Most tourism in Mozambique falls into one of two categories: self-drive expeditions in southern Mozambique or fly-in beach holidays in the Bazaruto Archipelago. Bazaruto can also be visited as a day trip from the coastal towns of Vilanculos and Inhassoro, which makes it accessible to self-drive visitors as well as fly-in package tourists.
Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area & the Coast (1.5 to 2 weeks)
This self-drive itinerary can be an add-on to a South African holiday. After spending a few days in the world-famous Kruger National Park, you can cross from Letaba Rest Camp into Limpopo National Park in Mozambique. Border formalities between the two parks are straightforward.
Destinations:
- Limpopo National Park (2 to 3 days) has several 4WD trails but wildlife viewing is hit-and-miss
- Bilene (1 to 3 days) is a small coastal resort town north of Maputo
- Maputo (2 to 3 days) is a capital city steeped in history and a great place to party
- Maputo National Park (2 to 5 days) is a lovely spot to combine bush and beach
- Ponta do Ouro (3 to 5 days) is a stunning coastal destination, just a short hop from South Africa’s Maputaland coast
Popular add-ons:
- Vilanculos for ocean activities in the well-known Bazaruto Archipelago
- Zinave National Park is well worth the diversion when driving between Limpopo NP and Vilanculos
- Inhaca Island for game fishing, surfing and deserted beaches offshore from Maputo
Maputo to Beira (1 to 2.5 weeks)
After arriving in Maputo at Maputo International Airport (MPM), follow the coastal route north.
Destinations:
- Maputo (1 to 2 days) is steeped in history
- Tofo Beach (2 to 5 days) in Inhambane is a great place to see whale sharks
- Vilanculos (3 to 5 days) is a lovely place to chill out on the beach and a base for a day trip to the famous reefs of Bazaruto National Park
- Zinave National Park (3 to 4 days) is a rewarding Big Five safari destination, sitting off the beaten track inland from Vilanculos
- Beira (1 to 2 days) is a historic port that’s worth exploring before your flight home, though the road there from Vilanculos is awful
This same itinerary could be done with a rental car from Johannesburg (South Africa). In this case, you drive to Maputo, follow the same route and leave Mozambique via the gateway city of Chimoio, inland from Beira.
Popular add-ons:
- Inhaca Island for game fishing, surfing and deserted beaches offshore from Maputo
- Maputo National Park for ocean safaris and a chance to see elephants
- Gorongosa National Park for a classic safari experience