Maputo and Southern Mozambique
Crystal-clear water, spectacular marine life and secluded beaches
Overview
Maputo and Southern Mozambique Holidays
Maputo, the vibrant capital of Mozambique, is a captivating blend of colonial charm and modern energy.
Founded in 1544 and originally named after Portuguese trader Lourenço Marques, the city boasts wide, jacaranda-lined streets and architectural remnants of its colonial past. Here, bustling markets offer everything from tropical fruits to artisanal crafts, while street cafés invite visitors to savor spicy Mozambican delicacies.
Often overshadowed by its beach destinations, Maputo is an ideal stopover for cultural exploration, setting the stage for the natural wonders of Southern Mozambique. Just offshore, Inhaca Island enchants visitors with its lush forests, mangrove groves, and vibrant coral reefs. Home to over 300 bird species, it’s a haven for birding enthusiasts. Nearby, Ponta Mamoli’s pristine sands rank among Eastern Africa’s finest beaches, offering a tranquil escape.
The region also features remarkable wildlife reserves, including the Maputo Special Reserve, where elephants and giraffes roam a unique coastal ecosystem of mangroves and grasslands, and the Ponta do Ouro Marine Reserve, close to the South African border, which is home to humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and rare dugongs.
The region’s close proximity to both the Kruger and Limpopo National Park makes Southern Mozambique a stunning beach destination for a luxury family safari through Southern Africa.
Overview
Maputo and Southern Mozambique Holidays
Where is Maputo and Southern Mozambique?
Maputo, the bustling capital of Mozambique, lies on the country’s southern coast, where Maputo Bay meets the Indian Ocean. Positioned near the borders of South Africa and Eswatini, the city is a key gateway to the marine reserves, quaint fishing villages and secluded beaches of Southern Mozambique.
This region is easily accessible via road or chartered flights from Kruger National Park, making it a popular extension for safari-goers seeking a few days of luxury beach resorts and watersports.
The coastline is dotted with islands like Inhaca, renowned for its coral reefs and mangroves, and remote beaches such as Ponta Mamoli, celebrated for diving and turtle nesting. Inland, the Maputo Special Reserve and Machangulo Peninsula offer a rare blend of coastal ecosystems and savannah, creating an ideal setting for both relaxation and exploration.
What to do in Maputo and Southern Mozambique?
Southern Mozambique offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences on its untouched coastline and in the crystal clear water of the Indian Ocean.
Begin your journey in Maputo, immersing yourself in Mozambique’s rich cultural history. Stroll through jacaranda-lined streets of colonial buildings, sample spicy street food, and immerse yourself in the city’s lively markets.
Travel to nearby Inhaca Island, where vibrant coral reefs teem with marine life. Dive in the Baixa Danea reef, home to hammerhead sharks, loggerhead turtles, and the remnants of a historic steam cargo ship. For a more relaxed exploration, paddle through the island’s mangrove forests, discovering their vital role in sustaining diverse ecosystems, or embark on a birding safari to spot some of the island’s 300 species.
Along the western and southern coastline, boat cruises reveal playful pods of dolphins, visible year-round, while summer months bring the extraordinary sight of tiny leatherback and hawksbill turtles emerging from their nesting sites. Nearby, Ponta Mamoli enchants visitors with its pristine white sands, secluded charm, and a host of family-friendly activities. Horse riding along the beach or snorkelling in crystal-clear waters offers endless excitement, while world-class dive sites such as Wayne’s World, Bass City and Pinnacles promise adventures beneath the surface.
For a unique eco-tourism experience, explore the Ponta do Ouro Marine Reserve, where families can assist with shark conservation efforts while diving or snorkelling in unspoiled waters.
Southern Mozambique’s perfect blend of marine reserves, cultural richness, and family-friendly adventures create a memorable escape for all ages.
Best time to visit?
The best time to visit Maputo and Southern Mozambique is during the long dry season from April to December, when clear, sunny days and warm temperatures offer ideal conditions for long beach days.
The diving and snorkelling are particularly good from April to June and again from September to November when the water is calm and clear and there are fewer tourists.
Those interested in whale-spotting should visit from June to November, when humpback whales begin to arrive after an epic migration from Antarctica.
The cyclone season lasts from January to March and is best avoided if you are after a sunny beach holiday. However, five different species of turtle come ashore to nest during these months, making it a must-see if this is on your bucket list.
Who should visit?
The southern coast of Mozambique is a well known honeymooners paradise, with endless secluded beaches, few tourists and romantic resorts aplenty.
However, Southern Mozambique’s incredible range of watersports, well-preserved marine wildlife and friendly local communities makes it a great destination for luxury family safaris.
Families with teens will love the thrilling watersports and diving opportunities, while little ones can be kept close by in family-friendly suites like those at Machangulo Beach Lodge.
Inhaca Island is a must-visit for birding enthusiasts with over 300 species found here. An expert guide can help point out the Pink Backed Pelican, Lesser Crested Tern, Mangrove Kingfisher and even Great Flamingos.
Places to stay
Recommended Southern Mozambique accommodation
Places to stay
Recommended Southern Mozambique accommodation
Why travel with Coral Tree?
We are the specialists in luxury Africa family safari holidays
We are Africa experts and also parents. We understand what makes a memorable family adventure.
Our knowledge and connections are unsurpassed
We have been living and working in African tourism for over two decades.
Every journey is tailored with your specific wishes in mind
No off-the-shelf packages or cookie-cutter itineraries. Unique family safaris.
Each trip funds grassroots conservation and girls education projects
You pay no more for the privilege, we support causes close to our hearts.
