Beaches are one of the main attraction of Mozambique, which has the longest Indian Ocean coastline of any African country. Beaches around the cities of Maputo and Beira are popular by default more than anything, but great standalone beach destinations include Praia do Xai-Xai north of Maputo, the wonderful Tofu beach near Inhambane, and Vilanculos.
There are also great beaches on several islands, notably the Quirimba and Bazaruto archipelagos. Beaches are generally not developed for tourism or guarded in the way you'd expect in Europe, which only enhances their charm if you like pristine surrounds, but might warrant caution when it comes to taking children along.
Bird Watching
Although Mozambique's large mammals were depleted by the civil war, the excellent birdlife was largely unaffected, though certain forest-dwelling and wetland species are threatened by environmental encroachment. Mozambique is especially popular with Southern African birders, as some 30 of the 850 species recorded south of the Zambezi are more or less restricted to this country.
Important marine sites include the Bazaruto Archipelago, Inhaca Island near Maputo, and Maputo Elephant Sanctuary, while Gorongoza Mountain (near Gorongoza National Park) and the forests north of Dondo are important forested sites in southern Mozambique.
Fishing
Mozambique offers some of the most challenging game fishing in Africa, particularly from the Bazaruto Islands and the northern coastal resorts. Black marlins and striped marlins weighing in above 880 lb/400 kg are taken occasionally (best months October-December), as are 110 lb/50 kg sailfish (best months July-August).
Other game fish include tuna, wahoo, king mackerel, giant barracuda and kingfish. Saltwater fly-fishing has also taken off in Mozambique, especially around Bazaruto.
Scuba & Snorkeling
Mozambique is known for its excellent diving. A popular site in the south is Ponta do Ouro, which is easily accessed from South Africa, but almost all the resort areas have potential. Coral reefs are more numerous as you head farther north, as is the variety of colorful fish associated with them. Manta rays and whale sharks are also sometimes seen.
Shopping
Shop for wood carvings (you will notice lots of distorted human forms, often representing the anguish of Mozambicans at the hands of their colonial masters), carved chess sets with African tribal warriors as pawns, colorful cotton fabrics (like those worn by the local women) and batik prints. Some items from Portugal are offered at good prices.
All local shops now accept Mozambican, South African and U.S. currency. The Interfranca complexes in the main cities are like department stores, selling everything from food to televisions to clothing.
Shopping Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:30 am-12:30 pm and 2-6 pm, Saturday 8:30 am-1 pm.
Day By Day
A week is enough time to get a good introduction to Mozambique, but you may want to schedule a few extra days to allow for transportation delays.
Day 1—Arrive Maputo.
Day 2—Maputo.
Day 3—Fly to Bazaruto.
Day 4—Bazaruto.
Day 5—Take a dhow (Arab-style sailing boat) to Vilanculos and drive through Inhambane to Tofo.
Day 6—Tofo.
Day 7—Return to Maputo and depart Mozambique.
If you have more time, try to visit one of the parks or game reserves, or explore the islands of the Quirimba Archipelago or Mozambique Island.
