A country known for its beautiful landscapes and mind-blowing scenery; Mozambique is truly a delightful country to visit. Located on the southeastern coast of Africa, Mozambique is blessed extensively with a vast range of natural resources and beautiful people. Whether it’s your first time or you are a returning visitor, here, explore Mozambique holidays and the best places to visit, with this list of some of the most beautiful cities in Mozambique. Discover your top Mozambican travel wishlist of the best towns and places to visit in Mozambique, top destinations for beach holidays, best destinations for cultural and gastronomical escapades and destinations for families or lovers.
1. Maputo
A city of tradition and modernity, Maputo is your best Mozambican destination for culture and families. There is no way Mozambique can be discussed without the mention of Maputo its beautiful capital. Maputo is gives off that vibe of a perfect blend between its colonial history and traditional Mozambican societies. You can check out the Fortress of Maputo, the warm and really calming Tunduru Botanical Gardens or even visit the beautiful coastal beach hotels in this fascinating capital city. There is so much to enjoy in Maputo.
Location: Rua Henrique de Sousa, Maputo, Mozambique
2. Vilankulo & the Bazaruto Archipelago
Vilankulo is somewhat a gateway to the more beautiful and uniquely situated Bazaruto Archipelago. The town is a few kilometers from the bay where you can find restaurants and bars, fuel, markets, banks and daily supplies. Bazaruto Archipelago consists of 4 sand islands, two are inhabited (Bazaruto and Benguerra), while the other two remain uninhabited. Bazaruto is known for its glistening aquamarine seas and coral gardens, windblown sand dunes and beautiful coastal hills filled with scrubs and coconut palm groves. You will find the lodges on the island very cozy. A paradise on earth!
3. Angoche
Formerly called António Enes after the 19th century Portuguese journalist and colonial administrator, Angoche is an old Muslim trading center founded by refugees from the Kilwa Sultanate (Kilwa is an island off modern-day Tanzania), in the 1490’s. It was an important gold and ivory trading posts and posed a serious threat to the Portuguese settlement in Mozambique until the mid-16th century. Various islands lie offshore the town and though a shadow of its old glory, Angoche is totally worth a visit.
4. Inhambane
Inhambane is also known as Terra de Boa Gente (Land of Good People). It is situated in southern Mozambique lying on Inhambane bay, 470km northeast of Maputo. The city is also known for its grand colonial architecture and it was established as a Portuguese trading post in 1534. Amazing places you can visit in Inhambane include Tofo, known as the whale shark mecca of the world, Manta Reef, Gallaria and so many more. Also bear in mind that Inhambane is one of the oldest cities in Mozambique.
5. Pemba
Pemba is a port town built around a natural large bay, the closest major city to the amazing islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago, a place you should visit when in Pemba. The Quirimbas Islands are world-renowned for their white-sand beaches, pristine Indian Ocean waters and varied landscapes ranging from diving sites to Quirimbas National Park.
6. Beira
Mozambique’s second-largest city, Beira, and its Macuti Beach, should be on your list of places to visit when in the country. Take your children to Beira and let them discover the treasures and beauties of this top Mozambican destination.
7. Tete
Tete is the capital city of the Tete province in Mozambique. Tete is situated on a plateau of the Zambezi River, close to the rich coal mines of Moatize. Although one of the hottest parts of the country, Tete is home to the famous Tete Suspension Bridge which crosses the Zambezi River. About 150km from Tete is the Cabora Bassa Dam, which is the second largest in Africa and supplies power to South Africa, Maputo, Tete and the coal mines in Moatize.
8. Quelimane
Quelimane is a seaport town and the administrative capital and largest city of Zambezia Province. Sitting close to Rio dos Bons Sinais (or “River of the Good Signs”), the river was named after Vasco da Gama on his journey to India reached it and saw good signs that he wasn’t lost. The city is home to a variety of restaurants, trendy street cafes and hotels on the beachfront. Interesting places you can visit include the Old Cathedral, Circa 1785 and the Governor’s residence.
9. Xai Xai
The capital of Gaza Province, Xai Xai can be reached by road 200km north of Maputo. Xai Xai is strategically located on the Limpopo River and is a magnificent for those shopping for supplies. There are several places you can explore including markets, shops, restaurants and a camp site. Praia do Xai Xai is a super popular tourist destination because of its lovely coral reef that runs along the coast, Wenela Tidal Pool and Chongoene beach. This is where you can enjoy your Kayaking adventures.
10. Lichinga
Lichinga is home to Lake Niassa and Niassa Game Reserve, a beautiful city in the Niassa Province. The town was founded as Vila Cabral in 1931 as a farming and military settlement. It was upgraded to a city in 1962. Lichinga Airport serves this city and is surrounded by extensive beautiful pine forest. For nature lovers we recommend Lago Niassa, ranked among the best nature wonders in Africa.
Explore the Best Surf Spots in Mozambique.
