Southern Mozambique

For more than 500 years, visitors have been marvelling at the beauty of the southern Mozambican coastline, and today this area is the most developed part of the country for tourism. From Ponta d’Ouro, with its pounding surf and windswept dunes, to the serene lagoons and shallow coastal lakes between Bilene and Závora, and the legendary beaches of Tofo and Barra, it boasts some of the most beautiful stretches of sand on the continent. It also offers a wealth of cultural highlights. These include the famed timbila (marimba) orchestras of the Chopi people and rich traditional lore, much of which focuses on the old kingdom of Gaza.

Tourism infrastructure is fast expanding and caters to all budgets. Transport links are good, with sealed major roads and a reliable bus network. For an easy introduction to Mozambique or a beach holiday, the south is a good place to start.

Explore Southern Mozambique

Bazaruto National Park
This1400-sq-km park protects the five islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, plus surrounding waters. Thanks to this protected status, and to the…
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Maputo Special Reserve
The Maputo Special Reserve – about a two-hour drive south of Maputo – is the closest place to the capital to experience Mozambique's bush. The pristine…
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Pomene Reserve
The subject of renewed attention in recent years, this 200-sq-km reserve was gazetted in 1972 to protect the mangrove ecosystems, dune forests and marine…
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Limpopo National Park
Together with South Africa's Kruger National Park and Zimbabwe's Gonarezhou National Park, Limpopo National Park forms part of the Great Limpopo…
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New Cathedral
The attractive new cathedral – named Nossa Senhora de Conceição, just like its predecessor next door – rises up just north of the jetty. Its distinctive…
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Museum
On Inhaca’s southwestern edge is a marine-biology research station and a small museum with specimens of local fauna. Transport can be arranged through…
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Cathedral of Nossa Senhora de Conceição
The beautiful old Cathedral of Nossa Senhora de Conceição, dating from the late 18th century, is just northwest of the jetty. It is no longer used for…
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Museum
This tiny museum near the unmissable new mosque is well worth a stop. Its displays include collections of traditional musical instruments, clothing and…
I
Inhaca Island Marine Reserve System
Since 1965, much of Inhaca and the surrounding waters have been protected as marine and forest reserves. Entry to the reserve is collected by an official…

Bazaruto National Park
This1400-sq-km park protects the five islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, plus surrounding waters. Thanks to this protected status, and to the…
M
Maputo Special Reserve
The Maputo Special Reserve – about a two-hour drive south of Maputo – is the closest place to the capital to experience Mozambique's bush. The pristine…
P
Pomene Reserve
The subject of renewed attention in recent years, this 200-sq-km reserve was gazetted in 1972 to protect the mangrove ecosystems, dune forests and marine…
L
Limpopo National Park
Together with South Africa's Kruger National Park and Zimbabwe's Gonarezhou National Park, Limpopo National Park forms part of the Great Limpopo…
N
New Cathedral
The attractive new cathedral – named Nossa Senhora de Conceição, just like its predecessor next door – rises up just north of the jetty. Its distinctive…
M
Museum
On Inhaca’s southwestern edge is a marine-biology research station and a small museum with specimens of local fauna. Transport can be arranged through…
C
Cathedral of Nossa Senhora de Conceição
The beautiful old Cathedral of Nossa Senhora de Conceição, dating from the late 18th century, is just northwest of the jetty. It is no longer used for…
M
Museum
This tiny museum near the unmissable new mosque is well worth a stop. Its displays include collections of traditional musical instruments, clothing and…
I
Inhaca Island Marine Reserve System
Since 1965, much of Inhaca and the surrounding waters have been protected as marine and forest reserves. Entry to the reserve is collected by an official…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Southern Mozambique.

See
Bazaruto National Park
This1400-sq-km park protects the five islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, plus surrounding waters. Thanks to this protected status, and to the…
See
Maputo Special Reserve
The Maputo Special Reserve – about a two-hour drive south of Maputo – is the closest place to the capital to experience Mozambique's bush. The pristine…
See
Pomene Reserve
The subject of renewed attention in recent years, this 200-sq-km reserve was gazetted in 1972 to protect the mangrove ecosystems, dune forests and marine…
See
Limpopo National Park
Together with South Africa's Kruger National Park and Zimbabwe's Gonarezhou National Park, Limpopo National Park forms part of the Great Limpopo…
See
New Cathedral
The attractive new cathedral – named Nossa Senhora de Conceição, just like its predecessor next door – rises up just north of the jetty. Its distinctive…
See
Museum
On Inhaca’s southwestern edge is a marine-biology research station and a small museum with specimens of local fauna. Transport can be arranged through…
See
Cathedral of Nossa Senhora de Conceição
The beautiful old Cathedral of Nossa Senhora de Conceição, dating from the late 18th century, is just northwest of the jetty. It is no longer used for…
See
Museum
This tiny museum near the unmissable new mosque is well worth a stop. Its displays include collections of traditional musical instruments, clothing and…
See
Inhaca Island Marine Reserve System
Since 1965, much of Inhaca and the surrounding waters have been protected as marine and forest reserves. Entry to the reserve is collected by an official…

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Southern Mozambique with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.