Mozambique is a promising tourist destination – a diamond in the rough that is rapidly being polished to a sunny shine, attracting tourists from all over the world. Divers love it for world-class diving. Beach lovers love unspoiled beaches. Backpackers love hostels and accommodations on the beaches. Luxury lovers adore it for its privacy and idyllic and exclusive hotels and resorts.
Travelers who enjoy activities like diving, water sports, and adventure travel are always hungry for new places to explore and conquer. In these days of easy travel, it can be a challenge to find new and unique places to beat your friends, so maybe Mozambique will provide the solution.
Mozambique is a diverse and still developing country and there is no doubt that the main reason for its growing popularity is Mozambique’s spectacular coastline. The nearly 2,500 km (1,550 miles) of unspoiled beauty and palm fringed beaches meet the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, along with its lagoons, coral reefs and hundreds of pristine islands. There are many activities in addition to diving and snorkeling, such as sailing, sport fishing, saltwater fly fishing, canoeing, water skiing, jet skiing, and windsurfing.
Mozambique is a former Portuguese colony on the southeast coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean and separated from Madagascar by the Mozambique Channel. Divers can experience swimming with whale sharks, humpback whales, dolphins, stingrays, turtles, and dugongs, and the brave can opt for shark encounters. It is also popular with nature lovers and those interested in bird watching and wildlife photography. Be sure to read about the environmental concerns in the area and the rules and regulations that exist to protect and preserve natural beauty.
When traveling to less developed countries, it is always important to remember that medical facilities may be substandard that we are used to. In Mozambique, serious problems may require a medical evacuation to South Africa. So when choosing travel insurance, make sure it includes medical evacuation by air ambulance and emergency repatriation. Carefully review the wording of the insurance policy to see if there are any exclusions or restrictions on diving and water sports activities, especially with regards to liability. There is no doubt that any type of insurance has puzzling terminology that can be difficult to read, so when in doubt, always call to clarify.
In the unlikely event that the beaches and islands get boring, there are plenty of other activities to explore. Try a dhow cruise or safari, or explore the colorful markets. Many visitors prefer to stay in the south of the country near the capital city, Maputo, where roads and transportation systems are better and there is access to a wider range of modern facilities. When it comes to nightlife, there’s plenty to do with jazz bars and street cafes or dance the night away to the exciting rhythms of the Mozambican marrabenta.
Accessing funds can be difficult without prior research and planning. See the best way to carry currency or access your funds in Mozambique. The best times to visit are between May and November when the weather is a bit cooler and temperatures range between 24-27% u02DAC in the coastal areas.
Most visitors and backpackers head north from Maputo to the beautiful beaches and backpackers hostels in Tofo and then to places like Vilankulo and the Bazaruto archipelago. Adventurers or those seeking maximum privacy and exclusivity may prefer to take the road less traveled and venture further north of the country, where the landscape becomes even more natural and unspoiled and there are fewer tourists.
This gem of a country with its dreamy beaches, islands and coral reefs is a place to visit while still relatively unknown to mainstream tourism. The locals are friendly and eager to provide visitors with a big smile and a warm welcome. While you’re busy packing your snorkel, fins, and sunscreen, don’t forget your sunglasses, because so much beauty can be dazzling!
