available in Mozambique
offering Safaris
Reserves and Wildlife
Areas
Overview
A Mozambique safari gives you a chance to explore the marine wildlife to the fullest. Mozambique, situated on the Indian Ocean coastline, is dotted with popular beaches as well as a whole host of islands. This tropical paradise has so much to offer visitors; soft, dune-covered beaches and turquoise oceans, rich coral reefs and uninhabited archipelagos. And it is significantly cheaper than similar tropical destinations such as the Seychelles and less built-up than places like Mauritius, making this a much more accessible and altogether quainter holiday spot.
Mozambique tours include the Quirimbas, an archipelago consisting of more than 32 islands including Ibo, Matemo, Medjumbe, and Quirimba. Until recently this Mozambique holiday destination was relatively unknown and as a result quiet and secluded. Here visitors can expect nothing less than peaceful, uninhabited beaches, crystal clear oceans and luxurious accommodation options. These beautiful islands offer a host of activities such as scuba safaris and island hopping dhow safaris, as well as sea kayaking and other water sports. On the Quirimbas, wildlife includes an abundance of marine life such as turtles, whales and dolphins, as well as thriving coral reefs.
The Bazaruto Archipelago consists of five main islands – Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and tiny Bangué. These islands offer clear blue waters, fish of every colour of the rainbow and sandy beaches. In the oceans surrounding these islands visitors can see over 2,000 types of fish, as well as dolphins, turtles, whale sharks and the fascinating dugong. At this Mozambique holiday destination, there are also dozens of bird species, including fish eagles and pink flamingos. Animals of the area include red duikers, bushbucks and, especially on Benguerra, Nile crocodiles. Activities in the area include snorkelling, diving, bird watching safaris and whale watching.
Situated at the southern end of the Great African Rift Valley and in the heart of central Mozambique, Gorongosa National Park is one of the most richly diverse parks in the world. Formerly, it was the best wildlife safari in Mozambique. Sadly, however, due to Mozambique’s civil war, much of this diversity was destroyed and today the park is still undergoing restoration to its former glory. Despite this, Gorongosa still has a lot to offer travellers in terms of its diverse wildlife – some of which is found nowhere else in the world – as well as rich vegetation and plant life. Visitors can go on dawn and dusk game safaris, attend village tours as well enjoy boating, canoeing and hiking.
The Niassa Nature Reserve is difficult to access but is well worth the effort as it is home to over 10,000 elephants, more than 200 wild dogs, as well as lions, hyenas and three endemic species; the Boehms zebra, Johnstons impala and Niassa wildebeest. At Niassa, guests have the rare opportunity to experience a largely undiscovered wilderness area, with activities including wildlife safaris, rock climbing, camping and stargazing.
Mozambique Safari Travel Seasons
- Jan–Mar – Low Season. The rainy season can bring washed-out roads and occasional flooding in the south and centre. Cyclones can sometimes occur especially on the south coast. Humidity can be uncomfortably high during this time.
- Apr-May – Shoulder Season. The rains subside, humidity drops and the days are hot and sunny. Great snorkelling and diving.
- Jun-Oct – High Season. Dry season with often ideal tropical weather and the best time for game viewing. June, July and August are the coolest months.
- Nov-Dec – Shoulder Season. It starts getting hot and humid with the rainy season approaching.
General Information
- Capital city – Maputo
- Currency – Meticals (MT)
- Languages – Portuguese, English
- Size – 801,600 km²
- Population – 39.10 million
Health and Safety
- Travel insurance is essential for all international travel. Click below to find out more:
- The CDC recommends the following vaccinations for Mozambique: hepatitis A and typhoid. Check with your doctor which other vaccinations you might need and make sure your routine vaccinations are all up-to-date.
- Malaria is present in Mozambique – get medical advice on which prophylaxis to take.
- It is best to stick to drinking bottled water.
Pros
- Huge coastline with beautiful beaches
- Pretty low tourist numbers
- Fantastic snorkelling and diving
- Great place to see whale sharks
- Remote wildlife reserves
Cons
- Some very expensive lodges
- Not a classic safari destination
- Still recovering from decades of civil war
- Can be busy during regional holidays, particularly Christmas
Arriving in Mozambique
- Most international travellers arrive in Mozambique by air, usually into Maputo international airport
- If you are already in the region then you can drive or bus in
Getting Around
- Mozambique is a large country with very specific tourism areas
- Distances between major tourist areas are large so internal charter flights are the best way to travel
- Most travellers will be on an organised tour with flights and transfers already sorted out
Visas
Visas are required by all visitors except citizens of South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Tanzania, Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius and Zimbabwe, check detail here – Mozambique Visas >>