5 things that make Mozambique unique

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.

At the Fair for Adventurous, Luxury and Cultural tours in Amsterdam earlier this year, it was the first question that visitors asked : “So, what  makes Mozambique unique?” Here are my answers:

“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”).

Life here in Mozambique is still slow, uncomplicated and authentic. For tourism, Mozambique is relatively undiscovered and unknown. For this reason tourist numbers are low – which also means that you’ll have a lot of places and beaches to yourself. Unlike in other African countries for example, a safari in Gorongosa National Park means you are unlikely to meet more than one or two safari jeeps along the way. This is very special.

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. 

One of the reasons for us to settle in Vilanculos was its relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. Mozambique is a safe, calm and peaceful country. The far north of Mozambique, the Cabo Delgado province, has had internal problems for several years of now. This is related to the oil and gas fields there and a local population which feels they are not benefiting enough from these resources. Because of the troubles, the perception for some time has been that the whole of Mozambique would not be safe. But this is absolutely not true. The far north is hardly visited right now, and it is a couple of  thousand kms away from  where we live. But in the rest of the country you will very quickly feel at ease. You can easily travel around – with small children or your elderly father or mother of 80+ years.

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.

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.

Whale sharks

Tofo Beach is a popular destination for seeing these giants of the ocean. This big, friendly, and largest fish of the sea, is beautiful to see both underwater and from a boat on the surface, from which you might be able to jump overboard and snorkel alongside. Besides manta rays and whale sharks, Mozambique’s waters are also populated by barracudas, various shark species, huge giant lobsters and many types of reef fish. The Bazaruto Archipelago alone hosts more than 2,000 types of fish, making up 75% of the species found in the Indian Ocean.

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.

Safari in Mozambique: Gorongosa, Zinave & Maputo Nationa Park

Gorongosa National Park, in the heart of Mozambique, is a nature and wildlife paradise. Known as Africa’s largest nature restoration project, it is also home to the critically endangered pangolin, among others. Twenty years of ecosystem restoration has brought back the huge numbers of game that were formerly here. Now once again, you’ll find elephants, lions, buffalo, wildebeest, hippos, zebra’s, huge numbers of waterbuck and, most special, African wild dogs, one of the most endangered mammals in the world.

The new star of Mozambique, Zinave National Park, has all of the Big Five and a lot of rhinos, both black and white. Zinave is only 200 kms from Vilanculos on sand road. It is situated on the majestic Save River, full of grunting hippos, and spectacular birdlife –  a magical place to visit.

Maputo National Park doesn’t have the Big Five but there are many elephants, smaller game and abundant birdlife. This park is right by the Indian Ocean and close to the capital Maputo with a wide variety of accommodation options, which makes it a very accessible and interesting park to visit.

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.

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.