This cluster of idyllic islands (Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina) is pure paradise. Think towering sand dunes plunging into azure waters, pristine coral reefs perfect for snorkelling and diving, nesting turtles, and flocks of flamingos. It’s home to luxury lodges and offers incredible deep-sea fishing and dhow safaris.
Stretching along the northern coast, this chain of islands offers a more remote and historically rich experience. Ibo Island is particularly fascinating, a former major trading post with crumbling, atmospheric stone buildings, forts, and talented local silversmiths. The surrounding islands boast untouched reefs and mangrove forests.
Famous globally among divers, Tofo is the place to potentially swim with whale sharks (seasonal, usually Oct-Mar) and giant manta rays year-round. It has a youthful, energetic vibe with backpacker lodges, dive centres, surf schools, and a long, beautiful sandy beach perfect for relaxing after underwater adventures.
This lively coastal town serves as the primary gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Beyond being a launching point, it offers its own lovely beaches, excellent kite-surfing conditions, bustling local markets where you can experience daily life, and a good range of accommodation options.
Mozambique's capital is a city of contrasts and energy. Explore the impressive Central Railway Station (often cited as one of the world's most beautiful), wander past other colonial-era buildings, browse the vibrant FEIMA craft market, indulge in fresh seafood at the Fish Market, and experience the city's pulsating music scene and nightlife.
A symbol of incredible conservation success, Gorongosa is undergoing remarkable restoration. While perhaps not offering the same Big Five density as Kruger, its diverse landscapes – from savanna and woodland to the vast Lake Urema and Mount Gorongosa – support growing populations of elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, incredible birdlife, and many unique antelope species. It offers a different, inspiring kind of safari.
