Vat4 Safaris

Mozambique

Mozambique has overcome a brutal civil war and devastating floods and emerged as a dynamic, yet-to-be-discovered travel destination. With a tropical climate, Mozambique is a country of sunny blue skies and clear seas teeming with marine life. While the savannah plateau of central Mozambique and the highlands of the north are compelling, the country is predominantly a beach holiday destination. It’s a great place to wind down at the end of a southern African safari.

MAPUTO: Mozambique is a strip of land that sweeps across the coastal flank of southeast Africa. It boasts long sandy beaches dotted with palm trees and waters scattered with the sails of traditional dugout fishing boats. The capital, Maputo, is located on the coast in the south. Easily accessible from South Africa, the city offers striking examples of colonial architecture and is renowned for its mouth-watering LM prawns.

INHAMBANE:

Mozambique has 10 provinces, seven of which border the warm Indian Ocean. Of these seven provinces, Inhambane is the most highly regarded among divers. In addition to being a destination to escape to, the province is home to a vibrant city. Founded by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1534, Inhambane City is a motley combination of African markets, cathedrals, and colonial Portuguese architecture.

From quiet walks on secluded beaches to whale-watching excursions, drifting around in traditional dhow boats to big game fishing, Barra Reef offers a myriad of activities. Lodges in the area are affordable, offer snorkeling, and have scuba-diving facilities. The temperature allows for swimming throughout the year, the water is safe, and the reefs are within close proximity.

Barra’s marine life is unsurpassed and its reefs are home to a dazzling myriad of fish and coral life. Humpback whales, whale sharks, and manta rays can be spotted off shore with the elusive dugongs making rare appearances between June and October. The beaches are peppered with crustaceans and the salt-water estuaries attract flamingos. Barra’s sunsets are a spectacle of celestial proportions.

BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO:

A string of islands off the coast of central Mozambique, the Bazaruto Archipelago is the stuff of fantasy. The islands suit those seeking seclusion, are especially good for romantic retreats, and offer excellent diving and fishing. White, sandy beaches are sprinkled with pansy shells and days follow the tranquil rhythm of the fishermen. The islands are accessible from the town of Vilanculos, which features an international airport amidst groves of coconut palms and cashew nut trees.

THE SOUTH

Inhaca and Portuguese Islands – near Maputo, have white sandy beaches, excellent fishing and diving coral reefs.
The Maputo Special Reserve, south of Maputo, on the way to Ponta do Ouro, is famous for it’s elephant herds and the bands of flamingoes to be seen on the lakes near the coast.
Ponta do Ouro – the southernmost town in the country is easily accessible from South Africa, and offers a wide array of scuba diving, snorkeling with dolphins and fishing activities.

We offer various different safaris to Mozambique:

· Coastal Adventure – This 5 day adventure takes us to the south of Mozambique, through the Maputo Elephant Reserve to Santa Maria. We explore Inhaca Island by boat, snorkel in a marine reserve, indulge ourselves in Portuguese cuisine, and spend the day relaxing or fishing. The route takes us through coastal forests past huge lakes to Ponta Malongane, where an encounter with dolphins is the highlight of the trip.

· Bush to Beach Adventure – We visit Hlane National Park in Swaziland, Mkuze Game Reserve in KwaZulu Natal, and the lakes of Kosibay, before entering Mozambique to spend a few days exploring the south of Mozambique, the Maputo Elephant Reserve, and Inhaca Island. Spectacular scenery, excellent diving, snorkeling and fishing can be enjoyed, before visiting Maputo, the small town of Bilene on the coast, and then we head inland to the Limpopo Transfrontier Park. The last few days are spend in the Kruger National Park, ticking off the animals we have not seen yet.

· Pafuri – Bazaruto Adventure: We start in the Kruger National Park, enter Mozambique at Pafuri and cross the Limpopo river at Mapai. After traversing east to Vilanculos, we spend a few days exploring the Bazoruto Islands, before making our way south following the coastline. Good opportunities for game viewing, diving and fishing.