Mozambique, with its capital city, Maputo has a population of about 19 million. This former Portuguese colony is a holiday paradise for low budget fishing, scuba, snorkeling and island and beach getaways.
Maputo boasts interesting colonial architecture and is the best place to enjoy Mozambique’s famous LM prawns. (Maputo used to be called Lourenco Marques – LM).
Where to go for a tropical island vacation in Southern Mozambique
The Bazaruto Archipelago is right off shore with unbelievable snorkeling and diving opportunities. The islands create miles and miles of unspoiled beaches and the reef invites you to put on your mask and fins and plunge into the clear warm Indian Ocean water.
The tides here can be very dramatic and the water is constantly changing color. The Bazaruto Archipelago is the perfect place for a relaxing beach holiday. It also offers great diving and some of the best game fishing in the world. Accommodation is plentiful -luxury lodges and holiday hideaways – at the top end of the market. For overseas travelers it probably won’t be expensive -dollars stretch far in developing countries.
For cheaper accommodation than in this slice of paradise, stay at Vilankula, gateway to the Archipelago, which has many camp sites, dive and fishing companies, self-catering accommodation and a few lodges.
Here are a few recommendations. Travelers should do some research on the websites provided because Mozambique is truly a holiday paradise and there are plenty of options – from luxury to backpackers.
Best places to stay in Mozambique for backpackers
Turtle Cove Surf Camp is a rustic and chilled out lodge, build with a strong blend of Mozambican, Ethiopian and Moroccan architecture, set in gardens of palm trees, 20kms from the town of Inhambane. Inhambane is like a living museum town, dotted with street cafes, colorful markets and dhows plying their trade in the warm waters of the bay. This is a home from home for backpackers.
Best Budget Resort in Mozambique
Morrungulo is a holiday hideaway set among thousands of coconut palms on a beautiful beach. It has camping facilities and 4-bed thatched chalets that are rinsed by the sea at spring tides.
Best Hotel in Mozambique
The legendary Polana Hotel in Maputo is the grande dame of Mozambican hotels. Here you can fulfill all your colonial dreams. The food at Polana Hotel deserves its 5-star rating as one of the finest restaurants in Mozambique.
Best Resorts in Mozambique
Luxury, pampering – the Quilalea Island Lodge and the Mejumbe Island Resort – are glamorous, romantic (and intimate) getaways on atolls in the Quirimbas Archipelago.
Indigo Bay Island Resort is situated on the idyllic and pristine Bazaruto Island. It offers visitors everything they could fantasize about in an Indian Ocean island holiday . This is also a gateway to the unspoiled beauty of the Bazaruto Archipelago.
