Mozambique
Sandwiched between the vast landscapes of the African interior and the rich deep waters of the Indian Ocean, Mozambique has emerged from a recent turbulent past to become one of Africa’s most stunning travel destinations.
Colonized by the Portuguese in 1505, the country attained independence in 1975, when it became the Republic of Mozambique. In recent years it has managed to perfectly blend its diverse cultural heritage with its world famous natural beauty and, as yet unsullied by the tourist trappings that have affected some others parts of the continent, it still retains something of the captivating spirit of old world charm.
Echoing to the hypnotic beat of traditional marrabenta rhythms, its island havens and colonial towns perfectly encapsulate a glorious fusion of tradition, history and matchless scenic splendour, whilst its pristine beaches and coral reefs, and national parks still remain one of Africa’s best kept secrets.
Wild Frontiers offers unique Tailor Made Holidays and Private Journeys to Mozambique.
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Mozambique
What to do in Mozambique
Big Game Fish
Bazaruto Archipelago
"Big Game Fishing" and Mozambique are almost synonymous with each other drawing the die-hard fisherman back, year after year. Mid September until the end of December is the best time for Marlin fishing while Sailfish abound from April to August. Other smaller game fish such as the King Mackerel, Bonito, Travelli, and Queen Mackerel are available all year around. The "Tag and Release" principle is typical in these parts due to an ongoing Conservation project.
Discover a Historical Gem
Ilha de Moçambique
A visit to Ilha de Mocambique is undoubtedly a highlight of any trip to the Northern Mozambique. This former capital, built by the Portuguese, still looks like it did three hundred years ago. At the northern end of the island lies the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, built in 1522 by Vasco de Gama to protect the island from Arab attack. Other significant monuments include the impressive San Sebastiao Fort, the old Governor's Palace and the island's elegant mosque, which overlooks the bustling vibrancy of the island's fish market. While most of the island's historic legacy lies to the north, to the south you can find the traditional reed houses of the local Bantu people, providing a distinct architectural contrast to the 'European' north. Let our local guide show you every special corner and tell you about its controversial history.
Dive the Bazaruto Archipelago
Bazaruto Archipelago
If you think Africa's glories are all on land, look deeper at Mozambique, one of the best diving destinations in the world. Far beyond the thrill of snorkelling, coral heads, fish shoals, and teeming sealife surround you. If you've seen the 'big game' on land, now you can breath in a changing vision of turtles, giant morays, blue tipped reefers, stingrays and whale sharks. Led by a PADI qualified diving instructor, diving sites and depths are varied along all levels of diving experience.
Island hop by Arabian dhow
Quirimbas Archipelago
The Dhow is an ancient tradition in Africa, and along Northern Mozambique's pristine coastline, you too can put a stiff wind in your sails, travelling aboard one of these hand-crafted boat through crystal clear waters and exploring untouched islands that come straight out of the pages of fiction. Choose between a memorable sunset cruise, a full day scuba-diving expedition, or a longer multi-day adventure sleeping in mobile fly camps on uninhabited tropical islands. Enjoy the opportunity to swim amongst coral gardens whose clarity and colour defy belief. Journey through a world of unparalleled beauty and tranquillity, where local fishermen follow the footsteps of their ancestors and nesting turtles and soaring fish eagles play out a struggle for survival that has remained unchanged for millennia.
Kayak the Quirimbas
Quirimbas Archipelago
The Quirimbas Archipelago offers a diverse wonderland of sea kayaking and sailing dhow experiences. Take to the wild waters and winding channels on this guided expedition to discover the Quirimbas National Park by kayak. Paddling from one island to the next (with a dhow for back up if you need a well earned rest), you'll discover pristine beaches, pass through tiny fishing villages and can explore one of the largest mangrove forests in Africa, teeming with birdlife. You can snorkel off deserted white sandbanks into the turquoise sea, and at the end of busy day, you'll bed down in simple yet comfortable bush camps on uninhabited islands while your chef conjures up fresh seafood and traditional cuisine over an open fire under island stars.
Ride the beaches of Benguerra
Bazaruto Archipelago
As any equestrian knows, beach riding is its own special adventure, for both rider and horse. When your horse catches the cool African sea-winds in their nostrils, and you approach the pristine coral-pink beaches on Benguerra Island, it's advisable to keep a tighter hold on your reins. But walking and trotting through the churning Mozambique surf, then at a canter or gallop across firmer sands, here are sweeping stretches of wild freedom, seascapes and sunsets, that few riders should miss.
Swim with whale sharks
Inhambane
The reefs off Tofu Bay are home to the largest concentration of whale sharks in Africa and here you have the special opportunity of swimming with these gentle giants. You do not even need a dive qualifications, you can simply swim or snorkel with them and being friendly and curious, they even come up to the boat and divers. Snorkel trips can be organised daily and although the main season is actually from November up until May, there are sightings throughout the year. Huge and harmless, these graceful creatures are the largest fish in the sea, look like sharks and are the size of a whale. They can reach up to 12 metres in length and get to about 20 tons.
Track game in Gorongosa
Gorongosa National Park
Gorongosa National Park, with its sweeping plains and lush palm dotted swamps is one of Mozambique's great success stories. Before the destruction of civil war, it was widely considered as the best game park in Africa, and it's rebirth since peace was resorted in the 90's is due to a flagship conservation initative, set up to protect and restore the ecosystem of Gorongosa National Park and to benefit local communities. Accompanied by an experienced guide, leave camp at sunrise, to track wildlife on foot through this astounding wilderness. Exploring a huge diversity of habitats, species and flora, and with much of the park to yourself this has to be one of the most exciting new experiences in Southern Africa.
Uncover historical Ibo Island
Quirimbas Archipelago
Ibo Island's natural and cultural treasures prove an irresistible draw for visitors to this remote corner of Mozambique. Aside from its natural beauty, Ibo's charms lie in the historic reminders of its colonial past, with a cathedral, no fewer than 3 forts and numerous grandiose buildings providing rich testimony to the island's long connection with its once powerful European overlords. To get a true insight, a guided excursion is a must allowing you to immerse yourself in the unique culture of this tiny island and meet the local people, Kimwani speaking Muani. Uncover the day-to-day life of the Kimwani people visiting the local witch doctor, getting an "Ibo face-mask" or enjoying a game of football.
Visit Maputo's central market
Maputo
The Central Market offers the visitor to Mozambique almost anything their hearts could desire: fresh fruit, veggies, curios, and anything else you could possibly think of. While there are many stands inside the actual building in which the market is housed, the stands that spill out of the building form an extension of the original beyond the roof and the wares literally spill out of the gigantic, yet very beautiful, building. The Central Market is truly a hub of activity with handicrafts, basketware and carvings as well as many household items for everyday use on offer.
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Mozambique
Where to stay in Mozambique
Baia Sonombula
Inhambane
This friendly owner-run guesthouse lies in the charming coastal town of Tofu with spendid views of Tofu Bay. Only 25km...
Benguerra Island Lodge
Bazaruto Archipelago
Set on a palm fringed beach on the Western coast of Benguerra Island, this intimate lodge exudes all the charm of a...
Coral Lodge
Varanda
Coral Lodge 15.41 is a barefoot beach retreat situated on an unspoilt peninsula in Northern Mozambique. The lodge is...
Explore Gorongosa
Gorongosa National Park
Explore Gorongosa offers the first top-end safari experience within Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park, giving a...
Galudo Beach Lodge
Quirimbas Archipelago
This award-winning eco-lodge, set on a deserted 12km beach in Mozambique's spectacular Quirimbas National Park,...
Ibo Island Lodge
Quirimbas Archipelago
Located in the Quirimbas Archipelago of northern Mozambique and nominated for World Heritage status, Ibo is one of the...
Azura Retreat
Bazaruto Archipelago
Azura is a beautifully designed retreat, perfectly blending modern chic with all that is traditional in Mozambique. ...
Nuarro Lodge
Quirimbas Archipelago
Hidden on some of the most untouched beach in Mozambique, 180 Km south of Pemba, this owner run eco-lodge provides some...
Terraco Das Quitandas
Ilha de Moçambique
Situated on the island of Ilha de Mozambique, this characterful guesthouse combines local architecture and interiors...
Marlin Lodge
Bazaruto Archipelago
Marlin Lodge is situated on the south western shore of Benguerra Island, the second largest of the four main islands...
Vamizi Island Lodge
Quirimbas Archipelago
Crusoe invented castaway chic, but Vamizi Island Lodge defines it, with 13 impossibly romantic timber villas strung...
Wild Beach Camping
Quirimbas Archipelago
Wild beach adventure camping allows you to stay on some of the most remote and wild beaches in Northern Mozambique....
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Mozambique
Suggested Itineraries
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Mozambique
Mozambique Travel Guide
Bazaruto Archipelago
A group of five peaceful islands off the Mozambique coastline, the Bazaruto Archipelago is a nature reserve of unspoilt white sand beaches, turquoise waters, coral reefs and palm trees, perfect for some post-safari relaxation. Made up of five islands, Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangue, the area is famed for its incredible scuba diving opportunities.
Ilha de Moçambique
This stunning little island, roughly 3km long and no more than 500m wide, has been linked to the mainland via a narrow road bridge since the 1960s, but it still feels like it is a very separate place where time has stood still. Recognised as a Unesco world heritage site, this tiny island was formerly hte old capital of Portuguese trading-post, off the coast of Northern Mozambique is an enchanting maze of narrow streets fringed by colonial buildings with a bustling harbour and market. Of particular interest is the 7th century palace museum, crammed with old cannons, muskets, sedan chairs and other memorabilia gathered by the Portuguese colonialists from round the world. Ilha de Mocambique is the old capital of Portuguese East Africa and it has many beautiful colonial buildings which are protected by the island's World Heritage site status, there is a palpable sense of faded glory here.
Inhambane
Inhambane is a tropical area with deserted white beaches and clear tropical waters, virtually undiscovered by tourists. The town of Inhambane is one of the oldest settlements in southern Africa. In 1534, Portuguese traders established a trading post here and their legacy can be seen in the architecture and layout of the city. Hundreds of graceful dhows on the usually tranquil water is one of Inhambane’s most obvious features. Apart from the friendly Mozambique people and breathtaking scenery, the region is fast becoming world famous for its spectacular diving. Diving off the coast of Inhambane compares to some of the best in the world. Some of the awesome sightings include Manta Rays, Whale Sharks and migrating Humpback Whales. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are teeming with life and the reefs are pristine. This is also one of the last refuges for the endangered Dugong.
Quirimbas Archipelago
Stretching along the northern coast of Mozambique, from Pemba to the Tanzanian border, the Quirimbas Archipelago presents us with some of the most unspoilt marine environments anywhere on earth. A dazzling chain of some 32 islands, the archipelago is home to rare dugongs and nesting sea turtles, exquisite coral gardens and a rich mosaic of marine life that includes dolphins, whales, sharks and a breathtaking kaleidoscope of reef fish. The southernmost of these islands fall under the protection of the Quirimbas National Park, a 1500 square kilometre expanse of ocean that contains within it some of the richest coral reefs in the world, providing us with some of the best diving available anywhere and a chance for marine encounters that are second to none. Add to that perfect white sandy beaches, unexplored mangroves swamps and a cultural mix that includes African, Arabic and European influences and you have an island chain of almost unsurpassed beauty that cannot fail to inspire wonder in anyone who sees it.
Varanda
Varanda Private Nature Reserve is a remote coastal wilderness in Northern Mozambique. It wild, untouched and very beautiful, filled with rugged dunes, mangroves and miles of unspoilt white beaches. The reserve lies at the tip of a peninsula and is only a short distance from the fascinating Ilha de Moçambique (Mozambique Island), the former portuguese capital of Mozambique, now a UNESCO World Hertiage Site.
Gorongosa National Park
Gorongosa national park is Mozambique’s best safari destination. Buffalo, lion, wildebeest, deer, warthog, elephants, leopard, zebra, monkeys and baboons are among the animals which roam the savannah and swing through rainforest and woodlands here, covering the valleys and plateaus of the southern Rift Valley. With its dramatic terrain of thick forest, mountains, lakes and open grassy plains there is huge variation in scenery and atmosphere here making it an intriguing corner of Africa.
Maputo
An ideal stopover on the way to Mozambique’s islands, Maputo is a lively capital city in the deep south of the country, overlooking the Indian Ocean. With a skyline of skyscrapers and bustling markets selling cashews and chillies, it is a city of contrasts: rich and poor live in distinct areas, yet the whole city still bears reminders of its centuries of Portuguese rule.
Vilanculos
A relaxed coastal village a third of the way up Mozambique, Vilanculos is bustling with daily markets and water-based activities off the palm-lined beaches. It is most often visited as a springboard to the Bazaruto Archipelago, which can be reached on a traditional wooden dhow.
Pemba
One of the world’s largest ports, Pemba lies before a massive expanse of dazzling blue ocean, with the waters of its deep bay alone covering a staggering 13,000 hectares. Its ideal location saw the city prosper under the Arabs and the Portuguese, growing to become the old colonial capital during the 19th century. This strategic port once lay at the centre of the ivory and slave trades between Africa, Europe and Arabia and the heart of the city still retains many beguiling reminders of its Portuguese heritage. Wandering through the old Paquitequete district, Pemba’s colonial charms are still very much in evidence in the crumbling architecture of its once proud mansions, whilst amongst the artisan stalls of Mbanguia market you can browse and barter for woodcarvings and silverware with the local merchants. The provincial capital of Cabo Delgado, Pemba today is a vibrant mix of the old and the new and presents an intriguing city in which to begin and end our exploration of the islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago.
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Mozambique
Mozambique Travel Information
Visa Information
UK passport holders require visas for Mozambique, which can be obtained on arrival at international airports in the country.
If planning on entering Mozambique by land, you should double-check as to whether visas can be obtained at your planned entry post. Visas issued on arrival in Pemba cost approximately $90 (including stamp duty, correct at time of print). You should have this money to hand in USD cash.
If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/embassy for up to date visa information.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip, and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa documentation when starting your trip. Country entry regulations can alter daily and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies for any changes.
Insurance:
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects of a Wild Frontiers trip and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy.
One such policy is the "Wild Frontiers" policy underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE " firm reference 202803), which is available to EU residents (which excludes Norway & Switzerland) through our website or via the insurance company direct on 0845 345 3456. Under this policy there are two different levels of cover available.
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers activities, including trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not provide cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel.
Elite policy: provides the same comprehensive level of cover as the standard policy. In addition the Elite policy also provides cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel. The policy will not provide cover for any claims arising from or relating to the reasons why the FCO is advising against travel.
If purchasing the Elite policy you also have the option to extend the cover provided by the policy to include cover for claims arising from a terrorist act in an area where the FCO is advising against travel. You can add this cover to your policy when purchasing online or over the telephone.
These policies are only available to those travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday.
For more information and to purchase your policy online please visit the Insurance section of our website.
The cover is underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE), and is arranged by Travel & General Insurance Service Limited. Both companies are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Wild Frontiers Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Travel & General Insurance Company plc, details of which can be found at the FSA's website www.fsa.gov.uk.
To contact them please visit their web
Health and Vaccinations:
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Mozambique, but if travelling from a country where Yellow Fever is deemed to be a risk (such as Kenya) then you must carry your immunisation card with you. You should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend protection against Malaria and that you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
We also recommend:
• A dental check-up prior to travelling.
• You inform us now of any pre-existing medical conditions or medication.
To be on the safe side you can also check on www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
How to book a trip
Group Tours
We currently have no group tours scheduled to Mozambique
