Mozambique Travel Guide

Mozambique is a picturesque beach getaway, with its swaying palm trees and sparkling blue waters. After struggling through a turbulent 20th century of civil war and a number of national disasters, Mozambique has emerged as a largely peaceful, if not prosperous, nation.

Popular with European and South African holidaymakers, the country's travel industry is booming as more and more beachfront resorts spring up along the coast and upon the idyllic semi-deserted islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago.

There is some 1500 miles of empty coastline to explore, and with the world famous Kruger National Park sitting on the border with South Africa, Mozambique is an ideal beach and safari destination.

The clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean are teeming with sea life, ranging from tiny fish and sea urchins populating coral reefs to the gentle and giant whale sharks cruising along the coast. Altogether, they make Mozambique one of the best places in the world for fishing, diving, and snorkelling.

While not well-known for its urban tourism, a day or two in Maputo is unmissable for the city's lovely colonial architecture, great restaurants and enormous curio markets. The city is also home to several interesting museums that detail Mozambique's tumultuous past.

A rough-and-tumble travel destination, a vacation in Mozambique is perfect for tourists seeking a bit of adventure alongside a healthy dose of luxury and relaxation. With a colourful nightlife and gorgeous scenery, the country is one of the best-value travel destinations in the world.

Best time to visit Mozambique

The best time to visit Mozambique is between April and October. June to October is Mozambique's cooler season, when evening temperatures require a duvet. But during the day, the weather is still very hot and good for swimming and beach activities. Late November to March is the wet season in Mozambique, and temperatures during this period can be uncomfortably hot.

What to see in Mozambique

-Take a dhow ride to the isolated beaches of Benguerra Island.

-Relax in the sand at Vilanculos.

-See the historic Portuguese and Muslim architecture on Mozambique Island.

-Spot wildlife in Gorongosa National Park.

What to do in Mozambique

-Learn to scuba dive on the beaches of Tofo.

-Go fishing and waterskiing on Cahora Bassa Lake.

-Swim with dolphins in Ponta d'Ouro.

-Strike a bargain in Maputo's sprawling Central Market.

Getting to Mozambique

There are no direct flights to Mozambique from the UK or the US, but there are plenty of connecting flights through Johannesburg and Nairobi.

Read

Chronicler of the Winds by Henning Mankell and Sleepwalking Land by Mia Couto.

Listen

Marrabenta.

Watch

O Povo Organizado (1975) and Fogata (1992).

Drink

Laurentina and 2M beer.

Eat

Freshly caught seafood and piri-piri chicken.

What to buy

Bright wax-printed fabric, wooden carvings and bead necklaces.

What to pack

Remember a hat and sunscreen, as the sun is relentless in Mozambique.

Did you know?

-Maputo was formerly known as Lourenco Marques.

-The colours of Mozambique's flag are green (wealth), red (freedom), black (the continent of Africa), white (peace) and yellow (mineral wealth).

-Mozambique is the only country in the Commonwealth never to have been part of the British Empire.

A final word

Mozambique offers an idyllic beach getaway on the exotic Indian Ocean coast of Africa.