1. Vilanculos
This is where we are based. Who would not want to live in this very relaxed place where life is still slow and authentic and fresh fish is being sold on the beach, facing the idyllic Bazaruto Archipelago with its paradise islands, turquoise blue water and spectacular underwater world….
Vilanculos is a perfect place to relax and unwind, go for a quiet walk on the beach, enjoy a drink on the beach watching the dhows passing by and enjoying the calming waves of the ocean. Use your time here for some self- care and self-love and join one of the yoga classes, a meditation practice with Gerry, or try one of the lovely Spa treatments in a local hotel or on the beach.
If you want to be more active, there are plenty of things to do. Canoeing in the Govuro wetlands is one of my favourites, or a visit to the archeological site at Chibuene, my favourite area of Vilanculos, about 10km out of town. Chibuene is one of the oldest trading places on the coast of East Africa and the local restaurant by the old Baobab is entirely run by the local community. Another inspiring community project activity is a sea horse safari. This is run by the local NGO Parco who collect and recycle plastic rubbish. Extremely valuable work!
It’s nice to learn about Vilanculos, its specialities, people and its history, by taking a local village tour or a lovely birding/walking tour with my colleague Crispen. Go horseriding with Mozambique Horse Safari or kitesurfing in the bay. The choice is yours!
2. Bazaruto Archipelago
Imagine yourself on a pristine island with incredible ocean views and white beaches in the middle of the warm Indian Ocean, surrounded by swaying palm trees, untouched protected coral reefs, whales, dolphins and the rare dugong. Visit the biggest island Bazaruto or opt for Paradise Island (Santa Carolina) where Bob Dylan wrote his song Mozambique. Tiny Magaruque Island is perfect to visit by dhow, or head for a Robinson Crusoe experience to uninhabited Bangue island with its beautiful starfish.
3. Ilha de Mozambique (Mozambique Island)
Travel back in time to fascinating historical-culturally rich and UNESCO world heritage-listed Ilha de Mozambique, the Zanzibar of Mozambique but without the hordes of tourists. Full of beautiful accommodations. Foodies will love it here too!
Stay a couple of days in one of the beautifully restored historical buildings – now boutique hotels – and cross over to Cabaceira Grande or Lumbo for a peaceful and relaxing stay away from the hustle and bustle of Ilha, where you will find the most beautiful beaches you will ever see.
4. Gorongosa National Park
Gorongosa is overwhelming. A safari in what is Africa’s greatest wildlife restoration story is a unique and very special experience. Remote, wild, exclusive, diverse and off the beaten track. Bush and Beach at its best! Read also my other post about our recent visit to Gorongosa National Park.
5. Tofo
Lively and vibrant Tofo with its huge beach, good choice of restaurants, hip vibe and affordable accommodation is home of the whale sharks, mantarays, humpack whales and many more beautiful underwater creatues. This is THE place to do an ocean safari, dive the numerous reefs, go on a daytrip to the lagoon or just relax, chill.
6. Bartolomeu Dias (BD) Point, Inhassoro
Where can you, anywhere in the world, drive 35kms on a white sandy beach – low tide only – and arrive at a paradise-like tropical secluded lagoon with clear crystal water, soft white sand, dhows slowly passing by and feel completely at the end of the world and in peace?
Visiting BD Point – on the Nhamabue Peninsula 8o kms north of Vilanculos – is a unique experience. The transfer to and from, staying in one of the very unique accommodations here, is a true into-the-wild experience.
7. Morrungulo
Be a Robinson Crusoe and take yourself to a spectacular stretch of unspoiled coastline with white sand and huge coconut and indigenous trees, while buying your fresh fish from the fishermen. This is the place to hide yourself from the world, watch the moon rising up from the ocean and view endless starry skies. The diving here is fantastic and you can even join a yoga class with Peri Peri divers. Or why not dive into your inner self and combine Morrungulo with our unique well-being and well-doing package?
8. Maputo National Park
Unique, because here it is possible to see the two largest mammals in one day: The elephant and the whale!
Only 100km south of the capital Maputo, Maputo Special Reserve is very accessible, yet still not busy with tourists. It combines lakes, wetlands, forests, mangroves and lots of wildlife. A safari here is a very relaxing experience and great start or end of your trip!
9. Maputo
It feels a bit unfair to put Mozambique’s relaxed coastal capital on nr 9 but don’t read the list in order…Maputo is cool! Lots of artists and culture, great markets, great restaurants, a relaxed vibe, live music and a fantastic fish market where you can buy the freshest of fish. While you have your cold beer they will cook it for you! A super local and cool experience.
10. The Secrets
Mozambique is full of hidden getaways, empty unspoiled and secluded beaches, places and surprises. Inhambane is a lovely town to visit, Beira a good base to visit Gorongosa. The small rural town of Mabote, halfway down to Zinave National Park, is a friendly little town where I found a true example of community tourism. Zinave National Park is the new promising star of Mozambique and I am extremely excited to share this fantastic experience with you. There are so many places to tell you.
Everything is different and unique. Let me surprise you. Welcome to Mozambique!
