Mozambique is one of Africa’s up-and-coming hot-spots, with stunning beaches, excellent diving and magical offshore islands. Go snorkelling around the Bazaruto Archipelago, sail on a dhow through mangrove channels or laze under the palms in the Quirimbas Archipelago, take an off-beat safari in the wilds of Gorongosa National Park, wander along cobbled streets past stately colonial-era buildings on Ilha de Moçambique, sip a café espresso at one of Maputo’s lively sidewalk cafés (or maybe a caipirinha at one of its jazz bars), watch the silversmiths at work on Ibo Island or dance to the country’s trademark marrabenta music.

Maputo and the south:

 

If you’re inclined to an effortless journey, stick to Southern Mozambique, where roads and transport links (especially with neighboring South Africa) are good and accommodation options abound.

 

What not to miss:

  • Maputo, the capital city: a hub of culture with an exciting nightlife!
  • Spend an evening at Rangel, the Jazz Café in the station
  • Baixa (port, railway station, central market)
  • The cathedral “Notre Dame of the Concession”
  • The Iron House (Casa de Ferro)
  • The Tunduru Botanical Garden
  • Nucleo de Arte, an association of Mozambican artists
  • The craft market (Saturday mornings only) to find the best souvenirs
  • The big, lively and colourful market, Xipamanine
  • Costa do Sol for lunch at the Fish Market (Mercado de Peixe)
  • Take the ferry to Catembe on the opposite side, to get a different perspective of the city and its skyscrapers
  • Bilen, some kilometres north of Maputo with its wild beaches on the one side and lagoon on the other.
  • Ponta do Ouro to the south of Maputo and Inhaca Island just off Maputo.

 

Inhambane :

With its serene waterside setting, tree-lined avenues, faded colonial-style architecture and mixture of Arabic, Indian and African influences, Inhambane is one of Mozambique’s most charming towns and well worth a visit. It has a history that reaches back at least 10 centuries, making it one of the oldest settlements along the coast. Today Inhambane is the capital of Inhambane province, although it’s completely lacking in any sort of bustle or pretence. It is also the gateway to a fine collection of beaches, including Tofo

 

 

What not to miss:

  • The Main Market
  • The historic town of Inhambane and its old colonial buildings.
  • Water activities: diving, snorkelling, fishing, traditional sailing boat (dhow) and surfing.

 

Vilanculos and Bazaruto Archipelago:

 

Vilankulos is the finishing (or starting) point of Mozambique’s southern tourism circuit, and an institution on the southern Africa backpacking and overlanding scenes. It’s also the gateway for visiting the nearby Bazaruto Archipelago and some lovely nearby beaches. Bazaruto archipelago consists of five main island surrounded by clear, turquoise waters filled with colourful fish, and offers opportunities for diving, snorkelling, sailing and birding. It makes a fine upmarket holiday destination if you’re looking for the quintessential Indian Ocean getaway.

 

What not to miss:

  • Vilanculos lagoon of turquoise sea and white sand.
  • Snorkelling at “Two Miles Reef”
  • Take a Dhow traditional boat ride from island to island to discover the natural park of Bazaruto
  • Discover Bazaruto, the largest island whose dunes emerge from turquoise waters
  • A walk to the “Crocodile Lake” on the island of Benguerra

 

The centre:

Central Mozambique is seldom given more than passing mention in the tourist brochures. Yet while it lacks the accessible beaches of the south, the region has many attractions. In addition to wildlife watching at Gorongosa National Park, there’s hiking amid the misty mountain landscapes of the Chimanimani range and in the tea country around Gurúè; fishing and relaxing around Lake Cahora Bassa; and birdwatching

 

What not to miss:

  • Gorongoza National Park where one can see the “Big 5”
  • Hiking in ​​Manica province
  • Cahora Bassa dam.
  • The tea plantations of Gurué.

 

The North Coast:

Exotic destinations in the northern region include the mysterious and majestic mountains and Namuli and Unango, historic ruins of Angoche, Mozambique Island, Ibo Island, and the beautiful Quirambas Archipelago.

 

What not to miss :

  • Soak up the unique atmosphere of Ilha de Mozambique, a jewel of the colonial era.
  • Discover Fort Sao Sebastiao and its churches, mosques…
  • Take a boat trip to Goa Island or Chocas beach
  • Learn about the rich Makonde culture, famous for their traditionally carved household objects, figures and masks
  • Wander around Ibo Island to discover its old colonial buildings, overgrown with vegetation, and its friendly population.
  • Penetrate the mangroves to observe a multitude of different bird species.
  • Dive in exquisite coral gardens.
  • Sail around the Quirimbas Archipelago, to discover idyllic islands and beaches.

 

The Extreme North:

Few tourists venture into the most northern and wildest part of Mozambique. Several Bantu ethnic groups have migrated to the region and are now a source of great cultural wealth resulting from the diversification of languages, traditions, rituals and art.

 

What not to miss:

  • Niassa Reserve, a vast tract of wilderness with the largest wildlife populations in Mozambique,
  • Lake Niassa, a vast expanse of turquoise water rich in tropical freshwater fish. A paradise for fishermen and divers.
  • The mountainous area around Nampula.
  • Lichinga market where you can purchase fine basketry