Discover Holidays to Mozambique
After years of isolation, travellers are rediscovering Mozambique, with its 2,500km of virgin Indian Ocean coastline, its pristine tropical beaches fringed with coconut palms and endless coral reefs. Holidays to Mozambique have come to define the term 'bare-foot luxury' with the country's offering of characterful small lodges on virtually uninhabited islands. Mozambique holidays are ideal for honeymooners or as the perfect complement to a safari in Southern or East Africa.
Some of our Mozambique holiday ideas
Zululand Safari and Mozambique in Style
10 nights from £7,220 p/p
Zambia & Mozambique Adventure
13 nights from £5,195 p/p
Simply South Africa Safari & Mozambique Beach Break
11 nights from £4,650 p/p
Our expertise in Mozambique
I’d love to create your perfect destination experience to Mozambique . Give me a call and I’ll share my first-hand expertise so you get the most from your trip.
Travel Specialist
Shelley's review
Mozambique is a beautiful beach destination offering a rustic bare-foot experience in a tropical setting. The warm Indian Ocean make it a perfect place for swimming and chilling on the beach. The islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago offer some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world. The Humpback whales migrate along the coast from July to November. As a beach destination, it's more affordable than the Seychelles and less built up and 'resorty' than Mauritius. The best time to visit is during the winter season when the temperatures are cooler, less humid and the least chance of rain (June to October), although August has been known to be windy!
Shelley's Top Tips
- Combine a beach stay in Mozambique with a safari in the Greater Kruger National Park.
- Enjoy an excursion on a traditional dhow at sunset or to a neighbouring island.
- It's also a destintion for the history buffs and culture vultures, with Portuguese and traditional colonial influences clear.
Best Time To Visit Mozambique
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Quick Country Facts
Time Zone:GMT +2 hours
Capital:Maputo
Currency:Mozambican metical
Why visit Mozambique
Two for the price of one, this region essentially contains two countries, the north and south of Mozambique, which display a clear divide in their population density, and depth of exploration.
With its sweeping beaches, Mozambique’s southern coastline is frequently populated by African holidaymakers. It’s a hotspot for snorkelling, diving and game fishing, and the beaches aren’t too far from Johannesburg, accessible in less than a day’s drive. Similarly, Mozambique’s famous national parks are within reach, and well worth a visit.
Meanwhile the north of Mozambique is the region’s road less travelled, with much still to be uncovered. This is good news if you’re a courageous traveller, keen to pave your own way through the wilderness. With limited industry and pollution, the untouched waters and sands are pure, pristine, and enveloped in absolute peace, ready and waiting for your discovery.
Shelley Phillips
Travel Specialist
The Bazaruto & Quirimbas Archipelagos
The southerly Bazaruto Archipelago has been the main focus for Mozambique holidays in recent times, and rightly so. It is relatively easy to reach via Vilanculos airport on the mainland and then a short boat ride or flight. However the more remote Quirimbas Islands, in the far north, are growing in popularity, appealing to eco-tourists, divers and adventurous souls in search of unspoilt places.
Portuguese Colonial Ruins
Ibo Town, on Ibo Island in the Quirimbas Archipelago, was the administrative capital of the Portuguese colony and an important East African trading post for over 500 years. Ibo’s swift decline during the 20th century has made it a surreal place, a tiny island with imposing ruins of villas, forts and administrative buildings in the middle of nowhere. We highly recommend Ibo Island Lodge, which is made up from three converted waterfront mansions set in lovely gardens with a pool.
From the mainland beach lodges to the south of Pemba, a trip to the World Heritage site of Ilha de Mocambique should not be missed. This fortified former Portuguese trading post is a remarkable example of 16th century colonial architecture influenced by Indian and Arab traditions. Coral Lodge is a favourite here.
Maputo & the Lagoon Coast
Alternatively, new beach lodges south of Matputo, on the Lagoon Coast, just north of the border with South Africa, offer visitors to South Africa's Kruger National Park easy access to a boutique beach experience. The ease of access makes this a very attractive safari and beach combination.
Mozambique Safari Options
Mozambique is also an emerging safari destination, so holidays to Mozambique can include both game viewing and time on a superb beach. Some of the last true wilderness areas can be found here and intrepid safari operators are working to make them accessible. In the far north, the truly vast Niassa National Reserve is one the largest protected areas in Africa, and Gorongosa in Central Mozambique is a conservation success story. These are safaris for ‘Africaphiles’ seeking real wilderness experiences - ask us which areas are currently the most suitable for a safari experience.
Where to go in Mozambique
Mozambique Holiday types
Whether you want to explore the natural world with the whole family or encounter rare species with just a few other travellers, choose the tailor-made itinerary that’s right for you.
Looking for inspiration?
You'll find expert travel guides, holiday ideas and insider tips now on the Rainbow blog
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
