Things to see and do in Mozambique

Attractions in Mozambique

Delve into the Indian Ocean

Go diving and snorkelling with dolphins, rays and dugong (manatee) in the country's crystal-clear Indian Ocean waters. Mozambique has a growing number of resorts that are well equipped for subaquatic activities. Highlights for divers include the reefs of Inhambane, the Bazaruto Archipelago or Quirimbas National Park.

Enjoy a night out in Pemba

Visit Pemba, a vibrant and rapidly growing coastal city that nestles on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Embrace the sweltering temperatures on the beach at Wimbe, just outside town, before heading into the Old Town for a few snifters. As well as a lively selection of bars, there are also some fine restaurants in the city.

Enjoy fantastic birdwatching

Pack your binoculars because Mozambique is an excellent place to go birdwatching. Many brightly coloured species can be found along the coast, not to mention Gorongosa National Park and Marromeu National Park, which attract twitchers from around the world.

Explore Quirimbas National Park

Bask in the sun and balmy waters of Quirimbas National Park. Dive and snorkel off its shores to appreciate the park's abundant marine life and coral reefs. Quirimbas, which stretches for 110km (68miles) along the coastline of northern Mozambique, is also home to a variety of land-bound wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards and wild dogs.

Go fishing

Mozambique offers world-class sports fishing. Black, blue and striped marlin, sailfish, dorado, kingfish, barracuda and dogtooth tuna are all possible to catch in the Mozambique Channel. The Bazaruto Archipelago is one of several popular spots for game fishing. Many fishing resorts operate a catch and release policy.

Go on safari

Take a safari through some of the country's 12 different national parks and reserves. The Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino) can all be found here, and plenty more besides. There is a huge variety of landscapes to enjoy from coastal areas to mountains.

Hike national parks

Bring your walking boots because the cool mountains of the north and the various national parks offer good hiking. Landmines used to present a danger, but don't be deterred: in 2015 Mozambique was declared free of the deadly weapons planted during the civil war.

Keep your eyes peeled in Gorongosa National Park

Explore the jewel in Mozambique's crown: the Gorongosa National Park. Located 80km (50 miles) northwest of Beira, and open from April to October, access is provided by an airstrip at Chitengo. It's worth the effort getting there: visitors can expect superb birdwatching, plus glimpses of buffalo, elephants, hippos, zebra and more.

Kick back in the capital

Don't head straight out of Maputo: it's one of Africa's more appealing capitals, with wide avenues, relaxed street cafes and a lively cultural scene. The city museum and market are worth a look, as are the Central Railway Station and curious Iron House, both designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Marromeu National Park

Venture out to the little-visited Marromeu National Park, not far from Beira, at the mouth of the Zambesi River in Sofala Province. The main attractions are buffalo and birds, but lions, elephants and leopards are also present. It is possible to camp in the park overnight.

Relax in a luxury lodge on a white sand beach

Don't miss the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago, which comprises five tropical islands plus surrounding islets and coral reefs. Located 20km (12 miles) from the Vilanculos and Inhassoro, this beautiful area features white sandy beaches, clear waters and rich marine life including the dugong (manatee). There are plenty of luxury lodges providing accommodation.

Relax on a beautiful beach

Mozambique is not short of coastline and boasts some spectacular white sandy beaches. Popular beaches include Ponta do Ouro, Malugane (in the south), Inhambane with its beach resort of Tofo, Xai-Xai, Vilankulo and Chonguene.

Step back in time

Hop across by bridge to tiny Ilha de Moçambique (Mozambique Island), near Nampula in the north, which was the capital of the country under the Portuguese. It is a fascinating place, dotted with 17th- and 18th-century buildings and mosques, many of them from the colonial period. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Track down some elephants

Take a trip to the Maputo National Reserve, also known as Maputo Elephant Park, which is on the Maputo River, 79km (49 miles) south of the city. It's also home to leopard, antelope, crocodiles, hippos, flamingos and jackals. It combines lakes, wetlands, swamp forests grasslands and mangroves.

Visit a historic island

Hop on a boat to Inhaca Island in the south of Mozambique not too far from the capital, Maputo. The island has 40km (25 miles) of beaches and reefs, a historic lighthouse and a museum of marine biology. It is a very popular spot for diving.

Tourist offices

Fundo Nacional do Turismo (FUTUR) (National Tourism Fund)