Situated along Mozambique's central coastline, the city of Beira is the capital of Sofala Province and one of the country's most important port cities. A blend of African, Portuguese and Indian influences gives the city its distinctive character, reflected in its cuisine, architecture and culture. Visitors can explore historic colonial-era landmarks, relax on the palm-fringed sands of Macuti Beach, visit the Macuti Lighthouse and its nearby shipwreck, or stroll through streets lined with elegant Portuguese-era architecture. Cafés, bars and seafood restaurants add to the city's laid-back coastal atmosphere.
Located in the Great Rift Valley, in Central Mozambique, the Gorongosa National Park is known for its unique biodiversity, spectacular natural scenery and abundant wildlife. The focus of a National Geographic film entitled ‘Africa’s Lost Eden’, the Gorongosa National Park – with its cobalt-blue lagoons, wide open savannah and forested mountains studded with waterfalls – is indeed an earthly paradise, tucked beneath the towering peak of Mount Gorongosa. This popular ecotourism destination presents a conservation success story of community-engaged environmentalism at its best. Activities offered include game drives, guided game treks, waterfall hikes, sundowner excursions, and birding safaris.
As previously described
Vilankulos is a relaxed coastal town on Mozambique’s Indian Ocean shoreline, best known as the main gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Fringed by palm trees and wide sandy beaches, it has a gently worn, working seaside feel where fishing boats pull in with the tide, and dhows drift across blue horizons. Offshore, the Bazaruto islands offer some of southern Africa’s most striking marine scenery, with coral reefs, shifting dunes and clear waters suited to snorkelling, diving and dhow sailing, often alongside sightings of dolphins, turtles and dugongs. Onshore, simple lodges, markets and sandy lanes reflect a low-key pace of life. Salt air, heat and ocean breeze define the sensory experience, while sunsets wash the coast in deep orange and gold. Vilankulos blends relaxed coastal life with direct access to one of the Indian Ocean’s most remarkable marine environments.
The Imhambane Province is known for its wide, almost land-locked bay and its beautiful but crumbling Portuguese architecture. Points of interest include the vibrant local market, intriguing heritage museums, charming mosques and the 200-year-old Cathedral of our Lady of Concepti. Located within close proximity are the popular beach destinations of Barra, Tofo and Guinjata Bay, which offer excellent snorkelling, diving, fishing and watersports; and the tiny, remote Ilha dos porcos which is home to traditional villages and a few of the remaining namesake wild pigs. Tofo is also an ideal destination for animal lovers, as it is home to manta rays and whale sharks, while Barra features an incredible bird estuary. It is possible to take traditional dhow boats across the bay, allowing visitors to experience it in the same way it was hundreds of years ago.
Set on the scenic Ponta da Barra peninsula in southeastern Mozambique, Tofo is a small fishing village and an exceptionally popular tourist destination. The curved Tofo Beach is perfect for swimming and is lined with a number of lively beach bars, restaurants, and a small local market. The smaller Tofinho Beach is quieter and provides a great spot for surfing and fly fishing. Just beyond the shores lie some pristine coral reefs inhabited by an impressive array of marine life - this is one of the world's premier dive destinations, and visitors often spot dolphins, manta rays, and whale sharks. Try your hand at deep-sea fishing, go horse riding through the dunes, explore the surrounding villages, or take a trip to the nearby historic town of Inhambane for incredible local food and an idyllic dhow ride around the harbour.
Set along the breathtakingly beautiful coast of Mozambique, Zavora is a popular beach destination providing visitors with the ultimate diving holiday. Zavora is said to offer some of the best diving and deep sea fishing in Africa. This popular diving mecca boasts long stretches of white-sand beaches, a thriving underwater world and comfortable accommodation and facilities. Visitors can look forward to a wide variety of wonderful activities including: snorkelling and diving with manta rays, spotting humpback whales in the warm coastal waters, and exploring the secret undiscovered coral reef.
With its beautiful art décor architecture and its amazing setting on a hill overlooking Maputo Bay, Maputo was once the Riviera of Southern Africa. The old charm and African Portuguese mix in the people and the food are plain to see.
