Offering endless stretches of glorious sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters teaming with fascinating sealife, this is the unpretentious and unspoilt version of a tropical island holiday. It is a country shaped by African, Portuguese, Arab and Indian influences ensuring an interesting mix of cuisines and architectures and imbuing it with a tangible energy and vibrancy in the towns and the people throughout. This is where you come to completely escape, unwind and relax, whether it’s on one of the many glorious mainland beaches, a safari in the newly emerging Gorongosa National Park, or breaking away to an idyllic island of your choice.
MOZAMBIQUE
- Bazaruto Archipelago, comprising five main islands, is in the south of the country and easily accessed from the town of Vilanculos. It is a place of spectacular beauty, offering wonderful deep-sea fishing and diving, as well as snorkelling, dhow cruises or lazy beach days for those seeking a more relaxed approach.
- Quirimbas Archipelago, a group of more remote, exclusive islands off the north coast near the Tanzanian border, is recognised for its natural beauty. Falling within a wildlife sanctuary, it boasts an abundance of marine life with endless opportunities to see whales, dolphins and the endangered dugong. Some of the best diving spots in the world can be found here, while historic Ibo Island, once a trading port for slaves and ivory, is a must for history enthusiasts.
- Gorongosa National Park is Mozambique’s top reserve. While it is less well known and is without the abundance of game that some other African countries boast, it does offer a more adventurous and original safari experience.
- Maputo is the capital city and worth a night’s stay to feast on fresh seafood in the fish market, enjoy the bustling Afro-Latino vibe or swim in the warm seas.
Time: GMT + 2 hours
Language: Portuguese is the main language but English is spoken in all tourist areas.
Health: It is recommended that anti-malaria pills be taken before departure.
Visas: These are required for most visitors and can usually be obtained on entry or before departure.
When to go: April to October is the best time to travel – it’s not too hot and the sun shines daily. From December to March it gets very hot and cyclones occur in the south.
- HIGHLIGHTS
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- Bazaruto Archipelago, comprising five main islands, is in the south of the country and easily accessed from the town of Vilanculos. It is a place of spectacular beauty, offering wonderful deep-sea fishing and diving, as well as snorkelling, dhow cruises or lazy beach days for those seeking a more relaxed approach.
- Quirimbas Archipelago, a group of more remote, exclusive islands off the north coast near the Tanzanian border, is recognised for its natural beauty. Falling within a wildlife sanctuary, it boasts an abundance of marine life with endless opportunities to see whales, dolphins and the endangered dugong. Some of the best diving spots in the world can be found here, while historic Ibo Island, once a trading port for slaves and ivory, is a must for history enthusiasts.
- Gorongosa National Park is Mozambique’s top reserve. While it is less well known and is without the abundance of game that some other African countries boast, it does offer a more adventurous and original safari experience.
- Maputo is the capital city and worth a night’s stay to feast on fresh seafood in the fish market, enjoy the bustling Afro-Latino vibe or swim in the warm seas.
- USEFUL INFORMATION
-
Time: GMT + 2 hours
Language: Portuguese is the main language but English is spoken in all tourist areas.
Health: It is recommended that anti-malaria pills be taken before departure.
Visas: These are required for most visitors and can usually be obtained on entry or before departure.
When to go: April to October is the best time to travel – it’s not too hot and the sun shines daily. From December to March it gets very hot and cyclones occur in the south.
- MAP