Mozambique’s coastline is the classic finale to a Southern African safari — warm turquoise water, coral reefs, palm-fringed sandbanks and the timeless sight of dhows under sail. Two marine national parks protect its finest islands, each blending world-class diving and snorkelling with castaway luxury. Fly straight from the bush to the beach for the ultimate bush-and-ocean combination.
Bazaruto Archipelago National Park
A string of dazzling dune-islands off the southern coast, Bazaruto is the easiest of the archipelagos to reach and the most developed for luxury. Its protected waters shelter one of the last viable populations of the rare dugong, plus whales, dolphins, turtles and superb reefs.
Wildlife Density: ★★☆☆☆ Infrastructure: ★★★★☆ Photography: ★★★★★
Adventure: ★★★★☆ Exclusivity: ★★★★☆ Value for Money: ★★★☆☆ Scenery: ★★★★★
Location: Inhambane coast; off Vilankulo (fly-in from Johannesburg or the bush)
Key wildlife: Dugong, humpback whales, dolphins, turtles, reef fish, marlin
Best for: Bush-and-beach finale, diving & snorkelling, honeymoons
Best time: Year-round; whales July–October, calmest May–November
Quirimbas Archipelago National Park
A remote chain of 30-plus coral islands and mangroves along the far north coast, the Quirimbas combine pristine reefs and marine life with deep Swahili history — the atmospheric old stone-town of Ibo Island chief among them. Wilder and less developed than Bazaruto, with a handful of exclusive lodges.
Wildlife Density: ★★☆☆☆ Infrastructure: ★★★☆☆ Photography: ★★★★★
Adventure: ★★★★☆ Exclusivity: ★★★★★ Value for Money: ★★★☆☆ Scenery: ★★★★★
Location: Cabo Delgado, far northern coast; off Pemba & Ibo Island
Key wildlife: Coral reefs, turtles, dolphins, dugong, game fish; Swahili heritage
Best for: Diving, seclusion, culture & history, exclusive islands
Best time: April–November (dry, calm seas)
More about these islands — lodges, diving and access — will be added here over time.
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