Mozambique sits along 2,500 kilometres of Indian Ocean coastline in south-eastern Africa. It holds five national parks, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and two major island groups. For a first visit, knowing where to focus matters as much as knowing when to go.
This guide covers the destinations worth your time, what each one offers, and who each suits best.
Most international flights land in Maputo. The city runs on wide tree-lined avenues, Portuguese colonial architecture, and a food culture anchored in fresh seafood.
The Maputo Railway Station, built between 1908 and 1916, still operates and remains one of the best-preserved buildings in the country. The Natural History Museum holds murals by Mozambican artist Malangatana. Along Avenida Marginal, peri-piri prawns are the city's signature dish.
Two nights here before moving south or north gives your trip solid footing.
FAQ: I have just one day in Maputo before flying out. What should I see?
Walk the Railway Station, browse the Municipal Market, and eat lunch on Avenida Marginal. That covers the city's architecture, culture, and food in one loop.
Vilanculos is a small coastal town and the departure point for the Bazaruto Archipelago. Direct flights connect it to Johannesburg in under two hours. The town covers all budgets, from guesthouses to luxury lodges.
Five islands - Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina, and Bangue - sit 30 kilometres offshore within a protected marine national park. The waters hold over 2,000 fish species, whale sharks, manta rays, five species of sea turtle, and one of the last dugong populations in the Indian Ocean.
Two Mile Reef is the primary dive site. The Aquarium, a large natural reef pool, works well for snorkellers. Transfers from Vilanculos run by speedboat or helicopter. June to September offers the clearest underwater visibility.
FAQ: Can I visit the Bazaruto Archipelago without scuba certification?
Yes. Ocean safaris, boat trips searching for whale sharks near the surface, are open to non-divers and run year-round. Snorkelling at Two Mile Reef needs no certification either.
Tofo sits in Inhambane Province, 22 kilometres from Inhambane Airport. Whale sharks are present year-round. Humpback whales arrive between June and November, with August and September as the peak. Dive operators including Peri-Peri Divers and Liquid Dive Adventures run daily ocean safaris from 7am.
Tofo costs significantly less than the Bazaruto islands and fits travellers who want direct access to large marine animals without resort pricing.
Gorongosa sits in central Mozambique. Largely destroyed during the civil war that ended in 1992, it has since recovered through a public-private conservation partnership and now supports elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, African wild dogs, and over 500 bird species.
Game drives run in open vehicles with guides. Boating safaris on Lake Urema bring you close to hippos and crocodiles. Self-drive is not permitted. The park operates from May to October.
Gorongosa pairs well with a Bazaruto beach stay - a bush-and-beach itinerary connected by light aircraft.
FAQ: I'm combining Mozambique with South Africa. Which destinations fit 7 days?
Fly Johannesburg to Vilanculos direct. Spend 2 nights in Vilanculos, 2 nights on Benguerra Island, and 2 nights in Gorongosa. Light aircraft connects the last two. That covers beach, islands, and safari without backtracking.
The Island of Mozambique is a coral island 3 kilometres long in Nampula Province, connected to the mainland by a bridge. Arab traders docked here from the 10th century. The Portuguese built Fort São Sebastião, Africa's oldest complete fort, and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte in 1522, the oldest European building in the Southern Hemisphere.
Its streets hold colonial mansions, mosques, and churches side by side. Boutique hotels occupy restored historic buildings. Best suited to history-focused travellers routing through northern Mozambique.
Travellers from Eligible Countries for the Mozambique Visa can apply online through the eVisa system before travel.
Carry proof of accommodation and a return ticket. Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a country where yellow fever is present. Malaria precautions apply throughout. May to November is the most reliable travel window across all destinations above.
Apply for your Mozambique eVisa/eTA before you travel.
Apply Online: Quickly fill out the application form.
Pay the Fee: Securely complete your payment online.
Check Your Email: Get your eVisa sent straight to your inbox.
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