Mozambique is a magical country that boasts some of Africa’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches. Mozambique also offers a wide range of activities and attractions that cater for everyone’s needs. Families can enjoy cultural excursions while honeymoon couples can indulge in romantic spa treatments and quiet walks along the white sandy beaches.
Quirimbas Archipelago
The Quirimbas Archipelago is situated just off the north-eastern coast of Mozambique. Conservation and the upliftment of the community have played a vital role in the tourist development of this area. The Quirimbas Archipelago consists out of 31 islands, most of which are uninhabited. These islands are home to a diverse range of marine life making it ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing.
Pemba on mainland Mozambique is the gateway to the unspoiled Quirimbas Archipelago and is ideally located near the Niassa National Reserve. Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa is the ideal starting point to your beach holiday in Mozambique. Enjoy your stay in beautiful Arabian inspired buildings and a range of accommodation options. Look out over the white sandy beach of Wimbe Beach or learn more about the local cultures in the bustling town.
Ibo Island is part of the Quirimbas Archipelago and is home to the cultural gem, the Stone Town. Here you can see the different influences of the various cultures that inhabited Stone Town throughout the ages. As you stroll through this unique town, you will be able to see the Swahili, Portuguese, Indian and Arabian influences in the architecture. This Stone Town was an important stop for traders as early as 600 AD.
The Quirimbas National Park, in which Ibo Island is situated in, was created at the request of the local communities to protect the region. An emphasis is placed on low impact tourist and Quirimbas National Park is one of the most important biodiverse marine regions in the world and is home to a wide range of rare species, including sharks, sea turtles, dugongs and humpback whales.
Matemo Island is situated a convenient 20 minutes flight from mainland Pemba. This beautiful island is home to thousands of palm trees and white sandy beaches contrasted by the turquoise sea, making it a must for any island holiday in Mozambique. Matemo Island Resort offers luxury island accommodation in 24 air-conditioned chalets. Each palm-thatched chalet opens up to the white sandy beach, making it ideal for beach holidays in Mozambique. The crystal clear ocean waters read a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius in summer, making it the perfect spot for snorkelling.
Eager fisherman can look forward to catching game fish such as barracuda, yellow fin tuna and king fish. Since the Quirimbas Archipelago is a protected area, fishing here works on a catch and release system. Alternatively, spend the day sailing along the beautiful coastline on a traditional dhow.
Bazaruto Archipelago
Bazaruto Archipelago consists out of five beautiful islands, namely Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangue.
The Bazaruto Archipelago is a protected area and a national park. This is the largest marine reserve in the Indian Ocean and it plays a vital role in protecting the diverse marine life along the Mozambican coast. The unique coastal areas along the Archipelago consist of inland saline lakes and tidal flats which are home to a wide variety of seabird species. The Bazaruto Archipelago is also home to the largest dugong population along Africa’s eastern coast.
Azura is a luxury eco-island retreat ideal for romantic honeymoon holidays in Mozambique. Azura is located on Benguerra Island, the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago. Each villa at Azure boasts its own private pool, outdoor Sala where you can enjoy a romantic private dinner and beach frontage. Indulge in a soothing spa treatment or enjoy a beach picnic. Alternatively, look forward to Dugong tracking, sea kayaking and Dhow sailing.
For family holidays in Mozambique, Pestana Bazaruto Lodge located on Bazaruto Island is a great option. Bazaruto Island has a unique landscape ranging from large sand dunes to thick forests of coconut palms, casuarinas and cashew nut trees. The coral reefs are home to a wide variety of tropical fish while the freshwater lakes on the island are the habitats of crocodiles. Children can be entertained at the Kids Club or baby-sitters can be arranged if parents want to enjoy some scuba diving or a romantic dinner. Older children can look forward to wake boarding and snorkelling. Families can explore the different islands with one of the island hopping trips or enjoy a relaxing beach picnic during the day.
Travel tips for Mozambique
Visitors coming on an island holiday in Mozambique should note that visas are required by all nationalities, except South Africa. It is highly recommended that travellers obtain their visas before arriving in Mozambique in order to avoid any long queues waiting. This way you will not miss any connecting flights to Pemba or one of the idyllic island getaways.
Mozambique is considered to be a malaria area. Visitors are encouraged to speak to their doctors with regards to the best medication or preventative methods to use. If you are arriving from a yellow fever risk area (such as Kenya, Tanzania, Angola and Congo), you will have to present your vaccination certificates when you enter Mozambique.
