MOZAMBIQUE

A beach-lover's dream come true

It's one of Africa's best-kept secrets - a little-known country emerging from the fog of anonymity into the mainstream, but still remote enough to retain its mystique and magic... Welcome to Mozambique, where bush and beach meet in a unique blend of fabulous.

Mozambique's beautiful coastline is dotted with gorgeous resorts, private-use villas and lodges, all taking advantage of endless pristine beaches and the wonderfully warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Off the coast a myriad islands dot the turquoise seas, begging to be explored. Some are only accessible by helicopter or a light aircraft, so you'll feel like a rock star or Hollywood A lister as you arrive incognito in paradise.

In the country's interior is an undiscovered treasure trove of amazingness - Gorongosa - a reserve that came back from the brink to take its place on the dias of the world's most spectacular wilderness areas. It's one of Africa's greatest conservation success stories and the ideal complement to all that lazing about on soft white sand business.

With its fabulous people, incredible food and vibrant culture that's flavoured with the spices of its Portuguese and Arabic influences, Mozambique is also an easy destination to combine with a Southern African safari. So include your cozzie and flip flops in amongst all that khaki bush gear.

Best Times To Visit

Things To Do

Take a dhow safari along the coast

A nod to the ancient arab traders who began visiting Mozambique in their distinctive dhows more than a thousand years ago, making their mark on the country's culture as they established sultanates along Africa's eastern coastline, setting up trade routes to India and beyond. The dhow is as much a part of modern Mozambique as it was its past and there's something wonderfully exotic about sailing on perfect seas in one as the sun begins to dip towards the horizon... Prepare to go all misty eyed and middle eastern as you lay back on plump cushions with the wind in your hair!
Sun, sea, sand and island hopping

You won't be able to get enough of the soft, white sand beaches, ridiculously turquoise ocean and fabulous sunshine as you explore some of the most gorgeous islands off the coast of Africa. Have a picnic lunch on a low-tide sand bar strewn with pansy shells... Snorkel in crystal-clear water on pristine reefs... Climb massive sand dunes for views of forever... This is the Bazaruto Archipelago off the coast of Vilanculos where life is altogether more fabulous.
Dive with whale sharks and manta rays (seasonal)

From September to February each year, the waters off Mozambique become a temporary home for hundreds of whale sharks and manta rays, making it a Mecca for scuba divers everywhere. If you can't dive, don't worry - many of the coastal and island resorts offer discover scuba courses that enable you to do resort dives while you're there. Otherwise, just snorkel and do a spot of marine game viewing from above...
Visit the historic capital of Maputo

The largest port in Mozambique and the country's capital city is steeped in history dating back more than a thousand years when it was a small fishing village. In 1781 the Portuguese established a fort here and the fledgling capital began to expand. It is worth spending a couple of days in Maputo, learning its ways, sampling its food and soaking up the vibrant Mozambican culture.