic amenities to make a holiday comfortable, but it is certainly a beach life for those who live and work here. A destination which attracts numerous guests, Pemba has a fish market, a lookout point which gives guests a view of the third-largest natural harbour in the world, and Wimbi Beach.

It’s almost impossible not to be pulled into the sometimes crazy vibe that dominates this truly African city. The locals are always on the move, the city is always just about packed and the people living here have embraced the “come what may” lifestyle.

Siestas are not uncommon, so life tends to go at a slow pace even when the city is a hive of activity. From the harbour restaurants and their fresh catch of the day menus, to museums and historical buildings which showcase the European architecture, a reminder of colonial times, guests visiting Maputo will never have a moment to be bored.

There is seemingly always something happening, whether it is local musos kicking up a hip swaying beat, or artists selling a unique souvenir, the atmosphere has a habit of making people feel at home.

This former Portuguese trading post is today a historical hotspot for those who want to learn more about the past of the country. Until 1991, the Island of Mozambique was just about forgotten, a place completely overlooked by visitors.

Today, the island, which is situated around 4 km offshore of mainland Mozambique, is a place of semi-ruined and partially rebuilt structures, known as Stone Town.

To the south of the island is the rural, reed town, Makuti, which is home to some 15000 Mozambicans. Visitors to the island can take a trip to the Palace and Chapel of Sao Paulo, the fort of Sao Sebastiao, the Museu de Arte Sacra and the Camoes Statue.

How to Get There

The international visitors can fly directly into Maputo International Airport or they can travel over the border from South Africa by car.

Maputo is just a short drive from the South African border, but the roads can be a bit wild, so flying in is the better option, unless guests are being transferred by a tour company.

Once in the country, there are various smaller airports in some of the bigger towns, which makes travelling between the often far flung destinations quicker than driving.

Best Time of the Year to Visit

Being the tropical destination that it is, the weather here is quite spectacular all year round. The winters are on the mild side, but during the summer, the day time temperatures can be very hot and humid. 

The best time of year to visit Mozambique is between June and September, which are also the months considered peak tourist season. For those diving, any time of the year is good although February and August tend to be quite windy, which can affect diving visibility.

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