This was probably one of the most difficult trips I have ever planned. But if you are someone who loves exploring new places, you have to add Mozambique to your list - it is a true hidden gem. And now you have the perfect itinerary outlined below, including where to stay, what to do, and where to eat.
Moz feels like what I can only imagine the beaches of Thailand or Mexico must have been like 20 years ago before they became overcrowded with tourists. Plus, it's got natural wonders like the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Mozambique sits on the southeastern coast of Africa and is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. But if you're looking for a destination that combines pristine and UNIQUE beaches (see the Bazaruto Archipelago above—I had never seen anything like this in my life), amazing marine life, and the perfect, relaxed beach lifestyle, Mozambique should be at the top of your travel list.
Ideal Itinerary: Mozambique's Must-Visit Spots & The Logistics
Here’s how to spend the perfect week in Mozambique: how to get around, where to stay, and what to do!
Day 1-2: Vilankulos
I would recommend starting in Vilankulos, a coastal fishing town that serves as the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Vilankulos itself offers stunning beaches, but the real beauty begins when you board a traditional dhow and sail towards the islands.
How to get there:
Fly into the Vilankulos airport. Flights are offered by multiple airlines. I would recommend taking Airlink if you can - they offer flights out of most major airports in Southern Africa (I flew from Namibia), but you may need to layover in Johannesburg for a couple of hours.
If you're coming from the South, there are flights offered from Maputo (the capital) or the neighboring town of Inhambane, where Tofo Beach is located. It's a 7 hour drive between Maputo and Vilankulos, and 4 hours from Tofo to Vilankulos.
Where to stay:
Luke's Place: I chose to stay here for a majority of my time because I needed strong access to Wi-Fi and this accommodation has Starlink. The host was so sweet and welcoming. She picked me up from the airport and stopped at a grocery store on the way to the house to get some basic items.
Baobab Beach Vilanculos: I think this is technically a hostel but they only offer chalets, either with a sea view or no sea view. I stayed here for one night after my Dhow Safari. It's in a great location and the food is delicious.
Casa Cabana Beach: I didn't say here but it is located on a popular beach and has more of a resort vibe, if that is what you are looking for. Restaurant has great views (though so does every spot along the beach).
Where to eat:
Baobab Beach has a restaurant, and great food!
You have to go to Leopoldina's. This is home cooked and traditional Mozambique food, and they only have a few tables available.
Casa Mika Cafe for great food and views.
Dhow safari:
This is a MUST when in Vilankulos and was basically the whole reason I came to Vilankulos at all. This is how you’ll visit the Bazaruto Archipelago. There are day trips and sunset trips offered, but I highly recommend doing an overnight safari. See more info on this below for day 3-4!
Exploring Vilankulos:
Visit the local market - this was quite the experience. There is one main market in the city center and luckily, I found a "guide" standing right outside. This was a local who basically led me through this maze of the market. If you look like a confused tourist standing outside, they will find you. I snacked on fresh coconut and pineapple, plus picked up some garlic, lemon, and fresh-caught fish to grill up back at my house. Don't forget to barter!
Visit one of the many beach bars along the ocean. Baobab Beach Vilanculos, the local hostel, always has a crowd and they also throw events.
Vilankulos is also an adventure hub—go kitesurfing, paddleboarding, fishing, or even spear fishing. There are locals all along the beach who will offer these types of experiences to you as you walk by.
Day 3-4: Bazaruto Archipelago
The Bazaruto Archipelago is made up of five islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina, and Bangue. These islands have incredible coral reefs, rich marine life, and gorgeous views. We got to explore the beaches, swim, snorkel and have picnics each day during the overnight safari.
How to get there:
Either by boat or small plane. I would recommend by boat through Sailaway Dhow Safaris (see below).
Where to stay:
Sailaway Dhow Safaris: Instead of doing a day trip, book at least a one night overnight safari. This way you will see more of the islands, plus you get to stay overnight at Kerry (the owner's) property which sits on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. He cooks you an incredible meal from his kitchen and you'll have dinner with all of the other visitors he is hosting that night. This was such a fun evening. To book, visit his website and email Kerry with your preferred dates. All of his contact info is on the site.
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort: If the budget allows, you can actually stay on the Bazaruto Archipelago, but unfortunately the only option is super luxury resorts.
Snorkeling & diving:
Bazaruto is often regarded as one of the best places to dive in the world. Head to Two-Mile Reef to discover coral formations, schools of tropical fish, and even sea turtles or dugongs if you're lucky. Our group only snorkeled but I highly recommend diving if you have time.
Island hopping:
Take a boat trip to explore the different islands. Each one offers something unique, from white sand beaches to freshwater lakes, massive sand dunes, and snorkeling. With Saillaway you'll get to visit at least 3, depending on how many days you book!
When the tide goes down, you'll see hundreds of sandbars appear as far as you can see. It's truly an incredible sight.
Day 5-8+: Tofo Beach
After your days in the archipelago, head south to Tofo Beach, a laid-back beach town that offers both relaxation and adventure. It’s the perfect place to dive into Mozambique’s marine life and surf scene. You'll find a decent number of European tourists here, but it's still nowhere near crowded. I loved the restaurant scene here! The "downtown" is so cute (but quite small).
How to get there:
From Vilankulos, it's a 4 hour drive, which is how I chose to get to Tofo. I booked this ahead of time through No Food For Lazy Man transportation services. You can Whats App them at +258 84 107 2995 to reserve a car.
Another option is flying from Vilankulos to the Inhambane airport. The only airline that offers flights between these 2 airports is LAM, which I had an awful experience with, so I would recommend driving.
Where to stay:
Pura Vida Tofo Beach Houses: This is my #1 recommendation for accommodations in Tofo. It's in the perfect location on the quieter part of the beach (where people won't try to sell you stuff) but you're only a 10-minute walk into town. Dave, the host, is so welcoming and will help with any request you have. He also has a car available to rent, which can be difficult to find in Tofo. I stayed in the Garden View Villa and wish I could have been there for a month. The outdoor bathroom was gorgeous! Check out my reel on my stay here.
Kumba Lodge: if Pura Vida is fully booked (which they often here, for good reason!), another great option is Kumba Lodge. Still close to town but on a quieter part of the beach. They also offer yoga in the mornings on site.
Lehani Beach Hostel: this is a great option for people on a tighter budget. They recently switched management and the place is awesome! They have a restaurant on site and events on weekends. It's also right next to Dino's Beach Bar (the Cool Passion cocktail is a must try).
Where to eat:
The Green Turtle: this is expensive, but incredible. I went for a late lunch and stayed through sunset. It's owned by a French couple and food was the best I'd had in my 4 months in Africa. It's about a 30 minute drive away from Tofo Beach so plan accordingly!
Sumi: a great Japanese spot with good vibes. Go on a Friday and it will be packed! I would recommend making a reservation in advance (What's App +258845646554).
Tofo Tofo: must visit for great local food. They do a buffet and live music on Tuesday evenings. You'll also need a reservation here (What's App: +258844670367).
Brankos: small hot rock spot with good vibes. I ended up ordering a pizza, but the hot rock is more ~interactive~.
Rio's: fresh bakery and they also do sandwiches. Check out their IG for what's fresh (@rios_tofo).
You can't go wrong with seafood in this town. I had lobster and fresh (whole!) fish almost every night.
Diving:
Tofo Beach is world-famous for its resident whale sharks and manta rays. Join a snorkeling or diving tour to swim alongside these gentle giants.
I actually got my PADI diving certification in Tofo Beach. Here there are whales all around, during the right time of year you'll see them from. Diving and snorkeling here are unparalleled, offering encounters with a dazzling array of sea creatures, while Tofo Beach is one of the best places in the world to swim alongside whale sharks.
Surfing and Beach Life:
Tofo is a great spot for surfing, from beginner to advanced. The beach itself is lively with great bars and restaurants, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and laid-back vibes.
Marine Conservation:
Visit the Marine Megafauna Foundation and learn about the efforts to conserve Mozambique’s marine life. This is a great way to give back while traveling by supporting local conservation initiatives.
Final Thoughts
Mozambique is a destination that offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Between the unique beaches of the Bazaruto Archipelago, to diving with whale sharks in Tofo Beach, to exploring the traditional markets in Vilankulos, Mozambique is truly a special place. It still has that undiscovered and untouched feel, so if this is something you're looking for in your next adventure, Moz is the perfect place.
Comments