Described by those in the know as the hottest new destination in the world Mozambique’s secret is out! Think tropical desert islands, palm fringed powder white beaches and crystal clear waters, and you are imagining Mozambique.
Largely untouched by other mainstream tourism standards, the magical destination of Mozambique has over 2,400 m of pristine coastline, spectacular beaches and marine life, a rich history and culture that blends an indigenous African experience with Arab, Portuguese and Indian influences, white silky palm fringed and exotic islands, magnificent architecture and a rich heritage.
Perhaps though, the most unique attraction are the people in Mozambique who are friendly and warm and by interacting you can experience a true slice of Mozambique culture.
Mozambique is located on the east coast of Africa and boasts world class luxury eco lodges set amongst lush vegetation, white sandy pristine uninhabited beaches; clear, turquoise waters and some of the most un-spoilt, unexplored and important island reef ecosystems in the Indian Ocean.
Combinations of activities in Mozambique include outstanding beaches, spa treatments, scuba diving, game fishing, sea kayaking, snorkeling, whale and dolphin watching (in season); island exploring, mangrove excursions, historical dhow cruises. Cultural exchanges are abundant Mozambique, particularly on Ibo Island and you will have the chance to interact, and catch a glimpse of an ancient lifestyle. With an amazing variety of birdlife, bird watching in Mozambique is also outstanding.
Of all the countries we travel and work in, Mozambique remains our firm favorite. From the relatively undeveloped north to the pristine islands in the south we can plan it all for you effortlessly. Contact us for expert knowledge on the array of stunning beach holidays in Mozambique.
Brief highlights of Mozambique’s main attractions
PEMBA
One of Mozambique’s primary holiday destinations in days gone by, Pemba, formerly known as Porto Amelia, is the vibrant capital of the Cabo Delgado Province. The city lies on the south shore of Pemba Bay which is the third largest bay in the world.
We have been traveling to Pemba for the last 15 years and have seen it grow in size and change considerably, yet in parts it still retains its small traditional fishing village atmosphere. It has a modern port, an international airport, hotels, restaurants, patisseries and bakeries baking the freshest of Portuguese rolls and a network of newly-repaired roads and facilities. It is still however a developing tourism destination, and there are still issues with litter and power cuts and other typical issues of a developing infrastructure. Each year major facilities of Pemba are upgraded and we hardly recognize the place when comparing to how we first discovered it. You won’t want to miss a visit to Pemba’s authentic local market or Souk, where all manner of fabrics, traditional medicines, arts, crafts, as well as tropical fruits and vegetables can be bought - a bargain hunter's delight. Combined with the historic charm and colonial architecture of the older parts of the city, Pemba makes for a fascinating and vibrant holiday destination situated on this beautiful stretch of Mozambican coastline.
Pemba is also renowned as being a prime Mozambique holiday destination for water sports and scuba diving enthusiasts as the coral reef lies close to the shore and is excellent. There are many pristine, white beaches along the coast, including the infamous Wimbe beach some 5 km from the city. It is here that most of the tourism development in Pemba are located with various hotels, beach side restaurants, bars and dive centers. The Pemba coastline is also a place where bush meets beach. Thick stands of huge, ancient baobabs are fringed by emerald blue seas and the coastline is plied by hundreds of lateen-rigged dhows - reminders of a trading and fishing tradition inspired by the Arabs nearly 800 years ago.
Most people use Pemba as the gateway to the fabulous Quirimbas Archipelago and Ibo Island. Contact us for assistance in piecing it all together.
MAPUTO
Maputo is the capital city of Mozambique, and was formerly known as Lourenco Marques. Situated on the coast, in the extreme south of Mozambique, Maputo retains much of the atmosphere of its Portuguese colonial past, with its wide streets lined by Acacia and Jacaranda trees. Maputo evokes mystical, exotic, seafarer images as reflected in its historically important seaport, dating back 400 years. Today however, it’s a busy, vibrant African city with lots of hot spots to explore and plenty of speciality Mozambique restaurants, bars, night clubs museums, friendly people and vibe.
To capture the true feeling of it's interesting old colonial buildings and busy street life, its best to explore Maputo on foot. There are numerous places of interest within the city. Maputo's unmistakable landmark, the Cathedral on Independence Square, is an imposing sight, as is the Central Railway Station, an enormous structure painted by Gustave Eiffel and which looks more like a palace for kings than a siding for commuters! The grand City Hall is also found on Independence Square. The Gothic-style Museum of Natural History houses exhibits many animal species of Mozambique and the Fortress, one of the oldest buildings in Maputo, is now the Colonial History Museum. The very modern Mousinho de Albuquerque Square, the Eduardo Mondlane University, the National Library, as well as the magnificent Tunduro Gardens are also all well worth a visit. The buzzing Municipal Market is the best place to shop for handicrafts, basketwork, carvings and don’t forget to sample the freshest of fire grilled prawns and other Mozambique traditional foods.
There are several hotels that we recommend and can book for you in Maputo. Many people request to spend a couple of nights in Maputo en route to Ibo Island, so that they can enjoy this vibrant city. The gracious Polana Hotel is world famous, but there are several other quality properties that we can recommend.
Contact us for advice or assistance with all your Mozambique hotel bookings.
