Why a Mozambique Safari?
Bazaruto Archipelago - Azure blue waters, 6 white sand islands, excellent scuba diving. Benguerra & Bazaruto Islands.
Quirimbas Archipelago - Remote & tropical north. 32 coral islands & atolls. Matemo, Medjumbe, Ibo, Vamizi, Quilalea Islands.
Ibo Island History & Culture - Former Arab trading post & old Portuguese fort.
Niassa Reserve & Lugenda - Remote & exclusive wilderness in the far north.
Gorongosa - 'Africa's Lost Eden' (featured on National Geographic).
Mozambique Bush & Beach
Highlights: Mozambique's best wildlife & remote white sand beaches.
Is this for me? For the first-timer or connoisseur who wants an undiscovered, unspoilt destination & loves tropical beaches.
Mozambique Safari Highlights
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Location |
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Gorongosa |
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Gorongosa |
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Gorongosa |
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Gorongosa |
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5 |
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Bazaruto/Quirimbas |
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6 |
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Bazaruto |
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7 |
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Bazaruto |
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8 |
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Bazaruto |
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Bazaruto |
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Bazaruto |
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| Safari Highlights |
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Gorongosa: A true wilderness experience in this, 'Africa's Lost Eden' (as seen on National Geographic). Unique & varied ecosystems; the lake, grassy floodplains, woodlands, palm thickets, gorges, waterfalls. Game drives, bush walks, sundowner drives, fly-camping.
Bazaruto Archipelago: Relax on a beautiful white sand island & enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving... or simply doing nothing!
Quirimbas Archipelago option: For an even more remote & exclusive beach experience, swap Bazaruto & instead head to one of the islands of the tropical Quirimbas archipelago.
Nampula province, Nuarro eco-lodge option: if you're interested in seeing a true responsible tourism eco-lodge, head to Nuarro for a taste of real Mozambique on the Indian Ocean, with a chance to interact with the local community. |
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Mozambique Safari Itinerary
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Mozambique Activities & Highlights |
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International arrival into Johannesburg airport. (if you arrive late morning or afternoon, you will need to overnight in Johannesburg).
Morning connect for your flight to Beira in Mozambique. On arrival into Beira, meet & transfer to your shared charter flight into Gorongosa's airstrip - a scenic 30min flight over the southern end of the park. (D) |
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Game drive and explore Gorongosa, an incredible success story of conservation & ongoing rehabilitation. See African wildlife - plenty of warthogs & antelope such as waterbucks. Search for lions, elephants, & maybe even spot one of their newly released cheetahs. (B L D) |
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Explore the park on game drives & bush walks. Relax in your bush camp by the river. Enjoy sundowners out in the bush or perhaps by the Lion House. (B L D) |
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Another day to explore the national park on game drives, on foot, or simply relax in camp. (B L D) |
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This morning, transfer to Gorongosa's airstrip for your shared charter flight to Bazaruto Island. Enjoy the 1.5hr scenic flight over the park & beautiful coastline. Road transfer to your lodge on the island. (B L D) |
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6-9 |
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Enjoy the beautiful beaches & go for a swim in the ocean. Or go snorkelling or scuba diving. If you decide to go scuba diving, look out for devil rays, manta rays, wahoo, turtles, dolphins, and even whale sharks. Or simply relax and do nothing at all! (B L D) |
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FLY on a shared or private charter to Vilanculo airport. Connect with a scheduled flight back to Johannesburg international airport to catch your flight back home. (B) |
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Luxury Mozambique Bush & Beach Safari from only $6,985
Want more Luxury or Exclusivity? from $8,985 to $10,000+
Mozambique Diving Safari
Highlights: Pristine coral reefs, steep wall drops, turtles, rays, reef sharks, pelagics.
Is this for me? If you're an avid scuba diver & want to explore an undiscovered diving destination, yes!
Mozambique Safari Highlights
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Day |
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Location |
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Pemba, Mozambique |
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Quirimbas Archipelago |
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Quirimbas Archipelago |
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Quirimbas Archipelago |
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5 |
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Quirimbas Archipelago |
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6 |
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Maputo/ Vilanculos |
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7 |
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Bazaruto Archipelago |
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8 |
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Bazaruto Archipelago |
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Bazaruto Archipelago |
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Bazaruto Archipelago |
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| Safari Highlights |
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Quirimbas Archipelago: Remote & exclusive islands with outstanding diving. Brightly coloured coral, plentiful reef fish, rays, sharks, plentiful pelagics.
Bazaruto Archipelago option: Explore a different archipelago further south. The diving here reveals more pelagic species than the Quirimbas. Species seen regularly here are: devil rays, manta rays, wahoo, turtles, dolphins, and even whale sharks.
NOTE: This itinerary will be adjusted according to the latest flight schedules (scheduled & charter flights), which change constantly. We will always maximise your safari so that you spend as much time as possible at your destination, and the least possible time travelling. |
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Diving Safari Itinerary
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Activities & Highlights |
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Arrive into Pemba (Mozambique) airport on your international flight from Kenya, Tanzania or South Africa.
Transfer to your hotel & relax this evening. |
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FLY Pemba to one of the beautiful Qurimbas Archipelago islands. Choose from Medjumbe Private Island, Vamizi Island, Quilalea Island, Matemo Island & Ibo Island. (B L D) |
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3-5 |
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Quirimbas Archipelago - up to 6 dives total, as per local weather and tidal conditions.
Diving on Day 5 restricted to morning, depending on the following day's flight timings.
You will dive different sites, depending on which Island you choose to stay on in the Quirimbas Archipelago. The diving from all these islands is excellent, with a variety of marine life ranging from small reef fish to turtles, barracuda, huge rays... & even occasional sightings of hammerheads!
For your time off, or non-diving partner/ family, there are lots of options:
Snorkelling, go sailing on a traditional dhow, walks along the seashore, various non-motorised sports where available. (B L D) |
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Transfer back to Pemba. FLY to Maputo, where you will overnight before flying to Vilanculos tomorrow to transfer to the Bazaruto Archipelago. (B L D) |
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7-9 |
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FLY to Vilanculos, and transfer to Bazaruto Island.
Bazaruto Archipelago - up to 6 dives total, as per local weather and tidal conditions.
Diving on Day 9 restricted to morning, depending on the following day's flight timings.
You will dive different sites, depending on ocean conditions. The diving here is more challenging, but excellent, with more of a focus on pelagics than in the Quirimbas. The variety of marine life ranges from devil rays, manta rays, wahoo, turtles, dolphins, to whale sharks!
For your time off, or non-diving partner/ family, there are lots of options:
Snorkelling, go sailing on a traditional dhow, walks along the seashore, various non-motorised sports where available. (B L D) |
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10 |
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FLY to Maputo or Johannesburg, where you will catch your international flight back home. |
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Luxury Mozambique Diving Safari from only $6,995
Want more Luxury or Exclusivity? from $8,768 to $10,000+
Prices
Q: How much does it cost?
A:
The short answer: It depends....
The long answer: The world's best wildlife destinations are often expensive because of strict government controls, high park fees & complex logistics. Amongst other things, it also depends on accommodation quality, location & exclusivity; what type of vehicles are used; whether you're flying around lots; and how many days you spend in country.
Whatever your budget, we will recommend the best possible adventure to suit you.
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Bush & Beach Safari |
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Luxury from: |
US$ 6,985 |
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More Luxury from: |
US$ 8,985 |
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Mozambique Diving Safari |
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Luxury from: |
US$ 6,995 |
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More Luxury from: |
US$ 8,768 |
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Extensions |
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Luxury from: |
US$ 1,698 |
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More Luxury from: |
US$ 2,874 |
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Seasons shown here are based on accommodation pricing, which is based on holiday seasons. For wildlife, beach & diving seasons & the best time to go, see our "Seasons" tab.
NOTE: Gorongosa & Niassa are closed Dec - Mar | |
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No hidden costs - Guaranteed!
We include everything possible to make your adventure as easy as possible.
Accommodation & responsible travel
We are strongly committed to the principles of responsible travel, and therefore recommend accommodations that are trying to do the right thing - by the environment, their staff & local communities, and their guests! Environmental initiatives include using renewable energy such as solar power, using low-impact structures, reducing waste, and recycling wherever possible. They support their local communities by providing employment as well as educational, medical, and other support; some even include profit-share arrangements. Many have, or support, anti-poaching units to de-snare and protect the wilderness areas within which they operate.
So what's the difference between a luxury vacation and an even more luxurious or exclusive one?
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Luxury |
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More Luxury & Exclusivity |
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High quality lodges &/or tented camps,
in a classic or adventurer style.
Food is of a high standard.
Set in somewhat more accessible areas.
May be serviced by scheduled flights. |
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Small and intimate, lodge or camp.
House drinks, &/or extra activity inclusive basis.
High standards of guiding, food & service.
Often in the best locations for wildlife viewing.
Usually on very remote, exclusive islands.
Serviced by shared or private charter flights.
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Accommodation featured: |
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Accommodation featured: |
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Girassol Safari Lodge, Gorongosa
Casa Rex, Vilanculos
Dugong Beach Lodge, Vilanculos
Pestana Bazaruto Lodge, Bazaruto |
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Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, Bazaruto
Azura Benguerra Lodge, Bazaruto
& Beyond Benguerra Lodge, Bazaruto
Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa
Anantara Medjumbe Private Island, Quirimbas
Vamizi Island Lodge, Quirimbas
Azura Quilalea Private Island Resort, Quirimbas
Ibo Island Lodge & Dhow Safari, Quirimbas
Lugenda Wilderness Camp, Niassa Reserve
Moja Safari Wilderness Camp, Niassa Reserve
Nkwichi Lodge, Manda Wilderness
Nuarro Lodge
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We clearly explain what's included & what's not:
Inclusions: All your accommodation, most meals, wildlife viewing activities in safari vehicle with Driver/Guide, scuba diving for our diving safaris, all internal flights, all airport transfers.
All these fees are included in our prices: Internal flights include government taxes & fuel surcharges which are correct as at date of quote. All Park entrance fees and taxes are included, although they are subject to government imposed changes, often without notice and therefore beyond our control.
Exclusions: International airfares to & from your chosen destination. Visa fees, personal & travel insurance, excursions not specified, drinks unless specified, laundry, telephone or internet costs, gratuities, and all other personal expenses. Some airports now charge safety fees, which are payable directly at each airport upon departure.
Additional things to consider: Busy times of the year normally have a supplement added by the accommodation providers - Easter, Xmas & New Year holidays.
Seasons
Q: When is the best time to go to Mozambique?
A: It depends on what you want to see & experience, what part of the country you are going to, and whether your main interest is the bush, the beach, or the diving.
We recommend travel to Mozambique from April to November. It is possible to travel to Mozambique's beach destinations throughout the year, although we recommend avoiding the long rains from December to March - unless you want to go to the far south. The safari destinations are closed during the long rains due to inaccessibility; December to March for Gorongosa National Park, December to May for Niassa Reserve.
If you're constrained to travelling at a particular time, don't worry: we'll recommend the best beaches, islands & parks to visit at that time.
If you have specific interests - such as going diving, or seeing wildlife in the bush - then you do need to travel at the right time of year, AND to the right destination.
Guide to the safari seasons, dive seasons, & the best time to go to Mozambique
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Dec - March
This is the rainy season throughout Mozambique, and also the hottest & most humid. National Parks & Reserves are closed as their roads become inaccessible & impassable at this time of year. This is also the most likely time for a cyclone to hit the lower coast, with the highest risk normally in Jan-Feb. |
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April - May
This is the 'shoulder season' in terms of weather, with reduced rainfall & increasing sunshine. There is also normally less wind during the seasonal changeover period, and in May the diving can be excellent in the Bazaruto & Quirimbas Archipelagos with calm seas, little wind & good visibility.
Gorongosa National Park opens in April, with lush green vegetation; excellent for birding. |
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June - October
This is the dry season, with June - early September being the cooler winter months. This is an excellent time for going on safari to Gorongosa National Park & Niassa Game Reserve, although it can get quite hot & muggy by October in the low-lying parks.
Diving in the Bazaruto Archipelago is often at its best during June, with excellent visibility.
July - October can be windier due to the trade winds, which can affect diving due to choppier seas & reduced visibility. Climate-wise, it's a comfortable time of year to be on the islands. |
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November
Shoulder season, with increased chance of rain. It can get hot & humid on the coast & Gorongosa as the heat builds ahead of the rains. |
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Whenever you choose to travel, rest assured that when you choose to travel with us, we will advise you of the best safari & diving locations, safari & diving seasons and safari & diving dates for your particular interests.
Australia: +61 8 6102 5242 | UK: +44 20 8133 5242 | North America: +1 720 310 8242