Your initial impression of Mozambique will most likely be formed in the lovely capital Maputo. Maputo, which has a population of about a million people, is a vibrant city with a variety of architectural types, garden complexes, markets, and several offshore islands to explore. Don't miss the early twentieth-century train station in Maputo, with its vivid green exterior, the magnificent dome on top, and high-rising arches.

Most travelers' itineraries include a visit to Maputo Fortress. Although the massive stone walls were preserved, what was once a Portuguese stronghold is now a history museum. Visit the Tunduru Botanical Gardens in Mozambique to get a sample of the country's natural beauties. These artistically groomed gardens are home to native plant and bird species and are a wonderful place to cool off in the shade during the midday heat. Maputo Central Market and the strange Iron House, constructed by Gustave Eiffel, are two more attractions in the capital.

Location: Maputo, Mozambique
Entrance fee: N/A
Best time to visit: June to October
Hours: N/A

The Bazaruto Archipelago is one of Mozambique's crown jewels, stretching about 250 kilometers along the country's coastline. The Indian Ocean surrounds the five main islands, which are surrounded by turquoise sea and teeming aquatic life beneath the surface.

The Bazaruto Archipelago is a collection of six islands off the coast of Mozambique's southern coast. They are noted for its white-sand beaches and are located within Bazaruto National Park. The largest island, Bazaruto, has sand dunes. Rare marine species such as dugongs are protected by coral reefs off the coasts of Magaruque and Santa Carolina. Many bird species can be found in the interior of Benguerra Island's wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands.

Although the island group's desolate beaches and flocks of flamingos will look fantastic on your Instagram feed, the rich biodiversity visible in the great blue is the main reason most people come here. Aside from the stunning sandbars, you'll occasionally see elusive whales, dolphins, and even dugongs poking their heads above the water. Diving is the most popular activity here, and the archipelago is known as Mozambique's premier diving destination. Underwater adventures are made unforgettable by coral gardens and a whopping 2000 recorded kinds of fish.

Location: Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
Entrance fee: N/A
Best time to visit: May to November
Hours: N/A

Gorongosa National Park is a protected region in central Mozambique's Great Rift Valley. Lions, hippos, and elephants live in their woods and savannahs. Thousands of aquatic birds flock to Lake Urema and its adjacent marshes and waterways. Murombodzi Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall on the slopes of Mount Gorongosa, cascades over jagged rocks. Cheringoma Plateau is defined by limestone gorges and bat-infested caverns.

Gorongosa National Park has an area of about 4000 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of vegetation and fauna. The park, which is divided into many altitude ranges and habitats, is home to iconic African creatures such as elephants, lions, hippos, and antelopes. Gorongosa's vibrant character is formed by grassy plains, woodlands, lakes, and river systems.

Bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for amazing birds like the bee-eater, crowned crane, and majestic African fish eagle. Gorongosa National Park is home to a variety of species that can't be found anywhere else, including birds, reptiles, and insects. For decades, conservation efforts have been made to conserve this particular portion of Mozambique. A vehicle safari, guided walking trip, or kayak tour along the flowing rivers are the finest ways to go about this area.

Address: 5FMW+F9J, Goinha, Mozambique
Entrance fee:

• SADC citizens: $10
• Foreigners: $20
  

Best time to visit: April to November
Hours: Mondays - Sundays: 24 hours

Quirimbas National Park is a protected area in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado Province that includes the southern section of the Quirimbas Islands as well as a large portion of the mainland. Several inselbergs can be found on Taratibua's mainland.

The Quirimbas National Park, a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve that spans both mainland and islands, highlights Mozambique's remarkable diversity once again. Traditional fishing boats, towering palm trees, and powder sugar beaches scream tropical sensations on these islands. The rich ecosystem of the 11 islands, which includes mangrove forests and coral reefs, is home to massive humpback whales and a variety of lesser animals.

More creatures and a variety of scenery may be found in the mainland portion of Quirimbas National Park, which is by far the largest region. In the reserve's hilly hills and flat savannahs, you'll get an opportunity to see lions, elephants, and leopards.

Location: Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique

Entrance fee: N/A

Best time to visit: between April and October

Hours: N/A

Xai-Xai is a laid-back beach community that has been established as a tourist destination around 200 kilometers north of the capital Maputo. Xai-Xai depicts a different aspect of Mozambique, even if it isn't as beautiful as some of the other places mentioned.

Xai-Xai (also Shai-Shai) is a popular beach in the city of the same name, which is situated north of Mozambique's capital. Vacationers with children prefer to travel to this destination. This is a resort where you may relax with your family or go on a romantic getaway. Swimming is enjoyable in a peaceful, pristine lagoon. To observe the beach from the water, a motorboat is hired at the beach. On the seaside, there are numerous restaurants and cafes serving a range of delectable fresh fish and seafood delicacies to tourists.


Xai-Xai is a main agricultural and commerce center, and strolling around the market to observe fresh products from both land and water is quite pleasurable. Alternatively, explore the Indian Ocean's infinite beaches and rocky outcroppings. Dive right in with your snorkeling gear to negotiate the coral reef that runs right in front of Xai Xai town and catch a glimpse of the exceedingly uncommon dugong as it floats around in the shallow coastal waters. The Wenela Tidal Pool, just outside of town, is a magnificent blowhole that sprays seawater fountains meters into the air.

Location: Xai-Xai, Mozambique
Entrance fee: N/A
Best time to visit:

• from late February to late May
• from early September to late October

Hours: N/A

Mozambique's Inhaca Island is a subtropical island off the East African coast. Inhaca, the major village, is slightly over a kilometer from Inhaca Airport. Along the northwest shore, there are a number of tourist lodges. The island's western and eastern shores are protected areas, although the majority of the population lives in the interior.

Although Inhaca Island is only a short boat ride from Maputo, it is a world away in terms of ambiance and scenery. On weekends, a large number of locals and visitors visit the beaches and nearby resorts.

Inhaca Island serves as a research center for keeping track of the island's unique species. Over 300 bird species can be found on the island, while magnificent marine creatures such as manta rays and humpback whales can be discovered in the surrounding waters. Climb the lighthouse on Inhaca Island's northern tip for some stunning views and learn why the bays and beaches are so popular.

Location: Inhaca Island, Mozambique
Entrance fee: N/A
Best time to visit: Summertime
Hours: N/A

Ponta do Ouro is a town in Mozambique's extreme south, located on the Mozambique Channel, south of Maputo and just north of the South African border. The name comes from the Portuguese word "point of gold," which refers to a cape on the beach's southern end.

Ponta do Ouro is in the far south of Mozambique, near the South African border. The town is often thought of as a seaside resort town, with large stretches of sand, posh B&Bs, and authentic restaurants. Ponta do Ouro is one of Mozambique's most popular tourist destinations, with visitors flocking here to relax on the beautiful beaches or to take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with dolphins. There's no doubting that the shorelines here are spectacular; the half-moon bay that runs from the downtown area to the easternmost cape contains a beach that alone is worth the trip to Ponta do Ouro.

Location: Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique
Entrance fee: N/A
Best time to visit: August, September
Hours: N/A

When the status of the Coutada 16 Wildlife Utilisation Area in Gaza Province, Mozambique, was changed from a hunting concession to a protected area, the Limpopo National Park was born. It is part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which also includes South Africa's Kruger National Park and Zimbabwe's Gonarezhou National Park.

Limpopo National Park is part of a big international wildlife reserve, including the famed Kruger National Park on the South African side. Limpopo National Park is nothing short of spectacular, despite its lack of international fame. Winding rivers cut through topography like woods and savannas, fertilizing the grounds for wildlife and vegetation to thrive throughout a 10,000-square-kilometer area.

Elephants, buffalos, crocodiles, and lions, as well as the occasional hyena and cheetah, are frequently spotted on tours through the park. The dry season, which runs from June to October, is the greatest time to come since the animals congregate around the few remaining water sources. Limpopo National Park has a number of camps and lodges, making it an ideal reserve to visit over several days.

Address: 85WF+3RQ, Bingo, Mozambique
Entrance fee: N/A

Best time to visit: from July to October
Hours: N/A

Tofo is a beach town in Mozambique's southeast. The curving Tofo Beach and neighboring coral reefs are well-known. At Manta Reef, a well-known "cleaning station", huge manta rays circle, attracting little fish that feed on the rays' parasites and other waste. Dolphins, whale sharks, and migrating humpback whales all swim in the Indian Ocean seas just off the coast. Barra Beach resorts are located to the north.

Tofo is a small seaside village of 5000 people located 500 kilometers north of Maputo. While the population is small, Tofo's qualities extend far beyond the tiny town center. On land, the sand dunes are perfect for some great photography or an off-road quad bike adventure. Otherwise, the nearby beaches are ideal for a leisurely stroll or some sunbathing.

If you're a diver, Tofo might already be on your list of locations to see. Whale sharks, manta rays, and humpback whales swarm in the plankton-rich waters off Tofo's coast, and you'll almost certainly see them during your dive. Common dolphins, eagle rays, and whitetip reef sharks are among the other species you might see. Even if you don't plan on diving, you can still meet whales and dolphins on a boat safari.

Location: Tofo, southeastern Mozambique
Entrance fee: N/A
Best time to visit: June through August
Hours: N/A

Mozambique Island, also known as Ilha de Moçambique, is an inhabited atoll in Mozambique's northeastern area. Ilha de Moçambique, unlike most other islands, is known for its colorful houses and relics of medieval architecture. Wander around this 1.5-square-kilometer island, and you'll come across Fortaleza de S. Sebastio at some time. The ruins of this 16th-century stronghold overlook the sea and the surrounding Capela de Nossa Senhora Baluarte, an abandoned and ruined chapel with a haunting atmosphere. The Igreja de Santo António, on the other side of the island, is a much better-preserved ruin of a church, sitting beautifully on a rocky ledge above the sea.

Mozambique's Island is located off the north coast of the country. A bridge connects it to the mainland. The Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte is a Portuguese colonial edifice in Stone Town, on the island's northern side. A nearby headland is crowned with the 16th-century Fort of So Sebastio. The Palace of So Paulo is a former governor's residence that now serves as a museum. Macuti cottages with thatched roofs dot the island's southern reaches.

Location: Nampula Province, Mozambique
Entrance fee: N/A
Best time to visit: between September and November,
Hours: N/A