Why go to Mozambique on Vacation?
Why we recommend Mozambique for 2025! Mozambique is the best beach and island holiday destination in Africa.
Some of the best places to visit in Mozambique are postcard-perfect beaches and islands. Add to this a turquoise ocean, a pinch of culture, a dash of history, and lashings of safari wildlife and you have a fantastic destination in Africa. Mozambique is the best beach, island and wildlife holiday destination in Africa. Read our travel guide for the best deals and special packages in 2024. Safari tours.
There are many reasons why you should go to Mozambique on vacation: the people are super friendly and the food is delicious; the 2500 km coastline is trimmed with untouched dune forests; the ocean invites non-stop sport and leisure activities; the national parks and marine reserves rate top of the ranks in Africa and the landscapes take your breath away.
The Best Places to Visit in Mozambique
Where to go in Mozambique. From Maputo city’s dazzling nightlife to the remote beauty of the Machangulo Peninsula and a thrilling safari in Gorongosa, this East African country has it all. These are some of our best places to visit in Mozambique:
- Maputo for Weekend Breaks
A trendy place for a weekend break, Maputo promises diverse accommodation, cosmopolitan vibes, and a stunning harbour setting. Instagrammable Arab, French, Portuguese, Oriental, and African architecture between modern hotels, malls, and a maze of unique restaurants and nightclubs. From highly regarded conference centres and team-building events to day tours to Maputo National Park and Inhaca Island, Maputo is the best weekend destination for lively visitors.
- Bazaruto Archipelago for Water Sports
An authentic Mozambique island lifestyle showers visitors with luxurious facilities, and a wide choice of water sports and wellness activities. A paradise setting made for relaxation in plush villas at the edge of the sea or scuba diving, walking, snorkelling, and whale-watching ocean safaris. The islands are part of the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine National Park, famous for its offshore coral reefs, inshore seagrass beds, rare dugongs, whale sharks, and manta rays.
- Ilha de Mozambique for History and Culture
A historical island and famous UNESCO World Heritage Site guarantees unforgettable forays into the past. Tourists discover numerous relics of Arab trading days and spend holidays exploring Stone Town and Fort São Sebastião, reminders of an interesting history. Originally the capital of Mozambique, this island is a unique blend of cultural nuances and breathtaking beauty. Book a few days at the unique Hotel Escondidinho, a renovated 19th-century house, once a trading base where slaves were housed. Or the 300-year-old house of Terraco das Quitandas, a gracious old colonial building once home to merchants, traders, and Portuguese rulers.
- Tofo Inhambane for Surfing Mozambique places to visit
From scuba diving and swimming with whale sharks to deep-sea fishing, Tofo is also a renowned surfer’s paradise. There’s plenty of swell at Tofinho with a long reef and sandy bottom that begins from a platform jutting out from the beach – the swell lasts longer in this shallow bay and sometimes the east wind helps. Further out to sea, Manta Reef is one of 15 pristine dive sites and keen anglers may hook a gigantic Black Marlin trophy.
- Massinga Inhambane for Romance
Massinga Mozambique is the quintessential Inhambane honeymoon hideaway overlooking aquamarine waters and beautiful beaches from an elevated coconut grove. Massinga Beach Lodge treats couples like royalty with five-star service, huge lobsters grilled to perfection, and private plunge pools on wide decks. Snorkelling at Fingers Rock, private beach picnics, and social evenings around the pool bar.
- Machangulo for Fishing and Diving
High tide at Machangulo is a wild time of natural energies and surging waters. Fishermen love the deep channels here where fishing tactics require new tricks. Machangulo Beach Lodge uses two modern and safe powerboats in this great fly fishing territory. Sublime diving within the marine reserves promotes excellent visuals of protected marine species and corals. The lodge offers courses for novice divers and some wonderful shipwreck sites to explore.
- Gorongosa for Wildlife and Solitude
Interest in Gorongosa is rising again after its complete metamorphosis into a charming and captivating wildlife destination that was voted ‘Best Trip of 2019’ by National Geographic. Community conservation funded by sustainable wildlife tourism is the bottom line for all visitors who contribute to the ecotourism dream. Three different accommodation choices range from rustic tented camps to a fully equipped lodge. Visit Mozambique!
What is there to do in Mozambique?
Land of exceptional natural beauty, fascinating cultures, and complex history, Mozambique is a welcoming East African destination. Welcome to a rich tourism smorgasbord of things to do and photographs to take. From numerous dazzling white beaches between Ponta do Ouro in the south and Pemba in the north to idyllic island dive sites in the Bazaruto Archipelago, activities are numerous and diverse. Whether you prefer cultural tours on Ilha de Mozambique or wildlife sightings in the pristine wilderness of Gorongosa National Park, there is so much to do in Mozambique.
- Best Diving and places to visit in Mozambique
Diving and snorkelling are probably the most popular ocean activities in Mozambique. Some of the best places to dive open up a treasure chest of Indian Ocean holiday opportunities in Tofo, Barra, Ponta do Ouro, Ponta Mamoli, and the Bazaruto Islands of course. The Bazaruto Archipelago features several scuba diving sites generally on the seaward side of the isles. See turtles, dugongs, whale sharks and manta rays amongst myriad colorful reef fish in marine reserves from Ponta do Ouro and up to Pemba in the north.
Our guide to snorkelling in Mozambique is outstanding!
- Best Beaches
Ponta Mamoli Bay, Vilanculos, Barra, Tofo, the Bazaruto Islands, Pemba, and Inhaca Island promise scintillating white beaches made for chilling and walking. From the lively Tofo and Barra beaches to secluded Inhaca Island and Ponta do Ouro, there’s something for everyone. The Bazaruto Archipelago and Vilanculos Beach are also popular spots for luxury vacations and water sports enthusiasts. No matter what type of beach experience you’re looking for, Mozambique has it all. Tailor made vacations to southern Mozambique and the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Mozambique is a treasure trove of beaches
- Best Safaris and Mozambique places to visit
Combining a bush experience with a beach break is a good way to go on safari in Mozambique and such package holidays offer great value for money. Numerous tailor-made safaris plus island getaways between South Africa and Mozambique blend the best game viewing with the top beaches in the Indian Ocean. Focus on safaris in these exclusive Mozambique parks:
Gorongosa National Park – a wildlife sanctuary that offers bush camps, walking trails and the Big 5.
Maputo National Park – spectacular marine, coastal and inland ecosystems for elephants, antelope and nocturnal predators.
Limpopo National Park – a million hectares of pure wilderness, part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park including Kruger in South Africa and Goharezhou National Park in Zimbabwe.
Plan your holiday to Mozambique with our Travel Guide
The first step to exploring Mozambique is to plan your holiday and this travel guide is your go-to information page packed with travel tips! Travel advice on the best places to visit in Mozambique.
General Travel Tips visit Mozambique
- Malaria risk is high all year round so get your doctor’s advice before travelling and take malaria precautions.
- The best weather is during the dry, cooler season from May to November – which is also whale and dolphin season.
- Getting around Mozambique can be an adventure in itself – domestic flights, buses, taxis, and private transfers. It is best to hire a 4×4 vehicle for remote travel.
- Tipping is a universally accepted method of saying thank you for various services in tourism and the fairest tip is a 10% addition to any bill. Use your discretion.
- It is generally understood that tap water in Mozambique is not 100% pure and clean for drinking so rather drink bought bottled water or boil the water first.
Mozambique Visa Requirements
Visa requirements have recently been updated in Mozambique and many countries do not need a visa to enter.
Mozambican Food and Drink
Fish, spices, piri-piri chicken and prawns, fresh cashew nuts, coconut curry and home-cooked maize porridge, Mozambican food is generally washed down with local 2M beers. Make sure all food and drink in Mozambique is clean and rather buy or boil water. Foodborne and waterborne diseases are common. Choose the safest destinations and luxury lodges for a safe fun beach or island holiday. Be brave and taste the local foods as they are simply mouth-watering!
Currency, Credit Cards and ATMs
The official currency of Mozambique is the Mozambican metical (MZN). 1 USD is equivalent to approx. 64 MZN. Credit cards are accepted at most high-end hotels, midrange places, and some rental car spots but general use is limited. ATMs can be found in larger and smaller towns but Visa is more widely accepted.
Safety in Mozambique
Safety in Mozambique is an ongoing debate but be reassured that Southern and Central Mozambique are still safe destinations to visit, just like any other place in Africa. Simply keep your wits about you and avoid being alone in strange places, especially at night. Be careful of petty theft and don’t carry items of value. Always remain polite and stick to the rules. The reality is that terrorism could be a threat in Northern Mozambique – especially in Cabo del Gado Province. Check with your embassy for the latest travel advice and recommendations.
Getting to visit Mozambique
Drive: Easy travel by bus or car on the new tarmac to Maputo, Ponta Mamoli and Ponta do Ouro has cut travel times by several hours for leisure and business travellers from South Africa. Enter Mozambique in the south at the Kosi Bay border or self-drive from Limpopo and cross the famous Katembe suspension bridge to Maputo.
Fly: Fly into Maputo International Airport (MPM) on daily flights from Johannesburg then travel to Southern Mozambique. The Bazaruto Archipelago is easily accessible from Johannesburg with flights to Vilanculos, and the Kruger area with direct flights three times a week. Northern Mozambique is also accessible via Johannesburg.
Check out our map of Mozambique to find your way around!
