last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Mozambique
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Location Map of Mozambique
Mozambique
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Mozambique has one site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
Mozambique Island (1991)
The former capital of Portuguese East Africa has preserved numerous colonial-era buildings and testimonies with Swahili influences. This heritage has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. It also offers beaches and opportunities for diving or boat trips.
The former capital of Portuguese East Africa has preserved numerous colonial-era buildings and testimonies with Swahili influences. This heritage has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. It also offers beaches and opportunities for diving or boat trips.
The Coast
Bazaruto Archipelago
Five islands with nearly deserted beaches like those of Santa Carolina, plus opportunities for diving, surfing, and deep-sea fishing. The archipelago is a national park.
Five islands with nearly deserted beaches like those of Santa Carolina, plus opportunities for diving, surfing, and deep-sea fishing. The archipelago is a national park.
Quirimbas Archipelago
Around thirty islands with beautiful beaches and marine life north of Pemba. The southernmost islands are part of the Quirimbas National Park. There are also a few Portuguese colonial remnants scattered around, such as on Ibo.
Around thirty islands with beautiful beaches and marine life north of Pemba. The southernmost islands are part of the Quirimbas National Park. There are also a few Portuguese colonial remnants scattered around, such as on Ibo.
Beira
This major port is the second-largest city in Mozambique, located on its central coast. The city isn’t particularly touristy, with little to see and only a few beaches.
This major port is the second-largest city in Mozambique, located on its central coast. The city isn’t particularly touristy, with little to see and only a few beaches.
Bilene
In the south of the country, near Xai-Xai, this is the closest beach resort to Johannesburg. Plenty of water activities available and quite a few people.
In the south of the country, near Xai-Xai, this is the closest beach resort to Johannesburg. Plenty of water activities available and quite a few people.
Ibo
This island in the Quirimbas hosted one of the first Portuguese trading posts in this part of Africa. Many colonial-era buildings from that time can still be seen here.
This island in the Quirimbas hosted one of the first Portuguese trading posts in this part of Africa. Many colonial-era buildings from that time can still be seen here.
Ilha da Inhaca
Across the bay from Maputo, the island is popular with South African tourists for its beaches, diving, birdwatching, and ecotourism in general.
Across the bay from Maputo, the island is popular with South African tourists for its beaches, diving, birdwatching, and ecotourism in general.
Mozambique Island
The former capital of Portuguese East Africa has preserved numerous colonial-era buildings and testimonies with Swahili influences. This heritage has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. It also offers beaches and opportunities for diving or boat trips.
The former capital of Portuguese East Africa has preserved numerous colonial-era buildings and testimonies with Swahili influences. This heritage has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. It also offers beaches and opportunities for diving or boat trips.
Inhambane
Nestled in its bay, this historic town still features an old quarter dominated by its Portuguese cathedral. Several beaches (including Tofo and Barra) and a wide variety of marine life (sharks, rays, turtles, etc.) make for excellent diving spots.
Nestled in its bay, this historic town still features an old quarter dominated by its Portuguese cathedral. Several beaches (including Tofo and Barra) and a wide variety of marine life (sharks, rays, turtles, etc.) make for excellent diving spots.
Inhassoro
Facing the Bazaruto Archipelago, this small town, like Vilanculos, has developed its tourism industry with its beaches and opportunities for diving or sea fishing.
Facing the Bazaruto Archipelago, this small town, like Vilanculos, has developed its tourism industry with its beaches and opportunities for diving or sea fishing.
Maputo
In the south of the country, near South Africa, the capital is a blend of old colonial buildings, "Stalinist"-style constructions, and modern structures. Several beaches nearby.
In the south of the country, near South Africa, the capital is a blend of old colonial buildings, "Stalinist"-style constructions, and modern structures. Several beaches nearby.
Pemba
Nestled in one of the world’s largest bays, Pemba is known for its beaches, diving, and water activities. You can also discover many beautiful Portuguese ruins here. Quirimbas National Park is just a few kilometres away.
Nestled in one of the world’s largest bays, Pemba is known for its beaches, diving, and water activities. You can also discover many beautiful Portuguese ruins here. Quirimbas National Park is just a few kilometres away.
Ponta do Ouro
At the southernmost tip of Mozambique, this somewhat hard-to-reach locality is renowned for its beaches, diving, surfing, deep-sea fishing, and dolphins.
At the southernmost tip of Mozambique, this somewhat hard-to-reach locality is renowned for its beaches, diving, surfing, deep-sea fishing, and dolphins.
Quelimane
A large port city with an 18th-century Portuguese church and beautiful surrounding beaches.
A large port city with an 18th-century Portuguese church and beautiful surrounding beaches.
Tofo
This village, about twenty kilometres from Inhambane, has become a major tourist hub for its beaches and, above all, its diving opportunities thanks to exceptional marine life (sharks, rays, turtles...).
This village, about twenty kilometres from Inhambane, has become a major tourist hub for its beaches and, above all, its diving opportunities thanks to exceptional marine life (sharks, rays, turtles...).
Vilanculos
With the nearby Bazaruto Archipelago Marine Park, of which it is the gateway, the town is now the "capital" of diving, deep-sea fishing, and dhow trips. It also boasts beautiful beaches.
With the nearby Bazaruto Archipelago Marine Park, of which it is the gateway, the town is now the "capital" of diving, deep-sea fishing, and dhow trips. It also boasts beautiful beaches.
Xai-Xai
This town north of Maputo was one of the country’s first tourist destinations thanks to its beaches (Praia do Xai-Xai) and diving.
This town north of Maputo was one of the country’s first tourist destinations thanks to its beaches (Praia do Xai-Xai) and diving.
Natural Heritage
Bazaruto Archipelago National Park
One of the continent’s most beautiful marine parks. Exceptional wildlife, excellent diving and boat excursions (plus local surfing opportunities), and five islands with stunning, nearly deserted beaches like those on Santa Carolina.
One of the continent’s most beautiful marine parks. Exceptional wildlife, excellent diving and boat excursions (plus local surfing opportunities), and five islands with stunning, nearly deserted beaches like those on Santa Carolina.
Quirimbas National Park
This is a magnificent park that includes both a coastal strip and the southern part of the Quirimbas archipelago. It offers a rich wildlife experience on the mainland (lions, elephants, crocodiles...) and stunning marine environments around the islands, perfect for diving or swimming.
This is a magnificent park that includes both a coastal strip and the southern part of the Quirimbas archipelago. It offers a rich wildlife experience on the mainland (lions, elephants, crocodiles...) and stunning marine environments around the islands, perfect for diving or swimming.
Maputo Special Reserve
On the border of South Africa and Eswatini, forming the "Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area" with other parks in these countries, the site is home to several hundred elephants, as well as hippos, crocodiles, monkeys, and birds...
On the border of South Africa and Eswatini, forming the "Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area" with other parks in these countries, the site is home to several hundred elephants, as well as hippos, crocodiles, monkeys, and birds...
The Interior
Chimoio
The city is purely a transport hub for those traveling to Malawi or Zimbabwe from southern Mozambique.
The city is purely a transport hub for those traveling to Malawi or Zimbabwe from southern Mozambique.
Nampula
It's the largest city in northern Mozambique and the country's third-largest. Not really a tourist destination.
It's the largest city in northern Mozambique and the country's third-largest. Not really a tourist destination.
Natural Heritage
Lake Malawi
It is shared between Tanzania, Mozambique, and Malawi, with ferries available for crossing. By far, the Malawian side is the most tourist-friendly, featuring beaches, "beach resorts," and even cruise possibilities. Meanwhile, the Mozambican side (and similarly in Tanzania) is less visited but still accessible, with beautiful beaches near Metangula, birdwatching opportunities, and some hiking options.
It is shared between Tanzania, Mozambique, and Malawi, with ferries available for crossing. By far, the Malawian side is the most tourist-friendly, featuring beaches, "beach resorts," and even cruise possibilities. Meanwhile, the Mozambican side (and similarly in Tanzania) is less visited but still accessible, with beautiful beaches near Metangula, birdwatching opportunities, and some hiking options.
Chimanimani National Park
Straddling Zimbabwe and Mozambique, this pleasant mountainous park with several waterfalls, peaking at 2,440 m, offers great trekking opportunities.
Straddling Zimbabwe and Mozambique, this pleasant mountainous park with several waterfalls, peaking at 2,440 m, offers great trekking opportunities.
Gorongosa National Park
In the hinterland of Beira, this large park is home to many African species (lions, elephants, buffalo, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, birds, etc.). It is quite popular with visitors.
In the hinterland of Beira, this large park is home to many African species (lions, elephants, buffalo, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, birds, etc.). It is quite popular with visitors.
Great Limpopo National Park
Bordering South Africa’s Kruger National Park—with which it is linked as part of a transfrontier project (also including Zimbabwe)—this vast park is home to a fine cross-section of African wildlife. On the Mozambique side, Great Limpopo encompasses Banhine, Zinave, and Limpopo national parks.
Bordering South Africa’s Kruger National Park—with which it is linked as part of a transfrontier project (also including Zimbabwe)—this vast park is home to a fine cross-section of African wildlife. On the Mozambique side, Great Limpopo encompasses Banhine, Zinave, and Limpopo national parks.
Niassa Reserve
Vast natural area on the border with Tanzania. It is home to diverse wildlife (elephants, buffaloes, leopards, birds, etc.).
Vast natural area on the border with Tanzania. It is home to diverse wildlife (elephants, buffaloes, leopards, birds, etc.).
Must-see & highly recommended
Bazaruto Archipelago
★★★★ Five islands with nearly deserted beaches like those of Santa Carolina, plus opportunities for diving, surfing, and deep-sea fishing. The…
Quirimbas Archipelago
★★★★ Around thirty islands with beautiful beaches and marine life north of Pemba. The southernmost islands are part of the Quirimbas National…
Quirimbas National Park
★★★★ This is a magnificent park that includes both a coastal strip and the southern part of the Quirimbas archipelago. It offers a rich wildlife…
Recommended
Mozambique Island
★★★ The former capital of Portuguese East Africa has preserved numerous colonial-era buildings and testimonies with Swahili influences. This…
Lake Malawi
★★★ It is shared between Tanzania, Mozambique, and Malawi, with ferries available for crossing. By far, the Malawian side is the most…
Bazaruto Archipelago National Park
★★★ One of the continent’s most beautiful marine parks. Exceptional wildlife, excellent diving and boat excursions (plus local surfing…
Worth a look / Other
Ibo
★★ This island in the Quirimbas hosted one of the first Portuguese trading posts in this part of Africa. Many colonial-era buildings from that…
Ilha da Inhaca
★★ Across the bay from Maputo, the island is popular with South African tourists for its beaches, diving, birdwatching, and ecotourism in…
Inhambane
★★ Nestled in its bay, this historic town still features an old quarter dominated by its Portuguese cathedral. Several beaches (including Tofo…
Maputo
★★ In the south of the country, near South Africa, the capital is a blend of old colonial buildings, "Stalinist"-style constructions, and…
Chimanimani National Park
★★ Straddling Zimbabwe and Mozambique, this pleasant mountainous park with several waterfalls, peaking at 2,440 m, offers great trekking…
Gorongosa National Park
★★ In the hinterland of Beira, this large park is home to many African species (lions, elephants, buffalo, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, birds…
Great Limpopo National Park
★★ Bordering South Africa’s Kruger National Park—with which it is linked as part of a transfrontier project (also including…
Pemba (Mozambique)
★★ Nestled in one of the world’s largest bays, Pemba is known for its beaches, diving, and water activities. You can also discover many…
Ponta do Ouro
★★ At the southernmost tip of Mozambique, this somewhat hard-to-reach locality is renowned for its beaches, diving, surfing, deep-sea fishing…
Niassa Reserve
★★ Vast natural area on the border with Tanzania. It is home to diverse wildlife (elephants, buffaloes, leopards, birds, etc.).
Maputo Special Reserve
★★ On the border of South Africa and Eswatini, forming the "Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area" with other parks in these countries, the…
Tofo
★★ This village, about twenty kilometres from Inhambane, has become a major tourist hub for its beaches and, above all, its diving…
Vilanculos
★★ With the nearby Bazaruto Archipelago Marine Park, of which it is the gateway, the town is now the "capital" of diving, deep-sea fishing…
Beira
★ This major port is the second-largest city in Mozambique, located on its central coast. The city isn’t particularly touristy, with…
Bilene
★ In the south of the country, near Xai-Xai, this is the closest beach resort to Johannesburg. Plenty of water activities available and quite…
Chimoio
★ The city is purely a transport hub for those traveling to Malawi or Zimbabwe from southern Mozambique.
Inhassoro
★ Facing the Bazaruto Archipelago, this small town, like Vilanculos, has developed its tourism industry with its beaches and opportunities…
Nacala
★ A port city in the north with a modest tourism scene centered around beaches and diving.
Nampula
★ It's the largest city in northern Mozambique and the country's third-largest. Not really a tourist destination.
Quelimane
★ A large port city with an 18th-century Portuguese church and beautiful surrounding beaches.
Marromeu Reserve
★ Small coastal reserve between Beira and Quelimane with a wealth of bird species.
Tete
★ A large inland town on the route crossing the country from Zimbabwe to Malawi; nothing more...
Xai-Xai
★ This town north of Maputo was one of the country’s first tourist destinations thanks to its beaches (Praia do Xai-Xai) and diving.
- Bazaruto Archipelago
- Quirimbas Archipelago
- Beira
- Bilene
- Ibo
- Ilha da Inhaca
- Mozambique Island
- Inhambane
- Inhassoro
- Maputo
- Nacala
- Quelimane
- Tofo
- Vilanculos
- Xai-Xai
- Bazaruto Archipelago National Park
- Quirimbas National Park
- Marromeu Reserve
- Chimoio
- Nampula
- Tete
- Gorongosa National Park
- Great Limpopo National Park
- Niassa Reserve
- Pemba (Mozambique)
- Maputo Special Reserve
- Ponta do Ouro