Mozambique Holidays

From city sightseeing to castaway islands, Mozambique has an experience for every mood. Browse museums and galleries among the European architecture of Maputo. Spot whales, turtles, and rare dugongs from the tropical Indian Ocean coast. Search for giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles in the Central Reserve, or tick off the African ‘Big Five’ in Gorongosa National Park. Water-ski, windsurf, or horse ride along the beach - and through the sea. Snorkel and scuba among coral reefs and tropical fish around the Bazaruto Archipelago.

Embrace the atmosphere of afternoon markets and lively nightlife in Pemba, or tour the ruins, fortresses, and churches of Ibo. Kayak through mangrove wetlands, visit a coconut plantation, or picnic on a deserted sandbank in the Quirimbas Archipelago. Watch the sunset from the Red Dunes at Vilanculos. Or simply relax, sample the fresh seafood, and soak up the sun at your luxury island resort.

Far more than a gateway city, Mozambique’s cosmopolitan capital is a beautiful and historic destination that brings a slice of Europe to the Indian Ocean coast. Under Portuguese rule until 1975, Maputo is filled with grand buildings, including one of the world’s most beautiful train stations and the neoclassical City Hall overlooking Independence Square. Grab a snap at the Casa De Ferro, the movable iron house designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Tour the gardens, statues, and artefacts of Maputo Fortress. Meet local creatives at Núcleo De Arte, enjoy a peaceful stroll through Tunduru Botanical Gardens, or browse the craft, flower, and food fair of Feima. Pavement cafés on palm-lined promenades offer the perfect daytime environment to taste local flavours as you watch the world go by. After sunset, Maputo comes alive with entertainment and festivities at every turn.

South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park is just four hours by road from Maputo, making Mozambique perfect for a city, safari, and beach multi-centre without compromise. Direct flights from Nairobi and Dar es Salaam mean adding the pristine coastline of the Vilankulo or the archipelagos of Quirimbas or Bazaruto to your Maasai Mara or Serengeti game drives is easy too.

When you plan an Africa safari holiday featuring Mozambique, you can combine lion tracking with reef diving, add dugong sightings to rhino spotting, and switch seamlessly from the savannah to the ocean. Speak with our experts about how you can add a laidback and luxurious Mozambique stay to your South Africa, Tanzania, or Kenya experience.

Protected from rains and storms by the landmass of Madagascar, Mozambique enjoys a warm and dry climate almost all year round. The coolest and driest months coincide with the popular holiday season from July to August, making this the country’s busiest period for visitors. Low season runs from December to March when days are at their hottest, and the majority of showers are experienced.

For flexible travellers, May to June and September to October are great times to arrive for the best balance of fewer crowds and perfect weather. Game viewing is also at its best between August and September when the vegetation is thinner and animals gather around watering holes. If you’re looking to get out on the ocean, the whale-watching season lasts from June to November.

Visas: British passport holders require a visa which must be obtained before travel

Language: Portuguese

Currency: Metical (MZN)

Time difference: GMT +2 hours

Flight duration from London: Approximately 14.5 hours, depending on connection

Capital city: Maputo