The Bazaruto Archipelago
Bazaruto is a national park of five islands with dunes, reefs and one of the last viable dugong populations in the western Indian Ocean.
Mozambique.
Pristine beaches. Islands. Marine life. Vibrant culture.
Indian Ocean coast & islands · 1 of 2
Mozambique remains one of Africa's best‑kept secrets — an enchanting coastal paradise defined by pristine white‑sand beaches, turquoise waters, and idyllic tropical offshore islands.
This unspoilt destination offers a perfect blend of barefoot luxury and raw natural beauty, where travellers can unwind in exclusivity along some of the continent’s most breathtaking shores. Beyond its captivating coastline, Mozambique reveals a rich wilderness experience, most notably within the remarkable Gorongosa National Park — the country’s flagship reserve.
Here, exceptional game viewing unfolds across a landscape of striking diversity, supported by inspiring conservation success stories. Mozambique promises a rare combination of serene coastal escape and authentic safari adventure, creating a uniquely rewarding and unforgettable journey.
Best time to travel
Apr – Nov
The dry season brings clear water and the best diving and snorkelling on the archipelagos. December to March is hotter and wetter, with a cyclone risk on the coast. An indicative pattern rather than a forecast; conditions vary year to year.
Start planning
Start planning your adventure
Please answer these few short questions to give us an idea of what kind of a journey you have in mind.
The guide
Mozambique in full
Mozambique is the region's beach: two and a half thousand kilometres of Indian Ocean coastline, coral archipelagos, and a Portuguese-inflected culture that feels quite unlike its neighbours.
It is where a Southern African safari most often finishes, and the flight from Johannesburg makes that easy. The islands — Bazaruto in the south, the Quirimbas in the north — are the destinations proper; the mainland coast is more variable.
The Quirimbas Archipelago
The Quirimbas are thirty-odd coral islands off the far north, and among the least developed island destinations in the Indian Ocean.
The southern coast and Maputo
The mainland coast south of Vilankulo is road-accessible from South Africa and quite different in character from the islands.
Gateways
- MPM — Maputo InternationalThe capital in the far south, closest to South Africa and the Kruger border.
- VNX — VilankuloThe gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, served from Johannesburg and Maputo.
- POL — PembaThe gateway to the Quirimbas Archipelago in the far north.
Getting around
- The islands are flown to. Vilankulo and Pemba take scheduled flights, and the transfer onward to a lodge is by light aircraft, helicopter or boat.
- The southern coast can be driven from South Africa, and Ponta do Ouro in particular is a short run from KwaZulu-Natal.
- The country is long. Maputo to Pemba is a distance comparable to London to Athens, and no itinerary should treat the north and the south as a single region.
In pictures
Mozambique
Photo redcharlie / Unsplash
Photo redcharlie / Unsplash
Photo Antonella Ragazzoni / Unsplash
Photo Nathalie Lays / Unsplash
Planning Mozambique
Mozambique — the questions we are asked
When is the best time to visit Mozambique?
Apr – Nov. The dry season brings clear water and the best diving and snorkelling on the archipelagos. December to March is hotter and wetter, with a cyclone risk on the coast.
Which Famous Africa journeys include Mozambique?
Famous Africa plans Mozambique as a tailor-made itinerary rather than a fixed departure, on its own or combined with neighbouring countries. Nothing is sold as a set package, so the routing, lodges and length are decided with the traveller.
What is Mozambique known for?
Mozambique remains one of Africa's best‑kept secrets — an enchanting coastal paradise defined by pristine white‑sand beaches, turquoise waters, and idyllic tropical offshore islands. Pristine beaches, Islands, Marine life, Vibrant culture.