Check the weather city by city, starting with Maputo.
Mozambique unfurls 2,500 km of Indian Ocean coastline: the Bazaruto Archipelago (UNESCO) with its dunes and dugongs, the Quirimbas Archipelago with its dhows and pristine reefs, and Vilanculos as a diving base. A little-visited country with soft sand, shaped by Swahili culture and genuine hospitality. Best combined with the wildlife parks of Gorongosa.
The Bazaruto Archipelago comprises five barrier islands protected by a marine national park (UNESCO): sand dunes rising to 100m, untouched coral reefs, dugongs (one of the last viable populations in East Africa), manta rays and dolphins. Access from Vilanculos is by dhow or speedboat.
Highlights : Two-Mile Reef diving — manta rays and turtles, Swimming with dugongs (endangered species), Santa Carolina Island dunes (Ilha do Paraíso).
Gorongosa was regarded as Africa's 'Garden of Eden' before the civil war. Since peace returned, it has been the subject of an exceptional ecological restoration project: lions, elephants, hippos and buffalo have been successfully reintroduced. Mount Gorongosa (1,863m) harbours a rainforest distinct from the savannah below.
Highlights : 4x4 safari — Gorongosa's lions and elephants, Lake Urema — hippos and waterbirds, Mount Gorongosa — cloud forest hiking, Overnight bush camp under the stars.
The Quirimbas are 32 coral islands off northern Mozambique, including Ibo Island with its 16th-century Portuguese forts and silversmiths — ranked among the best-preserved towns in Africa. The Quirimbas reefs are among the least disturbed in the Indian Ocean. Note the security restrictions in the region since 2017.
Highlights : Ibo's Portuguese fort (16th c.) and silversmiths, Quirimbas reef diving — pristine corals, Sunset dhow ride between the islands.
Maputo is a surprising capital: Art Deco and modernist architecture left by Portugal, a central market with crafts and rosewood, exceptional seafood restaurants (lobster and fresh camarão), and a lively cultural scene. The Fortaleza de Maputo (18th c.) overlooks the bay.
Highlights : Maputo Central Market — spices and carvings, Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (18th c.), Avenida Julius Nyerere — colonial Art Deco architecture.
Mozambique is affordable, but quality accommodation is pricey on the islands (reachable only by speedboat or light aircraft). The northern coast (Quirimbas) is expensive; the centre and south remain accessible. The metical fluctuates — bring dollars or euros in cash.