Mozambique Attractions

Bazaruto Island
City/Region: Bazaruto Archipelago
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.
Transport: Accessible by boat or plane from Vilanculos

Benguerra Island
City/Region: Bazaruto Archipelago
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.
Transport: Accessible by boat or plane from Vilanculos

Central Railway Station
City/Region: Maputo
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.
Address: Praca dos Trabalhadores

Central Market
City/Region: Maputo
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. The market is a haven for pickpockets and thieves, though, and visitors should ensure that all valuables are concealed from view.
Address: Av. 25 de Setembro

Polana Hotel
City/Region: Maputo
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.
Address: Av. Julius Nyerere
Website: www.polana-hotel.com

Museum of the Revolution
City/Region: Maputo
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.
Address: Av 24 Julho
Hours: Monday to Friday (except Wednesday) 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm; Saturday 2pm to 6pm; Sunday 9am to 12pm and 3pm to 6pm

Inhaca Island
City/Region: Maputo
Situated almost 25 miles (40km) off the coast of Maputo, Inhaca Island is a popular destination boasting beautiful beaches, some of the Mozambique Channel's best coral reefs, a historic lighthouse, marine biology museum and large areas of protected forest. Easily accessible from the capital, it is a favorite with snorkelers and divers who usually head for the reefs at Santa Maria and off the lighthouse, or the surrounding sunken wrecks. The Santa Maria reef has a strong drift current that runs parallel to the shore and is fantastic for snorkeling, while the Wall is a rocky ledge that drops 66ft (20m) to the bottom and harbors numerous caves and ledges filled with a variety of marine life. Game fishing is also popular. Portuguese Island is a deserted island just northwest of Inhaca across a narrow strait, which also has magnificent beaches and a lagoon.
Transport: The island is easily accessible from Maputo by a daily ferry service, or a 10-minute flight

Cahora Bassa
City/Region: Beira
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.
Admission: Entry to the dam is restricted and visitors should speak to the owner of O Sitio restaurant about admission before leaving Songo.

Gorongosa National Park
City/Region: Beira
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.
Transport: It is advisable to make this trip in a 4x4 vehicle.

Ilha de Mozambique
City/Region: Beira
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.
Transport: The tiny island is accessible via a bridge from the mainland. Because of the island's size, visitors won't have any trouble walking around it; it's a 20-minute walk from end to end, and Gabriel's has bicycles for hire.

Pemba Bay Dhow
City/Region: Pemba
Pemba Bay is a picturesque, natural harbor and has an active port. The land has a very high concentration of Baobab trees, which create a brilliant contrast with the vivid turquoise sea; Pemba Bay dhow trips provide an excellent opportunity to view this site. Visitors can take a dhow for the day to explore the third-largest natural bay in the world. Go snorkeling, or relax and enjoy the breeze and the ocean calm.
Phone Number: +27 (011) 791 0519

Vilanculos
City/Region: Bazaruto Archipelago
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. Good food and accommodation can be enjoyed at Smugglers, Zombie Cucumber, Baobab Beach, Varanda Restaurant and Vilanculos Beach Lodge.
Transport: The town is compact and can be explored by foot.

Ponta d'Ouro
City/Region: Maputo
Ponta d'Ouro is a popular destination for divers and surfers, 75miles (120km) 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
City/Region: Beira
Described as "the next Goa", Tofo Beach is in the Inhambane Province of Mozambique. It has definitely become a traveller'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.
Transport: Tofo Beach is small and can be easily explored on foot.

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