place to visit in mozambique

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15 Best Places to Visit in Mozambique

Occupying a great bend of East Africa, where the tropical heart of the continent slowly becomes the temperate south of the continent, the vast nation of Mozambique certainly has its fair share of touristic draws. Along the coast you’ll find alabaster-white sands with a fringing of palm trees; you’ll spot curious manatee-like creatures in the company of blooming coral sponges in the warm Indian Ocean waters. And as the interior takes over – a patchwork of swaying savannah grasses and baobab forests – the habitats of the famous Rift Valley begin in earnest.

There, it’s all about the hopping gazelles and the elephants, the sculpted highlands of Zambezia, and the earthy tribal villages of the native folks. And who’s forgetting Mozambique’s enthralling capital? That Maputo is a pulse of life, beating with jazz and reggae and flavoured with just a taste of Portuguese charm. (After a lengthy civil war, hopes were high that the nation would stabilise and open for good, but recent upheavals have wobbled expectations – so be sure to check ahead for FCO warnings and the like.)

Lets explore the best places to visit in Mozambique :

1. Bazaruto Archipelago

There’s nothing quite like the Bazaruto Archipelago. A speckling of elongated isles in the Indian Ocean, they are a patchwork of shimmering, aquamarine seas and coral gardens, windblown sand dunes and ochre-hued coastal hills that come peppered with scrub and swaying coconut palm groves.

The largest island of the area (called, simply, just Bazaruto) is a place of open sandy bays patrolled by galumphing dugong, while the inland is carved through by karst hills and boulder stones. A little to the south and you’ll find the paradisiacal reaches of the Ilha de Benguerra, where luxurious honeymoon hotels poke above the white sands in a medley of swinging hammocks and sunning decks.

Mozambique’s handsome capital is a lesson in all things colonial. It was raised to the place of first city after the Portuguese drained the surrounding swampland.

Then it was just a case of building the grand, imperial likes of the railway station, the pretty Casa do Ferro (courtesy of one Gustav Eiffel no less!) and rings of wide boulevards peppered with palm trees a la the Algarve – bingo you’ve got yourself a small enclave of Europe in Africa! However, Maputo has long been reclaimed by the locals here, and today the town is known for its enthralling bazaars that pulse with chatter and burst with East African batik, its raucous hip hop bars, and that mouthwatering fusion of Keralan and Arabic foods in the eateries!

Pemba crowns the tip of its very own peninsular on the coastal reaches of Cabo Delgado.

Known for its gorgeous colonial architecture and pretty Portuguese-style frontispieces, it does well to conceal the more industrial areas that have popped up here of late.

However, the city never really was the pull.

That honour goes to the strings of pearly-white African beaches that run along the shoreline nearby.

These magnetise huge crowds with their tropical sun and swaying palms, while the shimmering (and naturally deep) waters of Pemba Bay have become a mecca for SCUBA divers.

You can also come and visit rustic fishing villages between the coves of Ibo Island, hit the beautiful Quirimbas National Park, wander between forests of great baobabs, or see the sobering remnants of the slave trade at Ponta Romero.

4. Gorongosa National Park

Marking the deep southern reaches of the East African Rift Valley, the dry and dusty landscapes of the Gorongosa National Park occupy the very heart of Mozambique.

In fact, the rolling savannah and grassy hills here have been a designated reserve since the days of Portuguese rule, when they were a private game reserve for the colonial luminaries of the day.

In the 60s the spot was converted into a fully-fledged national park, and now it’s hailed as perhaps the finest safari destination in the country.

Head here to seek out bouncing bushbuck, elephant herds, waterbucks, crowned cranes, wild warthogs and more!

A wide and sunny arc of powdery beige sand carves its way along the shoreline to the north and south of tropical Tofo.

Meanwhile, the turquoise-blue rollers of the Indian Ocean buffet the bays, snorkelers and swimmers whiz through the shallows, and bobbing fishing skiffs house smiling locals.

Laid-back life mixed with the heady after-dark atmosphere of the half-Rasta beach bars of Tofo town make this all nearly irresistible for travelers in search of sun, sand, sea and relaxation.

It’s no wonder the popular town on the coastal bends of Jangamo District is being touted by some as the next Goa!

6. Quirimbas National Park

The Quirimbas National Park is the great natural jewel of Cabo Delgado Province.

It spills down from Mozambique’s northern mountain plateaux and into the waters of the Indian Ocean.

Along the way there are great swathes of montane forests, savannah plains and endless mangroves, not to mention some sparkling coral reefs ringing the shoreline where the reserve extends into the sea.

The unique duo of inland and coastal habitats makes Quirimbas a great place to come and spot the likes of African leopards, elephant herds, and crocs, all in the same day as seeing the large dugong and schools of multi-coloured fish from the tropics!

7. Island of Mozambique

Believe it or not, this tiny speck of land that languishes out in the shimmering waters of the Indian Ocean was once the very epicentre of Portuguese East Africa.

Raised to greatness by the European traders and merchants that came its way around the cape, it became an important hub for commerce and admin during the 16th century.

Consequently, there’s now a clutch of interesting colonial builds, like the old town fortifications, a charming whitewashed hospital and the Church of Santo António.

Mozambique’s own character pops up too, with the thatched town of Makuti and the gorgeous tropical beaches.

The whole place is now also a UNESCO World Heritage Site – not to be missed!

8. Inhaca Island

Facing the capital of Maputo across the waters of Maputo Bay, the small fragment of land that is Inhaca Island is a curious little treat, and a perfect choice for day trips to escape the heat of the city.

Not too long ago (just seven millennia or so) it was actually a part of the East African mainland, while today it flounders out between its blooming gardens of corals.

There are sloping beaches of yellow sand too, along with windy clusters of palm trees to wander.

Remember though: Inhaca Island is truly undeveloped (thanks largely to its place as a marine research center), so it’s not the easiest of places to get to and explore.

9. Ponta do Ouro

Ponta do Ouro is a breath of fresh ocean air, located just 10 kilometers by road from the South Africa border and butting up neatly to the deep-blue Indian Ocean.

A sleepy fishing town at heart, the place beats with the energy of some local tavernas and bamboo beach shacks.

These draw a small but uber-friendly crowd of swimmers and snorkelers and surfers during the high season.

However, Ponta do Ouro is also becoming famous for its most elegant marine creature: the dolphin.

Excursions out to see the pods flipping and twisting through the waves out at sea are now one of the most popular activities!

10. Vilankulo

Vilankulo is worth a mention if only as the gateway to the aforementioned beauties of the Bazaruto Archipelago.

But not only for that either, and if you come here to linger a little before hopping aboard one of the bobbing dhows that wait on the shore, then you’re in for a laid-back treat.

Yep, this chilled seaside spot is also home to a clutch of its own campsites and leaning bamboo shacks, a lively local marketplace and beer bars.

Add to that a smattering of deserted Indian Ocean beaches close to the town, where the horizon melds from golden yellow sand to cobalt-skies, and it’s easy to see why Vilankulo’s on the up!

11. Lake Cahora Bassa

The vast lake waters of Cahora Bassa extend all the way from the Zambia border to the very heart of Tete Province in western Mozambique.

Covering a whopping 2,700 square kilometers in total, they represent one of the largest freshwater lake systems in all of Africa.

At one end stands the colossal Cahora Bassa Dam – a massive wall of concrete and steel that clocks up 171 meters in height and 303 meters in width: definitely worth the journey if you like your breathtaking engineering projects! And all around the banks of the reservoir there are now interesting fishing lodges and a smattering of houseboats, not to mention the occasional baroque church in testimony to the erstwhile Portuguese presence.

12. Niassa Reserve

Thanks to a series of interconnected reserves that run from the meanders of the Ruvuma River in northern Mozambique all the way to the famous Selous Game Reserve of Tanaznia, the Niassa Reserve now plays a part in one of the largest international conservation areas on the planet.

That also means that the vast area of miombo woods and rugged rock bluffs is home to some serious biodiversity, with the likes of the African lion, the African elephant and packs of wild dogs all roaming the breathtaking landscapes.

A clutch of eco lodges and ethical tourism camps are now popping up here, attracting safari-goers eager to see the frontline of African preservation.

Surrounded by swathes of spiny pine trees and firs, Lugela of the Zambezia highlands is hardly the sort of place you’d expect to find in the tropical reaches of East Africa.

But that’s precisely the sort of climactic shock Mozambique is known for, and folks heading to this station under the great colossus of Mount Mabu can expect a unique experience of the country.

Hiking and trekking through the savannah habitats are possible nearby, while the mist-topped reserves of the Mabu Forest (thought to be some of the largest remaining swathes of primeval highland forest in Africa) are home to some seriously weird and wonderful fauna: pygmy chameleons; rare bush vipers; critically-endangered birds.

14. Limpopo National Park

The Limpopo National Park has all the fascinating biodiversity and landscapes you’d expect of a protected reserve that’s contiguous with the legendary Kruger National Park of South Africa.

Feathering out from the bends of the Limpopo River, it’s home to some of the most coveted of African game, which all now roams freely across the border thanks to some ahead-of-their-time international agreements on conservation.

Safaris are – of course – the main draw and countless tourists come in to hit the grassy plains by 4X4 to seek out lions, elephants, waterbuck et al.

15. Inhambane

Long ago, Inhambane attracted traders form across the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.

Spices, silks and other exotic goods would drift into its wide bay on the southern reaches of modern day Mozambique, only to drift out again laden with coveted East African goods.

Later, the bustling mercantile town and its favourable natural harbour became a favourite of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, and those who followed made sure that Inhambane flourished under colonial rule.

That means there are plenty of charming baroque builds lining the streets, along with some great museums and a cemetery that could easily be plucked from the hills of Lisbon.

Oh yea, and Tofo – that picture-perfect beach resort – is also nearby!

15 Best Places to Visit in Mozambique:

• Bazaruto Archipelago
• Gorongosa National Park
• Quirimbas National Park
• Island of Mozambique
• Inhaca Island
• Ponta do Ouro
• Lake Cahora Bassa
• Niassa Reserve
• Limpopo National Park

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• 15 Best Places To Visit In Mozambique In 2024 To Quench Your Wanderlust

23 Mar 2023

Mozambique is a country in Africa, which is rich in African cultural heritage and it reflects in its food, music, and art. Mozambique generally has a warm tropical climate which suits all tourists. Dotted with beaches, marine parks, the ruins from colonial-era, and fresh seafood, this South African nation is an absolute delight to visit. This scenic country has an extensive coastline and gorgeous white sand beaches that make it a paradise for beach lovers and peace-seekers. An upcoming tourist destination, we’ve shortlisted 12 places to visit in Mozambique on your trip.

15 Places To Visit In Mozambique

There are many interesting places to visit in Mozambique . We’ve shortlisted 15 of them based on their popularity and beauty. Take a look:

• The Quirimbas Archipelago
• Machilla Magic
• Paroquia Santo Antonio
• Inhaca Islands
• Niassa Reserve
• Bazaruto National Park
• Fort Sao Sebastian
• Tunduru Botanical Gardens
• Macuti Lighthouse And Shipwreck
• National Money Museum
• Maputo Elephant Reserve
• Maputo Central Train Station
• Museum of Natural History

1. The Quirimbas Archipelago

Image Source It is a set of islands located in the Indian Ocean known for its coral reefs, whales, dolphins and endangered sea cows. It has plenty of forts, beautiful beaches, mangrove covered Islands and popular dive sites. There are total of 32 Islands that constitutes the Quirimbas islands. Some of the major islands here are: Vamizi, Ibo, Matemo and Quisiva islands.

Location: North of Maputo

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2. Machilla Magic

Image Source Various local handicrafts and art is sold here. It brings out and cultural site of Africa. Many local people from the village of Vilanculos come together to sell their work, it is also a source of livelihood for these people. It is a famous tourist destination for all the international tourists and is a must-visit. Most of the things here are made of recycled materials.

Location: 19 De Outubro, Vilanculos VNX, Mozambique

Must Read: A Comprehensive Mozambique Travel Guide: When To Visit And Where To Go

3. Paroquia Santo Antonio

Image Source It is a church famous for its shape and architecture, which is unique and interesting. With beautifully painted glass windows and unusual exterior, it is sure to leave you amazed. The windows give a beautiful effect. It is also known as the lemon squeezer due to its unusual shape. It is one of the nice places to visit in Mozambique . Even if you are not religious, you should still visit this place for its unique architecture.

Location: Av. Armando Tivane 1. 701, Maputo 100, Mozambique

Suggested Read: Your Guide To The Picturesque Cango Caves In South Africa

4. Inhaca Islands

The Inhaca islands have amazing and tranquil beaches. People can reach here by ferry while enjoying the view. You can also go swimming here, relax on the beach while enjoying the view or even take a walk along the seashore. There are also restaurants on the island where you can indulge and have delicious food. Seafood here is a must-try. It is one of the best places to visit in Mozambique, Maputo .

Location: Maputo, Mozambique

Suggested Read: South Africa In January: A Guide To Help You Kick-Start The Year On An Adventurous Note

5. Niassa Reserve

Image Source

The Niassa reserve is the largest conservation reserve in Mozambique. Safaris are conducted so that the visitors can witness the enriching wilderness of the place. There are various animals including lion, leopard and hyenas that are found here. Camping expeditions are also held here regularly. You can also go for boat safaris and canoeing.

Location: Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique

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6. Bazaruto National Park

Image Source One of the most famous Mozambique holiday destinations , Bazaruto National Park is for swimming and snorkeling. Why not go out into the sea world, see various species of fishes and even dugong. The people who are not interested in water sports can go for a boat trip and see different Islands. It is a great place to explore the sea life. Located in the protected area of Inhambane Province of Mozambique, the beauty of this place is extraordinary and jaw-dropping. It is one of the most recommended places to visit in Mozambique .

Location: Inhambane Province, Mozambique

Suggested Read: South Africa In March: An Ultimate Guide For Planning An Impeccable Holiday

7. Fort Sao Sebastian

The view from the top of the fort is amazing as one can see the panoramic view of the sea and Skyline. It is a Portuguese Fort which was built to protect their trade route and its remains still stand tall near the oceans. Make sure to drop by here on your trip to Africa . This heritage site is touted to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mozambique . Make sure to stop by here to get a glimpse of the history of Mozambique, and by extension, South Africa.

Location: Mozambique Island

8. Tunduru Botanical Gardens

Image Source It is a well maintained Botanical Garden located in the capital of Mozambique . It is an ideal place to spend quality time with friends and family. It is a 19th century Garden with various species of trees. The calm and tranquil environment makes it a great place to relax and observe the trees. Make sure to drop by here.

Location: Rua Henrique de sousa, Maputo 1100, Mozambique

Suggested Read: Churches In South Africa: 10 Places Of Worship That Will Fill You With Divine Bliss

9. Macuti Lighthouse And Shipwreck

It is definitely worthwhile to see the light house and the shipwreck near the shores of the beach. It is not every day that one gets to see a wrecked ship that didn’t dive into the depths of the ocean but luckily, this place gives us the opportunity to see the remains of a ship up close. It is one of the nice places to visit in Mozambique if you love scenic places and ocean views.

Location: Estrada Carlos, Beira 2100, Mozambique

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10. National Money Museum

This museum is one of the main attractions of Maputo and touted to be one of the top places to visit in Mozambique . It houses an authentic collection of money including historic and modern ones. Even though the building is small, the collection is huge. It has various types of coins and currency of Mozambique from the early ages. It is considered as of the best places to visit in Mozambique, Maputo for history buffs and finance aficionados. Make sure to stop by here to learn about how money has evolved over the years. You will have the time of your life.

Location: Praca 25 De Junho, 438-Baixa, Casa Amarela, Maputo 1100, Mozambique

Suggested Read: Best Waterparks In South Africa – Get A Little Splashy & Live The Childhood Dream!

11. Maputo Elephant Reserve

Image Source One can book tours prior to their visit in the elephant reserve. Not only elephants, this place also has zebras, hippopotamus, crocodiles, giraffes and several other wild animals. There are many beautiful lakes in the region. The magnificent scenario along with the rich flora and fauna is the reason why this place is a must-visit.

Suggested Read: 10 Picturesque Largest National Parks In The World That Will Leave You Amazed!

12. Maputo Central Train Station

Image Source The central train station is considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. The impressive architecture draws the attention of many tourists. There is a Rail Museum station inside the station. Even though it is just a train station but many tourists visit here to witness the beautiful architecture. This is why it is one of the must recommended places to visit in Mozambique Maputo .

Location: Praca Dos Trabalhadores, Baixa, Maputo 1100, Mozambique

13. Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History of Mozambique is located in the capital of Maputo. Before being established permanently as the Dr. Álvaro de Castro Museum, it was based in various locations and was originally what was known as a Provincial Museum. Established in 1911, the Neo-Manueline building that houses the museum was originally intended to serve as a primary school before it became what it is and after gaining independence from the Portuguese rule, it was called Maputo Natural History Museum. The museum is home to and displays animals such as giraffes, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, lions, etc embalmed.

Location: Travessia de Zambezi, Maputo, Mozambique

14. Nampula

Located 4 km from the coastline, Nampula is home to several Portuguese architectural buildings in Stone Town. Some of these structures are Fort of São Sebastião, Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, Palace of São Paulo and so on. The Palace of São Paulo also comprises a museum. The southern portion of the island is lined with Macuti houses that have thatched roofs. In 1991 the island was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island also has several Hindu temples and mosques since it has now become an urban area.

Location: Nampula Province, Mozambique

15. Benguerra

Benguerra Island is the second largest among the four main islands that comprise the Bazaruto Archipelago. It is popular for snorkeling, rich marine life, fishing, horseback riding, posh resorts and pristine beaches with white sand. As a result of accommodating more than 140 species of birds, in 1971, this island was also turned into a National Park. The three lakes situated in the Benguerra Island are populated by freshwater crocodiles. So, it would be safe to keep your distance.

Location: Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Further Read: 15 Best South African Cuisines That’ll Add A Variety Of Delicious Flavors To Your Next Holiday

Mozambique is not only a culturally rich country, but it is also geographically blessed. The climate of the country is the reason for the flourishing flora and fauna. The plethora of unusual places to visit in Mozambique will blow your mind. Explore the culture and traditions of native Africa. Plan your next trip to South Africa and have the time of your life.

Disclaimer:  TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note:  Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Mozambique

What is the best time to visit Mozambique?

May-November is when the temperatures are cooler and the chances of rainfall are scanty too. So you can plan a holiday in Mozambique around this time.

How large is Mozambique?

The area of Mozambique is 801,590 km² and is apparently world’s 36th largest country.

What is Mozambique best known for?

Fresh Seafood, Makondo art & craft, secluded beaches, and tropical islands are some of the things Mozambique is best known for.

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Must-see attractions in Mozambique

Bazaruto National Park

Bazaruto Archipelago

This1400-sq-km park protects the five islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, plus surrounding waters. Thanks to this protected status, and to the…

Don't worry if you haven't the time or energy to summit Mt Namúli. Equally memorable is the 8km (one way) hike to the cascata (waterfall) in the hills…

Chissano Gallery

Works of renowned sculptor Alberto Chissano, as well as his remains, are on display in his family’s residence at the Chissano Gallery. Taxis from central…

National Art Museum

Half a block west of Avenida Karl Marx, the National Art Museum has an excellent collection of paintings and sculptures by Mozambique’s finest…

Centro Cultural Franco-Moçambicano

An excellent place, with art exhibitions, music and dance performances, films, theatre, a craft shop, a cafe and more.

Train Station

Maputo’s landmark train station is one of the city’s most imposing buildings. The dome was designed by an associate of Alexandre Gustav Eiffel (of Eiffel…

Maputo Special Reserve

Southern Mozambique

The Maputo Special Reserve – about a two-hour drive south of Maputo – is the closest place to the capital to experience Mozambique's bush. The pristine…

Gorongosa National Park

Though Gorongosa’s infrastructure is still being rehabilitated after the ravages of the civil war, and animal populations can’t yet compare with those in…

Parque Nacional das Quirimbas

Northern Mozambique

The Quirimbas National Park contains most of the southern Quirimbas islands (including Ibo, Medjumbe and Matemo) along with a large tract of coastal…

Palace & Chapel of São Paulo

This imposing terracotta edifice – the former governor’s residence and now a museum – dates from 1610. The interior hosts the recently refurbished Museu…

Fort of São Sebastião

The island’s northern end is dominated by the massive Fort of São Sebastião – the oldest complete fort still standing in sub-Saharan Africa and, arguably,…

Rising up from the hills about 15km northeast of Gurúè are the mist-shrouded slopes of Mt Namúli (2419m), from which flow the Licungo (Lugela) and Malema…

Pomene Reserve

The subject of renewed attention in recent years, this 200-sq-km reserve was gazetted in 1972 to protect the mangrove ecosystems, dune forests and marine…

Wimbi Beach

Pemba is all about Wimbi Beach, located 4km east of the downtown area. The attractive arc of sand is backed by a varied but never oppressive collection of…

Praça da Independência

This wide and imposing plaza is the gateway from the upper part of town to the baixa. It's rimmed by several notable buildings and well worth a stroll.

This tiny island (known locally as Watólofu) is about 5km east of Mozambique Island. It has a lighthouse that was built during the 1870s, and is today run…

Fort of São João Baptista

At the island’s northern end is the star-shaped Fort of São João Baptista, built in 1791 and designed to accommodate up to 300 people. When Ibo was linked…

Niassa Reserve

About 160km northeast of Lichinga on the Tanzanian border is the Niassa Reserve, a vast tract of wilderness with the largest wildlife populations in…

Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte

In the shadow of the São Sebastião fort on the island’s northern tip is the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, built in 1522 and considered to be the…

Praça dos Heróis Moçambicanos

The large Praça dos Heróis Moçambicanos, along Avenida Acordos de Lusaka near the airport, is notable for its 95m-long mural commemorating the revolution…

Paquitequete

If you only visit one of Pemba's bairros (townships), make sure it's Paquitequete, located beside the bay downhill from the centre. Dominated by its…

Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Remedios

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26 Best Places To Visit In Mozambique

Posted on November 28, 2022 |

Mozambique is a southern African country bordered by Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Mozambique’s capital is Maputo and the largest city is Beira. It’s known for its tropical weather and friendly people. Most tourists come to the country for scuba diving and deep-sea fishing because some of the best dive spots in the world are here.

The coastline is dotted with islands and pristine beaches, so tourists can also enjoy sunbathing and swimming. Finally, Mozambique is home to several national parks and nature reserves, such as Gorongosa National Park and Quirimbas National Park. These parks provide tourists with an excellent chance to see local wildlife.

This country has amazing beaches, beautiful wildlife, and delicious food. It also has welcoming locals and pristine nature. All of these factors make it a great tourist destination. Mozambique also has many beautiful beaches, including Tofo Beach and Ponta Mamoli Beach. These beaches are surrounded by palm trees and have white sands.

There are also several wildlife sanctuaries in Mozambique, including the Gorongosa National Park and Maputo Elephant Park. These parks are home to many different types of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and crocodiles. Finally, Mozambique has delicious cuisine. Let’s dive deeper into the best places to visit in this beautiful country.

If you’re planning a trip to Mozambique, you should consider visiting its port city, Maputo. This city is located on the Indian Ocean and is well known for its Portuguese colonial architecture. Most of the city’s turn-of-the-century buildings are located in the Baixa neighborhood downtown.

These include the bronze-domed CFM Maputo Railway Station, which was completed in 1916. You should also check out the Municipal Market and the neoclassical City Hall on the nearby Praça da Independêcia square.

A visit to Maputo is a must if you want to understand Mozambique’s culture. This beautiful, waterside capital offers Mediterranean-style architecture and a lively cultural scene. It’s essential to visit the city’s central railway station, which features an art gallery featuring the work of local and visiting artists. You’ll also be able to see some authentic African art at the city’s City Hall.

There’s also a rich history in this city. Many of its streets and schools are named after the country’s independence war heroes, including Eduardo Mondlane. The city also boasts one of the world’s most beautiful train stations.

For a unique experience, visit Fort Zambezi. This Portuguese fort was built to protect the trading routes from the nearby oceans. Now, it’s a popular attraction for tourists visiting Mozambique.

The best time to visit Maputo is between June and October. The temperatures will be cool and pleasant during the day. However, it can get quite humid during the night.

Maputo Elephant Reserve

Visiting the Maputo Special Reserve is a wonderful way to experience the majestic elephants of Mozambique. The reserve is located just outside the city of Maputo and is a perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts. The reserve is home to over 800 elephants and is a must-visit location in the country.

In addition to the elephants, there is a variety of fauna in the reserve, including zebras, hippos, and reedbucks. There are also huge freshwater lagoons, which support a large number of birds. Over 350 species of birds have been recorded in the park.

To visit Maputo National Park, you will first need to choose a time of year. July to September is the best time to visit the park. You can also visit the park in late March when the beaches are dotted with turtle eggs. However, you should be aware that the dry season does not last long, which makes it necessary to visit the park as early as possible.

Xai-Xai is a city located in Mozambique. It was formerly known as Joo Belo until 1975, and it is the capital of the Gaza Province. The city has a population of 116,343 people.

Xai-Xai is situated on the banks of the Limpopo river and is approximately 200 km from Maputo. It is a lively town, with lots of shops, petrol stations, bars, and restaurants. There are several attractions that you can visit while you’re in town, including the Wenela Tidal Pool, a natural tunnel, and a blowhole.

Xai-Xai was formerly known as Joao Belo, and under Portuguese rule, it became an important port, industrial center, and administrative center. In 1970, it had 63,949 residents. Xai-Xai’s beaches are popular with tourists. It is also close to several freshwater lakes and a Limpopo River cruise.

The best time to visit Xai-Xai in Mozambique is from January to December when temperatures are mild and rainfall is minimal. The average temperature in January and February is 30 degrees Celsius, while it drops down to 24 degrees in June. These monthly averages are based on weather data from the last 30 years.

Xai-Xai is home to some of the best hotels in the world. The city also has an impressive commercial center and an open furniture market, making it a popular place to purchase souvenirs and goods. There are plenty of restaurants and other establishments for a taste of the local cuisine.

The Museum of Natural History

Founded in 1911, this museum is one of the oldest in the country. Its hall is designed in a Portuguese style and is reminiscent of Portuguese architecture. Inside, you’ll find many interesting artifacts and a beautiful display of stuffed animals. This museum is also home to an extensive collection of fossils and other natural history items. If you’re traveling to Mozambique, be sure to visit this museum.

The Museum of Natural History is located in Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique. The museum moved several times during its history and eventually settled in a neo-Manueline-style palace. Originally a school, the building was converted into a museum in 1932.

The museum is housed in a beautiful old building and is surrounded by well-maintained gardens. You can view stuffed African savannah animals, such as elephants and giraffes.

The museum also features a mural painted by Mozambican painter Malangatana Valente Ngwenya commemorating the independence of Mozambique from Portugal. The museum also features exhibits about the indigenous tribes in the area.

Gorongosa National Park

If you’re looking for a wildlife adventure, visit the Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique’s central Great Rift Valley. Here, you’ll find lions, hippos, elephants, and scores of water birds. You’ll also find the breathtaking Murombodzi Falls, spilling over jagged rocks. You’ll also find limestone gorges and bat-filled caves.

This park is home to more than 300 species of birds, and during its peak birding season, you’ll see more than 100 species in a single day. Some special birds to look for include Ayre’s hawk-eagle, broad-tailed paradise whydah, green-winged pytilia, and pallid honeyguide.

Other birding highlights include the singing cisticola, Zambezi indigobird, and Swynnerton’s robin. The best time to visit the park is during the dry season, from June to October.

Limpopo National Park

There are several different ways to explore the park. You can choose to camp in the bush or take a canoe tour. Both options offer spectacular views of the Massingir Dam. Although the roads are unpaved, they are safe enough for elephants to traverse.

Wildlife viewing in Limpopo is most optimal during the middle and end of the Dry season when animals are closer to dependable water sources. This period can be extremely hot, but rains break up the heat. The lush Wet season months are also ideal for bird watching.

In Mozambique, Coutada 16 Wildlife Utilisation Area was changed into a protected area. This area was once a degraded, over-grazed farm, but now boasts an abundance of wildlife. The park is home to many different species including lions, leopards, elephants, and hippos.

If you choose to visit the park, make sure you have a valid Mozambican visa. This park is accessible from South Africa via the Giriyondo border crossing. To reach the park, you must have a 4×4 vehicle to cross the border. The park is protected by the Mozambican government and NGOs.

Quirimbas National Park

If you love diving, then you’ll want to visit the Quirimbas National Park in Mozambique. This marine reserve is home to exotic fish and rare marine species. You’ll also enjoy guided hikes and sea turtle conservation projects. While you’re there, take the opportunity to take a PADI diving course.

This national park covers more than 7500 square kilometers, including a significant portion of the mainland and the southern part of the Quirimbas Islands. This part of the country has white sand beaches, untouched coral reefs, and ancient settlements. You can easily reach the islands by boat or kayak. For those who don’t have their own boat, you can hire one from larger hotels in Pemba.

The Quirimbas Archipelago is a year-round tropical wonderland. Its stunning beaches are ideal for water sports, including surfing, scuba diving, and kayaking. The area also has several historical landmarks that reveal a fascinating history of slavery and the ivory trade.

If you are looking for a truly exotic vacation, Quirimbas Archipelago should be on your bucket list. The Quirimbas National Park is home to one of the last unspoiled marine wilderness areas in Africa.

You can stay in luxury at one of the island lodges in the area, where sea-facing rooms are an essential part of the experience. In addition, you can also join kayak tours or boat tours. Guludo Beach Lodge also offers nature walks.

Tunduru Botanical Gardens

The landscaped gardens in Mozambique were designed by the country’s first president in 1885. Featuring an array of exotic plants, these gardens are well worth a visit. There is also an excellent view of the Mozambique River, which is featured in the gardens.

If you’re looking for a place to relax on a hot day, visit the Tunduru Botanical Gardens in the capital of Maputo. This garden, designed by Thomas Honney in the late 19th century, offers shade and serenity. Visitors can also visit the statue of Samora Machel, who helped lead the country’s independence movement.

Once you’ve had your fill of the gardens, head to the museum. Here you can see a rare collection of butterflies, lizards, and other wildlife. You can also go diving at nearby sites. And if you’re looking for a day trip, there are some great places to explore in the area.

The Tunduru Botanical Gardens in Maputo is one of the most beautiful parks in the region. The gardens are located near the city cathedral and offer a range of recreational activities. One of the highlights of the garden is the statue of Samora Machel, the first president of Mozambique. The garden contains numerous tropical plants as well as exotic flowers and plants.

Niassa Reserve

The Niassa Reserve in Mozambique is one of the largest protected areas in Africa. It’s a part of the Trans-Frontier Conservation Area and links to the Lukwika-Lumsule Game Reserve in Tanzania. The reserve is home to the highest concentration of wildlife in Mozambique.

For a place where you can see wildlife in its natural habitat, then a visit to the Niassa Reserve in Mozambique is the perfect option. The reserve is the largest in Mozambique and is part of the Trans-Frontier Conservation Area. It also connects to the nearby Lukwika-Lumsule Game Reserve in Tanzania.

Niassa is home to four of Africa’s Big Five – elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos – as well as over 400 species of birds. You can also see crocodiles and hippos in the Lugenda River.

Taking in the scenery here is an incredible experience. The area is vast and covers nearly four thousand square kilometers. This makes it the largest protected area in Africa. You’ll be surrounded by miombo forests and a ribbon of lush riparian forest. You’ll also find immense granite inselbergs rising into the deep blue sky.

The Niassa Carnivore Project, which protects the L5 South concession, has partnered with the local Mbamba community to create a sustainable environment for wildlife. The wildlife is thriving and the drivable tracks provide easy access to the region’s highlights. The project has also helped to establish alternative livelihoods for the residents of the Mbamba community.

In Tofo, in southeastern Mozambique, you can enjoy the curved Tofo Beach and nearby coral reefs. You can also see dolphins, humpback whales, and whale sharks. Besides manta rays, you can spot dolphins and whale sharks. Barra Beach is also nearby.

You can arrive in Tofo on a local flight or by air from Maputo. The only issue is getting a visa for Mozambique, which can be complicated and costly. You can buy a photo visa for around $80, but the process can take hours at the border.

There are several budget accommodation options in Tofo. The Mozambeat Motel has great reviews and is less than one kilometer away from the beach. You can also stay at Fatima’s Nest, which is a popular hostel. It has good branding and a sister property in Maputo. However, it is not the best choice for budget travelers.

Tofo has a pleasant climate throughout the year. The high season is between June and September, and temperatures range from 20oC to 25oC. From December to February, the humidity is high, and there are afternoon showers. From January to March, the cyclone season, Tofo can experience heavy rain.

Beira is the capital city of the central province of Sofala. This coastal city sits where the Pungwe River meets the Indian Ocean. The city is the fourth largest in Mozambique by population. Its population peaked at 397,368 people in 1997 and has risen to 530,604 as of 2019.

The best time to visit Beira is between April and December. During this time, the temperature is warm with very little rain. The highest average temperature is 86 degF in January, while the lowest temperature is 75 degrees in July. Although the weather is warm and dry, rainfall can occur during these months.

The city is home to the Cathedral of Beira, which was built with stone from the 1501 Sofala Fort. Beira’s art deco facade once housed the Grand Hotel. The hotel was once known as the “Pride of Africa” and was closed in 1963. There are many other interesting sites and attractions in Beira, including historic museums, a bustling port, and vibrant nightlife.

Beira is one of the most popular cities in Mozambique. It is a major port and serves as a stopover city on the way north. The city is full of colonial houses and shops, and the city’s harbor is also worth visiting. If you’re traveling by sea, the Beira Lighthouse is a must-see.

Inhambane is a lively town situated 469 km west of Maputo. The town is full of shops, markets, and sidewalk cafes. The town is situated on a bay and is home to the town’s airport. There is also a fish market, which is a pleasant place to visit if you are sensitive to the smell of fresh fish.

If you are planning a holiday in Mozambique, Inhambane is a great place to start your trip. It is a quaint city with a colorful history and relaxed vibe. Vasco da Gama visited the town in 1498, and the Portuguese colonized it soon after.

The town has a rich heritage, including Arab slavers and the productive gold trade. The town also went through numerous civil wars over the centuries, but eventually became a democratic country and joined the commonwealth in 1975.

The town has a history that dates back to the 10th century and was a major port during the slave trade. Visitors will find many remnants of its colonial past, which is reflected in the colorful architecture. Despite its colonial past, the city has a distinct African flair.

Inhambane is a popular destination for scuba divers. The area has a variety of sea life, including Whale Sharks, Giant Manta Rays, and turtles. A highlight of the region is Tofo, where diving enthusiasts can view the famous Manta Reef and two cleaning stations. The dive site is perfect for beginners and offers plenty of opportunities for diving.

Nampula is located in northern Mozambique, with an area of 79,010 square kilometers and a population of 5,758,920 people. The capital of the province is the city of Nampula. Known for its diverse culture and natural beauty, Nampula is the perfect place for a family vacation.

If you plan to visit Nampula, you’ll want to plan your holiday around the town’s many attractions. If you’re looking for a bit of excitement, head out of the city and take a day trip to Mozambique Island, which is located 3km offshore. This island is home to Stone Town, which is a picturesque, coral-rock settlement. This ancient settlement was once a vital trading port for gold, slaves, and spices.

In addition to the beautiful coastline, Nampula Province has a stunning landscape. It is dotted with verdant inland plains, enormous rocky kopjes, and small villages. You can also experience the culture and history of the area by taking a boat tour.

If you want to stay overnight, you can choose between several hotels in Nampula. Many of them offer very affordable rates and enough accommodation. The city’s famous Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Fatima is one of the city’s main attractions. The town also has a wide range of shops, banks, and hotels.

If you have never visited Mozambique, you might want to make a plan to visit Quelimane in central Mozambique. The Quelimane airport is a nice place to arrive and leave, and the roads are in a good condition. However, the roads in the center of the city aren’t so great, so you might want to rent a car. Bicycle taxis are also available and are an easy way to get around town.

The town of Quelimane is a seaport and the administrative capital of the Zambezia Province of Mozambique. Founded by Portuguese traders in 1544, Quelimane has a rich history. In the 17th century, it became a colonial town, and in the 1920s, it was incorporated into a township. It’s home to some of the country’s most important exports, including sugar, cotton, maize, and coconut.

While it’s not the largest city in Mozambique, Quelimane is growing in popularity as a tourist destination. It’s small compared to other cities, but it offers some unique attractions and places to explore. Whether planning a weekend getaway or a weeklong stay, you’ll find Quelimane an exciting and relaxing place to visit.

The best time to visit Quelimane is during the dry season, from February to December. During this time, temperatures remain warm but not oppressive. The hottest months are November and July when temperatures can reach 90degF.

If you are looking for a place to visit in Mozambique, you should not miss the town of Lugela. This town is located in the western part of the country, in the Provincia de Zambezia. It is about 62 kilometers southeast of the city of Maputo. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Mozambique and is one of the top 100 attractions in the country.

The town is located in the Zambezia mountains and is surrounded by a thick jungle. Because of the climate of the country, you can even go hiking here. You can explore the surrounding savannah habitats, which are home to critically endangered birds, pygmy chameleons, and other animals.

The region is also home to Mount Mabu, a sacred mountain, which stands 1,700 meters high. This mountain occupies a land area of 7,880 hectares and is protected by local communities. To visit the mountain, you must get permission from the community leaders and undergo a traditional ceremony.

Ponta Do Ouro in Mozambique

Visit Ponta do Ouro in Mozambique for a laid-back beach holiday. This charming beach town is located near the border with South Africa. It is home to unspoiled beaches, swamp forests, and wooded grasslands. It is also a good place to spot a variety of small bucks.

The town has a petrol station, hardware store, bottle store, and a small market where you can buy basic items. You can also visit Luka’s Butchery to pick up meat, salad dressings, and peri-peri sauce. You can also rent camping equipment and basic beach chalets.

The town has a great selection of local spirits and beers. Fernando’s Bar is one of the popular watering holes, and other bars and pubs are close by. Diving is also popular in Ponta do Ouro, and you can find a dive center here that offers activities for every skill level. The crystal clear waters are home to several sharks and whales.

If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing beach getaway, then Ponta d’Ouro may be the ideal destination. This tropical paradise is just ten kilometers from the South African border. Its white sandy beaches are a popular draw for South African visitors.

The town has a small village but is overshadowed by a tourist camp. The town is surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna, and you can enjoy a day at the beach. You can reach Ponta do Ouro by car from South Africa or Maputo. The trip takes about 1.5 hours if you are traveling at 100km per hour.

If you’re looking for a unique and interesting vacation in Mozambique, visit the town of Angoche. Angoche is located in Nampula Province, in northern coastal Mozambique. It is about 185 km away from Nampula City. Most of the people living in Angoche work in agriculture, which is the main activity in the region.

It is also an important trade center, with local traders from Nampula and Cabo Delga purchasing products from local farmers.

The Angoche region became an important center for cashew and rice production. Before the Angoche Sultanate, it was an important fishing center. The Portuguese found the island’s continental part to be the best for cashew production. They resettled Africans in the Bairro de Inguri area.

A visit to Angoche is best done with an experienced guide. A guide will help you understand the culture and history of this historical city.

Vamizi Island

Vamizi Island is the perfect destination for honeymooners who want a tropical island experience. It is part of the Quirimbas Archipelago and is surrounded by pristine marine wilderness. The island is known for its eight kilometers of white sand beach and turquoise waters. Its luxurious villas are spread out along the shoreline and each has its own private stretch of beach.

The island is also home to a variety of wildlife, including Samango monkeys and sea turtles. You can snorkel and kayak to get a close look at these beautiful creatures. You can also take part in guided or solo kayaking adventures. The island also has two dhows for cruising and diving excursions.

Vamizi Island is an important wildlife sanctuary in Mozambique. It is home to 112 species of bird, four turtle species, and a number of other animals. It is also home to some of the world’s last unbleached coral reefs. It’s a truly memorable experience that you won’t soon forget.

The Villas at Vamizi Island are spacious, elegant, and well-equipped with private lounges and large decking areas. Each of the villas has its own prime view. The interiors are tastefully designed, with timber floors, earth-toned decor, and simple furnishings.

Portuguese Island

A visit to Mozambique’s Portuguese Island is a beautiful way to experience the culture of the region. The island has a mild climate and water sports are popular. The main village of Inhaca is located in the island’s northwestern region, and most of the population lives in the interior.

You will find great beaches, restaurants, and bars on the island. There is also a museum and an old lighthouse. Besides the beaches, you can also enjoy the island’s vibrant market. The architecture is also diverse, but all buildings retain a uniform look due to the use of similar materials over centuries.

For a more relaxed experience, you can explore the island on foot. You can easily explore the island in an hour, and you can stop at the many quaint stands for cold beverages and local cuisine. For more adventurous travelers, you can also take a boat tour. While the island isn’t a destination for families, it does offer plenty for visitors.

Portuguese Island is one of the most accessible destinations in the region, and the MSC Orchestra has the facilities to make your visit to the destination as comfortable as possible. The ship’s fitness center has treadmills, weights, and a unique sushi bar. And, most cabins have balconies.

Mozambique Island

The Island of Mozambique is located off the north coast of Mozambique and connected to the mainland by a bridge. It features Portuguese colonial structures, including the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, the 16th-century Fort of So Sebastio, and the Palace of So Paulo, the former governor’s residence. The island’s southern region is home to the thatched-roof houses of the Macuti people.

The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a fascinating mix of cultural traditions and dramatic architecture. Many of the island’s colonial and neo-classical buildings are now museums, featuring local history. Of particular note is the 1522 Church of Nossa Senhora do Baluarte, which is the oldest surviving example of European architecture in the Southern Hemisphere.

If you’d like to see some of the country’s most beautiful seascapes, visit Mozambique Island. The coastline is a gorgeous stretch of white sand, with stunning turquoise waters. During your visit, you can also snorkel or dive and get a closer look at the island’s rich marine life.

When planning your trip to Mozambique, keep in mind that there are wet and dry seasons. You’ll have to walk a lot, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Also, be sure to pack a water bottle as most restaurants don’t offer it. It’s also a good idea to bring a camera. A Canon 6D or Sony a7iii is ideal for this purpose.

Benguerra Island

Benguerra Island is a tropical island with azure water and white-sand beaches; it’s an idyllic beach paradise. The island’s protected lagoon is the perfect place to snorkel and scuba dive. It’s also home to a few luxurious lodges.

The island offers an abundance of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy a private dinner by the ocean or take a daily excursion to the island’s nearby paradise. Whether you choose to snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard, Benguerra offers the perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor adventures.

You can explore the island’s coral reefs on a guided hike, try deep-sea fishing, or just enjoy the sun, surf, and sand. You can even go horseback riding or take a dhow cruise.

Benguerra Island’s coral reef is teeming with marine life. Snorkelers can see batfish surfacing and turtles rising to breathe. During this time of year, you can also expect to see whale sharks, humpback whales, and dolphins. You can also catch a catch-and-release marlin while you’re there.

Inhaca Island

For a romantic getaway or an exciting holiday, Inhaca Island is the place to be. You’ll enjoy secluded beaches, wildlife, and a laid-back vibe. Just make sure to pack plenty of water and sunblock.

It’s a small subtropical island off the coast of Mozambique. The island’s main village, Inhaca, is located on the northwestern coast. The island has several tourist lodges. To reach the island, you must fly to Inhaca Airport and then drive over a mile to the island’s main village. From there, you can explore the island’s northern and eastern coastlines.

The island’s natural beauty makes it a popular ecotourism destination. Aside from the vast array of flora and fauna, the island also boasts extensive mangroves. Since the island is difficult to reach on your own, a tour is highly recommended. Inhaca is also more accessible in the spring and autumn when the temperatures are less humid.

During these months, you’ll be able to enjoy the island’s almost deserted beaches and cool breezes. You’ll find cultivated fields in the central and northern part of the island, and grassy plains and forests of usnea along the eastern and western shores.

Vilankulo Island

There are many things to see and do in Vilanculos, Mozambique. The city is the capital of water sports and has many accommodations from budget to luxury. It’s also the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique’s only underwater national park. While the island’s weather is generally temperate, it can get hot during the rainy season.

The island’s coastline is stunning, and its natural beauty is stunning. The best time to visit is in May and October, as this is the island’s dry season. The climate is tropical, so you can expect hot and humid weather from November to February. Avoid the months of December to March, which have high humidity. It’s best to arrive by ferry if you can.

There are plenty of places to stay on Vilankulo Island. You can find everything from hotels and lodges to self-catering resorts. There are many activities you can enjoy on the island, such as sailing and horse riding. You can also go on a guided trail or ride a dhow on a local sailing boat.

Bazaruto Island

If you’re looking for the perfect getaway, consider the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique’s Indian Ocean. It’s a unique destination that’s home to over 2,000 different species of fish.

Bazaruto Marine National Park is also a haven for dolphins and whales. Its pristine waters, stunning coral reefs, and pristine beaches make it a desirable destination for nature lovers.

The Bazaruto Archipelago is made up of six islands. The largest is Bazaruto Island, while the others are Benguerra and Margaruque. The smallest is Pansy Shell Island. The best places to stay on the islands include the Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, Azura Benguerra Island Lodge, and Benguerra Island Resort.

The islands are easily accessible via shuttle flights, helicopters, and boats. Some companies even organize dhow safaris . Those visiting Bazaruto should bring a valid passport with a six-month validity, and some may require a tourist visa. For more information, check out the Mozambique travel warnings and travel advisories.

A visit to Bazaruto Island will provide you with the chance to explore the Bazaruto Archipelago’s diverse landscape and fascinating history. This archipelago has soft sandy beaches, towering dunes, and inland lakes. The coastline is also fringed with lush tropical forests and various coral reefs. Visiting Bazaruto is a must for nature lovers.

Traveling to Lichinga is not an impossible task. You simply need to take a plane. The area covers 280 sq km and is relatively affordable. You can find cheap hotels and accommodation options in the area. In addition, you can take advantage of the city’s central location. Lichinga is a great place to visit on a budget.

Lichinga has a warm climate throughout the year. Temperatures here typically range from 50degF to 85degF. They rarely drop below 46degF and rarely go over 89degF. The temperature averages over eighty degrees and the warm season last for about 2.3 months.

The area has a healthy business sector that caters to tourists. There are a lot of souvenir stalls and stores selling local products. You can also sample the local cuisine at restaurants in Lichinga. You can consult the local business directory for a complete listing of businesses and services.

Machilla Magic

A trip to Mozambique would not be complete without a visit to Machilla Magic, a community upliftment project founded in the small fishing village of Macunhe. Situated on the coast, 25 km north of Vilanculos, in the Bazaruto Archipelago, this workshop-boutique supports more than fifty local artisans, who use recycled resources to create exclusive Mozambican handicrafts.

The initiative aims to promote the arts and crafts and support local communities through employment opportunities and the redistribution of income through fair trade.

The botanical gardens are well-maintained and offer a pleasant place to spend some quality time with your family. Located on the shores of the sea, visitors can appreciate the different species of trees and observe the tropical birds. This is a unique experience and an opportunity to learn about the local culture.

Mozambique is awesome to visit, and it’s even more fun when you know what you’re doing. We can help you plan the vacation of a lifetime. Mozambique is a popular destination for tourists from around the world, and it’s easy to see why.

The country has a lot to offer tourists, such as excellent beaches, unique wildlife, delicious food, and friendly people. It has plenty of beautiful white-sand beaches and clear waters that are perfect for swimming.

It has a wide variety of wildlife that travelers can see. Some animals found in the country include antelopes, zebras, elephants, wildebeests, giraffes, and lions. There are also plenty of exotic plant species in the country, such as baobab and palms.

Finally, Mozambique has some of the most friendly people in the world and it’s stunning, beautiful, and filled with lots of amazing sights to see and experience.

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Top Mozambique Attractions

Things to do in mozambique.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Hidden Gems
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

31. Xefina Pequena

32. Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Fatima

33. Louis Tregardt Memorial Garden

34. Zalala Beach

35. Jumma Masjid

36. National Money Museum

37. No Food for Lazy Man Transport

38. Fortress of Maputo

39. National Art Museum

40. Barragem dos Pequenos Libombos

41. Maputo Shopping Center

42. Igreja de Sao Jose de Boroma

43. Beira Cathedral

44. Ponta Douro Beach

45. Fundação Fernando Leite Couto

46. Lago de Cahora Bassa

47. Macaneta Beach

48. Fisheries Museum (Museu das Pescas)

49. Mozambique National Ethnographic Museum

50. Catedral da Nossa Senhora da Conceicao

51. Quelimane Cathedral

52. Matola Raid Memorial

53. Manyikeni

54. Museum of Geology

55. Praia da Costa do Sol

56. Mount Namuli

57. CCFM - Centro Cultural Franco-Mocambicano

58. Limpopo National Park

59. Club de ténis de Maputo

60. CCBM - Centro Cultural Brasil-Moçambique

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Where to go in Mozambique

At present, the Quirimba Islands are closed for tourism but we will keep you updated as soon as anything changes.

As you may have noticed, we’re big fans of the ‘bush and beach’ holiday combination at Timbuktu. After all, what could be better than traversing the opens plains of Africa’s best national parks and reserves, before flopping on the beach for a dose of sunshine and chillout time? Not a lot, we reckon… Often, Mozambique is overlooked in place of Zanzibar and the glitzy beaches of Mauritius and the Seychelles for that much-needed R&R. We’re here to dispel the rumours that Mozambique is harder to get to and even harder to travel in, and give you some advice on where to go in Mozambique and how to get there.

The Quirimbas Archipelago

At the beginning of our Where to go in Mozambique list are the Quirimbas. There are 12 larger islands and 20 that are barely more than specks of sand. Some are within the Quirimbas National Park, but all are guaranteed to take your breath away. They are very remote, but the easiest access is to fly from Dar es Salaam to Pemba in Mozambique (not to be confused with Pemba Island in Tanzania!). Lodges can then be accessed by helicopter or speedboat. Coming up from destinations in Southern Africa is possible (but perhaps more pricey) and would involve flying to Johannesburg, overnighting, then flying to Maputo then Pemba.

For an East Africa safari, try combining Selous  and Ruaha  in Tanzania, and add some time in the Quirimbas, perhaps at Ibo Island Lodge  or Medjumbe Island Resort , at the end.

In Southern Africa, have a look at the Falls, Bush and Island Romance  itinerary and take it from there – it’s expensive, but oh so worth it!

The Bazaruto Archipelago & Vilanculos

Around about the middle of Mozambique is the Bazaruto Archipelago, four squeaky-sand islands, two of which are inhabited (Bazaruto & Benguerra – read more below), and two of which are uninhabited. Although we don’t like to confess to having favourites, we do love Bazaruto. Firstly, it’s easily accessed from Johannesburg, via a two-hour flight to Vilanculos, and secondly, there are a variety of damn good-looking lodges to suit everyone, from the glamorous Anantara Bazaruto , to the chilled-out Dugong Lodge . There are also some excellent beachside resorts near Vilanculos on the mainland that definitely feel island-worthy, and will save you some pennies on flights to Bazaruto Island – check out Casa Babi  or Bahia Mar .

Our favourite Bazaruto holidays include Coast to Coast  (combined with South Africa) or Best Value Botswana  (combined with Botswana) and you can mix and match the lodges to suit your budget.

The Granddaddy of Bazaruto, Benguerra Island is the smaller of the two inhabited islands and home to two of the dreamiest beach lodges we’ve ever come across, Azura Benguerra  and &Beyond Benguerr a. Access to the island is super easy, via a 2-hour flight to Vilanculos from Johannesburg. You’ll then take another short fixed-wing or helicopter flight to the island, which can make it a little more expensive than staying on the mainland, but not by much. From East Africa, access would still be via Johannesburg – simply fly down from Nairobi or Dar es Salaam for the flight to Vilanculos.

Check out our favourite Benguerra combination, the Cape to Azure Islands  itinerary, combining Cape Town and the Winelands with Kruger and Benguerra Island.

Next on our Where to go in Mozambique list; Maputo. Maputo is warm, vibrant and really quite attractive.  Perfect then, if you’re flying a fair distance to get to Mozambique and looking for somewhere to break the journey, especially if it’s at the stunning Polana Hotel  (almost worth a visit in itself). Or if the multiple flights, helicopters and boat transfers sounds too much like hard work, just stay in Maputo! It’s right on the coast and beautiful, palm-fringed beaches are within easy reach. Try White Pearl Resort  and in a three- to four-hour drive, you’ll be wiggling your toes in powdery white sand and gazing at the ocean.

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Popular places to visit in Mozambique

Featuring heavily on our itinerary ideas for visiting Mozambique, these places are destinations that we know prove consistently popular with our travelers. How you choose to include them in your trip can be tailored into a route that best suits your preferences.

• Bazaruto Archipelago

• Ponta Mamoli

• Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary

Map of places to visit in Mozambique

Places on the map, mozambique places a-z.

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Best places to visit in mozambique.

Which locations shouldn't you miss, from paradise islands to buzzing cities and beyond

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Are you thinking of heading off on a Mozambique holiday but aren't quite sure where to start? We have all the answers right here, to help you decide whether you want a picture perfect tropical beach paradise, a crystal clear inland lake under a blanket of stars, or perhaps a bit of culture to discover more about Mozambique's fascinating heritage.

So which are the best places to visit in Mozambique...

Quirimbas Archipelago

Best for: barefoot castaway island exclusivity and pristine reefs.

It's probably the islands of the Quirimbas Marine National Park that you've been dreaming of all these years when you picture palm-laced white sandy beaches with world-class marine life and the ultimate in luxury castaway lodges. Hidden away in the far north of Mozambique these islands seem wild and remote but they're actually fairly easy to get to. The Quirimbas is especially popular with divers and snorkellers, honeymooners and those seeking seclusion and pampering in paradise. For travellers wanting an injection of culture there are day visits to explore the history of Ibo Island (overnight stays are possible here too).

Where to stay: we recommend Azura Quilalea, Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort and on Ibo Island, Miti Miwiri .

Bazaruto Archieplago

Best for: indulgent luxury and diving with big game fish.

A stunning string of islands surrounded by peacock blue waters, with fragrant orange groves, unspoiled beaches and top notch luxury lodges. Ocean life in the Bazaruto Archipelago is diverse, and explorers may well see dolphins, whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays and sea turtles. The waters here are protected so it's a fabulous place for diving and snorkelling. Popular excursions include dhow sailing, island hopping, picnics on deserted beaches and romantic dining at various secluded spots. Lodges here are all about sinking into that slow pace of island life, whether it's honeymooners looking for a private getaway or families searching for intimacy and fun. More affordable and just as charming accommodation can be found on the mainland at Vilanculos , where guests can still enjoy the same excursions as those staying on the islands themselves.

Where to stay: we recommend &Beyond Benguerra Island Lodge , Azura Benguerra Island and in Vilanculos, Bahia Mar .

Lake Niassa

Best for: fresh water exploration under a canopy of stars.

Lake Niassa (also known as Lake Malawi ) is simply stunning, with crystal clear waters perfect for snorkelling and lots of hidden little beaches just calling out for private picnics. Locals call the lake 'the end of the world' thanks to its remote and pristine location, far off the beaten track yet accessible to the adventurous traveller. This wild beach paradise is beautiful and tranquil, with opportunities for water sports, canoeing, hiking and birding. Guests can also visit local communities, and admire the giant baobabs that line the lake shores. As night falls it's time for some romantic dining beneath a sky full of stars, making it an ideal place for budding astronomers too.

Where to stay: Nkwichi Lodge

Ilha de Mozambique

Best for: going back in time on an historical coral island.

A beautiful coral island lost in time, Ilha de Mozambique is the place to go for your fix of culture, and to understand more about this fascinating country. Shaped like a crescent, the island is a world away from other resorts in Mozambique, being the historic Portuguese trading base of East Africa. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1992 thanks to its abundance of traditional buildings and colonial past. Ilha de Mozambique is easily accessible with a 1.5 km causeway across to the mainland. If you fancy wandering historic streets by day and relaxing on rooftops with a cool drink in hand watching the sun dip below the horizon at night, then Ilha de Mozambique is for you.

Where to stay: we recommend Villa Sands , Terraco das Quitandas and Hotel Escondidinho .

Inhambane & Tofo

Best for: accessible beaches and abundant off-shore reefs.

Recognised as one of the oldest settlements in Mozambique, Inhambane and the surrounding peninsula is the perfect spot for relaxing amongst the sand dunes. The beaches are some of the best in Mozambique, and the marine life viewing is superb thanks to the numerous offshore reefs. It's a great place for scuba diving, and manta rays, whale sharks and turtles are often seen here. Visitors can explore the historic colonial town of Inhambane, and watch as the dhows drift around the bay carrying cargo and passengers.

Where to stay: we recommend Blue Footprints , Dunes de Dovela and Casa Barry .

Best for: wildlife, and having a break from the beaches

Mozambique isn't all about beaches. It is possible to enjoy a safari here too, and the best place for this is Gorongosa National Park . Located at the southern end of the Great Rift Valley of East Africa, Gorongosa covers more than 4,000 square km and has one of Mozambique's densest wildlife populations. Thanks to a conservation programme the species list here is vast, and includes lions, elephants and antelope. Birding is fabulous too, with endemic species such as the Green Coucal, Spotted Creeper and Collared Palm Thrush often making an appearance. Gorongosa is easily accessed by road or a short internal flight, and makes a great addition to your Mozambique holiday.

Where to stay: Montebelo Gorongosa Lodge

Best for: culture, entertainment and a great stopover

The capital of Mozambique is often referred to as the 'Havana of Africa' and considered by many as one of the most beautiful cities on the continent, with its Mediterranean style architecture and cafe-lined streets beneath vibrant red flame trees. The markets are bustling with life, selling everything from fragrant spices to fresh seafood, and carts trundle past piled high with sweet ripe bananas. There are plenty of museums, galleries and shops to explore, which give visitors an insight into the history and culture that are the foundations of this amazing country. Maptuo makes a great stopover on your way to other parts of Mozambique.

Where to stay: we recommend the Polana Hotel , Radisson Blu , and Southern Sun .

Best for: untouched coastline not far from South Africa

The southern coastline of Mozambique is famous for its wilderness vibe, and is a great place for watersports such as surfing, snorkleling and scuba diving thanks to its world-class marine wildlife viewing. Whale watching is popular between October and December, and it's also possible to see dolphins and whale sharks in these waters. This area of Mozambique is well developed for tourism making it easy to move around, and a stay here is often combined with a South African safari. There are also forest drives and walks available.

Where to stay: we recommend Machangulo Beach Lodge , White Pearl and Anvil Bay .

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What’s it Like to Travel in Mozambique?

Mozambique is my new favourite country.

Before I arrived, I had no idea what to expect from this little-visited Southern African spot and if I’m being honest, I was filled with trepidation. I had zero experience travelling Sub-Saharan Africa and the prospect of taking my first steps into the region (and doing so alone) was intimidating.

Especially because when I started researching travel in Mozambique online, I quickly realised just how few travel bloggers have been to Mozambique, how few trip reports there are, and how, if you venture into forums, you’ll find dozens of people announcing how unsafe it is and how, under no circumstances, should any woman travel there alone.

So I packed my bags and went anyway, because one of my favourite things to do when I travel is to shatter perceptions of a place.

And Mozambique? It’s perfectly safe for women travelling alone. It’s beautiful. It’s exciting. It’s adventurous. It makes you feel alive. The locals are so welcoming. The food is delicious. The beaches are out of this world.

The travel may be tougher here, but the rewards are far greater.

I tiptoed into Mozambique, wondering whether I’d be fleeing to South Africa in just a few days, but instead had to drag myself out of the country several weeks later. I can’t wait to return.

This is what it’s like to travel in Mozambique.

Don’t Believe Everything You Read

Confession: I was terrified when I arrived in Maputo.

It wasn’t that I had no idea what to expect, but that I had read so many scary pieces online that I was expecting nothing but danger. Let’s a take a look at some of the quotes I stumbled upon, from articles, blog posts and comments in forums:

Criminals are forceful and ruthless, often work in groups, and carry firearms. Expats and tourists have been targeted in the past, so be sure not to display any signs of wealth: jewelry, running shoes, cameras and purses should be left in the hotel or hidden extremely well. Women should never walk alone on the beach or take the bus unaccompanied. Unfortunately, attacks on female tourists have been increasing. Parents, DO NOT let your children travel to Mozambique! I had a very rough start. Within hours of my arrival in Chimoio I was cheated by moneychangers, had my laptop stolen in a hostel, had to abandon a horrid bus where we were squashed like sardines with stereo blasting. To top things off I was unable to get cash since ATMs very randomly accept cards in Mozambique. I wouldn’t recommend it. I did it a few years ago with my then Girlfriend. In the capital Maputo the hostel had guards on the gate to make sure no-one broke in. Armed guards at the ATM too.

Does that sound like a safe and wonderful country you’d want to visit?

Yeah, me neither.

So, why did I go? Because part of the reason why I even started a travel blog is because I love getting to show the reality of misunderstood places around the world. And in amongst the horror stories I found online, there were gushing reports of life-changing trips in a beautiful country full of welcoming locals.

So I went, and you know what? I felt just as safe in Mozambique as I do in many places in the world. I wandered on the beaches on my own and only ran into locals who wanted to make friends and show me around. I carried my camera and my phone in a bag and took photos and wasn’t mugged. It’s all anecdotal, sure, but I didn’t feel like I was travelling in some kind of dangerous, lawless country. I felt safe and welcomed in Mozambique — it felt no different to wandering around in Southeast Asia, for example.

I learned a valuable lesson here, in not believing everything you read about a place, and the importance of checking it out with your own eyes before making a judgment. Don’t let the fear-mongering online put you off visiting Mozambique — I felt less safe in South Africa, which is a place most people wouldn’t have any qualms about visiting.

If you are nervous about travelling to Mozambique, make sure you’re reading reports and experiences from people who have actually been to the country. It’s too easy for people to leave horrible comments on articles online, speaking about how Mozambique is dangerous, when they haven’t even been themselves.

The Visa is Awful to Get if You Won’t Be Travelling Overland Easy to Get

I’ve never written a guide for applying for a visa on this site before, but I’m in the process of finishing up one for Mozambique. Why? Because the entire process was complicated, frustrating, and wholly unclear. It was so bad that I started my application process over a month before my departure date and had my visa approved the day before I left . Man, that was nerve-wracking!

In a typical example of African bureaucracy, you can easily apply for a visa when traveling overland from South Africa. But when you’re flying in, the official stance is that you need to apply for a visa in advance. And to get said visa, you need to have absolutely everything booked in advance and your confirmations printed out, as well as a whole host of other documents and information. I even had to show a photocopy of my residency certificate for Portugal!

The most frustrating aspect of the entire process is that there’s no clarity surrounding the procedure. Some people claim you don’t need to worry and can get a visa on arrival; some say they were turned away at the airport. Some people say you just need to fill out a form; others needed to have bank statement, flight bookings, hotel bookings, letters of invitation, proof of residency. Some people have been told completely different things by two people at the same embassy.

If you’re heading to Mozambique, allow yourself plenty of time to get the visa and prepare for multiple trips to the embassy.

Update: you can now get a visa on arrival! Ignore everything I just wrote :-)

Mozambique is Bigger Than You Think

I gave myself two weeks to explore Mozambique and believed that would be enough time to jump my way along its coastline.

Yeah. Mozambique is so much bigger than it looks on maps! The coastline, for example, is more than 1500 miles long, which is roughly the same length as the east coast of the U.S.

Would you give yourself two weeks to travel the entire east coast of the U.S.? Nope! 

That’s a whole lot of land to cover and if you’ll be doing it overland, you can expect to spend days travelling from the south to the north. If you’re hoping to fly, you’ll be at the mercy of LAM, the Mozambican airline. Flights are infrequent and illogical, rarely going from where you are to where you want to be, and especially not on the date you want to fly.

When you’re in Mozambique, less is more. Build travel delays into your schedule and aim to spend three-to-five days in each place rather than one or two. I decided to spend my two weeks exploring the south of Mozambique and will save exploring the north for my next visit. The south is the more touristed part of the country, but the north still has a lot to offer — I can’t wait to finally get there.

If you have a month, you can comfortably see the vast majority of the country’s major tourist attractions. Here’s a quick breakdown of the routes you could follow:

• Two weeks in the south: Maputo, Tofo , and Vilanculos/Bazaruto Archipelago
• Two weeks in the north: Nampula, Ilha de Mocambique, Pemba, Quirimbas Islands
• One month: these two itineraries combined! Maybe with a trip to Gorongosa National Park in between.

Traveling in Mozambique Can Feel Adventurous

I was surprised when I touched down in Mozambique and discovered that hardly anyone travels alone in this country. The travellers I met were shocked that I was brave enough to visit solo — and I certainly didn’t feel brave! People would tell me that I was courageous and adventurous, and I’d be there having no idea that me going to Mozambique alone was a Big Deal.

And while I felt safe in Mozambique, there’s no denying that this was some of the most hardcore travel I’ve encountered to date.

It was having to be super-careful with my DSLR and keeping it hidden away, sometimes only snapping photos when nobody was around or tons of people were surrounding me.

It was learning that it wasn’t safe to walk anywhere at night and having to take taxis in the evenings.

It was the public chapas  — minivan buses that squeeze ten times the capacity into one sweaty, humid box while you bounce over potholed roads for hours at a time.

It was not being able to trust the police, because they’re corrupt as hell and always looking for a way to extort money from you.

It was the ATMs running out of money or not accepting my card.

It was having to be fearful of malaria and waking up to enormous bugs in my room, no matter how much money I paid for my stay.

It was the security guards outside of hostels and hotels and banks and stores.

In Mozambique, things felt rougher around the edges. The travel was more difficult and less comfortable, but was so worth it.

It’s definitely not a destination for first-time travellers, though.

TAAG is a Good Way to Get There for Cheap

I scored some bargain flights from Angolan airline TAAG, which made it super-affordable to visit Mozambique from Europe. I highly recommend keeping an eye on their flight prices and making note of when they’ll be having any sales. At around $250 return from Lisbon, Mozambique was cheaper to fly to than many European destinations would have been!

And Angolan Airlines were actually great.

Read more about how I find cheap flights around the world .

Low Season is Slow Season

I was concerned about visiting Mozambique in January, the wettest month of the year, but guess how much rain I experienced? One afternoon in Maputo that lasted for an hour, and an overnight thunderstorm in Tofo. That was it! Just as in Southeast Asia, I learned that the rainy season isn’t actually a terrible time to visit: the prices are cheaper, there are fewer tourists, and the rain isn’t frequent enough to spoil your vacation.

The rainy season definitely puts off many travellers from visiting Mozambique, though. In Maputo, I wandered around for six hours and didn’t see a single tourist. In Tofo, I would head down to the huge beach each afternoon and find myself sharing it with maybe three other people. When eating at restaurants in Vilanculos, my group of friends and I would often be the only people eating in the restaurant.

It sounds kind of boring, but it was actually fascinating. Imagine going to somewhere like Koh Phi Phi and having the entire place to yourself. In Mozambique, it’s possible!

If you’re aiming to visit Mozambique in the rainy season, be sure to keep an eye on the weather reports before you visit, and ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers natural disasters and cancelled trips. I use and recommend SafetyWing for trips to Mozambique, as they cover you in these situations.

Take Your Anti-Malarials

I’d never taken anti-malarial tablets until I went to Mozambique, for the simple reason that none of the countries I was visiting were deemed high-risk, and dengue was more of a problem in them, for which there is no prophylaxis. Given how much time I’ve spent in mosquito danger zones, I’d have most likely ended up taking anti-malarials for years at a time, which wouldn’t have been great for my liver. So, whenever I was in the tropics, I would make sure to use bug spray, cover up, and attempt to avoid getting bitten as much as possible.

Well, Mozambique is high-high-high risk for malaria. Like, it’s one of the top five countries affected by malaria, with its prevalence ranging from 46% for children in rural areas to 17% in the cities. 26% of hospital deaths in Mozambique are due to malaria and every single local and expat I spoke to had contracted it a dozen times or more. And when I was researching early malaria symptoms, a significant amount of the people commenting in forums had contracted it in Mozambique.

The risk of malaria is real in Mozambique and you can die from it. Anyone who says anti-malarials are worse than malaria itself has never had cerebral malaria, which is a complication of a specific malaria parasite that is most prevalent in Mozambique. Cerebral malaria causes your brain to swell, which can lead to permanent brain damage, and also causes liver failure, kidney failure, rupturing of the spleen, fluid in the lungs, and death.

Take anti-malarials!

Malarone and doxycycline are both effective in Mozambique and I’ve never experienced major side effects with either.

It’s One of the Best Places to Dive on the Planet

Mozambique is all about the megafauna, with tons of whale sharks and manta rays visiting Tofo year round, and dugongs popping up every now and then near Vilanculos. I even got to swim with humpback whales and dolphins on an ocean safari in Tofo!

Let’s be honest: I’m not a diver, so I can’t speak from personal experience, but the vast majority of visitors to Tofo are there for the diving, and everyone I met couldn’t stop gushing about how mind-blowing it was.

For me, I settled with some snorkelling in both Tofo and Vilanculos, and the latter was some of the best of my life. I got to swim with an octopus, trumpetfish, parrotfish, stonefish, and a bunch of other colourful fish that I couldn’t identify but ogled at nonetheless.

Maputo Isn’t Going to Be the Highlight of Your Trip

Oh man, I didn’t like Maputo.

I hate saying that I hated a place, but I really didn’t vibe with Maputo.

I gave myself three days in the capital city, something that drew nothing but winces from fellow travellers when I shared this fact. Quite frankly, it was two days too long, as the vast majority of tourist sites can be seen during a day of wandering.

I’d hoped to go to the Maputo Elephant Reserve, but no tour companies would take solo travellers unless I paid double, which would work out to be around $400. I wanted to take a walking tour of the city, but the tour guide didn’t reply to my email enquiry until after I’d left Maputo.

So, that was fine. I told myself I’d just wander around the city and try to find its heart in amongst the trash. Guys, I’ve spent a lot of time in developing countries and trash doesn’t even bother me — it’s something I rarely notice — but in Maputo it. was. everywhere. On every single street I walked down, even the most popular ones in the centre of the city, it was piled up everywhere.

The harassment was real and intimidating. Men would drive their cars alongside me, calling me baby, then pull over, get out of the car, and follow me down the road! So many men that I passed on the street would call me sister or mama or baby or click their tongue or hiss at me. My guidebook said that walking along the red light district during the day was safe and interesting, but it resulted in nothing but a bunch of prostitutes shouting at me.

The most touristy things to do in the city weren’t even that wonderful, which made the sightseeing boring. Basically, I ended up feeling like there was nothing of interest to see, the harassment was intimidating, and I spent most of the time hiding and recovering in my room.

If you go to Mozambique, aim to spend no more than a day in Maputo. The best parts of the country are elsewhere.

The Beaches are Spectacular

Mozambique has some of the best beaches in the world, and the absolute best thing about them is that on most of them, you’ll have them all to yourself!

My favourite beaches were in Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago. This part of Mozambique is all about the sandbanks, and at low tide, you can walk out across them for hours if you wanted. It’s like being on another planet.

You Can Get By Without Speaking Portuguese

I was concerned about my lack of Portuguese language skills beyond the basic Portuguese I used while living in Lisbon for a year , but I needn’t have worried. I encountered zero language barriers within the country and 95% of the people I ran into spoke great English.

It’s supposedly harder to find English speakers in the lesser-visited north of the country, but if you stick to the south, you won’t need to worry about learning more than a few vital words.

Chapas Will Make You Cry Sweat, But There are Alternatives

Imagine a humid minivan with terrible suspension, bumping its way along pot-holed roads on a thirty degree day. Now imagine filling it with 10 times more people than the recommended capacity, until you’re all packed in the back like sweaty sardines. Maybe throw a child on your lap and some smelly food in there, too. Now, get the driver to rip you off on the price and have the local men start calling you baby and asking if you can take them back home with you.

That’s a chapa and it’s the easiest way to get around the country. They are also awful, so don’t be surprised if after your first ride, you swear off them and opt for flights and private transfers to get around.

Which is exactly what I did.

It’s Pretty Affordable

I wasn’t sure what to expect for affordability in Mozambique, as Africa isn’t the most inexpensive of continents, but I ended up pleasantly surprised.

Accommodation is where most of your money will go in Mozambique, unless you’re cool with dorm rooms. For a basic room in a guesthouse in Maputo, I paid $32 a night, for a fancy resort stay in Tofo that was one of the best places I’ve ever stayed in, I paid $63 a night, and for a private room in a backpacker hostel in Vilanculos, I paid $28 a night, although they had dorms there for as little as $9 a night.

Transportation varies depending on your level of comfort. If you wanted to travel between Tofo and Vilanculos, you could pay $3.50 to take several chapas and a ferry, $100 to hire a private driver to take you there, or $80 to fly there. Some people opt to hitchhike in Mozambique without a problem, but I didn’t try it while I was there.

And food is cheap, cheap, cheap! You can expect to pay around $2-3 a meal, or $10 if you’re in a fancy, sit-down restaurant for tourists. A beer is a couple of dollars.

Activities can be pretty pricey, depending on where you book them and how many people you’re traveling with. I had to turn down a lot of activities I was excited for because as a lone traveller, I was told I’d have to pay double to take any tours. It’s therefore best to stay in hostels and take their tours if you’re travelling alone. For a snorkelling ocean safari in Tofo, I paid $35, and for a day in the Bazaruto Archipelago, I paid $50.

I wrote an in-depth guide on how much it costs to travel Mozambique that’s worth checking out, as well as budget breakdowns for the hundred countries I’ve been fortunate to have visited so far.

It’s Safe for Solo Women Travellers

I really wasn’t sure what the demographics of travellers to Mozambique would be, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a mix of ages, travel styles, and races. And while I was one of the very few solo female travellers in the country, it was easy to make friends and I felt as safe as I do in Southeast Asia (very). I will say that I felt least safe in Maputo, even though nothing bad happened to me there, but the levels of harassment were intense.

What you can expect as a solo traveller in Mozambique, especially if you’re white like me, and especially especially if you’re blonde, is a lot of attention. For the most part, though, it’s totally harmless, and most dudes just want to chat and flirt with you.

You’ll Still Want to Get Good Travel Insurance

If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

All I can offer is anecdotes, but even with my fantastic experiences, Mozambique is still more of a hardcore travel destination and there are horror stories online. In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Mozambique. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re more affordable than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

Mozambique: One of My New Favourite Countries!

I love, love, loved my time in Mozambique and I’m already planning my return trip.

The beaches are wonderful, the locals are friendly, the food is delicious, and did I mention the beaches? It’s worth going to Mozambique just for them.

Have you been to Mozambique? If not, would you like to go one day?

Related Articles About Mozambique 💰 How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Mozambique? 🏖 Introducing Tofo: My African Beach Paradise 🏝 A Perfect Day in the Bazaruto Archipelago

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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144 comments.

The pictures you posted from Mozambique are fantastic and they make me want to go there (except I’m still an inexperienced traveler, so I will wait awhile). Also, it’s pretty awesome that you love the country as a whole and yet are able to write frankly about the harassment in Maputo (I also saw your snaps about this subject).

“I find myself instead thinking of my alternative blog title as The Accidental Adventurer. Because that’s what I seem to have become.”

Okay, so I know you are constantly asked about your next book, but maybe there’s the title to your sequel!

Ha! Maybe! :-)

I absolutely LOVE your posts because they are so honest and give you a true snapshot into what your experience was.

Ah, thank you so much, Rachel! That means a lot :-)

Stunning photos. I had no idea Mozanbique was so ‘tropical’ :) x

Thank you :-) I was surprised by how many palm trees there were in Mozambique — they were almost everywhere!

I just love how detailed this post is! I feel like I’ve had some experience there (which I definitely don’t!). Those beaches look incredible!

Thanks so much, Brooklyn! It took a long, long time to write this one! :-)

I now have a more invested interest in southern Africa – Mozambique is on the list!

Yay! I’m happy to hear that :-)

What a beautiful place! I haven’t travelled to many places but I have big plans and Africa was never somewhere I’d considered until my cousin actually cut her Australian working holiday short to return to Kenya and South Africa after only a couple of months! I love that you’re exploring the lesser travelled places :) It’s totally helping to expand my options in the future!

I’m so happy to hear that! I’m a contrarian, so I always like to check out places other bloggers don’t often choose to visit, and Mozambique ended up being one of my best choices so far :-)

Great post! You’ve got me from knowing nothing about Mozambique to wanting to go, and that feeling achievable. What’s the food like??

So good! Lots of spicy seafood :-)

This post is so incredibly comprehensive! It gives such a good view of what travelling in Mozambique is like! I’ve been hearing people talk more and more about Mozambique even though Dutch travel advice remains negative for the most part. Thanks to your post I feel much more excited to visit it one day!

I’m excited to hear that! :-)

What? Mozambique is not great at all for tourists I have worked in Mozambique for some years and it NOT safe for tourists. Mozambique is in the middle of a civil war, the people have horrendous living conditions barely surviving on the poverty line, crime is rampant. You probably did not know that the people you saw working at those lodges are paid slave wages and that is when they can get a job. Tourism dropped 37% from last year and that is because it is not safe, far less in fact unthinkable for a women travelling alone, you were very lucky that nothing happened to you . Sure some of the beaches are very nice but that does not make a great holiday, and yes Maputo is a dump and there is nothing to see there other than misery, poverty, crime and trash. South Africa has far more to offer, has a great tourism infrastructure in place and if something does happen you have some recourse unlike mozambique.

There has been a ceasefire on the civil war/rebel fighting since December and any news articles I’ve read over the past week have said that an official peace deal is most likely days away. Additionally, the vast majority of the rebel activity has been in rural areas where tourists are unlikely to ever visit, and I don’t think any tourists were ever caught up or injured in the fighting at any point. Also, as far as I’m aware, nothing ever happened in the south, where I, and the majority of tourists, visit/ed. Tourism dropped because of the rebel fighting, and when/if a peace deal is reached, it will most likely increase again.

You say that people are barely surviving on the poverty line and that people working in lodges are paid slave wages, but then your solution to this is to not go at all. Taking away tourism income from the country only harms it and directly hurts the people who are struggling, and it’s not a reason not to visit a place.

And finally, the crime rates are far higher in South Africa than they are in Mozambique, so while you’ll have more recourse there, there’s also a much higher chance of something actually happening to you in the first place. But if you have actual statistics about crime affecting tourists in Mozambique, I’d be happy to hear them and adjust my opinion of the country. Even the British government says most visits to Mozambique are trouble-free in their travel advice. As it is, you saying that it’s not safe is just as anecdotal as the expat in Mozambique who emailed me this morning to say she enjoyed my article and loves living in the country.

Go Lauren! I love how you replied to that and totally agree about the poverty thing. If that was a reason to not go someplace, that would be a pretty long list of places not to go, I’d think. Tourism is so important for a lot of places that just not going would make things much worse.

This was an awesome post and will definitely be back to read more.

Hey I really enjoyed your article. I spent 2.5 months in mostly the North coast but stayed a couple nights in Maputo and a few other places as well. I actually had a great time in Maputo. It was on my way out of Mozambique. I realized I had two nights there just before leaving the north. One of my Mozambican friends saw me off at the airport and he connected me with a couple of his friends in Maputo. Thank God! They took me out all night to these lil bar-like stations that were bulletproof plexiglass and metallic anti theft bars. We had a blast and being that there were three of us no one messed with me. They told me if I was by myself that some people would just enjoy my company but others would want to F me up. They said Inwould most likely get jumped pretty bad. The only problem we had was at one point we were in a busy part of town, we parked the truck and walked into a place for some drinks. Possibly being that I was white maybe someone thought I was rich and left valuables in the truck. Idk but someone broke in to it and stole some of their things. Thankfully my stuff was at their house. They went and talked to the cops but parked a good distance and told me to stay down cuz they will harass me. I had already experienced the police harassment up north and again as I was leaving the airport in Maputo. They got me to the airport way late for my plane. I had all my money in a travel pouch stashed really well. Good thing too cuz they started giving me a hard time about a bag of passion fruit lollipops I discovered there, BOMB Dizzle! They tried to act like I was smuggling shit and wanted money from me. I told them why I was there and said I had already given all my money away to all my beautiful friends I met here. I ended up giving them a few Metz (Meticals their currency) that I had in coins which was equivalent to a lot less then a dollar. The last couple negative things I hope to ever say about Mozambique, due to the poverty the men are much shorter than I. I’m a 6’2 blonde whiteboy and I only felt unsafe one time. I was grocery shopping and when I walked outside there was a dude who was about my size and he was trying to size me up. The last thing I’m going to do is fight a local so I just smiled, waived and said things like, “oh wow you big bro. It’s ok everything’s good broddah.” I then lil by lil got away from that situation. He just wanted to show he was big too but not in the right way. I traveled around hitch hiking and even met some thuggish friends who took me around on the back of their mortorcycles, while we rapped all day, and met their families. I felt and was very safe my entire stay. I too love the freaking beaches! I was there every chance I could get away for a dip. All this being said, if I were you or anyone on this thread, I would not travel there alone again. I know of a girl who was there who was hit over the head with a hammer-like tool and raped. She was walking with 7 others too. Someone jumped out of the bushes. Where we stayed they recommend that you travel with no less then 8 people at night and 4 during the day. I had traveled outside with one or no others too and felt 100% safe. Let’s also remember that was just our experience and luckily we for the most part only ran into amazing people but we can’t take away from others who have been hurt, it’s not just online talk. I’m totally not trying to scare anyone off or argue with you Lauren, I just think you might want to mention that the threat of danger there is real but thankfully u only ran into some of the most beautiful people on the planet as did I. I love the shit out of Mozambique and made numerous friends. I can’t wait to go back someday too! Oh sorry there was one more thing, as far as the poverty and traveling to help the local economy, unfortunately that’s not how it works. Well, It is when you’re eating at a small chicken & chips place paying a couple dollars for food or buying a capalana (sheet like fabric women wrap themselves with or guys like me find a tailor to make a bunch of cool clothes) but as far as those big hotels or most of the bigger stores and restaurants, they’re all owned by the Chinese, South Africans, and Middle Eastern people. They pay off the government. The elected officials get into office, rob the countries money and leave for the next guy to repeat. All that to say, my 2.5mo there and 2wks in Krueger National Park, Joberg, and CapeTown were the most rewarding, fun times I have ever had and I’ve been all over the world. You’re right about South Africa fasho. A couple times I pulled down the wrong street and it was almost as bad as San Bernardino, Ca. Haha No there were a cpl times I had drive off quick but there are so many cool things to do down there as far as animal reserves go and cool places to go. Food is really good too! Thanks again for the good read… Sistah!

Wait sorry, how are you going to tell another person if they had a good holiday or not?

During the past 25 years I have spent an accumulated 4 years living and travelling throughout Mozambique, without serious incident of a criminal or corrupt nature.

Yes, I did have my camera stolen at the Feira Popular in Maputo in 1993, but this was when distracted by too many cheap Impala beers and the attention of ladies who probably have never been chased – acknowledgements to Rodriguez.

My first trip was 6 months long on my bicycle, during the civil war, from Beira to Tanzania, and beyond. My latest trip was in October 2018 with two fabulous families from America. We started in Johannesburg and drove Maputo – Xai-Xai – Inhambane – Morrungulo – Bilene – Massingir – Kruger National Park.

As usual no problems, just (genuinely) pristine beaches, wonderful people and food and of course the special Wilderness and vistas of Kruger. My clients were charmed by Mozambique and awestruck by Kruger.

South Africa does have a very bad crime record. Tourists are sometimes targeted as a quick Google of the terms “OR Tambo Airport and tourists” will reveal.

Looking forward to my next adventure in gentle, beautiful and uncrowded Mozambique.

Thanks so much for this Lauren! We are thinking about Mozam and Tanzania for our next trip and this definitely fills in a lot of the gaps regarding tourist info for the country. What is the wifi like there?

The wifi was pretty good, actually. I found that the wifi worked really well in guesthouses *when* you were sat in the reception area — it was fast and you could Skype on it. The signal wasn’t often strong enough to reach your room, though, so I’d have to work in the common areas/restaurants. When I was researching, I found that the vast majority of accommodation options had wifi, and from the reviews, it seemed like it was usually usable.

Everything you write about Mozambique was true. From the trash in Maputo to the wonders on the cost line. And I do share the hate from Maputo.

Ah, I’m glad to hear that! I always find it a bit nerve-wracking when I post these summaries in case a bunch of people appear to tell me my entire perception was incorrect.

I’ve been so tempted by the idea of Mozambique for so long esp the coast and beaches so thank you for this honest and balanced intro!

No problem! It’s such a beautiful country and well worth a visit :-)

Wow! Great blog post. Looks like that’s another place added to the bucket list! Thanks, Lauren!

I’m looking for some advice on whether I would be safe in Mozambique as a young white man, as I would clearly look like a foreigner and am worried whether I would be targetted because of it. I would be volunteering in a local school near Maputo for around 6-8 weeks, staying with Mozambicans during that time. I’ve heard/seen conflicting evidence that Mozambique is safe to visit/is dangerous with high crime levels (involving violent robbery etc) from forums and the western embassies travel advice. For instance, the chances of being targetted as a victim of crime are about the same as a major US city, although most visits are trouble-free. Is it worth the risk? It truly looks like an incredible place.

In my opinion, if you’ll be staying with Mozambicans you’ll most likely be fine and I would go for it. The people you’ll be staying with will be about to tell you what to look out for and how to stay safe, so you’ll be in a much better position than the majority of travellers to Mozambique.

Wow. You are brave to do this, Lauren! I appreciate your efforts in writing the truth about Mozambique.

Thank you! :-)

This is a great post, thank you. I think you’re very good at showing the layers and different perceptions, here mainly on how safe it is to visit. Keep doing what you’re doing. :)

Thanks so much! I’ll do my best :-)

Wow . Incredible article . Mozambique is truly beautiful. The coconut trees , beaches and banana leaves remind me of Kerala, my home state. The sea color is better but. The small huts are fascinating. Added to my list of travel

And Kerala is high on my list of destinations to visit! I hope to get there later this year :-)

Your writing is the best!

Thank you so much!

All big cities are kind of dump. Specially in Africa. You can see the same situation in most of the big cities in the central and south Africa region. South Africa, Mozambique and Tanzania are the best examples of that.

Mozambique has some problems into bringing tourists in, although it’s a nice place to visit. But I wouldn’t visit it alone, as you did. I went there with a group of friends.

Although I have to say, I haven’t felt less secure than on the outskirts of Athens or Istanbul. So maybe it wasn’t that bad.

I know that Dave is scathing about pretty much all of the capital cities he’s visited in Eastern Africa, so I didn’t have high hopes for my time there. And yeah, there are definitely much nicer places in the country to see!

I would love to go to Mozambique one day – I’m a scuba diver and have indeed heard it’s amazing there! I’m actually headed to Eastern Africa for a few weeks this summer, and initially thought I could squeeze in some beach time in Mozambique as well, but this post makes me realise I’ll need more time. Will definitely be referencing this in the future. :)

I think you’d love Mozambique, Brenna! But yeah, it’s a huge country and getting around takes sooooo looonnnngggggg.

Great post Lauren! :-) Me and my (now) husband were backpacking Mozambique 6 years ago and the nature didn’t change at all! I bet it developed a bit when it comes to tourism but I don’t think that much, which I think is good to sustain such pristine and ‘naturally beautiful’ places. I remember Maputo not as a super ugly place however can’t diasagree it’s not a place you want to stay for more than 1-2 days. What I do remember what impressed me, was the old scratched portuguese architecture the city still had. We had to prolong our visas (anyway something was with it) and went to some embassy or some diplomatic point – I will never forget how beautiful and nostalgic that building looked like! It was like traveling in time to the colonial era (I guess)!

Mozambique is also opne of my favorite countries although that’s where we were robbed twice (Xai Xai and VIlanculos – in the Baobab Backpacker where you were, the story is really like from the movie but the management changed and everything so no need to write about it).

And for those who really want to backpack that country I do recommend arranging a dhow to Linga Linga island from Inhambane Bay – that was the most adventurous thing I have ever done in my life and the place is nature at it’s finest.

Looking forward to read more about your time in Africa! Safe travels, Alex

I have never been to Africa but I am making it my mission to get there this year! Mozambique surprises me, I didn’t expect it to be as how you described. The sandbanks of the Bazaruto Archipelago looks stunning. I hadn’t realised it was so popular to dive! would love to dive and see the whale sharks!

Parents, DO NOT let your children travel to Africa! – I love this !!!!! It shows how closed minded we can all be when we don’t know much about a place or a culture.

Thanks for the heads up about the Visa, will keep this in mind when we do visit and will keep an eye out for your post on how to get the visa :) Baobab Backpackers looks like a cute place to stay too! thanks for sharing:)

I think I was the only tourist in Mozambique who wasn’t diving while I was there, haha, so it’s definitely a popular place for checking out sealife.

And yes, exactly. And how so many people treat “Africa” as if it’s one giant country, full of danger and poverty and war, without realising it’s a diverse continent with, yes, some problems, but that doesn’t mean you should treat every single country as if it’s unsafe and terrifying. I’ve been to both Morocco and Mozambique and they couldn’t have been more different! Even Mozambique, Swaziland, and South Africa felt totally different.

I’d love to visit Africa, I think it’s such a fascinating continent with so much culture. But I’m not too well travelled yet, at least not solo so I’m not brave enough to venture there just yet. But when I do I’d love to visit Zimbabwe and South Africa. Thanks for the article Lauren

It can definitely be intimidating when you visit for the first time, but also, totally worth it! I’m glad I waited until I had a few years’ worth of travel experience before checking out, as I know I wouldn’t have coped as well if it had been my first solo trip.

Fascinating read, Lauren. Hoping to spend some time in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana in the next two years and I’m now thinking I should add Mozambique to that little list.

Yes! Do it! :-)

Love this post! Thank you for the insight!

Also – just finished reading your book. Beautifully written!

Thank you so much, RJ! That means the world to me :-)

Hey Lauren, stunning pictures. I must say along with a good blogger, you are an amazing photographer too. Thanks for sharing such wonderful narration of Mozambique. Keep Sharing! Keep Travelling. Good Luck.

Ah, thank you so much! That means a lot :-)

I’ve never heard of Mozambique country until I can across with your blog and I’m happy I get to know it. For sure, people from all around the world will fall in love with warm tropical weather and pristine beaches which stretch as far as the eye can see.

Happy I could introduce it to you!

Lovely read. Mozambique looks beautiful.Nice captures. :-)

Thank you :-)

It’s very interesting to know all about Mozambique. Great article.

Thanks, Irfan!

One of my best friends married a Mozambican and now lives there. This was so interesting for me to read from a traveler’s perspective, not just one who lives there. Thanks so much. I now feel more confident about me as a high-anxiety mom, taking my children there.

I’m so happy to hear that, Leah! :-)

I’d rather go to Zanzibar.

Great to see such a useful write-up. I also really enjoyed Mozambique. It’s not without it’s challenges but the people were great and the seafood was AMAZING. I’d love to go back and visit some of the islands one day.

The spiders though. I saw some really big spiders.

Oh man, I only heard about the spiders. Enormous ones that will run straight for you. I didn’t see any on my trip and I’m SO GRATEFUL FOR THAT, haha. Glad you enjoyed the post and totally agree about the seafood!

What a great post! I had a similar experience with Venezuela where I felt unsafe at times and nervous, but the people were so warm and the country so beautiful that it is a shame to be tarnished with just one brush!

It’s great to hear something positive about Venezuela, Reena!

This is the best post I’ve read so far. My boyfriend and I are on the more adventurous side as far as travelling goes, but I do believe our trip to southern Africa is going to really push us to the edge. And I am still not sure we should make this trek. Maybe you have some quick advice? We plan to visit South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and then possibly Mozambique, and then back to South Africa. We would only have AT MOST 5 days for Mozambique (travel included), and I understand it is REALLY tough to travel within Mo. We don’t mind “traveling quick” and we often only spend 2-3 days in each place, but if it’s too long or expensive to get to the southern part of Mo from Zim, then maybe this wouldn’t be worth it? I am excited to see the beaches and spend some time in the water (as the rest of our African adventure will be in the cities, or hiking through bush, jungle, etc.), so I guess I am asking if you would say it’s worth the trip? And if so, can you recommend a plan of attack from Zim? None of this is set in stone, I am only a week into planning this, so any advice at all would be amazing!

PS: my favorite beaches BY FAR were in Thailand! Is this better?

Yesterday I was talking about Mozambique , and the person I was speaking to , just make me feel like visiting the country . And now I found your post and I really like the way you talk about the country . I travelled a lot , but this time I will travel with a baby so I was wondering if it is a good place to go with a 4 months baby . I know people would say I’m crazy but with some care and good health insurance I’m not afraid to go there . But I would like some tips .

Plenty of people travel there with children, and travelling with kids is a great way to connect with the locals, too — everyone loves babies, all over the world! But I don’t have specific tips for travelling with a baby, as it’s not something I’ve ever had the opportunity to do. The only thing I would say is that if you’ll be travelling on a budget, the infrastructure can be quite poor, so you’d struggle with things like hot water showers and air conditioning in rooms, which could be stressful with a kid. And you’d have to take precautions with malaria, and I’m not sure how you’d do that with a baby. But if you google “Mozambique with children” you’ll find a lot of forum threads from people wanting to make the trip, so you’ll be able to pick up some tips from them.

Heading to Vilanculos in a couple of weeks and wanted to say thanks for this post. Definitely the most helpful guide I’ve found on the internet so far! Looking forward to getting out on the water now!

Ah, thank you so much, Agness! That means a lot :-)

This is so helpful! I’m going to be going to going to Tofo and Vilanculos next month. Can’t wait!

You’ll have an amazing time! :-)

Uugghh! This is so helpful, I’m traveling to Mozambique around January next year with my friend and am so glad I bumped into your post alot more things are clearer now. Thanks for writing.

Glad you found it helpful, Jojo! Have fun in Mozambique :-)

When are you going back there Lauren? And how would we get from Joberg to Tofo do you know?

Not sure when I’m returning, and your best bet is to fly to Maputo and onwards to Inhambane, or you can bus it to Maputo and bus it to Inhambane if you’re on a budget.

Great Blog! Thank you for sharing.

I’m in the midst of planning my solo trip to Mozambique. I’ve got 3 weeks, maybe 4. I’m aiming to do Maputo>Inhambane>Tofu Beach>Bazruto Archipelago>Mozambique Island. Do you think this is too much to fit into that time frame? I also want to take my time to learn how to dive (I’ve done it before but not gotten a certificate). I’m also cautions of going in November/December where it is the start of the rainy season (don’t want to wait until next year).

Many thanks,

this is awesome!! that looks so relaxing.. this will be definitely in my bucket list!! and i think i know where to go on my vacation!! lol thanks for sharing..

I highly recommend it :-)

Like in every similar country like this, Mozambique is beautiful for travelers and dirty for citizens. Great article and nice photos!

It was pretty dirty for me too… ;-) But I agree — I always try to keep my privilege in mind when visiting countries where the citizens are often struggling.

Awesome read , thank you x I have lived in Tofo with my husband and 3 sons for 13 years , having owned a Dive Centre , Liquid Dive, i am very knowledgable of the tourism stats and wages as well as the safety of living here and now with a private primary school in the area namely, Kingfisher Lake to offer the community i cannot stress how perfect Tofo is for a family or a lone traveller . In South Africa you live in fear constantly . I know of three families and friends who are relocating here from South Africa to Tofo within the next year because in my opinion it is the safest place in southern Africa . They have seen our lives here and how we live and want the same , the freedom , the beautiful beaches , the coconut trees etc . No threat of rape , murder or any other violent crime and the weather is just superb all year round with Humpbacks calving in our bay for 5 months of the year, Mantas , Whalesharks and great surfing and the warm water, we are living the dream…

Thank you so much for sharing, Cindy! I’m thrilled to hear how much you’re enjoying living in Tofo. I can’t wait to return… hopefully in 2018!

I lived in Maputo for 10 years and never had a serious incident as a blonde female, but boy was all the male attention annoying and unwanted! Only to say, not unsafe but definitely a hassle and I was over 45 at the time. I can only imagine if I was a cute YOUNG woman,

I’m glad you loved southern moz, but please come back! You missed the best part of the country! We live and work on Mozambique Island. Nacala and the region are not to be missed. We love our island and it is amazingly beautiful. It was once pretty trashy with dirty beaches but the municipal leaders and others like us have made great strides in cleaning things up, 2018 will be the 200th anniversary of the city of Ilha de Mozambique, so a great time to visit with Lots of things planned and great fanfare. And FYI. If you didn’t like Maputo, don’t spend more than a day in Nampula.

Thank you so much for sharing, Lynne! I desperately want to return to Mozambique, so I’m sure I’ll get there very soon. There’s so much more of the country I need to see :-)

Renamo been fighting Frelimo for many years civil war going on there enjoy

Not anywhere where tourists would go, though.

So in personal experience, once you leave the southern part of Mozambique there is little to no English. So in our future travels, should you choose to travel into the north, I HIGHLY recommend bringing someone who speaks Portuguese or learning some yourself. Please just be careful as you go north since it is not as designed for tourists and could be a much different feel to the trip. Having lived in the North and the south in country for over a year, I have experienced the great difference in needs of Portuguese levels. Also, the roads between the South and the North are extremely rough so flying, while a hassle, would quite possibly be a better option. I’m no tour guide or anything, just a missionary living among the locals who would LOVE to see tourism help these natives provide for their needs more consistently. As for politics, neutrality, friendliness and respect go a LONG way in this country, as I would assume in many other countries too. I hope you return soon. Mozambique is an incredible country indeed!

I’m actually taking Portuguese lessons at the moment! :-) Thanks so much for the kickass comment, Monica, and super-helpful advice — I’d love to return to Mozambique very soon.

Hi everyone! I’m from Moçambique (Mozambique), I can ensure that is a lovely e beautiful country. For people who are looking for some nature landscapes more like artigo beaches, I would recommend to go to the province of inhambane, there u will find praia do tofo, amazing view! Arquipélago de bazaruto, it’s very beautiful but a little high cost( for me the best of Mozambique) Praia da barra. For those who are looking for a more privacy I recommend ilha magaruque! At maputo province you can go to ponta de ouro, there you’ll find nic beaches! And if coming for South Africa (RSA) it relatively close from Durban! About the safety issues, it there some criminality like everywhere(not like the favelas at Brazil or a cartel city in Mexico) , but it nothing that Serious to make not go there! At the city of maputo people will sometimes stare at you just whit curiosity not intending to hurm you! If you come driving you may wanna make sure to have your drive license, passport, and everything also, course I have to admit! The police are a little annoying, and some times like bribes( give them any money) ! If you cannot speak Portuguese try to get help from another drivers at the roads but stay in the car! For know it’s all, and if you decide to come the Mozambique, you welcome! have fun, and enjoy nature! Plz do not disturb nature, you can enjoy nature without harming it!

Thank you so much for the amazing tips, Ivan! I really appreciate it.

Muito lindo …meu pai falava muito de Mozambique e tambem de Guinea…?

Would love to visit Guinea one day :-)

Pity you didn’t get to see the good side of Maputo, it’s an amazing city, did you go to the art studios? Mafalala? Even amongst the trash and mud there is so much soul.

I didn’t, but they’re definitely on my list for next time.

Wow, what an adventure. Tried to read and digest it all in one go, gave up, but came back to tackle it in smaller chunks at a time.

With 25 years of visiting and guiding and working in Mozambique (based in Johannesburg) etched into my Noddy Badge, I thought I knew it all, but have been enlightened and enriched by your narrative – thanks

Regarding Maputo, ah a difficult one… But wait! Perhaps a comparison with Cape Town may be revealing? I have also lived and studied and holidayed in Cape Town many times. It is simply stupidly stunning, mostly clean, has some crime (bad in parts), but quite a “First-world” feeling about the place. Right now? Well you could play “spot the locals” as it is very tourist trodden with prices to match.

Now to Maputo… Doesn’t have a mountain of the table, or any other, variety – also no beaches worth a tan and a swim. Very few tourists, though and so you may feel isolated and intimidated. Good, this is a sign that your “character”, resilience, receptivity and wisdom are expanding. Keep to that idiomatic “comfort zone” to much and you may as well have walked from home to a nearby bar.

My latest tour around Maputo was by bicycle and this had the effect of making me invisible to criminals, touts and corrupt cops. The real people, by contrast, embraced like a long lost relative and I made fifty half-hour friendships every day.

The street food and music are eclectic and very good and the history a day architecture are astounding.

Don’t dismiss and shun Maputo. Look up “Maputo a pé” on Facebook a day Google and tell Jane Flood that I sent you.

Mike http://www.mozguide.com

Such a shame that you hated Maputo. The city has a lot to offer (and good things!). Do not hesitate to get in touch with me when you come back and I’ll give you a tour of the cool places :) Great article!

Thanks for the offer! I appreciate that :-)

I would love to go to Bilene for my birthday but my anxiety is sky rocketing and funny enough I’m From South Africa so one would think I’d be brave enough, I’m not too sure of how one gets from Maputo to Bilene and I’d hate to get lost?

Thanks for the candid account of both Maputo and the coast. Its been very helpful in my planning and am now confident that I can travel there on my own! all the best from Stina

Thank you! Hope you have a wonderful trip :-)

it was an interesting read. My name is leul mamo and i am an Ethiopian from east Africa neighbor to Kenya, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti and Somalia. and i plan to stay in maputo, mozambique for a little more than a month on a volunteering assignment by AIESEC there. It will be my first time to visit, do you think maputo is safe to go there ? since it will be my first time to travel outside Ethiopia….. thank you, woulds like to hear from you.

Hi Lauren, I’m amazed by the blog, I am Mozambican, was born in Inhambane. I used to climb those palm trees to get coconuts for preparing meals, the beaches were my font of food, used to fishing with lines and nets, sailed on those sailboats for long. Due to my profession had to leave that beautiful coastline to the northwest, exactly in Tete. This place is hot and nothing compared to Inhambane, Gaza, Sofala, Zambezia, Nampula and Cabo Delgado.

I’m happy to read your review of the south. I visited the north a few years ago, since my cousin has a large fisheries on Cahora Bassa Lake. I’m planning my next trip this December and have been trying to figure out the best way to travel.

I could fly to Harare and travel with them via Zimbabwe, but that’s what I did last time. I’m thinking about flying into jo-berg and renting a car or flying to Mozambique. I’m looking for more adventure a deeper locals experience than traveling with my well off relatives.

Do you have any thoughts? Might be good to fly into the north and then travel around by bus?

Hi Lauren — thank you for the write up! Would love it if you could share your itinerary. Happy travels! :)

Check out my post about how much it costs to travel in Mozambique — it’s covered there.

Hi how are you? You describe very good the country, you give also a lot of informations and tips. I live in Mozambique Island next time you should to come here, you ll love it maybe more then the south. Best wishes Kyra

Fantastic blog post! Thanks for sharing :)

One of the things I have always wanted to experience was diving with whale sharks and Tofo beach looks like the perfect location for that! However, the only thing holding me back is the malaria issue in Mozambique. I have read many blog posts and articles about this, but opinions vary a lot and I am finding it very had to make up my mind :/ I’m not sure if it is worth taking the risk…

I am a Nigerian and i have always loved the idea of travelling to a Portuguese speaking countries from my bucket lists that included Angola, Mozambique, Cabo Verde Island, Sao Tome & Principe and lastly, Equatorial Guinea but i found your post on Mozambique to be interesting and i would love to visit the country sooner. Thanks Lauren for the information

No problem! Hope you make it to Mozambique :-) A lot of the countries you listed are on my list of places to visit, too!

Great post! Thank you for sharing this. Definitely, I’m looking for a destination for my long trip next year. :) Mozambique is now written on my travel list.

Thank you so much. This article was really helpful. I wanted to do my Divemaster in Tofo and was initially so scared. The usual cliches you know :-) But your article really helped to prepare and see for myself that I should just go for it! I ended up staying half a year in Tof and worked as a Divemaster and really loved the time. Thank you Lauren!

That’s amazing! You’ve made my day :-) I’m so happy you ended up loving Tofo.

Wow! This is so informative, I will travel to Mozambique with my friends around April next year, and i was share your post with them. We can’t wait for it now.

Thank for your wonderful blog Lauren! We have been deep into planning a trip this Autumn to Tofo for the whale sharks and mantas and the Bazaruto islands for kitesurfing.

However, the terrible cyclone that has just blown through this week higher up the coast has wreaked such devastation that I am in two minds whether it might be insensitive to visit just for the fun of it on the one hand, although obviously tourist dollars would probably still be welcome….

Do you or any other readers have any opinions on this please? Thanks.

Love the post Lauren! You seemed to have really enjoyed your time visiting Mozambique. I actually didn’t know what to expect from this place as well as a destination but your post has shed some light on that. In fact, it’s making me think of traveling here the next time I get a vacation leave! I didn’t know this place was a hidden gem awaiting to be discovered. Happy travels!

Fab blog and some great advice too! We send volunteers to Tofu Beach to help with the marine conservation (scuba diving and snorkelling) When I first visited a couple of years ago with a Portuguese friend (who had been lived in Mozambique as a child) we were both so impressed with Tofu Beach and the whole vibe of the place. Definitely one of my favourite places!

I loved this article! I have lived in Zimbabwe for some time, because I have family there and I always wanted to go to Mozambique. But my family talked me out of it, saying that it was too dangerous for a white girl alone (which I hated, but I complied anyway). Im flying back to Zimbabwe this September and I plan to drive though Mozambique this time! Any advices on traveling by car?

Hi Veronica! Check out the DriveMoz group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DriveMoz/about/ they have so many useful resources for driving in Mozambique and will be able to help you out better than I can :-) Hope you have a fabulous time in Mozambique! You’re going to love the beaches.

Hi Lauren. Firstly great content – well done! Secondly we are 2 well travelled (by air and overland) South African male friends in our 50s. We have been to Mozambique several times (you are 100% correct – best scuba diving in the Indian Ocean) but only as far as Vilankulos (South /Central) . We have now planned to travel over 3 weeks by fully camping kitted 4×4 to the far North coast and down the coast to central Mozambique in September this year . There are conflicting reports about safety . Do you have any thoughts/advice for us?

What a great article! I was just very curious which hotel you stayed in Tofo, as it looks amazing! Hope you want to share it with me! Greets, Karlijn

Baia Sonambula ! It was incredible!

Fantastic post. I am planning to visit Mozembique in November. Im from the UK, and can not find any information about visa on arrival. Can you shed some more light this?

Just turn up at the airport! They’ll give you the visa there at immigration.

Good morning, last week i visited my friend in Maputo and we drink a really tasteful drink. I dont remeber the name, but i loved so i need to find it. I looked at a list of energy drinks in Mozambique but cant find it. The can was really colourful, i think there were some leaves or flowers on it and it has a fruity taste. Does somebody know the name?

Is it Kabisa?

Really great post :) It increases the anticipation a lot. Thank you very much. So it seems you just did the coastline. What I read is that you can do some nice hiking in the mountains as well. Did you hear something about that? And did you do the north finally? What you can read about the north is quite worrying. I know what you mean when you say that people talk how unsafe the country is and in fact it isn’t true like that. But in the north, when you follow the newspaper or even the official sites like the Département fédéral des affaires étrangères from Switzerland (where I’m from), then they have huge problems between different groups. Not exactly against tourists, but still… What is your information about it?

Loved your reporting, sounds like quite an adventure! I have a question that might sound odd but I have heard that there are still many landmines along the coastline of Mozambique. Have you heard this too?

No. Mozambique was declared to be free of landmines in 2015.

HI — am hoping to line up with a relief/development group to do some recovery work in Mozambique and travel the length of the country from south to north into Tanzania. Roads reasonable enough to consider doing that?

Sorry your snorkeling experiences were so challenging. Here are a few tips to improve them: 1) splurge on your own equipment. Go to a dive shop for a mask that’s a proper fit (women have smaller faces than men & rental masks are usually cheap & stretched out from use, exacerbating the problem) & a tube with a valve that keeps water out (a BIG design improvement). Also lightweight fins that actually fit but u can skip them if you don’t have the luggage space; 2) use a bit of toothpaste on a new mask to prevent it from fogging (it worked better than frog spit & other anti-fog sprays we’ve used); 3) if u start to get water in your mask, pinch the nose to drain it (rather than lifting the whole mask up); 4) this is HUGE: if u get water in your tube, clamp down on the ridges of your snorkel tube & blow hard; that will clear it – so much more effective than just blowing; & 5) when entering the water, have your mask on & then put on your fins when it’s shoulder height (rather than walking in backwards wearing them).

Hey! Traveling to Mozambique in November and looking for a way of getting from Maputo to Tofo on the ground. Any chance you may know of a company that provides shared transportation so I could avoid the crowded, sweaty public tranpsortation?!?

Fatima’s shuttle would probably be the way to go! Either stay at Fatima’s in Maputo while you’re in town, or you can just call in while you’re in Maputo to book the transportation. Either that or ask your accommodation to book a private driver for you. I did this between Tofo and Vilanculos — I got the hotel owner in Tofo to book a driver for me, and then it was just me on my own in an air conditioned car, which was great! Although I think it was around $100 for the ride, so only something to do if you’re not on a tight budget!

Hello. You wrote about the price of the hotels are not really cheap. Is it in all the country? I have checked it in some hotel websites and the hotels are not as cheap as i thought. Could you tell me/us more about it. I was planning to visit it for more than 3 or 4 weeks but if the price is like this I think I’m going to change travel. Regards

I’m planning to go to Mozambique (also solo traveling) in October. I saw your chapas experience and might try it but was also wondering how you found the private transfers after if chapas prove to be a bit too much? Are there drivers waiting around to find someone or did you book it in advance?

We had the most awesome time in Mozambique. Especially remember fishing shrimps with locals and a dutch expat. Then cooking most delicious every peri-peri prawns. Drooling just thinking of it :P

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• 10 Best and Unique Places to Visit In Mozambique

Are you thinking of having a safari full of cultural highlights and wildlife viewing? If yes, then you should think about Mozambique as a must-visit destination. This is a country that borders South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean. Like these adjoining countries, Mozambique is a perfect destination for wildlife viewing and offers more features that tourists can enjoy. When you visit this country and travel to view the underwater gems, laidback coastal settlements, and the capital Maputo, then you will Understand why Mozambique is extensively diverse.

Here is a list of 10 best and unique places to visit In Mozambique:

Once you arrive in Mozambique, you should visit the breathtaking capital city Maputo. This city serves as a home to about one million people. Additionally, it portrays various architectural styles, islands off the coasts, markets, and wide garden complexities to discover. Of great importance, do not forget to visit the train station established in the early 20th century, from where you will be able to see green façade as well as high rising arches.

Additionally, patronize the city until you reach the Maputo Fortress, a place that used to be the stronghold for the Portuguese. Another destination that will help you establish the true taste of natural treasures found in Mozambique is the Tunduru Botanical Gardens. When you visit this garden, you will see a wide range of both flora and fauna and escape the hot midday sun by hiding under tree shades.

Along the 2500km coastline of Mozambique, you will come across the Bazaruto Archipelago which is considered one of the top crown jewels. Be keen and take your time to explore the 5 primary islands located within this Archipelago. There are groups of flamingos that often dominate the deserted islands of the Archipelago.

However, this is not the only reason why you should visit this destination. You will realize that often, you are going to encounter rich biodiversity past the spectacular sandbars. You will have an opportunity to see dugongs, dolphins, and whales repeatedly pop their heads above the water. Nevertheless, you can engage in diving activities when you visit the Archipelago.

This Park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. You will realize that within the park, most of the iconic African animals such as antelopes, hippos, lions, and elephants are easily seen. A view of this park will take your breath away since it is primarily characterized by distinct river systems, lakes bushlands, and grassy plains.

With your binoculars, you will sight different birds such as the majestic African fish eagle, crowned crane, and bee-eaters. If you want to best navigate through the park, you will use a kayak tour, guided walking tour, or a jeep safari.

When you visit Gorongosa National Park and you still need to experience more of the Mozambique biodiversity, then you should head straight to Quirimbas National Park. This is a destination that has been listed by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve and comprises both islands and the mainland. Within the 11 islands found here, you will experience a unique ecosystem comprising several smaller animal species, extremely large humpback whales, beautiful coral reefs, and massive mangrove forests.

This is a laidback settlement found in the coastal region of Maputo town. It has solely developed as a tourist town and although it is not as unique as the destinations discussed earlier, it remains to be one of the best places to visit. If you want to see fresh produce from both sea and land, then you should stroll through Xai-Xai town, one of the best trading hubs in Mozambique. From the town, you will be able to discover rocky outcrops and beaches along the Indian Ocean. Additionally, you will engage in activities such as snorkeling to see rare species of dugong as they float in regions of shallow waters.

Few miles away from the capital Maputo, you take a boat ride to reach Inhaca Island. One of the most enthusing discoveries you will make once you are on the Island is that it greatly differs from Maputo in terms of sights and atmosphere. During the weekends, you will establish that many tourists and locals flock to the adjoining resorts and beaches to enjoy.

If you are a birder, this is a must-visit destination for you since it hosts more than 300 bird species. Additionally, you will be able to see many humpback whales and manta rays roam around in the ocean.

When you visit the southern border of Mozambique adjacent to South Africa, you will find Ponta do Ouro. This is one of the best beach resort towns you can ever visit. It is one of the most recognized tourist spots in Mozambique. You will be able to have an opportunity to swim with dolphins and enjoy the most outstanding beaches. The shorelines that you will see are undeniably outstanding and the beach is worth traveling to.

This Park is part of the large international nature reserve. On the South African side, it is known as the famous Kruger National Park. Despite receiving little international acknowledgment, Limpopo National Park remains to be one of the most outstanding destinations. You will have an opportunity to see animals such as lions, crocodiles, buffalos, and elephants when you visit this park. Nonetheless, other animals such as cheetah and hyenas are also easily seen through the park. The Park boasts several lodges, which makes it a perfect reserve to visit during a multi-day trip.

This is a modest seaside town, serving as a home to about 5000 people. Despite the low population number, you will realize that Tofo is one of the most promising destinations that you can visit. On its lands, you will see attractive sand dunes which give you an opportunity to capture the best photography ever. On the other hand, its beaches are the best for walking and basking in the sun. The divers are not left behind. The beaches are safer, and you can enjoy your diving activities to the fullest.

This destination is otherwise known as Mozambique Island. It is in the northeastern region of Mozambique. Unlike the other islands, Mozambique Island is characterized by remnants of medieval architecture and colorful mansions.

Hope you liked the content – 10 Best and Unique Places to Visit In Mozambique by Safarihub experts.

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Legitimate interest(s):  responding to enquiries and messages we receive and keeping records of correspondence.

Legal basis for processing:  necessary to perform a contract or to take steps at your request to enter into a contract (Article 6(1)(b) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Reason why necessary to perform a contract:  where your message relates to us providing you with goods or services or taking steps at your request prior to providing you with our goods and services (for example, providing you with information about such goods and services), we will process your information in order to do so).

Enquiry forms

When you contact us using an enquiry form, we collect your personal details and match this to any information we hold about you on record. Typical personal information collected will include your name and contact details. We will also record the time, date and the specific form you completed.

If you do not provide the mandatory information required by our contact form, you will not be able to submit the contact form and we will not receive your enquiry.

We will also use this information to tailor any follow up sales and marketing communications with you. For further information, see the section of this privacy policy titled ‘Marketing Communications’.

Messages you send to us via our contact form will be stored outside the European Economic Area on our contact form provider’s servers in the United States.

For further information about the safeguards used when your information is transferred outside the European Economic Area, see the section of this privacy policy below entitled  Transfers of your information outside the European Economic Area.

When you contact us by phone, we collect your phone number and any information provide to us during your conversation with us.

We record customer-facing phone calls for training and customer service purposes.

Legal basis for processing:  our legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation)

If you contact us by post, we will collect any information you provide to us in any postal communications you send us.

Legal basis for processing:  necessary to perform a contract or to take steps at your request to enter into a contract (Article 6(1)(b) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

We collect and use information from individuals who interact with particular features of our website in accordance with this section and the section entitled  Disclosure and additional uses of your information.

Newsletters

When you sign up for any of our newsletters from us by completing the newsletter sign up form, we collect your name,  email address. We will also record the time and date of completion.

Legal basis for processing:  your consent (Article 6(1)(a) of the General Data Protection Regulation). Consent: you give your consent to us sending you our newsletters by signing up to receive them using the steps described above.

Transfer and storage of your information

We use a third-party service to send out our e-newsletter and administer our mailing list, Mailchimp.

Information you submit to subscribe for our e-newsletter may be stored outside the European Economic Area on our third-party mailing list provider’s servers in the United States.

Use of tracking in emails

We use technologies such as tracking pixels (small graphic files) and tracked links in the emails we send to allow us to assess the level of engagement our emails receive by measuring information such as the delivery rates, open rates, click through rates and content engagement which our emails achieve.

For more information on how we use tracking our newsletter emails, see our cookies policy which is available  here .

Registering on our website

When you register and create an account on our websites, we collect the following information: your name,  email address, address, location. We will also record the time and date of completion.

If you do not provide the mandatory information required by the registration form, you will not be able to register or create an account on our website.

Legitimate interest:  registering and administering accounts on our website to provide access to content, allows you to buy goods and services and facilitates the running and operation of our business.

Information you submit to us via the registration form on our website will be stored outside the European Economic Area on our third-party hosting provider’s servers located in the United States of America.

We collect and use information from individuals who place an order on our website in accordance with this section and the section entitled  Disclosure and additional uses of your information.

Information collected when you place an order

Mandatory information

When you place an order for goods or services on our website, we collect your name, email address, billing address.

If you do not provide this information, you will not be able to purchase goods or services from us on our website or enter into a contract with us.

Legal basis for processing:  compliance with a legal obligation (Article 6(1)(c) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Legal obligation:  we have a legal obligation to issue you with an invoice for the goods and services you purchase from us where you are VAT registered and we require the mandatory information collected by our checkout form for this purpose. We also have a legal obligation to keep accounting records, including records of transactions

Additional information

We can also collect additional information from you, such as your phone number, full name, address etc.

We use this information to manage and improve your customer experience with us.

If you do not supply the additional information requested at checkout, you will not be able to complete your order as we will not have the correct level of information to adequately manage your account.

Legitimate interests:  The ability to provide adequate customer service and management of your customer account.

Processing your payment

After you place an order on our website you will need to make payment for the goods or services you have ordered. In order to process your payment we use Paypal, a third party payment processor.

Your payment will be processed by PayPal, who collect, use and process your information, including payment information, in accordance with their privacy policies.

You can access their privacy policy via the following link:  https://www.paypal.com/en/webapps/mpp/ua/privacy-full

In providing Paypal, Paypal transfers personal data outside the EEA.

Legal basis for processing:  necessary to perform a contract (Article 6(1)(b) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Reason why necessary to perform a contract:  to fulfil your contractual obligation to pay for the goods or services you have ordered from us.

Our content, goods and services

When signing up for content, registering on our website or making a payment, we will use the information you provide in order to contact you regarding related content, products and services.

We will continue to send you marketing communications in relation to similar goods and services if you do not opt out from receiving them.

You can opt-out from receiving marketing communications at any time by emailing [email protected]

Legitimate interests:  Sharing relevant, timely and industry-specific information on related business services, in order to assist your organisation grow, or to further develop you as a professional.

We use a third-party service to send out our marketing emails and administer our mailing list, Mailchimp

Information for marketing campaigns will be stored outside the European Economic Area on our third-party mailing list provider’s servers in the United States.

We use technologies such as tracking pixels (small graphic files) and tracked links in the emails we send to allow us to assess the level of engagement our emails receive by measuring information such as the delivery rates, open rates, click through rates and content engagement that our emails achieve.

For more information on how we use tracking in our marketing emails, see our cookies policy which is  available here .

Third party goods and services

In addition to receiving information about our products and services, you can opt in to receiving marketing communications from us in relation third party goods and services by email by ticking a box indicating that you would like to receive such communications.

Legal basis for processing:  consent (Article 6(1)(a) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Consent:  you give your consent to us sending you information about third party goods and services by signing up to receive such information in accordance with the steps described above.

We use a third-party service to send out our marketing emails and administer our mailing list, Mailchimp.

This section sets out how we obtain or collect information about you from third parties.

Information received from third parties

We can often receive information about you from third parties. The third parties from which we receive information about you can include partner events within the marketing industry and other organisations that we have a professional affiliation with.

It is also possible that third parties with whom we have had no prior contact may provide us with information about you.

Information we obtain from third parties will generally be your name and contact details, but will include any additional information about you which they provide to us.

Reason why necessary to perform a contract:  where a third party has passed on information about you to us (such as your name and email address) in order for us to provide services to you, we will process your information in order to take steps at your request to enter into a contract with you and perform a contract with you (as the case may be).

Consent:  where you have asked that a third party to share information about you with us and the purpose of sharing that information is not related to the performance of a contract or services by us to you, we will process your information on the basis of your consent, which you give by asking the third party in question to pass on your information to us.

Legitimate interests:  where a third party has shared information about you with us and you have not consented to the sharing of that information, we will have a legitimate interest in processing that information in certain circumstances.

For example, we would have a legitimate interest in processing your information to perform our obligations under a sub-contract with the third party, where the third party has the main contract with you. Our legitimate interest is the performance of our obligations under our sub-contract.

Similarly, third parties may pass on information about you to us if you have infringed or potentially infringed any of our legal rights. In this case, we will have a legitimate interest in processing that information to investigate and pursue any such potential infringement.

Information obtained by us from third parties

In certain circumstances (for example, to verify the information we hold about you or obtain missing information we require to provide you with a service) we will obtain information about you from certain publicly accessible sources, both EU and non-EU, such as Companies House, online customer databases, business directories, media publications, social media, and websites (including your own website if you have one.

In certain circumstances will also obtain information about you from private sources, both EU and non-EU, such as marketing data services.

You can opt-out from receiving marketing communications at any time by emailing [email protected]

Where we receive information about you in error

If we receive information about you from a third party in error and/or we do not have a legal basis for processing that information, we will delete your information.

This section sets out the circumstances in which will disclose information about you to third parties and any additional purposes for which we use your information.

Disclosure of your information to service providers

We use a number of third parties to provide us with services which are necessary to run our business or to assist us with running our business

These include the following: Internet services, IT service providers and web developers.

Our third party service providers are located both inside and outside of the European Economic Area.

Your information will be shared with these service providers where necessary to provide you with the service you have requested, whether that is accessing our website or ordering goods and services from us.

We do not display the identities of our service providers publicly by name for security and competitive reasons. If you would like further information about the identities of our service providers, however, please contact us directly by email and we will provide you with such information where you have a legitimate reason for requesting it (where we have shared your information with such service providers, for example).

Legal basis for processing:  legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Legitimate interest relied on:  where we share your information with these third parties in a context other than where is necessary to perform a contract (or take steps at your request to do so), we will share your information with such third parties in order to allow us to run and manage our business efficiently.

Legal basis for processing:  necessary to perform a contract and/or to take steps at your request prior to entering into a contract (Article 6(1)(b) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Reason why necessary to perform a contract:  we may need to share information with our service providers to enable us to perform our obligations under that contract or to take the steps you have requested before we enter into a contract with you.

Disclosure and use of your information for legal reasons

Indicating possible criminal acts or threats to public security to a competent authority

If we suspect that criminal or potential criminal conduct has been occurred, we will in certain circumstances need to contact an appropriate authority, such as the police. This could be the case, for instance, if we suspect that we fraud or a cyber crime has been committed or if we receive threats or malicious communications towards us or third parties.

We will generally only need to process your information for this purpose if you were involved or affected by such an incident in some way.

Legitimate interests:  preventing crime or suspected criminal activity (such as fraud).

In connection with the enforcement or potential enforcement our legal rights

We will use your information in connection with the enforcement or potential enforcement of our legal rights, including, for example, sharing information with debt collection agencies if you do not pay amounts owed to us when you are contractually obliged to do so. Our legal rights may be contractual (where we have entered into a contract with you) or non-contractual (such as legal rights that we have under copyright law or tort law).

Legitimate interest:  enforcing our legal rights and taking steps to enforce our legal rights.

In connection with a legal or potential legal dispute or proceedings

We may need to use your information if we are involved in a dispute with you or a third party for example, either to resolve the dispute or as part of any mediation, arbitration or court resolution or similar process.

Legitimate interest(s):  resolving disputes and potential disputes.

This section sets out how long we retain your information. We have set out specific retention periods where possible. Where that has not been possible, we have set out the criteria we use to determine the retention period.

Retention periods

Server log information:  we retain information on our server logs for 3 months.

Order information:  when you place an order for goods and services, we retain that information for seven years following the end of the financial year in which you placed your order, in accordance with our legal obligation to keep records for tax purposes.

Correspondence and enquiries:  when you make an enquiry or correspond with us for any reason, whether by email or via our contact form or by phone, we will retain your information for as long as it takes to respond to and resolve your enquiry, and for 36 further month(s), after which point we will archive your information.

Newsletter:  we retain the information you used to sign up for our newsletter for as long as you remain subscribed (i.e. you do not unsubscribe).

Membership:  we retain the information you used to sign up for our memberships for as long as you remain subscribed (i.e. you do not unsubscribe).

Criteria for determining retention periods

In any other circumstances, we will retain your information for no longer than necessary, taking into account the following:

• the purpose(s) and use of your information both now and in the future (such as whether it is necessary to continue to store that information in order to continue to perform our obligations under a contract with you or to contact you in the future);
• whether we have any legal obligation to continue to process your information (such as any record-keeping obligations imposed by relevant law or regulation);
• whether we have any legal basis to continue to process your information (such as your consent);
• how valuable your information is (both now and in the future);
• any relevant agreed industry practices on how long information should be retained;
• the levels of risk, cost and liability involved with us continuing to hold the information;
• how hard it is to ensure that the information can be kept up to date and accurate; and
• any relevant surrounding circumstances (such as the nature and status of our relationship with you).]

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to secure your information and to protect it against unauthorised or unlawful use and accidental loss or destruction, including:

• only sharing and providing access to your information to the minimum extent necessary, subject to confidentiality restrictions where appropriate, and on an anonymised basis wherever possible;
• using secure servers to store your information;
• verifying the identity of any individual who requests access to information prior to granting them access to information;
• using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) software to encrypt any payment transactions you make on or via our website;
• only transferring your information via closed system or encrypted data transfers;

Transmission of information to us by email

Transmission of information over the internet is not entirely secure, and if you submit any information to us over the internet (whether by email, via our website or any other means), you do so entirely at your own risk.

We cannot be responsible for any costs, expenses, loss of profits, harm to reputation, damages, liabilities or any other form of loss or damage suffered by you as a result of your decision to transmit information to us by such means.

Your information may be transferred and stored outside the European Economic Area (EEA) in the circumstances set out earlier in this policy.

We will also transfer your information outside the EEA or to an international organisation in order to comply with legal obligations to which we are subject (compliance with a court order, for example). Where we are required to do so, we will ensure appropriate safeguards and protections are in place.

Subject to certain limitations on certain rights, you have the following rights in relation to your information, which you can exercise by writing to the data controller using the details provided at the top of this policy.

• to request access to your information  and information related to our use and processing of your information;
• to request the correction or deletion  of your information;
• to request that we restrict our use  of your information;
• to receive information which you have provided to us in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format  (e.g. a CSV file) and the right to have that information transferred to another data controller (including a third party data controller);
• to object to the processing of your information for certain purposes  (for further information, see the section below entitled Your right to object to the processing of your information for certain purposes); and
• to withdraw your consent to our use of your information at any time where we rely on your consent to use or process that information. Please note that if you withdraw your consent, this will not affect the lawfulness of our use and processing of your information on the basis of your consent before the point in time when you withdraw your consent.

In accordance with Article 77 of the General Data Protection Regulation, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your habitual residence, place of work or of an alleged infringement of the General Data Protection Regulation.

Further information on your rights in relation to your personal data as an individual

You can find out further information about your rights, as well as information on any limitations which apply to those rights, by reading the underlying legislation contained in Articles 12 to 22 and 34 of the General Data Protection Regulation, which is available here: http://ec.europa.eu/justice/data-protection/reform/files/regulation_oj_en.pdf

Verifying your identity where you request access to your information

Where you request access to your information, we are required by law to use all reasonable measures to verify your identity before doing so.

These measures are designed to protect your information and to reduce the risk of identity fraud, identity theft or general unauthorised access to your information.

How we verify your identity

Where we possess appropriate information about you on file, we will attempt to verify your identity using that information.

If it is not possible to identity you from such information, or if we have insufficient information about you, we may require original or certified copies of certain documentation in order to be able to verify your identity before we are able to provide you with access to your information.

We will be able to confirm the precise information we require to verify your identity in your specific circumstances if and when you make such a request.

Your right to object

You have the following rights in relation to your information, which you may exercise in the same way as you may exercise by writing to the data controller using the details provided at the top of this policy.

• to object to us using or processing your information where we use or process it in order to  carry out a task in the public interest or for our legitimate interests , including ‘profiling’ (i.e. analysing or predicting your behaviour based on your information) based on any of these purposes; and
• to object to us using or processing your information for  direct marketing purposes  (including any profiling we engage in that is related to such direct marketing).

You may also exercise your right to object to us using or processing your information for direct marketing purposes by:

• clicking the unsubscribe link  contained at the bottom of any marketing email we send to you and following the instructions which appear in your browser following your clicking on that link;
• sending an email  to [email protected], asking that we stop sending you marketing communications or by including the words “OPT OUT”.

Sensitive Personal Information

‘Sensitive personal information’ is information about an individual that reveals their racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership, genetic information, biometric information for the purpose of uniquely identifying an individual, information concerning health or information concerning a natural person’s sex life or sexual orientation.

We do not knowingly or intentionally collect sensitive personal information from individuals, and you must not submit sensitive personal information to us.

If, however, you inadvertently or intentionally transmit sensitive personal information to us, you will be considered to have explicitly consented to us processing that sensitive personal information under Article 9(2)(a) of the General Data Protection Regulation. We will use and process your sensitive personal information for the purposes of deleting it.

We update and amend our Privacy Policy from time to time.

Minor changes to our Privacy Policy

Where we make minor changes to our Privacy Policy, we will update our Privacy Policy with a new effective date stated at the beginning of it. Our processing of your information will be governed by the practices set out in that new version of the Privacy Policy from its effective date onwards.

Major changes to our Privacy Policy or the purposes for which we process your information

Where we make major changes to our Privacy Policy or intend to use your information for a new purpose or a different purpose than the purposes for which we originally collected it, we will notify you by email (where possible) or by posting a notice on our website.

We will provide you with the information about the change in question and the purpose and any other relevant information before we use your information for that new purpose.

Wherever required, we will obtain your prior consent before using your information for a purpose that is different from the purposes for which we originally collected it.

Because we care about the safety and privacy of children online, we comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA). COPPA and its accompanying regulations protect the privacy of children using the internet. We do not knowingly contact or collect information from persons under the age of 18. The website is not intended to solicit information of any kind from persons under the age of 18.

It is possible that we could receive information pertaining to persons under the age of 18 by the fraud or deception of a third party. If we are notified of this, as soon as we verify the information, we will, where required by law to do so, immediately obtain the appropriate parental consent to use that information or, if we are unable to obtain such parental consent, we will delete the information from our servers. If you would like to notify us of our receipt of information about persons under the age of 18, please do so by contacting us by using the details at the top of this policy.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

OUR COOKIES AND YOU

Hello! If you are reading this, then you care about privacy – and your privacy is very important to us. Cookies are an important part of almost all online companies these days, and this page describes what they are, how we use them, what data they collect, and most importantly, how you can change your browser settings to turn them off.

WHAT IS A COOKIE?

A cookie is a file containing an identifier (a string of letters and numbers) that is sent by a web server to a web browser and is stored by the browser. The identifier is then sent back to the server each time the browser requests a page from the server.

Cookies may be either “persistent” cookies or “session” cookies: a persistent cookie will be stored by a web browser and will remain valid until its set expiry date, unless deleted by the user before the expiry date; a session cookie, on the other hand, will expire at the end of the user session, when the web browser is closed.

Cookies do not typically contain any information that personally identifies a user, but personal information that we store about you may be linked to the information stored in and obtained from cookies.

HOW DOES SAFARIHUB USE COOKIES?

We use cookies to collect and store information about your usage of our website and to perform certain functions like remembering you when you come back to our site and the holidays that you have recently viewed. For example, we use the information stored in our cookies combined with software such as Google Analytics to understand how many people visit our website and at what time of day, and the devices used to access our website, type of browser they are using and the pages that they look at. All of this information is used to improve the customer experience of our visitors.

When you are online but away from our website, to help us deliver highly targeted advertising to our users, we use cookies. These cookies allow us to provide advertising that is relevant to our users’ interests. The information that is collected and shared is anonymous and not personally identifiable. It does not contain a user’s name, address, telephone number or email address.

COOKIES IN USE

How can i change my cookies.

If you would like to decline cookies from running on your computer, you are able to. The best way to manage them is by changing your browser settings (usually found under ‘Edit’, ‘Tools’ or ‘Options’). Our website will still work without cookies but please note that should you decide to disable or delete cookies from our website, you will lose certain functionality and features which may provide you with an enhanced user experience.

Find out how to block or delete cookies by visiting aboutcookies.org. You can also obtain up-to-date information about blocking and deleting cookies via these links:

https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647?hl=en

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enable-and-disable-cookies-website-preferences

https://www.opera.com/help/tutorials/security/cookies/

https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/17442/windows-internet-explorer-delete-manage-cookies

https://support.apple.com/kb/PH21411

https://privacy.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10-microsoft-edge

Things to do in Mozambique, Africa

Mozambique may be one of the less visited countries in sub-sahran africa..

But make no mistake, this land of natural beauty is overflowing with reasons the tourist should put it on their bucket list. Mozambique's delights range from paradise islands, to historical forts, natural beauty in National Parks, and cultural experiences in the bustling capital.

Yes, it may be less visited. But this is all the more reason for making the effort to pay it a visit. Here's our list of the five best things to do in Mozambique.

Attractions in Mozambique

Mozambique island and fort sao sebastian, bazaruto national park, vamizi island, parque nacional da gorongosa, things to do near mozambique, mozambique map, zanzibar hotels, 1. mozambique island and fort sao sebastian.

Unlike most islands in Africa, an overladen ferry or expensive airfare is not needed to reach Ilha de Mocambique

This intriguing landmass is connected to the mainland by the 3.8 kilometre Mozambique Island Bridge. It offers a variety of attractions, making it one of the most popular things to do in Mozambique.

Portuguese influence

The remnants of Portuguese occupation in the 16th century can be found in the many parts of the island, from the enchanting facades throughout the towns and villages to the hint of Portuguese influence in the delightful local cuisine.

Strolling through the narrow streets on this island is a most memorable experience, where the sunburnt hues of ancient buildings line the sides and busy locals hurry about their daily business.

Another highlight on the island is the stunning promenade which runs along the coast of Mozambique, a serenely quiet atmosphere accompanies this part of the coast and makes for the perfect place for an early evening stroll as the sun drops and changes the color of Portuguese churches from a light orange to deep red.

Fort Sao Sebastian

There is one stand out feature of the island which should absolutely not be missed: Fort Sao Sebatian.

Still retaining the original structure, the fort is actually the oldest landmark of its kind in the Southern part of Africa and the unique architecture makes for an immense and spellbinding sight.

This masterpiece took more than 50 years to construct and when you walk the perimeter of the majestic walls which guard it, you can understand why.

Not too far from the fort you can find the ancient Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, which is also an awe inspiring sight in its own right and worth checking out when visit Fort Sao Sebastian.

Mozambique Island is of huge cultural importance for the identity of the mainland but it also offers a simply beautiful destination to explore without the tourist crowds you will often find in other popular tourist areas in Africa. Rich in heritage and visually appealing, a visit to this unique part of the world is one of the most interesting things to do in Mozambique.

Maputo is the capital and the most developed city of Mozambique. With an almost European ambiance, Maputo's attractions include modern architecture and the bustling centrally located Mesquita da Baixa (the downtown mosque).

Although modern, the gentle pace of the city is certainly part of the nation's cultural identity and Maputo offers up much more than just a chain of luxury hotels, fine restaurants and a warm welcome.

Municipal Market

Take an early morning trip to the Municipal Market where you will find a large variety of spices, vegetables and produce on display. Watching the locals barter and make their sales is a fantastic experience. Even though the crowds can be a little overwhelming, the Municipal Market still offers a unique insight into the daily lives of the locals. If you are in Mozambique during the national holidays, you will be in for a particularly chaotic experience which will leave you mesmerized.

Maputo Train Station

Strange as it may seem, the Maputo Train Station is a major landmark and an incredible feat in terms of architecture. Designed by Alexander Gustav Eiffel, who was the inspiration for the Eiffel Tower, the marble walls, pillars and great attention to detail make this a beautiful spectacle not to be missed.

Natural History Museum

And then there is the Natural History Museum, founded more than one hundred years ago. Featuring Manueline architecture, this charming structure is surrounded by luscious gardens and then filled with an endless number of exhibitions, from elephant foetuses to local art painting, ancient fossils to quaint ethnography exhibits.

Maputo is the perfect place to soak up the cultural and historical identity of Mozambique with a large number of art galleries, museums and important landmarks. You can explore nature in the National Parks around the island, enjoy serenity in the paradise islands but to find the real beating heart of the country, you need to keep Maputo at the top of your list of things to do in Mozambique.

3. Bazaruto National Park

Snorkeling in the “Two Mile Reef” has just got to be one of the most memorable things to do in Mozambique.

Located in the south of Bazaruto Island, this reef is a protected area of the Bazaruto National Park and promises unrivalled visibility underwater and wonderful seclusion, for fewer tourists are allowed to frequent this area over a particular period.

The depth of the water varies on the reef, ranging from five to twenty meters in sites such as The Arches, Shark Point, North Point, The Boulders, Surgeon Rock, The Drop-off, Cathedral and The Gap. And then there are the breathtaking views of stag horn coral and colorful reef infused with pelagic fish that are sure to leave you speechless.

If you are still unsure of what things to do, an exhilarating ride on a speed boat to Bazaruto Island is always an option and once the tide is just right, you will find a certain calm on the ocean which feels unlike anywhere else.

Bazaruto Island

n the island itself, relaxing on the beach takes no effort at all and there are several local restaurants serving delightful dishes, which are often included in the touristic package should you choose one and depending on the season or the weather, you might also spot some sea turtles and stingrays close to the shoreline.

For those traveling in the month of August, the unique opportunity presents itself to listen to humpback whales thriving in warm waters and getting a close up enroute to Bazaruto National Park is quite a common occurrence.

While the cultural heritage of colonial buildings on the mainland are indeed fascinating, there is also an aspect to an exotic shoreline in which you just want to escape and relax in serenely beautiful surroundings. Bazaruto island is such a place that can offer such an experience, so whether you seek the sands, the snorkeling or the feel of the ocean breeze, a visit to this National Park is a must on your list of things to do in Mozambique.

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4. Vamizi Island

Vamizi Island is devastatingly beautiful.

Located on the Qurimbas Archipelago and with white powdered beaches in immaculate condition, the flight to Vamizi island is absolutely worth both the cost and the effort.

Vamizi Island is considered one of the best fishing spots in East Africa with a catch pretty much guaranteed each time and no end to which species might be on the end of the line, from tuna to kingfish, wahoo and job fish to barracuda.

If fishing is not your cup of tea, you can till enjoy other water activities such as stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking or dinghy and dhow sailing. And with a little bit of notice, the staff in the island can also organise kite surfing, while there is naturally no end to opportunities to go snorkeling or scuba-diving trips in one of the many beautiful spots of crystal clear water around the island.

Other activities range from taking stroll at sunset or just spending the day on the beach to mountain biking, yoga, walking trails, and running.

Enjoy a fancy meal on an ocean front restaurant where the variety of fish and sea food is staggering and enjoy the local flavors as the sun goes down over a magical paradise. Calm, quiet and spectacular, Vamizi Island may come with a price tag, but the experience will far outweigh the monetary value.

5. Parque Nacional Da Gorongosa

The Gorongosa National Park is home to one of the most exuberant ecosystems in Africa with miles upon miles of Savannah, mountains and waterfalls combined.

In many ways you could consider this the Eden of Africa, where nature originated and the surroundings seem entirely unspoiled or unaffected by neighboring civilization.

Gorongosa is also one of the most natural parks in Africa natural parks and the location for many conservation projects which are committed to keeping it in pristine condition.

In this sense, the local projects also help provide jobs to local Mozambicans and allows for the National Park to provide many activities, which cater to all ages and activity levels.

Making a trip to the Vinho Community is the perfect way to start a visit, which is an easy two-kilometer walk from the camping site to some authentic rural life in Africa.

Whether you wish to learn about the local culture, interact with the small population here or stroll through cassava fields, the Vinho community will ensure you have an unforgettable experience.

Afterward, you should take a drive to Bué Maria where you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset with a cold beer and marvel at tranquil river as it changes color with the disappearance of the sun. And of course that's not to forget the wildlife in Gorongosa, for the park is a haven for animals and offers ample photograph opportunities for the visitor.

With a huge presence of bird species and exotic animals such as elephant, lion, crocodile, antelope and hippo. Driving into the bush is also an interesting thing to do in Mozambique for the surroundings are so lush and overgrown, it can feel like stepping back in time to another era when civilization was restricted to local caves.

Sunrise is the best time to view the wildlife of course and the entire experience is a suitable compliment to what is already a captivating country to visit.

10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Mozambique in 2023

Last updated on June 6th, 2023 at 09:45 pm

Mozambique is a beautiful country located in the southeastern part of Africa, with stunning natural attractions and a rich cultural heritage. It is home to some of the world’s most beautiful white sand beaches, lush wildlife, and abundant marine life.

From exploring its cultural heritage to admiring its natural attractions, these destinations will make your visit unforgettable. From swimming with dolphins in Bazaruto National Park to visiting the historic colonial city of Maputo, Mozambique offers a variety of activities for travelers to enjoy. So come and explore this amazing country and discover all it has to offer!

1. Bazaruto Archipelago

The Bazaruto Archipelago is a stunning remote paradise in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Mozambique. It is a popular destination for tourists looking for an unforgettable experience. The archipelago consists of 6 islands, each offering unique attractions and activities.

Visitors to the Bazaruto Archipelago can enjoy swimming with dolphins, whale sharks, and manta rays, as well as watching humpback whales and sea turtles. There are also plenty of luxury lodges to choose from for those looking for a romantic getaway or honeymoon destination.

With its pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, this archipelago is truly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered!

2. Maputo City

Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture and museums, bustling cafes, and fresh seafood markets.

The city is home to some of the most impressive colonial-era architecture in Africa, including the iconic 1910 train station. Visitors can also explore some of the many museums and galleries that showcase Mozambique’s unique history.

Maputo offers plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors. There are plenty of hiking trails and nature reserves nearby, as well as beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling. And if you’re looking for something more relaxing, you can sample some of Maputo’s delicious spices or enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the many cafes around town.

3. Limpopo National Park

Limpopo National Park is an incredible African wildlife sanctuary located in the northern parts of Mozambique. This park offers tourists a unique opportunity to explore its vast landscapes and experience African wildlife up close.

Limpopo National Park is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, making it an ideal destination for safaris, bird watching, game drives, and other outdoor activities. Visitors can also enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and savannahs while exploring the many tourist attractions within the park.

With its incredible biodiversity and beautiful landscapes, Limpopo National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience Africa’s natural beauty.

4. Gorongosa National Park

Gorongosa National Park is one of the most breathtaking tourist attractions in Mozambique. Located in the Sofala Province, it is a vast expanse of land filled with incredible wildlife and activities. Visitors can explore the park and spot lions, elephants, antelopes, exotic birds, and many other species.

With its rugged terrain and diverse flora and fauna, Gorongosa National Park promises an unforgettable adventure for all visitors.

From game drives to guided walks, there are plenty of opportunities for tourists to explore the park’s unique ecosystem and observe its incredible wildlife up close. With its stunning scenery and abundance of wild animals, Gorongosa National Park is sure to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience!

5. Quirimbas Islands

Located off the coast of Northern Mozambique, the Quirimbas Islands are a paradise for honeymooners and adventurers alike. The archipelago consists of 32 islands and islets, each with its own unique charm and attractions, from pristine white sandy beaches to rich coral reefs.

Tourists can explore the island’s diverse marine life while snorkeling or diving in its crystal clear waters. They can also take part in a range of activities such as kayaking, fishing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing.

For those looking for a luxurious stay, there are several lodges that offer stunning views over the Indian Ocean. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous getaway or a romantic honeymoon spot, the Quirimbas Islands have it all!

6. Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is a paradise for tourists looking for a unique experience. It is the third-largest lake in Africa and one of the deepest lakes in the world. With its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush green mountains, it is an ideal destination for those looking to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty.

The lake offers plenty of activities such as snorkeling, canoeing, hiking, and swimming. Tourists can also enjoy private picnics on the beach or explore the lake on guided boat tours. At night, visitors can admire the stars from the shoreline or take part in various water sports such as jet skiing and wakeboarding.

Lake Malawi is truly a paradise for nature lovers who want to experience everything that this stunning location has to offer. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to relax by the beach, Lake Malawi has it all!

7. Tofo Beach

Tofo Beach is an idyllic paradise located in the Inhambane Province of Mozambique. It is renowned for its stunning white sand dunes, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. Tourists flock to Tofo Beach to experience a wide range of activities, from swimming and scuba diving to exploring the nearby reefs.

The waters around Tofo are home to some of the most spectacular marine life in the world, including manta rays, whale sharks, and turtles. Visitors can also explore the nearby sand dunes or take part in a variety of water sports activities such as kayaking and windsurfing.

Tofo Beach is truly an unforgettable destination that offers something for everyone; from sunbathers looking for a relaxing day on the beach to adrenaline junkies seeking thrills on the waves. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Tofo Beach has it all!

8. Ponta Do Ouro

Ponta Do Ouro in Mozambique is a paradise for beach lovers. With its stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and unspoiled natural beauty, it’s no wonder why this destination is becoming increasingly popular with tourists from all over the world.

Apart from its stunning scenery, Ponta Do Ouro offers an array of activities to choose from such as dolphin watching, offshore diving, deep-sea fishing, and more. There are also modern resorts located along the beach that offer mouth-watering exotic food and comfortable accommodation.

All in all, Ponta Do Ouro is the perfect destination for those who want to experience a unique and unforgettable holiday.

9. Inhaca Island

Inhaca Island, located in Maputo Bay off the coast of Mozambique, is a paradise for eco-tourists and ecological researchers alike. With its pristine yellow sand beaches lined with palm trees, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

The island is home to a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. From snorkeling and diving among vibrant corals to exploring the rich marine life in Maputo Bay, there are plenty of ways to spend your time here. There are also several lodges available for those who want to stay longer on the island.

Inhaca Island is also an important nesting site for sea turtles, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. With its unique combination of natural beauty and abundant wildlife, Inhaca Island is sure to be a memorable experience for all who visit.

Pemba, a port city in Mozambique is an exciting destination for tourists and locals alike. It has a rich cultural and historical heritage, with its Portuguese colonial architecture, arts and crafts, and vibrant local culture.

The city is also a paradise for water sports activities such as diving, sailing, and snorkeling. Diving enthusiasts can explore the incredible coral reef that surrounds the city while scuba divers can discover hidden gems beneath the surface.

The city also offers plenty of attractions for all kinds of travelers. From art galleries to museums to traditional markets, there’s something for everyone in Pemba. So come visit this beautiful city and experience its unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty!

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9 Under-the-Radar Places Around the World to Visit

Posted: October 7, 2023 | Last updated: October 7, 2023

Dakar, the capital and largest city of Senegal, is an under-the-radar place travelers should consider visiting.

Photo by Michelle Heimerman

Travelers don’t necessarily have to go down the well-trodden path for some of the best places for food, historical architecture, and hiking trails. Oftentimes, under-the-radar destinations are right under our noses, possibly even sharing borders with countries that tend to receive a higher number of visitors. Take Bosnia and Herzegovina, which shares a border with summer hot spot Croatia . Or look to Moloka‘i, a rugged island hidden in well-loved Hawai‘i .

In these nine underrated locations, travel away from the crowded streets, jam-packed monuments, and restaurants where you can never get a table.

The Mostar Bridge crosses the Neretva river.

Photo by Annapurna Mellor/Intrepid Travel

1. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Even though Bosnia and Herzegovina is surrounded by well-known Balkan countries like Croatia, this inland gem has remained relatively off the tourist trail. The country experienced tremendous loss and hardship during the Balkan Wars of the 1990s, but what has emerged is a fascinating independent country.

Travelers can experience this history in the old city of Mostar, famous for the Stari Most (the 16th-century curved bridge that crosses the River Neretva). Walk through the cobblestone streets in this city of 105,000 and admire the cafés and guesthouses by the Neretva. Bosnia’s capital, Sarajevo, is another city that feels straight out of a storybook—traverse through the Old Bazaar and be taken back to Ottoman times. Cradled on three sides by mountains, this city is home to strong coffee, abundant street food, and one of the greenest urban hubs in Europe.

Where to stay

• Book now: Hotel-Restaurant Kriva Ćuprija

Visitors to the country should consider staying at Hotel-Restaurant Kriva Ćuprija in Mostar. Steps away from the Stari Most, its stone facade and gabled roof contrast with a contemporary interior featuring comfy mattresses and air-conditioning.

Laos feels like “Thailand 20 years ago”—that is to say, its landscapes are full of striking, mountainous jungles with every shade of green imaginable, minus the nearly 40 million tourists per year . (In fact, Laos received only 4 million tourists in 2019 , pre-COVID.)

Landlocked Laos can be overlooked as tourists flock to the sugary shores of neighboring Thailand and Vietnam. But Laos is simply breathtaking, both in misty mountain scenery and its plentiful Buddhist temples and French architecture. Hit the streets of UNESCO-recognized Luang Prabang before ascending into the mountains to discover mountain resorts with views of jade-colored peaks and the flow of the mighty Mekong River. Hop the high-speed Lao-China Railway to continue to Vientiane for more architecture, restaurants, galleries, and temples.

• Book now: Riverside Boutique Resort

Travelers to Laos should make a point to stay at Riverside Boutique Resort located in Vang Vieng. Overlooking the Song River, this boutique resort has spectacular views of the jungle-covered mountains alongside amenities like a gorgeous swimming pool and an on-site restaurant.

A quick ferry ride from Buenos Aires , but another world away, Uruguay is one of the smallest countries in South America. The Washington State–size country is often glossed over in favor of tourism giants like Brazil and Argentina. But after a visit to Uruguay’s food scene and natural scenery, you wil wonder why this country has remained under the tourist radar for so long.

Uruguay’s beachfront capital, Montevideo, is a progressive and safe city with lots of culture to experience, as well as places to dig into asado and capeletis a la caruso . Watch gauchos riding off into the mountainous sunsets in Panagea and learn about the nation’s rural side.

• Book now: Fasano Punta del Este

This 1,200-acre property is only a few miles inland from the popular beaches of Punta del Este. The luxurious stay offers a golf course and tennis courts in addition to a spa.

4. Mozambique

Calling all divers: Is Mozambique on your travel bucket list? If it’s not, it should be. Mozambique sits on the west coast of Africa, sharing borders with South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania. Its 1,550 miles of coastline spoil travelers with white-sand beaches and the mesmerizing blues of the Indian Ocean, which can be appreciated from off-shore islands Bazaruto Island, Quirimbas Island, and Benguerra Island. One of the country’s best diving spots is Bazaruto National Park, where kaleidoscopes of coral teem with leopard sharks, manta rays, manatees, and sea turtles.

On the mainland, Rhode Island–size Gorongosa National Park is known for its savannas and forests, rich with most of the Big Five. It’s a country primed for a memorable beach and bush vacation, at a fraction of the cost compared to other countries in southern Africa.

• Book now: Machangulo Beach Lodge

Visitors to Mozambique can book a stay at Machangulo Beach Lodge , which offers views over the straits that separate Maputo Bay from the Indian Ocean.

5. Guatemala

Mayan ruins, colorful cities, volcanoes, lakes, and black-sand beaches—there is much to love in Guatemala. With a low cost of living and a transportation infrastructure that is well set up to shuttle travelers around—whether in buses, colectivos , or taxis—it’s surprising that this Central American country has stayed under the radar.

Most travelers associate Mayan culture with Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, but Guatemala is one of the best places to dig into that ancient past. It’s home to more than 1,500 Mayan ruins, the most famous of them being Tikal National Park in northern Guatemala.

Nature also has an integral appeal in this country: There’s Flores, a town literally plopped in the middle of Lake Peten Itza, and Antigua, a sky-high Spanish-influenced city in the mountains. Lake Atitlan, the deepest lake in Central America, is one of the most peaceful places on the planet. Plus, Guatemala is also home to Pacaya, Fuego, and Santiaguito, three still-active volcanoes.

• Book now: Hotel La Casa del Mundo

For wellness amenities like hot tub and sauna, plus spectacular views over Lake Atitlan, consider a stay at Hotel La Casa del Mundo . Dinners are served family-style and a scenic hiking trail passes right behind the hotel.

6. Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i

With roughly 10 million visitors per year, the islands of Hawai‘i are some of the most well-known places in the United States. But go beyond Waikiki and Kona and visit the rugged island of Moloka‘i for an underrated alternative to the usual Hawai‘i vacation. The least-visited island of the five major islands in the archipelago, 260-square-mile Moloka‘i is renowned for its serenity, jaw-dropping pristine natural beauty, and miles upon miles of crowd-free space.

Tucked between two of the most popular islands (O‘ahu and Maui), Moloka‘i has been left intentionally underdeveloped . No Target here, friends. No commercial luaus. No zip lining or swim-up bars. Tourism is a thing there, of course, but it’s much more off-the-beaten-path, eco-conscious, and locally driven. Travelers to Moloka‘i can enjoy the hiking, waterfall hunting, surfing, horseback riding, and explosive sunsets they love on the other islands. The key difference? You’re likely to have many of these activities all to yourself.

• Book now: Hotel Moloka‘i

Moloka‘i is mostly known for its vacation rentals, but travelers can check into Hotel Moloka‘i . The bungalow-style hotel has fewer than 60 rooms with a design inspired by Polynesian villages.

7. Tasmania

Tasmania (or Tassie, as locals call it) is an island off the coast of Melbourne blending remote, rugged scenery mixed with forward-thinking cuisine. Explore the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, Tasmania, to see this melange in action. The museum has an on-site winery, brewery, and restaurants Source and Faro serving seasonal dishes—all surrounded by art installations and wildlife.

For nature lovers, roughly 50 percent of Tasmania is protected under national parks and reserves . The beaches that ring the entire island feature towering cliffs and emerald-colored water. It’s a paradise for rafting, biking, diving, rock climbing, and even caving. But don’t miss out on Tasmania’s wildlife: The Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Brighton is teeming with wombats, koalas, and kangaroos. People can even visit a Tasmanian devil sanctuary and see the island’s most famous native son.

• Book now: The Tasman

Splurge with a stay at the Tasman , a Luxury Collection Hotel housed in a 19th- century building a short walk from Salamanca Markets and the waterfront of Sullivan’s Cove.

Even if you’ve seen the lofty peaks of the Swiss Alps or the jungle-covered slopes of the Andes, nothing prepares you for the mountains of Nepal. As home to the tallest mountains in the world, Nepal means trekking in the Himalayas is one of the best things to do. Muscle up the popular Annapurna Sanctuary, Everest Base Camp, and the Langtang Valley routes and admire the spiny ridges of gargantuan rock formations.

But there’s more to Nepal beyond the heaven-high peaks of Everest. The country rewards in the spectacular temples and architecture of Kathmandu, delicious street food (don’t leave without trying a momo dumpling), and sacred sites like the Royal City of Patan.

• Book now: The Pavilions

Book a stay at the Pavilions , one of the most charming boutique hotels in Nepal. Tucked in a green-blanketed valley with epic views of the Himalayas, this ecofriendly resort has 14 villas powered by renewable energy.

Senegal has landscapes that range from the densely forested Guinean woods to the Sahara Desert . Add to it the cosmopolitan energy-meets-surf scene of Dakar and wildlife that includes everything from aardvarks to elephants, and Senegal is a shining example of Africa’s diverse landscapes.

Dakar sprawls out over the beaches of the Cap-Vert Peninsula, the westernmost point of the African continent. Like many port cities, it is a blend of crossing histories and cultures. Browse the works by contemporary and diaspora African artists at the Museum of African Arts, sample Lebanese cuisine, and keep your ears open to hear everything—including the native language Wolof, French, and Vietnamese. Other sights in the country include the city of Touba in central Senegal, which wows visitors with its massive Great Mosque. Thousands visit this town during the Grand Magal in August or September to participate in the great annual pilgrimage.

For nature, visit the Niokolo-Koba National Park. This park, the size of Puerto Rico, is sliced by the Gambia River and is known for its high concentration of Big Five animals. It is best to visit between November and May.

• Book now: Hotel Djoloff

Check into the sleek Hotel Djoloff , a boutique hotel with a stunning design, central location, and attractive terrace restaurant.

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