Mozambique Travel Guide

Bazaruto Island

The largest island in the archipelago, Bazaruto Island is about 23 miles (37km) long and four miles (7km) wide, surrounded by magnificent stretches of white sand. Enormous sand dunes comprise the eastern strip, while the interior contains large freshwater lakes frequented by a wide variety of water birds such as flamingos and is inhabited by crocodiles. On the northern tip of the island is a lighthouse built by the Portuguese over 100 years ago, which signals the large number of ships traveling the historical Mozambique Channel, and affords spectacular views. World famous for its large game fishing, Bazaruto is also well known as a popular diving destination, with a rich variety of marine life surrounding the island. Tourist facilities, upmarket lodges and exclusive resorts are geared towards luxury tourism.

Benguerra Island

Benguerra is the second largest island, less than half a mile (1km) south of Bazaruto and like its neighbor has stunning beaches, large sand dunes and freshwater lakes. Its forest and wetland areas attract a huge variety of birds and animals, while its surrounding reefs offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in the archipelago. Two-Mile Reef to the east of Benguerra, and its protected pool known as the Aquarium, is an underwater paradise with beautiful corals and a wealth of tropical fish, popular with both divers and snorkelers. On the surrounding sandbanks to the north of the island is where the famous Pansy shells can be found. Most visitors come to Benguerra for the big game fishing though, as its deep waters teem with the likes of marlin and barracuda, and the area is world renowned as a fishing destination. Tourist facilities, upmarket lodges and exclusive resorts are geared towards luxury tourism.

Central Railway Station

Designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1910, the railway station is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world, with marble pillars, wrought iron work and a large central dome. The grand building is one of Maputo's most impressive structures, and is well worth a visit, even if not arriving or departing by train.

Central Market

The Central Market spills out of the shabby yet beautiful building in which it is housed, and is a hub of activity selling all kinds of goods, from handicrafts, basketware and carvings, to fruit and vegetables, a variety of seafood and many household items needed for everyday use. Vendors are ready to haggle, and you can often negotiate yourself a 50% discount, and in this situation a little Portuguese knowledge goes a long way. The market is a haven for pickpockets and thieves, though, and visitors should ensure that all valuables are concealed from view.

Polana Hotel

The grand dame of Maputo, Hotel Polana is one of the city's most desirable addresses, overlooking the bay. The historic hotel is a majestic building, evoking the style and sophistication of colonial times, with its gardens, Victorian lift and five-star luxury. A sunset drink in one of its cocktail bars is a must for passing visitors not tempted to splash out on an extravagant stay.

Museum of the Revolution

The museum relates the fascinating history of the revolution in Mozambique, detailing the violent struggle against Portuguese colonialism. Mozambique gained independence in 1975, and various maps, photographs and displays of weapons chronicle the fight. All captions and text are in Portuguese.

Xai Xai

Just 124 miles (200km) north of Maputo, the small town of Xai Xai is a popular excursion for those seeking a relaxing day on the beach. Xai Xai has a scattering of shops, bars, restaurants and accommodation, but the real draw is the superb scuba diving and snorkeling on offer, including at Wenela Tidal Pool, just one mile (2km) south. The sandy white beaches with their calm waters are a fantastic place to swim, and there are fresh water lakes nearby for kayaking, paddle skiing and windsurfing.

Cahora Bassa

Situated in the Tete Province in Mozambique, the Cahora Bassa lake is Africa's second largest artificial lake. The Cahora Bassa Dam system is the largest hydroelectric scheme in southern Africa and it is one of the three major dams on the Zambezi river system, the others being Kariba and Itezhi-Tezhi. The nearest town is called Songo, established in 1969 to house the workers for the construction of the dam. Ugezi Tiger Lodge is quite close to Songo and has an à la carte restaurant, as well as a campsite with floodlights and security. Great fishing and water-skiing are the main attractions to this area.

Gorongosa National Park

Often referred to as 'the place where Noah parked his Ark', Gorongosa National Park was a playground for the rich and famous back in the 1960s, lured by the abundance of wildlife in the area. The subsequent years of war and poaching decimate the wildlife count but programs have since been put in place to restore the park's previous status. There are traversable roads to the park from both Beira and Maputo, and comfortable lodgings are available at Chitengo Safari Camp.

Ilha de Mozambique

Ilha de Mozambique (Mozambique Island) is an island in the Nampula Province in Northern Mozambique, up the coast from Beira, with an unparalleled historical heritage; it was the capital of Mozambique for nearly four centuries under Portuguese rule before the move to Lourenco Marques (now Maputo), and was used as a base for the Arab traders long before that. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ilha's an exquisite mix of old Portuguese and Muslim architecture, dividing the old Stone Town in the north and the 'Reed Town' in the south. There is a museum in the Palacio Govierno, a big red building in Stone Town. Also worth seeing is the fort at the northern tip of the island, home to the Church of Nossa Senhora Baluarte, quite possibly the oldest surviving European building in the southern hemisphere, dating back to 1522.

At the northern end of the island there is a dive center, and visitors can take boat trips or just laze on the beach. For the more adventurous, a dhow can be taken to Chaga or Mossuril on the mainland to explore the coast. Requilias and Escondidino are two restaurants in Stone Town and there are a number of local places serving fish and rice, or chima. The best option for accommodation is the campsite on the mainland, next to the bridge. Self-catering is possible from the nearby shops.

Vilanculos

Vilanculos is a popular destination and the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, a group of islands and Mozambique's underwater national park. On day trips from Vilanculos, enjoy diving and snorkeling; the archipelago's coral reefs and clear waters offer excellent diving. There are horse safaris and day rides along the Vilanculos coast; enjoy long stretches of untouched beaches and wonderful views. Experience a traditional dhow trip, complete with azure waters, sandy beaches, palm trees and unspoiled coral reefs. This is a great fishing area, ranked as the best Black Marlin destination in the Eastern Indian Ocean. There are a number of good restaurants and a few bars and shops.

Ponta d'Ouro

Ponta d'Ouro is a popular destination for divers and surfers, just south of Maputo along a sandy road. 'Surf's up' in Ponta d'Ouro, home to one of the most perfect waves in the world, and swimming with dolphins is not to be missed either; it can be a life changing experience.

There are shebeen(local pub) tours, exploring about seven rustic shebeens along a stretch of rough road. Tipo Tinto Rum is a locally produced and tastes slightly of Vanilla; it goes well with pineapple or raspberry juice, which is available from the local market. The locals sell carvings in all shapes and sizes, mostly in hard wood. Although the shells on offer are beautiful, they were probably stolen off a reef and should therefore be avoided.

Tofo Beach

Described as 'the next Goa', Tofo Beach is in the Inhambane Province of Mozambique. It has definitely become a traveler's mecca with beautiful stretches of beach, a friendly laid-back atmosphere, good restaurants, an entertaining nightlife and some great diving and snorkeling sites. Whale sharks and Humpback Whales can be seen in season, as well as reef sharks; don't miss Manta Reef. Tofo is also a fantastic spot for surfing, kitesurfing and bodyboarding. Kayaking trips are also popular in the area. Jellyfish can be a problem so a long sleeved shirt is a good option for swimming.

Bazaruto Island

The largest island in the archipelago, Bazaruto Island is about 23 miles (37km) long and four miles (7km) wide, surrounded by magnificent stretches of white sand. Enormous sand dunes comprise the eastern strip, while the interior contains large freshwater lakes frequented by a wide variety of water birds such as flamingos and is inhabited by crocodiles. On the northern tip of the island is a lighthouse built by the Portuguese over 100 years ago, which signals the large number of ships traveling the historical Mozambique Channel, and affords spectacular views. World famous for its large game fishing, Bazaruto is also well known as a popular diving destination, with a rich variety of marine life surrounding the island. Tourist facilities, upmarket lodges and exclusive resorts are geared towards luxury tourism.

Benguerra Island

Benguerra is the second largest island, less than half a mile (1km) south of Bazaruto and like its neighbor has stunning beaches, large sand dunes and freshwater lakes. Its forest and wetland areas attract a huge variety of birds and animals, while its surrounding reefs offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in the archipelago. Two-Mile Reef to the east of Benguerra, and its protected pool known as the Aquarium, is an underwater paradise with beautiful corals and a wealth of tropical fish, popular with both divers and snorkelers. On the surrounding sandbanks to the north of the island is where the famous Pansy shells can be found. Most visitors come to Benguerra for the big game fishing though, as its deep waters teem with the likes of marlin and barracuda, and the area is world renowned as a fishing destination. Tourist facilities, upmarket lodges and exclusive resorts are geared towards luxury tourism.

Central Railway Station

Designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1910, the railway station is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world, with marble pillars, wrought iron work and a large central dome. The grand building is one of Maputo's most impressive structures, and is well worth a visit, even if not arriving or departing by train.

Central Market

The Central Market spills out of the shabby yet beautiful building in which it is housed, and is a hub of activity selling all kinds of goods, from handicrafts, basketware and carvings, to fruit and vegetables, a variety of seafood and many household items needed for everyday use. Vendors are ready to haggle, and you can often negotiate yourself a 50% discount, and in this situation a little Portuguese knowledge goes a long way. The market is a haven for pickpockets and thieves, though, and visitors should ensure that all valuables are concealed from view.

Polana Hotel

The grand dame of Maputo, Hotel Polana is one of the city's most desirable addresses, overlooking the bay. The historic hotel is a majestic building, evoking the style and sophistication of colonial times, with its gardens, Victorian lift and five-star luxury. A sunset drink in one of its cocktail bars is a must for passing visitors not tempted to splash out on an extravagant stay.

Museum of the Revolution

The museum relates the fascinating history of the revolution in Mozambique, detailing the violent struggle against Portuguese colonialism. Mozambique gained independence in 1975, and various maps, photographs and displays of weapons chronicle the fight. All captions and text are in Portuguese.

Xai Xai

Just 124 miles (200km) north of Maputo, the small town of Xai Xai is a popular excursion for those seeking a relaxing day on the beach. Xai Xai has a scattering of shops, bars, restaurants and accommodation, but the real draw is the superb scuba diving and snorkeling on offer, including at Wenela Tidal Pool, just one mile (2km) south. The sandy white beaches with their calm waters are a fantastic place to swim, and there are fresh water lakes nearby for kayaking, paddle skiing and windsurfing.

Cahora Bassa

Situated in the Tete Province in Mozambique, the Cahora Bassa lake is Africa's second largest artificial lake. The Cahora Bassa Dam system is the largest hydroelectric scheme in southern Africa and it is one of the three major dams on the Zambezi river system, the others being Kariba and Itezhi-Tezhi. The nearest town is called Songo, established in 1969 to house the workers for the construction of the dam. Ugezi Tiger Lodge is quite close to Songo and has an à la carte restaurant, as well as a campsite with floodlights and security. Great fishing and water-skiing are the main attractions to this area.

Gorongosa National Park

Often referred to as 'the place where Noah parked his Ark', Gorongosa National Park was a playground for the rich and famous back in the 1960s, lured by the abundance of wildlife in the area. The subsequent years of war and poaching decimate the wildlife count but programs have since been put in place to restore the park's previous status. There are traversable roads to the park from both Beira and Maputo, and comfortable lodgings are available at Chitengo Safari Camp.

Ilha de Mozambique

Ilha de Mozambique (Mozambique Island) is an island in the Nampula Province in Northern Mozambique, up the coast from Beira, with an unparalleled historical heritage; it was the capital of Mozambique for nearly four centuries under Portuguese rule before the move to Lourenco Marques (now Maputo), and was used as a base for the Arab traders long before that. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ilha's an exquisite mix of old Portuguese and Muslim architecture, dividing the old Stone Town in the north and the 'Reed Town' in the south. There is a museum in the Palacio Govierno, a big red building in Stone Town. Also worth seeing is the fort at the northern tip of the island, home to the Church of Nossa Senhora Baluarte, quite possibly the oldest surviving European building in the southern hemisphere, dating back to 1522.

At the northern end of the island there is a dive center, and visitors can take boat trips or just laze on the beach. For the more adventurous, a dhow can be taken to Chaga or Mossuril on the mainland to explore the coast. Requilias and Escondidino are two restaurants in Stone Town and there are a number of local places serving fish and rice, or chima. The best option for accommodation is the campsite on the mainland, next to the bridge. Self-catering is possible from the nearby shops.

Vilanculos

Vilanculos is a popular destination and the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, a group of islands and Mozambique's underwater national park. On day trips from Vilanculos, enjoy diving and snorkeling; the archipelago's coral reefs and clear waters offer excellent diving. There are horse safaris and day rides along the Vilanculos coast; enjoy long stretches of untouched beaches and wonderful views. Experience a traditional dhow trip, complete with azure waters, sandy beaches, palm trees and unspoiled coral reefs. This is a great fishing area, ranked as the best Black Marlin destination in the Eastern Indian Ocean. There are a number of good restaurants and a few bars and shops.

Ponta d'Ouro

Ponta d'Ouro is a popular destination for divers and surfers, just south of Maputo along a sandy road. 'Surf's up' in Ponta d'Ouro, home to one of the most perfect waves in the world, and swimming with dolphins is not to be missed either; it can be a life changing experience.

There are shebeen(local pub) tours, exploring about seven rustic shebeens along a stretch of rough road. Tipo Tinto Rum is a locally produced and tastes slightly of Vanilla; it goes well with pineapple or raspberry juice, which is available from the local market. The locals sell carvings in all shapes and sizes, mostly in hard wood. Although the shells on offer are beautiful, they were probably stolen off a reef and should therefore be avoided.

Tofo Beach

Described as 'the next Goa', Tofo Beach is in the Inhambane Province of Mozambique. It has definitely become a traveler's mecca with beautiful stretches of beach, a friendly laid-back atmosphere, good restaurants, an entertaining nightlife and some great diving and snorkeling sites. Whale sharks and Humpback Whales can be seen in season, as well as reef sharks; don't miss Manta Reef. Tofo is also a fantastic spot for surfing, kitesurfing and bodyboarding. Kayaking trips are also popular in the area. Jellyfish can be a problem so a long sleeved shirt is a good option for swimming.

Bazaruto Island

The largest island in the archipelago, Bazaruto Island is about 23 miles (37km) long and four miles (7km) wide, surrounded by magnificent stretches of white sand. Enormous sand dunes comprise the eastern strip, while the interior contains large freshwater lakes frequented by a wide variety of water birds such as flamingos and is inhabited by crocodiles. On the northern tip of the island is a lighthouse built by the Portuguese over 100 years ago, which signals the large number of ships traveling the historical Mozambique Channel, and affords spectacular views. World famous for its large game fishing, Bazaruto is also well known as a popular diving destination, with a rich variety of marine life surrounding the island. Tourist facilities, upmarket lodges and exclusive resorts are geared towards luxury tourism.

Benguerra Island

Benguerra is the second largest island, less than half a mile (1km) south of Bazaruto and like its neighbor has stunning beaches, large sand dunes and freshwater lakes. Its forest and wetland areas attract a huge variety of birds and animals, while its surrounding reefs offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in the archipelago. Two-Mile Reef to the east of Benguerra, and its protected pool known as the Aquarium, is an underwater paradise with beautiful corals and a wealth of tropical fish, popular with both divers and snorkelers. On the surrounding sandbanks to the north of the island is where the famous Pansy shells can be found. Most visitors come to Benguerra for the big game fishing though, as its deep waters teem with the likes of marlin and barracuda, and the area is world renowned as a fishing destination. Tourist facilities, upmarket lodges and exclusive resorts are geared towards luxury tourism.

Central Railway Station

Designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1910, the railway station is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world, with marble pillars, wrought iron work and a large central dome. The grand building is one of Maputo's most impressive structures, and is well worth a visit, even if not arriving or departing by train.

Central Market

The Central Market spills out of the shabby yet beautiful building in which it is housed, and is a hub of activity selling all kinds of goods, from handicrafts, basketware and carvings, to fruit and vegetables, a variety of seafood and many household items needed for everyday use. Vendors are ready to haggle, and you can often negotiate yourself a 50% discount, and in this situation a little Portuguese knowledge goes a long way. The market is a haven for pickpockets and thieves, though, and visitors should ensure that all valuables are concealed from view.

Polana Hotel

The grand dame of Maputo, Hotel Polana is one of the city's most desirable addresses, overlooking the bay. The historic hotel is a majestic building, evoking the style and sophistication of colonial times, with its gardens, Victorian lift and five-star luxury. A sunset drink in one of its cocktail bars is a must for passing visitors not tempted to splash out on an extravagant stay.

Museum of the Revolution

The museum relates the fascinating history of the revolution in Mozambique, detailing the violent struggle against Portuguese colonialism. Mozambique gained independence in 1975, and various maps, photographs and displays of weapons chronicle the fight. All captions and text are in Portuguese.

Xai Xai

Just 124 miles (200km) north of Maputo, the small town of Xai Xai is a popular excursion for those seeking a relaxing day on the beach. Xai Xai has a scattering of shops, bars, restaurants and accommodation, but the real draw is the superb scuba diving and snorkeling on offer, including at Wenela Tidal Pool, just one mile (2km) south. The sandy white beaches with their calm waters are a fantastic place to swim, and there are fresh water lakes nearby for kayaking, paddle skiing and windsurfing.

Cahora Bassa

Situated in the Tete Province in Mozambique, the Cahora Bassa lake is Africa's second largest artificial lake. The Cahora Bassa Dam system is the largest hydroelectric scheme in southern Africa and it is one of the three major dams on the Zambezi river system, the others being Kariba and Itezhi-Tezhi. The nearest town is called Songo, established in 1969 to house the workers for the construction of the dam. Ugezi Tiger Lodge is quite close to Songo and has an à la carte restaurant, as well as a campsite with floodlights and security. Great fishing and water-skiing are the main attractions to this area.

Gorongosa National Park

Often referred to as 'the place where Noah parked his Ark', Gorongosa National Park was a playground for the rich and famous back in the 1960s, lured by the abundance of wildlife in the area. The subsequent years of war and poaching decimate the wildlife count but programs have since been put in place to restore the park's previous status. There are traversable roads to the park from both Beira and Maputo, and comfortable lodgings are available at Chitengo Safari Camp.

Ilha de Mozambique

Ilha de Mozambique (Mozambique Island) is an island in the Nampula Province in Northern Mozambique, up the coast from Beira, with an unparalleled historical heritage; it was the capital of Mozambique for nearly four centuries under Portuguese rule before the move to Lourenco Marques (now Maputo), and was used as a base for the Arab traders long before that. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ilha's an exquisite mix of old Portuguese and Muslim architecture, dividing the old Stone Town in the north and the 'Reed Town' in the south. There is a museum in the Palacio Govierno, a big red building in Stone Town. Also worth seeing is the fort at the northern tip of the island, home to the Church of Nossa Senhora Baluarte, quite possibly the oldest surviving European building in the southern hemisphere, dating back to 1522.

At the northern end of the island there is a dive center, and visitors can take boat trips or just laze on the beach. For the more adventurous, a dhow can be taken to Chaga or Mossuril on the mainland to explore the coast. Requilias and Escondidino are two restaurants in Stone Town and there are a number of local places serving fish and rice, or chima. The best option for accommodation is the campsite on the mainland, next to the bridge. Self-catering is possible from the nearby shops.

Vilanculos

Vilanculos is a popular destination and the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, a group of islands and Mozambique's underwater national park. On day trips from Vilanculos, enjoy diving and snorkeling; the archipelago's coral reefs and clear waters offer excellent diving. There are horse safaris and day rides along the Vilanculos coast; enjoy long stretches of untouched beaches and wonderful views. Experience a traditional dhow trip, complete with azure waters, sandy beaches, palm trees and unspoiled coral reefs. This is a great fishing area, ranked as the best Black Marlin destination in the Eastern Indian Ocean. There are a number of good restaurants and a few bars and shops.

Ponta d'Ouro

Ponta d'Ouro is a popular destination for divers and surfers, just south of Maputo along a sandy road. 'Surf's up' in Ponta d'Ouro, home to one of the most perfect waves in the world, and swimming with dolphins is not to be missed either; it can be a life changing experience.

There are shebeen(local pub) tours, exploring about seven rustic shebeens along a stretch of rough road. Tipo Tinto Rum is a locally produced and tastes slightly of Vanilla; it goes well with pineapple or raspberry juice, which is available from the local market. The locals sell carvings in all shapes and sizes, mostly in hard wood. Although the shells on offer are beautiful, they were probably stolen off a reef and should therefore be avoided.

Tofo Beach

Described as 'the next Goa', Tofo Beach is in the Inhambane Province of Mozambique. It has definitely become a traveler's mecca with beautiful stretches of beach, a friendly laid-back atmosphere, good restaurants, an entertaining nightlife and some great diving and snorkeling sites. Whale sharks and Humpback Whales can be seen in season, as well as reef sharks; don't miss Manta Reef. Tofo is also a fantastic spot for surfing, kitesurfing and bodyboarding. Kayaking trips are also popular in the area. Jellyfish can be a problem so a long sleeved shirt is a good option for swimming.

Bazaruto Island

The largest island in the archipelago, Bazaruto Island is about 23 miles (37km) long and four miles (7km) wide, surrounded by magnificent stretches of white sand. Enormous sand dunes comprise the eastern strip, while the interior contains large freshwater lakes frequented by a wide variety of water birds such as flamingos and is inhabited by crocodiles. On the northern tip of the island is a lighthouse built by the Portuguese over 100 years ago, which signals the large number of ships traveling the historical Mozambique Channel, and affords spectacular views. World famous for its large game fishing, Bazaruto is also well known as a popular diving destination, with a rich variety of marine life surrounding the island. Tourist facilities, upmarket lodges and exclusive resorts are geared towards luxury tourism.

Benguerra Island

Benguerra is the second largest island, less than half a mile (1km) south of Bazaruto and like its neighbor has stunning beaches, large sand dunes and freshwater lakes. Its forest and wetland areas attract a huge variety of birds and animals, while its surrounding reefs offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in the archipelago. Two-Mile Reef to the east of Benguerra, and its protected pool known as the Aquarium, is an underwater paradise with beautiful corals and a wealth of tropical fish, popular with both divers and snorkelers. On the surrounding sandbanks to the north of the island is where the famous Pansy shells can be found. Most visitors come to Benguerra for the big game fishing though, as its deep waters teem with the likes of marlin and barracuda, and the area is world renowned as a fishing destination. Tourist facilities, upmarket lodges and exclusive resorts are geared towards luxury tourism.

Central Railway Station

Designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1910, the railway station is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world, with marble pillars, wrought iron work and a large central dome. The grand building is one of Maputo's most impressive structures, and is well worth a visit, even if not arriving or departing by train.

Central Market

The Central Market spills out of the shabby yet beautiful building in which it is housed, and is a hub of activity selling all kinds of goods, from handicrafts, basketware and carvings, to fruit and vegetables, a variety of seafood and many household items needed for everyday use. Vendors are ready to haggle, and you can often negotiate yourself a 50% discount, and in this situation a little Portuguese knowledge goes a long way. The market is a haven for pickpockets and thieves, though, and visitors should ensure that all valuables are concealed from view.

Polana Hotel

The grand dame of Maputo, Hotel Polana is one of the city's most desirable addresses, overlooking the bay. The historic hotel is a majestic building, evoking the style and sophistication of colonial times, with its gardens, Victorian lift and five-star luxury. A sunset drink in one of its cocktail bars is a must for passing visitors not tempted to splash out on an extravagant stay.

Museum of the Revolution

The museum relates the fascinating history of the revolution in Mozambique, detailing the violent struggle against Portuguese colonialism. Mozambique gained independence in 1975, and various maps, photographs and displays of weapons chronicle the fight. All captions and text are in Portuguese.

Xai Xai

Just 124 miles (200km) north of Maputo, the small town of Xai Xai is a popular excursion for those seeking a relaxing day on the beach. Xai Xai has a scattering of shops, bars, restaurants and accommodation, but the real draw is the superb scuba diving and snorkeling on offer, including at Wenela Tidal Pool, just one mile (2km) south. The sandy white beaches with their calm waters are a fantastic place to swim, and there are fresh water lakes nearby for kayaking, paddle skiing and windsurfing.

Cahora Bassa

Situated in the Tete Province in Mozambique, the Cahora Bassa lake is Africa's second largest artificial lake. The Cahora Bassa Dam system is the largest hydroelectric scheme in southern Africa and it is one of the three major dams on the Zambezi river system, the others being Kariba and Itezhi-Tezhi. The nearest town is called Songo, established in 1969 to house the workers for the construction of the dam. Ugezi Tiger Lodge is quite close to Songo and has an à la carte restaurant, as well as a campsite with floodlights and security. Great fishing and water-skiing are the main attractions to this area.

Gorongosa National Park

Often referred to as 'the place where Noah parked his Ark', Gorongosa National Park was a playground for the rich and famous back in the 1960s, lured by the abundance of wildlife in the area. The subsequent years of war and poaching decimate the wildlife count but programs have since been put in place to restore the park's previous status. There are traversable roads to the park from both Beira and Maputo, and comfortable lodgings are available at Chitengo Safari Camp.

Ilha de Mozambique

Ilha de Mozambique (Mozambique Island) is an island in the Nampula Province in Northern Mozambique, up the coast from Beira, with an unparalleled historical heritage; it was the capital of Mozambique for nearly four centuries under Portuguese rule before the move to Lourenco Marques (now Maputo), and was used as a base for the Arab traders long before that. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ilha's an exquisite mix of old Portuguese and Muslim architecture, dividing the old Stone Town in the north and the 'Reed Town' in the south. There is a museum in the Palacio Govierno, a big red building in Stone Town. Also worth seeing is the fort at the northern tip of the island, home to the Church of Nossa Senhora Baluarte, quite possibly the oldest surviving European building in the southern hemisphere, dating back to 1522.

At the northern end of the island there is a dive center, and visitors can take boat trips or just laze on the beach. For the more adventurous, a dhow can be taken to Chaga or Mossuril on the mainland to explore the coast. Requilias and Escondidino are two restaurants in Stone Town and there are a number of local places serving fish and rice, or chima. The best option for accommodation is the campsite on the mainland, next to the bridge. Self-catering is possible from the nearby shops.

Vilanculos

Vilanculos is a popular destination and the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, a group of islands and Mozambique's underwater national park. On day trips from Vilanculos, enjoy diving and snorkeling; the archipelago's coral reefs and clear waters offer excellent diving. There are horse safaris and day rides along the Vilanculos coast; enjoy long stretches of untouched beaches and wonderful views. Experience a traditional dhow trip, complete with azure waters, sandy beaches, palm trees and unspoiled coral reefs. This is a great fishing area, ranked as the best Black Marlin destination in the Eastern Indian Ocean. There are a number of good restaurants and a few bars and shops.

Ponta d'Ouro

Ponta d'Ouro is a popular destination for divers and surfers, just south of Maputo along a sandy road. 'Surf's up' in Ponta d'Ouro, home to one of the most perfect waves in the world, and swimming with dolphins is not to be missed either; it can be a life changing experience.

There are shebeen(local pub) tours, exploring about seven rustic shebeens along a stretch of rough road. Tipo Tinto Rum is a locally produced and tastes slightly of Vanilla; it goes well with pineapple or raspberry juice, which is available from the local market. The locals sell carvings in all shapes and sizes, mostly in hard wood. Although the shells on offer are beautiful, they were probably stolen off a reef and should therefore be avoided.

Tofo Beach

Described as 'the next Goa', Tofo Beach is in the Inhambane Province of Mozambique. It has definitely become a traveler's mecca with beautiful stretches of beach, a friendly laid-back atmosphere, good restaurants, an entertaining nightlife and some great diving and snorkeling sites. Whale sharks and Humpback Whales can be seen in season, as well as reef sharks; don't miss Manta Reef. Tofo is also a fantastic spot for surfing, kitesurfing and bodyboarding. Kayaking trips are also popular in the area. Jellyfish can be a problem so a long sleeved shirt is a good option for swimming.