9 Best Places to Visit in Mozambique

The Mozambique capital city, Maputo, is a rejuvenated gem set in the far south of the country and is best known for its colourful markets and thriving nightlife. It's also the best place to enjoy the country's signature dish: a plate of sizzling peri-peri prawns washed down with ice-cold Laurentina beer. That said, if it’s a beach holiday you’re after then we recommend that you don’t linger long in this bustling city but head further north to the long mainland beaches or the islands of the dazzling Bazaruto or Quirimbas Archipelagos. But Maputo is a great stop-over to enjoy Mozambique’s rich culture and history.

Located along the Mozambique coastline, Vilanculos is the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago and a great destination in its own right. Some of the best resorts in Mozambique are found in this charming coast town, set right on the beach with incredible views of the ocean. The town has a scattering of good local restaurants and the marine life the nearby Bazaruto Marine Park is phenomenal. Mozambique is known for being one of the best diving destinations in Africa – and Vilanculos is well-known for its snorkelling and diving trips to the nearby islands. When on land, you can enjoy horse rides along the beach.

If you’re looking for miles and miles of palm-lined beaches and a lively atmosphere, then set your sights on Inhambane and the nearby holiday villages of Tofo and Barra. The Barra Peninsula has wonderful wide beaches, and its clear waters are home to Manta Reef – known the world over as a top destination for excellent manta ray sightings. To top it off, this region is one of your best bets for swimming with whale sharks (in season).

No Mozambique holiday is complete without visiting the country’s top destination. The Bazaruto Archipelago is a fantastic choice for a relaxing break with an exotic African twist. Comprising five glittering islands set in Africa’s biggest marine reserve, a Benguerra and Bazaruto Island holiday is one of the biggest attractions in Mozambique. In this slice of paradise, there’s no fighting for towel space on the largely empty beaches, while the pace of life here is wonderfully slow, and the game fishing, snorkelling and diving are all world-renowned. Both Benguerra and Bazaruto islands are a short hassle-free flight from South Africa’s Kruger National Park - start your day with an early morning game drive and end it with a sunset dhow cruise in a tropical wonderland.

Scattered on a sea of brilliant blue, the Quirimbas Archipelago is where to go in Mozambique for a private island escape. It is one of premier islands in Mozambique for barefoot luxury. Of the 30 or so islands, only a handful have accommodation or indeed development of any kind: the tiny, thatched chalets on Medjumbe Private Island are perfect for a honeymoon in Mozambique, while Quilalea has coral reefs just a fin’s flick from shore.

Gorongosa is a wild tapestry of grassy floodplains, fever tree forests, palm thickets, wide rivers and the country’s last rainforest. Having recently undergone a hugely ambitious and successful rehabilitation programme, the rejuvenation of this remote reserve is one of Africa’s true good-news stories. And while it's not yet the best option for a Big 5 safari, if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track escape with diverse game, rich birdlife and a real sense of untamed Africa then you’re sure to love Gorongosa.

The port town of Pemba is built around a large natural bay and stands today as a reminder of Mozambique’s rich history and culture. The small beach town has some beautiful examples of colonial Portuguese architecture shaded by large baobab trees. There are colourful reefs lying close to shore, but most visitors focus on exploring this city’s markets and craft shops for a day or two before setting off for nearby beach lodges or the islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago – some of the best Mozambique lodges.

More than twice the size of South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Niassa is one of Africa’s largest conservation areas – but this remote and little-visited reserve has only recently opened to tourism. Consequently, the wildlife is still skittish but you’re sure to have some good sightings including - if you’re lucky - lion, leopard or even wild dog. Plus, the bird watching is exceptional. Niassa’s biggest draw card is the chance to experience guided walks and game drives in a truly wild, secluded and beautiful expanse of African wilderness.

Ilha de Mozambique, or Ilha de Moçambique in Portuguese, sits 4 kilometres (3 miles) off the country’s shore and is connected to the mainland by a narrow bridge built in the 1960s. The tiny island is approximately 3 kilometres (2 miles) long and 500 metres (1,640 feet) wide – minuscule in size but each inch is a testament to Mozambique’s past. When walking through the streets of Ilha de Mozambique, it feels as if time stands still. Beautiful colonial buildings are dotted around the islands, from forts and cathedrals to mansions, dating back to the 17 century, showcasing the collection of religions and cultures that live side by side. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with a tour through Makuti Town, snorkelling in mangroves, whale watching in season and swimming off a deserted island before enjoying a beach picnic. When travelling to Mozambique, this is tiny island gem is a must-visit.