MOZAMBIQUE
Soft, white sand beaches lined with coconut palms stretched as far as the eye can see. More beautiful than the Seychelles, more private than Maldives and fabulous lodges and hotels. Its marine parks and diving spots are devine.
MOZAMBIQUE
Swaying palms, white sands and sun-dappled turquoise water lure visitors to Mozambique’s long stretch of coast — a relaxing complement to a busy few days on safari. From here, you can dive and snorkel among fish-riddled reefs, explore tiny fishing villages or take a traditional dhow out on the pink-tinged ocean at sunset. There’s a lot more to this largely undeveloped country, though. Our safari specialists, who’ve visited here many times, can help you to discover its wildlife, culture and colonial past on a holiday to Mozambique tailored to your interests. Spending 400 years under Portuguese rule has left its mark in places such as Ibo Island, where dilapidated churches and crumbling mansions line the streets. You can also see the legacy of the country’s role in Swahili and Portuguese trade in its former capital, Ilha de Mocambique. Elsewhere, a safari in Niassa Game Reserve, in the north, gives you a chance to see large herds of elephant alongside buffalo, zebra and wildebeest.
WHEN TO GO TO MOZAMBIQUE
The May to November winter season is when to go to Mozambique for cooler temperatures and the least chance of rain; December to April is the wet summer season although it generally rains in brief but vigorous downpours after which the sun comes out again. Note that January and February is cyclone season in southern Mozambique and there’s every chance of a great deal of torrential rain – we’d advise avoiding the Bazaruto Archipelago at this time.
If the main focus of your Mozambique holiday is game viewing then the best time to visit Mozambique is during the dry months of August and September when the bush has thinned out and wildlife is concentrated around rivers and waterholes.
HIGHLIGHTS
Ibo Island
Ibo dates back to the early 1600’s, and has a fascinating history of slaves, pirates and ivory trading. This small, forested island is understandably the most visited part of the Quirimbas Archipelago, and has recently been nominated for World Heritage status.
Ibo town was once a prosperous trading post, but today many of the colonial houses have been abandoned, and are crumbling beyond repair. Walking along wide roads lined with grand, old mansions is almost like stepping back 200 years in time.A guided tour will take you to the beautiful Catholic Church and the fort of St Jao Baptista on the northern side of the island. Silversmiths at the fort melt down old nickel coins to create delicate silver bracelets and pendants.
Medjumbe
Medjumbe is a tiny castaway island, only 800m in length, and the perfect romantic retreat. The translucent sea is alive with a dazzling display of coral and fish, while above the waves the island teems with birdlife. This really is a fantasy island for those who wish to have exclusivity and privacy in a remote tropical location. Leisurely days can be spent exploring numerous coves, and you can arrange a private picnic on the nearby island of Quissanga.
Quilalea Island
Immediately to the south of Ibo Island, Quilalea Island is a small, tropical paradise which is completely uninhabited – staying here you easily get the feeling that you have the whole place to yourself.
The Quilalea Sanctuary was the first marine protected area in the Quirimbas. There is an incredible abundance of sea life in the surrounding ocean, and a coral reef just five metres from the main beach. Swim, snorkel, go scuba diving and fishing, or for long, leisurely strolls.
If this sounds like your kind of holiday, take a helicopter transfer from Pemba to the island, and stay in a villa at Azura @ Quilalea Private Island.
Quirimbas
It’s not often the world gets a new corner to explore but the relatively unknown Quirimbas Archipelago is rapidly becoming Africa’s hottest beach destination. Seclusion, a laidback rhythm of life, a rich marine world and crystal clear water – these are just a few of the draw cards of a Quirimbas island holiday.
The archipelago is made up of 27 coral islands strung along Mozambique’s northern coast from Pemba to the Tanzanian border. Many are uninhabited, and Quirimbas accommodation is limited to a handful of luxurious lodges and romantic beach bungalows, so it’s easy to find an empty stretch of beach all to yourself.
Coconut palms and powder-white beaches line small private islands like Vamizi, Quilalea and tiny Medjumbe Private Island. Add to this bucketfuls of luxury and a fantastic range of activities – from thrilling scuba diving to peaceful dhow cruises – and you’re looking at the perfect off-the-beaten track escape. We’d also highly recommend a visit to Ibo Island with its crumbling old Portuguese villas, historic fort and silversmiths crafting intircate jewellery.
Vamizi Island
The biodiversity at Vimizi Island is incredible, with abundant tropical vegetation and samango monkeys playing in the trees. You can walk forever along deserted beaches where you may see tracks left by hawksbill and green turtles; over 300 turtle nest sites have been protected to date. Reefs of unbleached coral provide idyllic conditions for both snorkeling and scuba diving, and all six of Vamizi’s beaches slope gently into the sea – so you can safely wade out into the warm tropical water.
We’d recommend staying in one of the luxurious beach houses at Vamizi Island Lodge, where a selection of loungers, swinging beds and ‘Swahili day beds’ provide perfect spots to while away the heat of the day – gazing over dog-eared pages at the translucent ocean.
Our favorite places in MOZAMBIQUE
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Contact us if you’re ready to book your safari or to get additional information.