Vilanculos – This is where we are based. Who would not want to live in this very laid-back place where life is still slow and authentic and fresh fish is being sold on the beach. We are 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 listening to 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 one of the beautiful hotels or on the beach.

Ecotourism & local community projects

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 visit 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 by traditional dhow. 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!

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.

Travel back in time to fascinating historical-culturally rich and UNESCO world heritage-listed Ilha de Mozambique, the Zanzibar of Mozambique but without the many tourists. Full of  beautiful accommodations. Foodies will love it here too!

Stay a couple of days in one of the uniquely 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. Here you will find the most beautiful beaches you will ever see.

Gorongosa is overwhelming. A safari in what is called 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 more about our visit to Beira and Gorongosa National park here.

Have you ever dreamed of driving across a stunning white sand beach along the Indian Ocean?

BD point-or Bartolomeus Dias point, named after the explorer-is accessible only at low tide. After driving on a spectacular beach for 30 kilometers, you will arrive at a unimaginably beautiful tropical secluded lagoon with turquoise blue water, soft white sand and traditional swahili dhows slowly gliding by. Stay in Sussurro Boutique Hotel or Rio Azul Lodge.

Here, you truly feel at the end of the world.

Lively and vibrant Tofo with its huge beach, good choice of restaurants, hip vibe and affordable accommodation, is home of the whale sharks, mantarays, humpback 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 and chill.

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?

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 National Park, also called 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 in Mozambique.

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, interesting sites to visit for example the beautiful railway station and ‘Casa de Ferro’ (iron house) built by Gustave Eiffel. 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.

Mozambique is full of deserted beaches, hidden getaways, fun places and surprises. Inhambane is a nice town to visit and see the amazing market with colourful baskets. Beira is a good base to visit Gorongosa National Park. The town of Mabote, halfway to Zinave National Park, is a friendly town in the middle of the Mozambican bush where you will really and truly experience local life. Zinave National Park is Mozambique’s rising star on the safari circuit.

Everything is different and unique. Let me surprise you. Welcome to Mozambique!