Things to do in Mozambique

25 things to do in Mozambique

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Dive with manta rays at Tofo Beach

  Plunge into the warm Indian Ocean at Tofo, one of Africa’s best spots to encounter giant manta rays gliding through sun-dappled waters.

  Tofo, Inhambane Province

• Snorkel with dugongs in the Bazaruto Archipelago

  Float above sea-grass meadows that shelter the elusive dugong, surrounded by the pristine turquoise seascape of the protected archipelago.

  Bazaruto Archipelago

• Watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean from Ponta do Ouro

  Stroll the golden sands of Ponta do Ouro as the sun melts into the sea, painting the sky in fiery oranges and pinks.

  Ponta do Ouro, Maputo Province

• Explore the cobbled streets of Ilha de Moçambique

  Wander the atmospheric lanes of this UNESCO-listed island, where Swahili, Portuguese and Indian influences blend in centuries-old coral-stone buildings.

  Ilha de Moçambique

• Browse the vibrant stalls of Maputo’s Mercado Central

  Inhale the scent of spices and fresh produce while weaving through a kaleidoscope of colourful fabrics, handcrafts and lively banter.

  Maputo

• Feast on peri-peri prawns at Costa do Sol

  Order the legendary grilled prawns smothered in fiery piri-piri sauce while dining under thatched roofs right on Maputo’s waterfront.

  Maputo

• Sail a traditional dhow into the sunset at Vilanculos

  Board a wooden sailing dhow and drift across the bay as the sun dips behind the Bazaruto islands, the wind rustling the lateen sail.

  Vilanculos, Inhambane Province

• Go on a game drive in Gorongosa National Park

  Cruise through the reborn floodplains of Gorongosa, spotting lions, elephants and waterbucks against the backdrop of Mount Gorongosa.

  Gorongosa National Park

• Marvel at the neo-classical Maputo Railway Station

  Stand inside the cavernous, mint-green hall of the CFM station, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece designed by an associate of Gustave Eiffel.

  Maputo

• Watch Makonde master carvers at work in Nampula

  Visit artisan workshops to see intricate ebony and rosewood figures emerge from raw wood in the heart of Makonde territory.

  Nampula

• Swim at Wimbi Beach in Pemba

  Bask on the crescent of powdery sand at Wimbi Beach, where the calm, azure water of Pemba Bay invites a refreshing dip.

  Pemba, Cabo Delgado

• Witness humpback whales from a boat trip off Ponta Malongane

  Catch the spectacle of migrating humpbacks breaching and tail-slapping just offshore during their annual passage along the coast.

  Ponta Malongane, Maputo Province

• Taste authentic matapa in Inhambane’s local eateries

  Spoon up the rich, creamy cassava-leaf stew studded with peanuts and coconut, a classic dish that tastes of home kitchens.

  Inhambane

• Step back in time on Ibo Island’s ghostly colonial ruins

  Roam the overgrown mansions and crumbling forts of this sleepy Quirimbas island, once a wealthy slave and ivory trading post.

  Ibo Island, Quirimbas Archipelago

• Hike to the summit of Mount Namuli

  Trek through lush highland forest to the dome of Mozambique’s second-highest peak, rewarded with sweeping views over the tea-growing region.

  Mount Namuli, Zambezia Province

• Dance marrabenta at the Azgo Festival in Maputo

  Join the pulsing crowd at this open-air music festival, swaying to the fast-paced marrabenta rhythms that define Mozambican pop culture.

  Maputo

• Ride a horse along the beach at dawn in Vilanculos

  Canter bareback or saddled on hard-packed sand as the first light illuminates the Bazaruto Islands on the horizon.

  Vilanculos, Inhambane Province

• View ancient San rock paintings at Chinhamapere

  Scramble over granite boulders to find ochre human figures and animals left by hunter-gatherer artists thousands of years ago.

  Chinhamapere, near Chimoio

• Dive the Neptune’s Arm shipwreck off Ponta do Ouro

  Descend to a World War II army cargo ship resting on the reef, now encrusted with corals and patrolled by resident fish.

  Ponta do Ouro, Maputo Province

• Sip a Laurentina beer in Maputo’s lively Feira Popular

  Pull up a plastic chair under neon lights at this open-air eating-and-drinking complex, where locals share grilled snacks and cold beer.

  Maputo

• Chase the hidden Cascata de Montepuez waterfall

  Find your way to a little-known cascade tumbling into a cool rock pool, a refreshing surprise in the dry landscape of Cabo Delgado.

  Montepuez, Cabo Delgado

• Walk the ramparts of Fort São Sebastião on Ilha

  Climb the walls of the southern hemisphere’s oldest complete fort, looking out over the same channel where Vasco da Gama once anchored.

  Ilha de Moçambique

• Soak up the eclectic vibe of Mafalala neighbourhood’s street art

  Amble through the birthplace of Samora Machel, where vivid murals and poetry honour Mozambique’s revolutionary and cultural heritage.

  Mafalala, Maputo

• Stay at a thatched eco-lodge on Medjumbe Island

  Fall asleep to the sound of gentle surf in a private bungalow on this tiny Quirimbas sandbar, a castaway’s paradise.

  Medjumbe Island, Quirimbas Archipelago

• Try the legendary piri-piri chicken at Galo Gordo

  Tear into a charcoal-grilled chicken flame-basted with a secret piri-piri marinade that has made this simple eatery a Maputo institution.

  Maputo