Custom travel to Mozambique

Mozambique is one of the Indian Ocean's best-kept secrets — coastal country of 801,590 km² (1.5 times France) for 33 million inhabitants, 13-15 h of flight with stopover from Paris (via Johannesburg or Doha). Independence 1975 (former Portuguese colony since 15th century, no francophonie, lusophonie maintained — 4% of population speaks Portuguese as native language, 60% as second language). Nicknamed 'the Indian Ocean pearl' for its 2,700 KM OF preserved COASTLINE (one of sub-Saharan Africa's longest coastlines), 26-29 °C tropical waters year-round, more than 30 ARCHIPELAGOS and islands with white-pink sand, turquoise lagoons, CORAL REEFS classified among the world's richest. Flagship sites: BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO (5 islands in country's south — Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina, Bangue, Marine National Park 1971, 1,430 km², one of Africa's oldest marine parks, exclusivity preserved by 5★ premium lodges — Anantara, Azura, Kisawa Sanctuary), QUIRIMBAS ARCHIPELAGO (32 tropical islands in country's NORTHEAST above Rovuma mouth, National Park 2002, 11,000 km², one of the world's most preserved marine ecosystems — fewer than 5,000 visitors/year, eco-luxury lodges Vamizi, Anantara Medjumbe, Ibo Island Lodge), MOZAMBIQUE ISLAND (UNESCO 1991, former Portuguese capital of Mozambique 1507-1898, one of Africa's MOST BEAUTIFUL PORTUGUESE COLONIAL CITIES, perfectly preserved 16th-19th-century coral stone architecture), MAPUTO (capital 1.1 million inhabitants, unique African Portuguese colonial art deco architecture, Caribbean nightlife), GORONGOSA NATIONAL PARK (4,067 km², iconic park restored after civil war by Carr foundation — elephants, lions, leopards, antelopes), CHIMOIO (coffee plantations and tea). A destination for preserved beach enthusiasts, premium snorkeling/diving, and unique Afro-Portuguese atmosphere. 10-14 days to combine Bazaruto and Maputo, or 14-18 days for Quirimbas and Mozambique Island.

Highlights

  • Bazaruto Archipelago (Marine Park, dugongs)
  • Quirimbas Archipelago (32 preserved islands)
  • UNESCO Mozambique Island (16th-century Portuguese capital)
  • 2,700 km of coastline and preserved beaches
  • Maputo (colonial art deco architecture)
  • World-top snorkeling and diving

Frequently asked questions

When?

May-November (dry season). June-October humpback whales. Avoid December-March (cyclones January-March northern coast).

How long?

10 days for Maputo + Bazaruto. 12 days for Quirimbas. 14 days culture + beaches with Mozambique Island.

Budget?

€4,500-€7,000 per person for 10 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €9,500-€15,000. Flights: €1,100-€1,500.

Visa?

Visa on arrival for French citizens ($50, 30 days, USD payment).

Cabo Delgado safety?

AVOID northern Cabo Delgado areas (2020+ instability, Daesh-affiliated activity). Verify Quirimbas conditions before departure — most lodges are south, away.

Family?

Ideal for families (Bazaruto in particular — safe beaches, snorkeling, no marine predators). Quirimbas more adventurous from age 14.

How to get around?

LAM Mozambique domestic flights essential. Charter Cessna flights for islands. 4×4 with Portuguese-English-speaking driver at Maputo and Vilanculos.

Diving: level?

Snorkeling accessible to all (reefs 50-200 m from beach). Scuba diving from Open Water (PADI/SSI). Certifications possible at Bazaruto and Quirimbas.

Combine?

Yes: Mozambique + South Africa (Kruger, Cape Town), Mozambique + Eswatini, Mozambique + Tanzania (Zanzibar), Mozambique + Madagascar.

Tips?

10% in restaurants. $5-$10/day for guides and drivers. 5★ lodges tipping at discretion ($10/day for butler).