Why visit Mozambique? 5 things that make Mozambique unique
What is Unique about Mozambique?
I think Mozambique is beautiful. But what is unique about Mozambique? This is, of course, a question that’s often asked of me, given the name of my company! The name sort of popped up spontaneously after we had been living here in Vilanculos, Mozambique for about two years. I thought – “why hasn’t there been a company with this name before?” It was waiting for me.
Top 5 reasons you should visit Mozambique
1. The people
“What do you miss most about Mozambique right now?” - a Portuguese friend asked me when we were in Europe for a few months in 2023. I let this question sit for a bit, but if I have to choose the number one thing that I miss I replied, it would definitely be the people here.
Mozambicans are very sweet and friendly, maybe a little bit reserved at first, but this is often due to language barriers. I have always met many warm people on my travels throughout southern Africa - Africans in general have a lot of fun and laugh a lot! I feel a lot of humanity and compassion here in Africa. It's something you can directly feel and experience whether it’s in their family, communities, or lending a helping hand to the weary traveler.
Mozambicans can come across somewhat shy at first but once they trust you, they show incredible purity and sincerity. After living here for almost four years now, I’ve discovered that Mozambicans really enjoy doing things together, including with you. They are genuinely happy when you have had a nice experience or had a good time or trip (΅boa viagem”).
2. Authentic, undiscovered and unspoiled
When we first visited Mozambique in 2008, I immediately found it a country of immense beauty. Now that we live here, I realize even more how unspoiled it (still) is - from the African bush that covers most of the country, to its pristine coastline and marine life.
The south of Mozambique sees more and more tourists these days, and places like Tofo Beach or Ponta do Ouro ('Point of Gold') are very popular. But even here, tourism is minimal compared to other destinations.
Apart from the big cities, you won’t see shopping malls here. Instead, local dhows slowly sail by in the morning, bringing their catch of the day back ashore in the afternoon, playing dolphins and fast running crabs, while local children will always climb a palm tree to get a coconut for you.
In Mozambique life is still mainly determined by the cycle of the tides and the seasons.
3. Safe and relaxed
4. Exclusive safaris: The Big Five on land and in the Ocean!
The Big 5 on both land and in the ocean - Mozambique has it all! It is one of the most beautiful destinations for snorkeling and diving in Africa.
The Indian Ocean’s clear blue underwater world is home to many extraordinary underwater species - a fascinating aquarium for the undersea explorer.
What can you see in the ocean?
Dugong
Commonly known as a 'sea cow', the dugong is now an endangered mammal that lives in the warm waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago. This vegetarian is a beautiful animal to see. They are related to the manatee - water mammals that have existed for more than 50 million years.
Manta Rays
The waters off Tofo Beach and the Bazaruto Archipelago are a globally important location for manta ray populations, the largest of the devil ray species. The largest populations of reef and giant manta rays in Africa are to be found here, and every year more species continue to be discovered. American born and Vilanculos based Andrea Marshall was the first person in the world to complete a PhD on manta rays, and the BBC documentary “Queen of the Mantas” is a tribute to her work which is well worth watching.
Humpback whales
From June to September you can take a boat trip or (depending on where you are) simply stand on the beach and watch the majestic migrating and breaching humpback whales along the coast of Mozambique. They come here during these months from Antarctica, to warmer waters, where they give birth to their young. A must see if you are here during this time.
5. Mozambique's Rich Culture and History - Cultural Holidays to Mozambique
Mozambique, though, is much more than beach and safari. What many people don’t know is that it also has UNESCO world heritage sites and many cultural and historical places to visit. Mozambique Island (Ilha de Mozambique), with Stonetown, local Makua and Swahili culture, mix of Portuguese and Arab influences and UNESCO heritage is a fascinating place to visit and stay.
The beautiful locally made handicrafts and baskets are a treasure to take home.
Mozambican cuisine is a blend of Portuguese and African influences, in the north also Indian and Arab influences. Mozambique has some of the best fresh seafood, especially lobster and prawns are a delight.
The capital Maputo, previously known as Lourenço Marques, has many interesting art galleries, good restaurants where you can taste the Mozambican kitchen and architectural sites to visit.
Last but not least, the colours!
Finally, the colours. This is something that immediately stands out in Mozambique. When I first visited, I had never seen such beautiful white beaches. I lived in the Algarve in Portugal for 10 years and there the beaches are also fantastic, of course. But let me tell you, Mozambique is something else. Perfect turquoise waters, especially around Mozambique Island and the Bazaruto Archipelago, dhows slowly drifting by, fisherman selling you fresh lobster, the colourful capulanas (sarongs) of the local women, and an unspoiled coast with hardly any tourists. A unique combination.
Mozambique - the Thailand of Africa but without the influx of tourists.
