Mozambique

Once a land of trading ports between the Middle East and India, the Portuguese colony gained independence in 1975 but suffered from a long civil war and poverty.  These days the mood is upbeat and tourism in Mozambique is primarily along the 1,500 mile coastline or the unique Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos.  Daily flights from both East Africa and South Africa make it very convenient to finish your safari with an Indian Ocean castaway dream vacation.   

Mozambique’s modern culture is a fusion of African, Arabic, European and Indian influences over hundreds of years.  Exploring the colonial past is as popular as exploring the wildlife in the unspoilt waters. Humpback whales, dolphins and whale sharks call these waters home from June through to December.  There is world-class snorkeling and diving, fishing, sea kayaking, and sailing on traditional dhows whenever you tire of lazing on the palm-fringed beach. 

Mozambique NiassaNational Reserve BanhineNational Park ZinaveNational Park GorongosaNational Park LimpopoNational Park KrugerNational Park GonarezhouTransfontier Park Botswana Zimbabwe Madagascar Indian Ocean South Africa Swaziland Zambia Malawi ● Pemba ● Nacala ● Ilha De Mocambique Quilálea Island Ibo Island Vamizi Island Matemo Island Mocimboa De Praia ● Pangane ● Tandanhangue● Palma ● ● Lichinga ● Nampula Monapo ● ● Mocuba ● Tete Cahora Bassa Dam ● Changara ● Quelimane ● Beira Bazaruto Island Benguerra Island Vilanculos ● ● Inhambane ● Inharrime ● Xai-xai Maxixe ● Maputo ● Chimoio Mount Gorongosa Mutare ● Lurio Zambezi Lake Malawi Limpopo
Mozambique Highlights

Accommodations

Let us introduce you to a romantic tropical island retreat or coastal lodge where you can enjoy this unspoiled paradise. 

Northern Mozambique

These properties are on the coast or in the Quirimbas Archipelago, a string of islands stretching more than 150 miles along the northern Mozambican coastline, from the town of Palma to the historic port of Pemba.  This stretch of the East African coastline is paradise for divers and nature lovers offering remote barefoot luxury lodges and plenty of cultural history.

Photo: Ibo Island Lodge

Ibo Island Lodge

Three historic and magnificent mansions, each over 150 years old, have been lovingly restored to their former glory and provide the only lodging on the island.  The 14 rooms have sea and garden views, and now have air-conditioning and ceiling fans to keep things cool in the balmy tropical weather. Enjoy dinner and drinks under the stars on the rooftop restaurant.  The island is steeped in ancient architecture, history and culture, and the guided tours bring the fascinating legends alive.

Photo: Azura Quilalea Private Island

Azura Quilalea Private Island

Nine seafront, African-chic villas are set on a wholly uninhabited isle in the Indian Ocean, surrounded by the pristine waters of the Quirimbas Archipelago marine sanctuary. Beach access scuba diving and night dives are available in addition to dhow sailing and cultural excursions. This hidden gem is the perfect place for a romantic getaway and honeymoon specials are offered. The cliff-top Villa Quilalea offers a private pool, bathroom and dressing room, outdoor shower and a separate dining area. Spend your days relaxing in a hammock, snorkeling the island’s shores, kayaking the mangroves, or diving from the main beach.  

Photo: Avani Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa

Avani Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa

Located very near the airport in the ancient port town of Pemba, the Avani Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa is an ideal overnight stop over for travelers on their way to the islands.  

Photo: Coral Lodge 15.41

Coral Lodge 15.41

This beach retreat includes the location coordinates in its name-- 15 degrees south latitude and 41 degrees east longitude.  Coral Lodge 15.41 is only a short distance from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of IIha de Mocambique (Mozambique Island) offering the opportunity to delve into the cultural history and learn more about the indigenous tribes of the region. The lodge is situated on a lagoon in the Veranda Reserve and the ten villas are secluded amongst the dunes and unspoiled beaches.  Good for couples and families, there are superb cultural visits, diving and water sports facilities as well as whale watching during the migration from August to October.

Southern Mozambique

These properties are on the Southern Coast or in the Bazaruto Archipelago where a marine national park protects the marine life in the azure seas.  The perfect finish to a Southern Africa safari is a stay on one of these pristine beaches where you can do as much or as little as you please.

Photo: Azura Benguerra Island

Azura Benguerra Island

This is the area’s first luxury eco-boutique resort. Located within the national park, the 18 beach villas are footsteps away from the white sand beach and feature king size bed, indoor and outdoor showers, air conditioning, private pool and lounging decks. For families or groups of friends there is the two-bedroom Villa Amizade, or the three-bedroom Presidential Villa. Days are spent snorkeling or diving the incredible two-Mile reef, walking the beach, watching for whales and dolphins and enjoying sunsets on a traditional Mozambican Dhow sailboat.

Photo: Azura Marlin Beach

Azura Marlin Beach

Azura’s second property on Benguerra Island opened in 2020. The name comes from the original hotel built on this site by one of the country’s top marlin fisherman. The ten Mozambican-chic villas are elevated to provide Indian Ocean views. Children are welcome and a number of the villas can accommodate families. There is a PADI 5-star dive center for water activities and a massage pavilion for those who want to relax. There are a host of supervised activities for children. Lunch is generally served by the pool and beach dinners on the sand. 

Photo: &Beyond

Benguerra Island Lodge

Tucked into a lush indigenous forest and looking out onto a picturesque crescent of sandy beach, the lodge has a chic Afro-Portuguese vibe. There are two cozy cabanas, ten casinhas and a three-bedroom Casa Familia which has a private swimming pool. There is swimming and boat access directly off the beach even at low tide. Located next to the Mozambique Channel, this island is renowned for some of the world’s best catch and release deep sea and fly-fishing opportunities.  Horseback riding on the beach and swimming in the warm ocean is also on offer here. 

Photo: Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa

Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa

This large resort is a good choice for multi-generational families with wide-ranging activity interests. There are assorted dining venues, bars, swimming pools for adults and families, and specific children’s activities. In addition to the many water sports that can be enjoyed off these white sandy beaches, there are cooking classes and full service spa. The 44 villas are constructed of indigenous materials and feel at one with this exquisite environment. Boat transfers between Vilanculos and Anantara Bazaruto are included in the rate.

Photo: White Pearl Resort

White Pearl Resort

Pure beauty meets exclusivity at White Pearl at Ponta Mamoli, previously voted as one of the top 10 beaches in Africa. Nestled in a bay of Mozambique’s Lagoon Coast, each of the 22 suites offer laid back luxury with a private plunge pool, outdoor shower and air-conditioned bedrooms. Crisp, modern lines mixed with surrounding coastal landscapes give an Ibiza-style setting. Spacious guest areas and a swim up pool bar are wonderful for meeting new friends. Whales pass by from August to November, and the loggerhead and leatherback turtles lay their eggs on the beach at night from November to February.  

Photo: Villa Santorini

Villa Santorini

Located on Vilanculos Bay, gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, this multi-tiered landmark villa sits up high on the coast, offering panoramic views. The villa features five sea-front en-suite bedrooms, each with a private balcony. In house management takes care of every detail whether you are looking to charter the resort’s 27-foot boat for island hopping, go horseback riding or arrange child-minding services. “The Chapel” is a 2-bedroom villa that is ideal for honeymoons and romantic getaways. Villa da Praia is an exclusive use property with three bedrooms, private chef and host.   

Travel Information

When to go to Mozambique

Mozambique has a tropical climate with the northern coastal regions being very warm and humid.  The dry season runs from mid-April to late September.   October and November are transitional months.  Rains fall between December and March.  There are occasional cyclones in February and March.

Passport & Visa for Mozambique

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after entering Mozambique and it must have two blank pages.  No visa is required for Mozambique for US, Canadian or UK citizens; however you must present your confirmed itinerary and return airline ticket.  A payment of $10 USD cash will be collected from each person on arrival.

For further information:

U. S. State Department - Mozambique

Traveling with Children

All children under the age of 18 traveling to or departing from South Africa are required to carry an original or certified copy of their birth certificate along with their passport.  Additional requirements are necessary in the event of a child traveling:
- With one parent
- With someone who is not their parent i.e. family member or friend
- With their adopted parents
- As an unaccompanied minor

Medical Information for Mozambique

Before traveling to the Mozambique, please consult with your physician. There is no risk of yellow fever in Mozambique but travelers are required to show proof of a yellow fever vaccination if they are arriving from or have been in transit through any “yellow fever risk countries.”

For more information:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Mozambique