Mozambique is renowned for its relaxed, tropical atmosphere, friendly people, expansive beaches, secluded islands and spectacular marine life. Just off the south coast of the country, families, honeymooners and beach lovers will enjoy a stay on Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto National Park, where activities include snorkelling on the incredible Two-Mile Reef and marine safaris to see dolphins, humpback whales, sea turtles and the endangered dugong.  

Further north the Quirimbas National Park is increasingly popular with adventurous travellers seeking out some of the world’s most unspoilt beach destinations and sublime diving. The north also offers a chance to soak up some of the country’s rich culture and intriguing colonial history. Accommodation on the pristine coastline of Mozambique and her archipelago islands comprises of eco-friendly boutique beach lodges and exclusive luxury resorts.

OUR TO DO LIST 

• Go fishing at Azura Benguerra and have your catch sliced in to sashimi before your eyes - the freshest of seafood canapes!

• Whilst staying on Benguerra Island sure you take the boat trip to Pansy Island for a picnic on one of the most sublime beaches in the world

• Head to the fort at Ilha Mozamibique to watch the traditional silversmiths at work

BEACH

Accessed by a short but exhilarating helicopter flight, Benguerra Island has something to cater to honeymooners, families, and fishing enthusiasts alike. Azura Benguerra is a stylish boutique hotel with just 20 beachfront villas, each with a private plunge pool and butler service. Azura Benguerra offers world-class scuba diving and snorkelling with expert local guides, deep sea fishing, dhow sunset cruises, and their signature island hop by speedboat with a private beach picnic on a deserted island and snorkel on the famous aquarium reef. Fresh seafood is served straight from the ocean. Also on the island is And Beyond’s Benguerra Island Lodge. Each suite is individually designed and decorated and all have en-suite bathrooms with outdoor showers and generous bathtubs, as well as private decks with plunge pool. The rooms embrace Benguerra’s unique blend of safari chic and Arabic style. Children of any age are welcome at both Azura Benguerra and Benguerra Island Lodge and there are larger villas available which work well for families. Nestled above the red cliffs of Kingfisher Bay in Vilanculos, Santorini Mozambique's commanding view of the archipelago islands and curling mainland in the distance is unsurpassable and a great choice for honeymooners, where luxury goes hand in hand with a genuine warmth of hospitality. Also on the southern coast, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Indian Ocean and Maputo Elephant Reserve behind, lies the luxurious barefoot White Pearl Resort. The 22 stylish suites are set on a beautiful secluded bay on a 2km stretch of untouched beach, backed by green bush and facing the stunning Indian Ocean, each with a private verandah and pool. You can be as active or as relaxed as you want here - the activities range from deep sea fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, horse-riding, turtle conservation and spa treatments. 

PRIVATE ISLANDS AND RETREATS

In the north, the Qurimbas archipelago is comprised of 32 coral islands and is home to incredibly diverse marine environments, making this a superb spot for anyone interested in diving in Mozambique. Azura Benguerra’s sister-property, Azura Quilelea is one of the southernmost islands in the pristine Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique. The stunning house reef here offers quick and easy access straight from the main beach, perfect for a refresher or first-time dive as well as a unique location for a night dive for qualified divers. Guests can also snorkel the island’s shores, kayak the mangroves or relax in a hammock beneath the giant baobabs on the island. Colina Verde is a unique and luxurious 7 bedroom exclusive use villa, fully serviced with a private chef and a resident management couple who are there to cater to your every need. Set on the spectacular and secluded Machangulo peninsula in southern Mozambique, the pristine, deserted beaches, white sand dunes and dense coastal forest that surround Colina Verde allow exceptional privacy, as well as plenty of opportunity for adventure.

CULTURE

If you are the kind of person enjoys getting the feel for the culture of a place as much as the sand between your toes then the UNESCO world heritage site of Ilha de Mozambique, the fascinating former capital full of wonderful crumbling buildings and interesting colonial culture, will be of great interest. Here Ibo Island Lodge is contained within a range of painstakingly restored colonial era buildings set around a lovely shady garden with three separate swimming pools - the perfect base from which to discover some of the country’s colonial history, where African, Arab and European cultures collide. Alternatively, the nearby stylish Coral Lodge 15.41 allows guests to soak up both beach and culture at the same time. The ten beautifully-appointed and spacious villas either have views over the ocean or the mangrove forest and Ilha de Mozambique.

ADVENTURE

Ibo Island Lodge is the only operator to offer fully guided dhow safaris, the ultimate tailormade adventure along the Mozambique coast. Organised on a scheduled or fully private basis, this island-hopping experience around the Quirimbas is a must for anyone with a sense of adventure, camping in dome tents on remote islands, diving off the dhow into turquoise seas, fishing for your supper and snorkelling on pristine coral reefs. Ibo's new catamaran charters offer a unique way to explore the Quirimbas Archipelago, sailing in a luxury yacht with skipper and crew from island to island. The catamaran is based at Ibo Island Lodge, but charters can also start or end at Medjumbe island or Quilalea island if you choose. The yacht is hired out on an exclusive basis, and can accommodate up to eight guests, in four double or twin en-suite cabins, each air-conditioned. You can leave all of the hassle of sailing to the professional crew which include a skipper, first mate/host and dive instructor. Further south, Machangulo Beach Lodge is located on the tip of the relatively remote Peninsula de Machangula, some 25km east across the broad Maputo Bay from the capital city, Maputo. There is a full activity centre on site here with activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, Dhow cruises, fishing (on and off shore), dune walks and canoeing on offer. The lodge is just around a 90-minute boat trip from Maputo Marina making it far more easily accessible and affordable beach option than most areas of Mozambique.

Looking to extend your trip?

Beach holidays in southern Mozambique combine well with safari holidays in South Africa, with regular flights to Vilanculos from OR Tambo International or Kruger Mpumalanga Airport in Nelspruit. Alternatively safaris in southern Tanzania can be followed by time in the Quirimbas Archipelago with flights via Dar es Salaam...