Visit Mozambique

Mozambique

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.

For almost two decades, many of these attractions were inaccessible due to a protracted guerrilla war. Now dark times are in the past, and Mozambique is one of Africa’s rising stars, with an upbeat atmosphere, overflowing markets and a 2500km coastline waiting to be discovered. If you’re inclined to something tamer, stick to Southern Mozambique, where roads and transport links (especially with neighbouring South Africa) are good and accommodation options abound.

For more adventure, head across the Zambezi into the wilds of Northern Mozambique, one of Africa’s last frontiers. Getting around here takes time, but the paradisiacal coastal panoramas and sense of space, the sheer adventure of travel and – for those with a healthy budget – some of the continent’s most idyllic island lodges make the journey well worthwhile.

Mapa de Mozambique

Parque Nacional de Limpopo, Mozambique

Central Mozambique

Central Mozambique doesn’t draw the tourist crowds, but it’s a convenient transit zone for travel to/from Malawi and Zimbabwe. Among its attractions are wild Gorongosa National Park and beautiful, rolling hill landscapes.

Southern Mozambique

Fantastic beaches, heaped plates of prawns, good tourism infrastructure, and easy road and air access make the southern coast Mozambique’s most popular destination, and an easy introduction to the country. Be prepared to share your space with hordes of vacationing South Africans at holiday time.

Beira

Mozambique’s second-largest city is as famed for its steamed crabs and prawns as for its tawdry nightlife. A decent beach (at Makuti, 5km out of town) and a few well-preserved colonial buildings are the major attractions, but it’s primarily of interest as a transport hub.

Inhambane, Mozambique

Gorongosa National Park

This park (adult/child/vehicle Mtc200/50/200, payable in meticais only; 1 Apr-1 Dec), once one of southern Africa’s premier wildlife areas, is getting a second wind thanks to assistance from the US-based Carr Foundation.

Arrange vehicle rental and wildlife guides, plus hikes on nearby Mt Gorongosa, at park headquarters, where there’s also a camp site (per person US$4), a restaurant and rondavels (s/d US$26/38).

Head 43km north from Inchope to Nota village, then 17km east to the park gate, or take a chapa to Vila Gorongosa (25km further north) and arrange a pick-up from there in advance with park staff.

Maputo

With its Mediterranean-style architecture, flame-tree-lined avenues, sidewalk cafés and waterside setting, Maputo is easily one of Africa’s most attractive capitals. Jellaba-garbed men gather in doorways to chat, while colourfully clad women hawk seafood and spices at the massive Municipal Market and banana vendors loll on their carts in the shade There are museums, shops and markets galore – don’t miss spending time here before heading north.

Playa en Pemba, Mozambique

Pemba

The main draw of the sunny seaside town of Pemba is long Wimbi (also spelled Wimbe) beach, 5km down the coast. Kaskazini (272-20371; Pemba Beach Hotel, Ave Marginal, Wimbi Beach) has information on the town and the islands, and can organise dhow safaris on your behalf. CI Divers (272-20102; www.cidivers.com; Complexo Náutilus, Ave Marginal, Wimbi Beach) does diving.

Tofo

Tofo has long been legendary on the southern Africa holiday-makers’ circuits, with its azure waters, sweeping white sands, rolling breakers and perpetual party-time atmosphere. There are no ATMs or banks – sort out your finances in Inhambane.

Vilankulo

Vilankulo is Mozambique’s foremost holiday destination, and the gateway for visiting the nearby Bazaruto Archipelago. During holidays it’s overrun with 4WDs, but otherwise it is a very quiet town.

Sail Away near Vilanculos Camping, offers day and overnight dhow safaris to the Bazaruto Archipelago. To arrange something locally, ask for pointers at the helpful Tourist Services (2-5pm Mon-Sat), just off the beach road. For diving, contact Vilanculos Dive Charters (82-856 2700; Aguia Negra Lodge), which also arranges island transfers.