{"id":102844,"date":"2018-03-15T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-03-15T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/mozambique-travel\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:54:50","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:54:50","slug":"mozambique-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/mozambique-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"The Great African Experience: The Secret Magic of Mozambique"},"content":{"rendered":"

Stretching along the sunny east coast of Africa is Mozambique, the dark horse of Africa. With its troubled past and developing tourism industry, it is a bit of an enigma, but it is also a country that wears its mystery and rugged beauty like a little black dress and whose wild charm you can\u2019t help but fall in love with.<\/p>\n

If you are daring enough to make the journey that is.<\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of @bv10official<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mozambique is not for followers of guidebooks and seekers of the ordinary. It is for wayfarers and wanderers. Gypsies and globetrotters. It is a backpacker\u2019s bliss and nomad\u2019s nirvana. It is a country where the journey is unpredictable and the experiences unforgettable.<\/p>\n

And while it is indeed the tropical paradise you see on postcards and in travel magazines, the real magic lies hidden in the experiences few speak about and that haven\u2019t been captured on film.<\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of @diogokyrillos<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Here are 12 of our favourite\u00a0things about Mozambique holidays:<\/p>\n

12. Yoga retreats<\/h2>\n

Yoga retreats are one of the best-kept secrets in Mozambique. Yogi travellers find themselves drawn to Mozambique because of its peaceful rhythms and soothing vibrations, and it is in the tranquil tropical bliss of Tofo that they find the perfect backdrop for balancing their chakras and healing their mind, body, and spirit.<\/p>\n

Where to go:<\/strong> Turtle Cove<\/a> offers year-round daily yoga classes, intimate workshops, and exclusive retreats.<\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of @sarah_butchers<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11. Swim with wild dolphins<\/h2>\n

Ponta do Ouro, a beach town with sandy streets, is where dreams of swimming with wild dolphins come true. Sink below the waves and you will find your ears filled with the distinct clicks and squeaks of playful Bottlenose dolphins, shy Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphins, and energetic Spinner dolphins. An underwater dance with these creatures is one of the most magical experiences you can have in Mozambique.<\/p>\n

There are two licensed operators in Ponta do Ouro: The Dolphin Centre<\/a>\u00a0and Dolphin Encounters<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Where to go:<\/strong> Ponta do Ouro and the Quirimbas Archipelago.<\/p>\n

Best time to go:<\/strong> All year round.<\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of @casdelange<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10. Music festivals<\/h2>\n

Another hidden treasure of Mozambique is its festivals. Several amazing music festivals are hosted every year which offer a meeting point for music lovers and\u00a0culture vultures to share their love for music and the arts.<\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of @ta.ma.va.ro<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

AZGO festival <\/strong><\/p>\n

An international arts festival that is an extravaganza of music, dance, arts, film, and fashion in Maputo<\/a>. The festival explores musical styles such as jazz, soul, samba, afro-beat, hip-hop, electronica, and marrabenta.<\/p>\n

When:<\/strong> May<\/p>\n

STRAB (Subterranean Rhythm & Blues) Festival <\/strong><\/p>\n

A festival of \u201coriginal music for original people\u201d. STRAB brings music lovers and musicians together for a weekend of beach parties, scuba diving, and camping in Ponta Malongane. A highlight of this musical rendezvous is group missions to the local bars and villages.<\/p>\n

When:<\/strong> May<\/p>\n

Mozamboogy <\/strong><\/p>\n

A festival that is all about good vibes and good music. Prepare yourself for 4 days of dancing barefoot to electro swing and reggae ska; stomping to psytrance and techno beneath the glow of UV lights and the stars; sunrise yoga on the beach; and fire poi and hoola hoop sessions.<\/p>\n

When:<\/strong> July<\/p>\n

FORR (Fellowship of Rock) Festival\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

A festival described as \u201ca gathering of fun-loving music addicts with a sense of adventure\u201d. FORR Fest is an intimate festival that draws musos and music lovers together against the backdrop of Ponta Malongane for a weekend of rock \u2018n\u2019 roll and tropical summer vibes.<\/p>\n

When:<\/strong> September \/ October<\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of @isabel_novella<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9. Govuro canoe trails<\/h2>\n

The Govuro Spring River is an inland delta of waterways dotted with water lilies and wetlands that are home to birds and tiny aquatic creatures. Birds such as kingfishers, eagles, and pygmy geese visit the delta during the day, while fireflies dance above the water at night.<\/p>\n

A canoe safari will take you through the Delta and give you a chance to witness the enchanting natural beauty of this little-known watery oasis.<\/p>\n

South East Africa Safaris<\/a> offers morning and afternoon river canoeing safaris.<\/p>\n

Also read:<\/strong>\u00a06 exciting things to do in Vilanculos this summer<\/a><\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of @charlottelevens<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8. Surfing getaways<\/h2>\n

With its endless waves and magnificent swells, Mozambique is the ultimate destination for surf centric getaways and adventurous surfers searching for the perfect wave. And because Mozambique is still relatively undiscovered, you will often find it is just you and the waves.<\/p>\n

Where to go:<\/strong> Barra Beach (Inhambane), Guinjala Bay (near Praia de Jangamo), Tofinho (Praia do Tofo), Ponta d\u2019Ouro, and Pomene Bay.<\/p>\n

Best time to go:<\/strong> June to August. However, if you don\u2019t mind onshore winds, the swells are sublime from February to October.<\/p>\n

Tip:<\/strong> Rumour has it that the waves up north are so perfect you go insane surfing them!<\/em><\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of @aukjehagenauw<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7. Rum for rebels<\/h2>\n

Deceptively sweet and known as \u201cthe island spirit\u201d or \u201crhum for rebels\u201d, Tipo Tinto is one of Mozambique\u2019s most (in)famous creations. An R&R (half rhum and half raspberry soda) is the official drink of Mozambique.<\/p>\n

But be warned, although these drinks may look bright and cheery, they should be approached with caution.\u00a0R&Rs are notorious for their potent hangovers.<\/p>\n

Where to go:<\/strong> Fernando\u2019s Bar in Maputo and Florestinha do Indico in Ponta do Ouro.<\/p>\n

Tip:<\/strong> Mozambique is also known for its beer (Laurentina Clara, Laurentina Preta, and 2M are the most popular), sura (palm wine), cha (local tea), and baobab juice.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of @mckinley_chocolate<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6. Swim with giants<\/h2>\n

Another surreal underwater experience in Mozambique is swimming with whale sharks and manta rays. Whale sharks are the largest fish species in the ocean (they can reach up to 14 metres), while manta rays are famously enigmatic creatures that are known for their graceful acrobats.<\/p>\n

If you are lucky, you might even spot a rare dugong. These herbivores are related to manatee and affectionately known as \u201csea cows\u201d.<\/p>\n

Where to go:<\/strong> Praia do Tofo and the Bazaruto Archipelago (off the coast of Inhambane<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Best time to go:<\/strong> Between September and February in Tofo, and between October and April in the Bazaruto Archipelago.<\/p>\n

Popular dive and snorkel operators include:<\/strong> Tofo Scuba<\/a> and Odyssea Dive<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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5. Beach bars<\/h2>\n

These rustic beach shacks are a great place to experience the Mozambican nightlife, meet locals, and discover the upbeat sounds of Marrabenta, a fusion of Portuguese folk and Mozambican dance rhythms.<\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of @amh1988<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Some of the best beach bars in Mozambique include:<\/p>\n