Mozambique has long been raved about as Africa’s best-kept travel secret. It has remained largely off of most tourists’ wish lists, being eclipsed by nearby countries such as South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. Having formerly been colonized by Portugal for over four centuries, it offers visitors a distinctly unique vibe – characterized by its lingering European influence and pristine natural scenery.
Those with an affinity for the outdoors will find endless sources of inspiration in Mozambique, which serves up an endless variety of nature-themed activities suited to all ages and tastes. From snorkeling through coral reefs, hiking across wildlife preserves and exotic safaris, here are our picks for how to enjoy the outdoors on your next visit.
Gorongosa National Park
Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park has regularly been hailed as being home to the most diverse selection of land-based wildlife in the world. The best-known of the country’s seven national parks, Gorongosa directly translates to “place to danger” – due to the variety of magnificent predators that roam its land mass. That being said, rest assured that visitors are kept safe here and will be hard pressed to find a better place to spot local wildlife in Mozambique. Recently restored by private investors and the Mozambican government, Gorongosa National Park now employs 400 full-time staff members – 97% of which are local, and most of whom are women in a bid to promote gender equality. Known in particular as a haven for elephants, going on a safari within the park’s grounds will be an experience to remember for a lifetime. Choose from a variety of safari excursion options, including guided game drives, boat cruises, canoe trips and hikes. Visitors will spot lions, crocodiles, hippopotamus, antelopes, birds, elephants and more.
Game drive. Safari car on game drive with animals around, Ngorongoro crater in Tanzania.
Quirimbas Archipelago National Park
Encompassing an area of over 7,500 square kilometres, Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago National Park is one of the most diverse marine regions in Africa. It is comprised of 11 lush islands and boasts an underwater topography characterized by significant coral reef growth. Recognizing its prominence as a home to thousands of marine species, the park’s management is incredibly selective about which projects and investments it allows to progress – aiming to focus on emphasizing high quality, low impact tourism. This is an incredible location to visit for snorkelling and scuba diving lovers, who are guaranteed to witness a spectacular array of fish and other sea creatures. Diving depths reach up to 200 metres right beside the coral reef, offering scuba views unparalleled by any other location in Africa. For those who prefer to explore above the surface of the water, a variety of kayaking, sailing and hiking excursions are available. You can even go bird watching!
Magnificent anemone dancing along the current, Bazaruto Island, Mozambique
Ibo Island
As part of the Quirimbas Islands, Ibo Island is a piece of paradise that has been left virtually untouched by modernization. Having once functioned as a popular trading post 500 years ago, the island’s authentic history can still be marveled at today. Explore its three forts, gorgeous Catholic church and local silversmith shops. Architecture fans will adore Ibo Island’s crumbling, ancient colonial architecture and remnants of its Portuguese past. Being located in a mangrove forest, it is also home to a variety of rare birds. Once you’ve finished navigating the island’s landmarks, hop into its waters to enjoy the snorkeling and scuba opportunities that the Quirimbas Islands are renowned for.
“Old Portugues houses on Ibo Island, Mozambique, and bougainvillea”
Bazaruto National Park
The Bazaruto National Park was proclaimed in 1971 in order to protect the area’s population of marine turtles, coral reefs and local birds. Bazaruto Island, the largest island in the park, is filled with fresh water lakes populated by crocodiles, exotic butterflies, herds of antelope, monkeys and over 125 species of birds. However, the park’s main draw is its endangered dugong, a distant relative to the manatee. These marine mammals look like a cross between a walrus and a stingray and swim freely through the park’s waters. Beyond the expansive variety of wildlife living here, Bazaruto National Park is also characterized by mile after mile of untouched, golden sandy beaches. Spend the afternoon taking in its stunning natural scenery while feeling like you have a piece of paradise all to yourself. Don’t miss scuba diving at Bazaruto National Park’s incredible Two Mile Reef.
White beach on the Bazaruto Islands near Vilanculos in Mozambique
Tembe Elephant Park
The Tembe Elephant Park is a 300 square kilometer reserve located between Mozambique and Zululand. Here, visitors can spot Africa’s largest elephants – as well as its smallest antelope. Established in 1983 to protect the herds of elephants that were being poached while travelling between Maputaland and Southern Mozambique, the reserve is now home to over 200 elephants. Beyond these magnificent gentle giants, over 340 bird species have been recorded within Tembe’s grounds. The park is an ideal destination for those hoping to sit back, relax and gape at lions, leopards, rhino, buffalo and elephant from the seat of an exotic safari drive.
African bush Elephant calves in Serengeti N.P. – Tanzania.
Browse our selection of Club Escapes in Mozambique here.
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