Mozambique is one of Africa’s rising stars. Outside the frenetic pace of the capital, life in Mozambique moves at a leisurely pace. Incredible coastal beaches and islands deliver barefoot relaxation in spades and the game reserves and national parks are some of the most remote and undiscovered on the continent.
Mozambique is one of Africa’s genuine hot-spots, and yet remains unspoilt. A long civil war mothballed its development away from the travel trail but it is now very safe and the locals couldn’t be more welcoming.
Maputo hums with life and is a fun and chaotic melting pot of African, Portuguese and middle-eastern influences.
The main drawcard are the islands and beaches, particularly around the archipelagos of Bazaruto, in the centre, and the Quirimbas in the far north, where you can find some of the best diving in the world and some truly remote and idyllic, intimate lodges. The deep-sea fishing is spectacular in the right season.
As a combination the two islands of Ibo and Ilha de Mocambique offer a contrast to the Robinson Crusoe islands, being of historical strategic importance to the Portuguese. These islands are fascinating to explore with their grand crumbling colonial buildings and palm-lined avenues.
Niassa and Gorongosa Game Reserves are two historic yet less well known african reserves and some of last frontiers in Africa. Gorongosa in its heyday was known as the Serengeti of the south, and is rebuilding its wonderful reputation. Although the game is not as prolific as some of its better knownneighbours, for those who have been to Africa many times over and looking for something a bit more adventurous, then this is worth considering for a more pioneering experience.
Time difference: 2 hrs +GMT. Although some island hotels have ‘island time’ to maximise on the daylight hours
Visa: British and North American passport holders will require a visa to enter. This can be purchased on arrival or prior to departure from your nearest embassy.
Health: You are advised to take anti-malaria pills for your trip. No specific shots are required to enter. But we do recommend you visit a travel health clinic prior to departure to make sure your standard travel vaccinations are up to date.
Language: official language is Portuguese, but they do speak english in all the main tourist areas.
How to get around: We usually recommend flying on scheduled or shared light aircrafts from area to area. We do not recommend self driving.
How to get there: Northern Mozambique is best accessed through East African hubs such as Dar Es Salaam and Nairobi, and southern Mozambique can be reached through Johannesburg. There are also direct flights from Portugal.
Who does it suit? Mozambique suits those after an un spoilt beach experience, staying in small, boutique style hotels. There are no large resorts. It is ideal for honeymooners, families, couples, divers.
Although Mozambique is a year round destination, there are certain months that lend themselves better than others. The most popular months for the beaches are from April – October, when it is cooler and less chance of rain. Daytime temperatures vary from mid 20’s – late 20’s. From December – March, it is hot with the occasional chance of short, heavy thunderstorms generally followed by hours of sunshine. Daytime temperatures are in the mid 30’s. Note January/February is cyclone season in Southern Mozambique, so best to avoid the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Ideal for a beach flop on its own. Or makes the perfect add-on to a safari either in East Africa (Northern Mozambique) or Southern Africa.
Get in touch and let us start planning your special trip… info@sarahjamestravel.com
