The tropical islands off the East Coast of Africa are excellent for combining a luxury safari and a beach holiday.

In the south the Islands of Benguela, Bazaruto and Margaruque form the enchanting Bazaruto Archipelago and a National Park. They are within easy reach of Johannesburg by air and ideal for a combination safari and beach holiday. Ranging from relaxed and relatively simple to über luxury.

The island lodges offer scuba diving, fly-fishing, deep-sea fishing and the usual boat and beach based activities. Lodges such as Marlin Lodge, Azura and & Beyond Benguella all provide good comfortable luxurious accommodation in individual beach chalets and villa’s.

In the north 35 tropical islands make up the gorgeous Quirimbas Archipelago with both National and Marine Parks. Here luxury lodges such as Vamizi Island, Londo and Azura Quilalea combine well with Ibo Island Lodge rich in culture and history. If you like the sound of a dhow safari sailing the islands, luxury beach camping, swimming, fishing then you must go, its is a delightful and unspoilt part of the world.

The interior of Mozambique and in particular its game parks are beginning to open up and there already are some stunning lodges to visit for safaris or honeymoons in Gorongosa and Niasa National Parks. However the game is still timid and in our view is still below the standard of that found in South Africa, Zambia and Botswana. So, whilst not wishing to put you off safaris in Mozambique, we therefore recommend for the moment that you should combine Mozambique’s beaches and luxury tropical islands with game viewing in Southern Africa.

 Please see our hotel directory above for a list of all the properties we recommend or call us on +44 1798 867750 for first hand advise.

Map of Mozambique

SUGGESTED COMBINATIONS 
A week on safari and a week on a tropical Island is ideal. Southern Africa (SA, Botswana, Namibia,and Zambia) combined with Quirimbas or Bazaruto or East Africa (Tanzania and Kenya) combined with the Quirimbas. Each are ideal for honeymoons or family holidays.

CLIMATE
The climate varies in the different regions of the country, but generally the inland areas are slightly cooler, although more humid than along the coast in the rainy season. Winter is the dry season lasting from April to September, and is the best time to visit the country. The southern parts of the country are generally drier and less tropical than the north, with temperatures along the coast averaging 80ºF (27ºC). The rainy season coincides with the heat and humidity from October to March, with average coastal temperatures of 88ºF (31ºC) although generally its fine to travel at all times of the year with mid February to mid March being low season. Like elsewhere in Africa the weather patterns are becoming more erratic and less predictable.