Home > Destinations > Destination: Mozambique
Maputo
Mozambican Metical (MZN)
Portuguese & Bantu languages
GMT+02:00
Beckoning to the seasoned traveler, Mozambique’s palm-lined beaches, remote islands, and untamed national parks offer the perfect combination for a beach and bush safari. Enjoy spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities paired with some of the most paradisal beaches on earth. Luxury accommodation abounds here, with boutique luxury lodges and hotels that offer the utmost privacy and exclusivity. Immerse yourself in the wonder of nature at this superb luxury safari destination in Africa. Browse our luxury Mozambique safari packages and book today with Ker & Downey Africa.
Flourishing from its tainted history of civil war, this southeast African country is one of the most underrated African beach destinations with much to offer in terms of barefoot luxury experiences. From the secluded Quiriumbas Archipelagos in the north of Mozambique to the Bazaruto Archipelagos further south, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean are a paradise for marine life, making Mozambique one of the best scuba-diving destinations in the world. Spend your days diving with enchanting whale sharks and humpback whales, sailing around the remote archipelago on a private dhow safari, and watching wildlife at one of the most ‘biodiverse’ places on earth, Gorongosa National Park
Maputo
Mozambican Metical (MZN)
Portuguese & Bantu languages
GMT+02:00
With a coastline stretching from South Africa to Tanzania, the southeast African country of Mozambique covers an expansive area of 800,000 square kilometers.
A combination of bush and beach, this vastly unexplored country’s shoreline meets the warm Indian Ocean, with islands and archipelagos dotting its coast. Hidden off the north coast of Mozambique is the Quirimbas Archipelago. This stretch of 32 coral islands is home to an array of marine wildlife, from whales to the rare and elusive dugong.
Mangrove-covered Ibo Island is the best-known of the archipelago, hosting traditional architectural villas from a bygone era. Further south, you’ll find the protected Bazaruto archipelago. Consisting of five islands, including Benguerra and Bazaruto, the archipelago is popular for diving and snorkeling and promises an array of wildlife, from leatherback turtles to Nile crocodiles.
Moving to the central inlands you’ll find Gorongosa National Park, considered the most biologically diverse of Mozambique’s conservation areas, covering an area of 5370 square kilometers.
Mozambique is home to an array of wildlife from land to shore. The country is home to 740 species of bird, 200 mammals, 170 reptiles and 40 amphibians. With wildlife making a thriving comeback from the ravages of Mozambique’s civil war, Gorongosa National Park boasts lion, cheetah, elephant, leopard, and rhino as well as antelope, hyena, hippo, buffalo, and over 300 species of birdlife. The Bazaruto Archipelago is a marine reserve home to over 2,000 species of fish. Take to the waters to discover an array of marine life, from humpback whales, whale sharks, manta rays, sharks, turtles, and dolphins to the largest East African dugong population.
No stranger to tropical heat, the best time to visit Mozambique is over the dry winter season from May to November. The warm air and water temperatures call out to all beach lovers and are ideal for an island getaway. The winter months invite whales to the coastline of Mozambique, and the unrivaled water visibility during the dry months makes for epic scuba diving.
Peak season in Mozambique falls over the school holiday periods of Christmas, Easter, and August. The influx of travelers from South Africa rapidly fills the southern resorts, so be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment. The best time for game viewing is over August and September, when the bush has thinned out, and wildlife is concentrated around the park’s waterholes.
The country’s wet season runs between January and March. Expect steamy thunderstorms paired with high humidity, occasional flooding, and washed-out roads.
Some of the best things to see and do on the island of Mozambique include:
Sunset dhow cruise
A sunset dhow cruise is the ideal way to unwind at the end of the day. Experience the delight of cruising the azure blue waters on a traditional, hand-crafted wind-powered boat on a dhow safari while watching the setting sun cast an ethereal glow across the Indian Ocean. Toast the day on your private dhow cruise with a selection of drinks and canapes prepared to your liking.
Wildlife viewing at Gorongosa National Park
Gorongosa National Park is considered one of the world’s most bio-diverse destinations and one of Africa’s greatest wildlife restoration stories. Frequently named one of the world’s best destinations, you’ll see some spectacular animals, including big cats like lions, elephants, zebras, buffalo, waterbuck, and a superb number of endemic bird species. The park is located at the southern tip of the Great Rift Valley, with the rich floodplains of Lake Urema sitting at its center. Much of the park remains unexplored, with new animal and plant species still being discovered.
Scuba diving in the Bazaruto Archipelago
Mozambique is home to some of the world’s most incredible diving and snorkeling opportunities. The Bazaruto Archipelago is located in southern Mozambique, a collection of six paradisal islands where you’ll find powder-soft white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters; it’s the ultimate beach destination in southern Africa. Below the turquoise waters, you’ll find vibrant marine life and healthy coral reefs. Marine life includes whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, seahorses, and a vast array of colorful reef fish.
Fishing safaris
Mozambique offers superb fishing opportunities for anglers. You’ll find big game fish, including marlin, tuna, barracuda, sailfish, wahoo, king mackerel, and many more. The Bazaruto Archipelago, just off the coast of mainland Mozambique, is considered a prime fishing destination.
For those who want to combine a more traditional safari experience with a sun-soaked stay on a beach, Mozambique boasts several superb spots, including the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago and the Quirimbas Archipelago, both of which boast exceptional luxurious boutique hotels and luxury lodges.
Accommodation in Mozambique primarily consists of small, luxury boutique hotels, beach lodges, and safari lodges. Ker & Downey Africa has handpicked the very best safari accommodations on the island of Mozambique, ensuring the utmost comfort, exclusivity, and privacy. All our elegant Mozambique safari accommodations boast refined amenities and exceptional service levels. Contact our team today or browse our luxury safari packages and accommodations.
If you want to enjoy a luxury safari in Mozambique or any other destination in Africa, contact the luxury safari specialists at Ker & Downey Africa. Our luxury travel experts have access to the best accommodations and can craft a bespoke luxury travel itinerary with unique experiences and adventures that are bespoke to you. We boast intimate knowledge of the best safari destinations, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
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