The best accommodations Mozambique

Since 1992, this youth hostel opened by the charismatic Fatima is an institution in Maputo as well as in Tofo. We like the atmosphere of a cosmopolitan hub where we can get information about the city or the country from the super-professional staff. We like the inner courtyard, the terrace, the colored walls and the lively restaurant-bar, the starting point to go out in Maputo. If Fatima has a big heart by opening orphanages, we regret the dilapidation of the rooms, especially the dormitory without air-conditioning and overcrowded, the worn out mattresses and the approximate cleanliness. Camping, Wifi.

Just a stone's throw from Tunduru Garden, The Base is ideally placed for daytime strolls or evening outings. The hostel has a shared kitchen and a sumptuous rooftop terrace. The atmosphere is quiet, friendly and comfortable, as there is only one dormitory with 6 beds and a few double rooms with private bathrooms. The whole place is clean and air-conditioned, a very good point. The Base organizes transfers to Tofo on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. If you book a double room, avoid the one in the basement, which feels a bit like a cellar.

In the heart of Maputo, at the top of the hill in the center, the Cardoso Hotel is a true and beautiful 4 star hotel with a vast, white and elegant estate. It enjoys a breathtaking view of the bay. Designed for business travelers and tourists, the rooms are comfortable without being ultra-luxurious, but the choice and the service make it an address of standing. We like the reception in the lush gardens, the Fiamma restaurant with African and Mediterranean influences and the Pôr do Sol bar overlooking the garden and the pool.

Located right in front of the lagoon, the cottages are simple and pleasant: perfect for contemplating the sunsets, what a show! Moreover, the new owners have planned some renovations soon. Here you can enjoy the brai, the barbecue, after buying your fresh fish at the Bilene market. On the other side of the lagoon, on the ocean side, you can practice various water sports (diving, fishing...). The atmosphere is friendly. On weekends, live concerts liven up the evenings in Palmeiras. A restaurant is available on site.

In the residential and chic area of Sommerschield in the upper town, this hotel offers a dozen double rooms that were really low-priced before, a little more expensive now, but still interesting because they offer a good standard despite the lack of swimming pool at this price level. The rooms are large, air-conditioned, the bathroom with bathtub. The whole is charming with elegant wooden furniture and a sitting area with sofa. Breakfast is served on a small outdoor terrace with trees and shade. Wifi.

This is the perfect example of a small, modern, local business hotel, and therefore cheap for Europeans. Opt for the double rooms which are less like university rooms. They are all air-conditioned, with private bathroom, refrigerator, safe, satellite TV and Wifi. There is a restaurant, a café on the terrace and a small pool area. The service is a bit expensive compared to the overall quality of the hotel, which deserves to be better maintained and the service is not very attentive (breakfast almost non-existent, etc.).

It stands, pristine white at the end of the main sandy road of Tofo. Almost all the rooms have a view of the sea. If one does not necessarily come for the quality of its hotel service, the bar and the terrace of the restaurant of the hotel Tofo Mar have an ideal situation, at the same time directly on the beach and in the neuralgic heart of the village, which is really the strong point of this place which would need some renovations.

A recent establishment. The suites are clean and bright, secure parking and beautiful view from the restaurant.

Under the direction of Pachiça pension in Inhambane, this former campsite is reborn from its ashes. It is far from the beach of Tofinho, but close to another, a little more south.

A kitchen area is also available. It's simple even summary, but clean and feet in the sand. Ideally located between the city centre and the beach. An honest case.

In wood, on piles also, this lodge larger and more affordable than the first, however it has no charm. But let us not forget our pleasure: luxury, comfort, swimming pool, water activities, excursions on the nearby islands, everything is there. The decor is extremely neat but more agreed (the dining room becomes almost dull). All bungalows are facing the bay with individual access to the beach. At this point in the island, paradise is still there.

The chalets are basic cubes on stilts, which are installed in the middle of the mangrove and connected between them by grates. Restoration that includes picnic baskets for those who rise at dawn (bird watchers or, most often, fishermen). It is a place reserved for fishing, but with the principle of immediately releasing its catch. Sun lifts, with the scenery of the islands cutting up, are magnificent.

Any pension, more or less clean, which has in the rear a beautiful view on the lagoon. The reception is nice.

Simple campsite, situated on the heights of a dune, side lagoon, and close to a large and beautiful beach, very little frequented. We must come here in almost complete autonomy. The site still has a large health bloc (6 showers and 4 W.C.).

Most of the rooms are individually furnished. The hotel is not only clean and pleasant, but its rates are rather attractive. Halal and non-alcoholic restoration!

His name does not lie: It is close to the bus station (Nacala, Mozambique Island) and Rail (Malawi, Cuamba, Lichinga). On the other hand, it is far from Mecula buses that leave to Quelimane or Pemba and sometimes you hear the trains at night. Noisy and simple, it's the cheapest, but it's clean… apart from the common bathrooms that compete with the most miteuses bush water rooms. But for a cheap night, why not. In the genre, it's still the best thing… and then the small common living room is very nice: It feels good the patina of past times.

They are brick chalets and thatched roofs, again refurbished in 2008. The large chalets have two bedrooms, a large living room/dining room and a small kitchen (kettle and refrigerator). Camping possible.

Welcome. Small swimming pool. Boat rental to climb the river, as well as canoe canoes. Important surrounding nature, allowing bird observation.

On the same sidewalk as the gas station, not far from it towards E 106. Shower in the bucket (cold water). This is what best in town…

Located in a renovated colonial building, in the heart of the city, the rooms are bright and clean. air conditioning, TV, and mini bar. 

On a beach 30 km south of Inhambane, Jeff's Palm Resort offers home, cottage and small cabin. Cahlets are minimum for 4 persons and maximum for 8 people. Private bathroom (with hot water), current electricity, kitchen in self catering. The houses can accommodate 8 to 10 people, kitchen, veranda and sea view.

In this small 3-star hotel, all rooms have a balcony with an ocean view, a true luxury that is appreciated at reasonable prices. The hotel's slight overhang on the lushly vegetated hillside offers a beautiful panorama of unspoiled nature and the lovely white sandy beach of Zavora below. The swimming pool and restaurant blend into this privileged setting. The hotel is unique in that it offers horseback riding on the beach and around the beautiful lakes, as well as diving, snorkeling and hiking.

Original, rustic, picturesque, ecological, comfortable... all words that perfectly describe Baraka. But the site is not maintained and huts are not such good options in Vilankulos anymore. Its strong point: the swimming pool in the garden overlooking the ocean, and the house - composed of 4 independent rooms with a breathtaking view on the dhows passing by a few dozen meters away - are noisy because of the passage of fishermen.

Here, no more noise, only the sound of birds singing. The Serenity is aptly named, especially outside of the South African holidays. Situated at the end of the lagoon, it can be reached by the beach. In front of the white houses with blue roofs, a few boats dodel at the water's edge. Inside, the uncluttered decoration is reminiscent of a seaside house. Each terrace has its own braai: you grill your fish in front of the lagoon after a last dive in the pool or lagoon. And the holidays can begin, peacefully.

Located in Inhassoro, 50 km north of Vilankulos, this lodge has the exclusivity of a beautiful beach. A total of eleven cozy thatched villas and suites for two or four people are scattered throughout the lush tropical garden. Some have a direct view of the sea, others of the garden. You can relax by the pool or on the wooden terrace, built on stilts like a balcony on the sea. In the evening, we enjoy a delicious barbecue of fish of the day, squid, shrimp ..

A few hundred meters from the center of Tofo, Tilak is a completely renovated lodge, ideal for resting and socializing. A total of 12 double rooms in 6 bungalows and 2 comfortable "upscale" dormitories are arranged around a lovely patio with lush vegetation, literally steps from the beach. Some rooms can be connected for families and groups of friends. The bar, perched high in the dunes, offers a breathtaking view of the sunsets, and serves wine, beer, cocktails and snacks all day long.

This complex of self catering villas is interesting for its prices and the quality of the houses. The complex is located on a beautiful beach right in front, planted with palm trees and with a very white sand bank that makes the water turquoise where the kitesurfing center is located, on the south coast of Vilankulo. The complex has one 3-bedroom villa, one 2-bedroom villa, and three double villas, one of which has its bathroom outside (a little less expensive). We like the basic but sufficient equipment of the rooms and the kitchen, and the Wifi modem by house.

This is a lovely little cottage located right on the beach, just a 10 minute walk from the center of Tofo. An ideal rental for families and groups of friends, who are looking for a little independence with a fully equipped kitchen, living room and more space than a hotel. The house has one floor with air-conditioned rooms and a small terrace with BBQ. The view of the sea is breathtaking. A practical plus: you can book your car directly with Dave, the owner, who also runs Tofo 4x4 Hire.

This hotel is located on the beach, north of the city, facing the Bazaruto archipelago. The beachside bungalows and double rooms are very nicely furnished and decorated, at affordable prices. A 3-bedroom family villa with private pool has an upstairs terrace with an incredible view of the ocean. Casa Cabana also has a restaurant on the sand (the Casbah), where the food is good. On the beach, the women of the village parade with their fresh fish on their heads... Kitesurfing lessons are offered next door. A good address.

The kitesurfing center, previously in Peri Peri, has moved next door. The friendly Chris and Sasha have opened their house to tourists, especially kitesurfers. Their dormitory is a good alternative to the hostels in Tofo, with only four beds, a nice shared bathroom and a good breakfast at a friendly table, as well as double rooms. The house in the hills has a kitchen, a beautiful garden and a terrace where purring cats loll around, it feels like home.

The Terminus is a 3-star hotel that does not lack comfort: spacious and elegant rooms, all in a local style. We appreciate the African decorations at the entrance, the naive paintings on the walls and a terrace with a swimming pool to enjoy warm days and a professional service. The hotel also has a restaurant known for the cuisine of its Mozambican chef, Virgílio Maxlhungo. Also a bar, rustic English pub style, where it is nice to have a last drink. The site is very quiet, yet in the heart of downtown.

Miti Miwiri means "two trees" and refers of course to the two mango trees standing in front of the hotel in the small square, but also to the unfailing friendship between Elder and Jörg. A beautiful terrace where sometimes monkeys come to nest in the mango trees. On the courtyard side, a large garden divided into several areas, with a cosy bar, a swimming pool and some entertainment such as a petanque ground. Upstairs, 5 rather spacious rooms have direct access to the terrace. Underneath, 4 long rooms overlook the street.

Peri Peri Divers is a dive center located in Tofo. It offers a range of diving services, including diving courses, ocean safari excursions and snorkeling. The center is run by a passionate team of experienced divers. Steve, originally from the UK, is a soccer fanatic and food enthusiast. Nick, who started diving at a young age, is also a snorkeling instructor. Martina, from the Czech Republic, is responsible for office management and also owns a spa. James, who grew up in the UK, is the center's manager and a keen surfer. Peri Peri Divers offers an exceptional diving experience in Tofo, with a dedicated team and quality services.

The Santa Cruz hotel is located on the avenue of Julho, rather well placed in the central district of Polana Cimento, a few minutes from the botanical garden Tunduru in the center. The rooms are correct and comfortable and above all at a low price for a medium standard: air conditioning, as well as a private bathroom and Wifi. Some rooms have a superb view on the bay, don't hesitate to ask if they are available. A nice view makes all the difference! In the morning, breakfast is continental and a la carte.

In the Polana Cimento neighborhood, this hotel would be a good address if it were a little less expensive: simple, friendly, tastefully decorated. The twelve rooms of the Jacaranda Guesthouse are rather small, but welcoming, comfortable and air-conditioned. It's a pity that shampoo is missing and that the service is approximate. Transfer to the airport, and free parking. The restaurant offers good Portuguese cuisine, in an airy, unpretentious setting. And every morning, breakfast is served as a buffet.

These villas are distant from one another and melt into the landscape of dunes and greenery. Inside, they offer very beautiful duplex volumes. Activities: fishing first of all, but also steps, snorkeling, sand surfing, bird observation, etc. It is worth climbing the dunes to offer a panorama on the lake.

Pensão Cariaco, quite quiet, is located in a pleasant garden, with several more or less furnished buildings. It has about 30 rooms, all equipped with fans and mosquito nets. These are clean (the bathroom is a little less clean). Two bedrooms share the same bathroom. Note that on weekends, the music is sometimes a little loud at the bar, which is improvised in nightclubs if customers linger. All in all, an honest pension, but one that may seem rather expensive for what it is.

The 9 villas lost in nature (but with air conditioning) are very isolated from one another, and located in a paradise spot with panoramic view over the ocean, on a small peninsula of white sand, with beach and lagoon on both sides. This is luxury, ideal for lovers of honeymoon… But children are also welcome, in all seasons. The hotel has been recommended among the few world-wide destinations to be able to enjoy the unofficial 6-star romantic title and BBC Holiday has even designated it'number one'of the ten most beautiful destinations in the world. This is the charm of this place! Cuisine inspired by lusitaniennes and colonial flavours, embellished with spices from Portugal and Goa. Water activities, diving, sea kayaking, wholesale fishing (need to attract the South Af.), bird observation, discovery of the nearby islands… Cherry on the cake: Quilalea is a sanctuary (reservation in Anglo-Saxon sense). Number of underwater species spawning in the island's crystalline waters: Pure happiness for those who want to swim light, just with masks and snorkeling.

At Bulbul Backpackers, 20 minutes from the ocean, on the shores of Lake Quissico, you can breathe easy. Here, in this low-cost hostel, the buildings are made of local materials: from the dormitory to the family hut, everything is designed in harmony with the environment offered by nature. A common kitchen and sanitary facilities are available for backpackers in dormitories and campers. The private huts are equipped with a bathroom. As for the family hut, it can accommodate 5 people. In the restaurant, the cuisine is Mozambican.

A chic restored boutique guesthouse, run by Isabel, a Spaniard who fell in love with Ilha. She bought this small traditional palace that has kept all its architectural character, and renovated it with courage and passion, filling it with works of art found around the world. Today, the guesthouse of six personalized and elegant suites, are equipped with all the expected comfort: air conditioning, space, nice bathrooms. The atmosphere is family oriented and for the anecdote, Kevin Costner spent his vacations in their VIP suite.

5 km from Vilankulo, airs from Greece. Santorini is a family villa in a sumptuous setting. Facing the turquoise sea, white walls rise up, vaults, domes and charming terraces. The rooms and suites are sublime, very bright and tastefully decorated. At Villa Santorini, we get pampered. Meals are served once in the patio, the other one by the pool or on the terraces... The place offers a gentle way of life. How about dinner with our feet in the sand? Here, everything is possible in luxury, calm and voluptuousness.

Pretty little lodge on the beach of the San Martinho lagoon, with a large panoramic dune and a lovely swimming pool. Boa Vista offers fully-equipped self-catering double chalets (kitchenette, bathroom, barbecue) for 2 people at low prices. The safari tents are designed for families (4 people) with en-suite bathrooms, as is the two-bedroom house (one with six bunk beds). The open, shared kitchen and campfire boma are used to cook the night's catch for guests - an original feature.

This guesthouse has been in existence in Gurue since the 1970s, as evidenced by the style of the original building. Renamed several times, it took the name Pensão Gurue in 1998 and has remained so ever since. It offers 14 air-conditioned rooms, simply renovated but with cheerful colors, and 8 self-catering apartments, recently built in 2021. Campers can also pitch their tents or pitch their 4 x 4s in the garden under the large trees. Excellent breakfast and a charming welcome at this now family-run guesthouse in the Serra Namuli.

The campsite is very large and perfectly equipped. Directly on the beach, it offers an ideal setting both in the shade of the coconut trees and a few steps on the white sand and feet in the crystal clear water. For those who prefer the comfort of a bungalow, it's possible, and even with the sea view sometimes! The casitas are beautifully made of natural materials and well equipped. All kinds of nautical activities are organized, you can take advantage of the beach just opposite for a game of beach volleyball or a fishing trip.

In the same style as its neighbour Aguia Pesqueira, this camp located near Lake Massingir (the latter offering a very nice view) offers small wooden chalets on stilts, built of logs and in the middle of nature with a common kitchen, shower and toilets. Some have up to four beds, for families or groups of friends. Camping Albufeira has the advantage of being closest to the Massingir Gate, which can be a good compromise for the first or last nights in the park. Adventure is yours!

In the past, the Devocean Diving was a diving center. Today, if the passion is still there, the Devocean is one of the best hotels in Ponta do Ouro in its range. In this Eco-Adventure Lodge, the pretty garden is dotted with small cottage-type chalets or safari tents for a natural and comfortable stay among the palm trees, but also simple tents with shared bathroom for the small budgets. In the evening, we meet by the fire to chat under the stars. The main activities: safari, snorkeling and other marine activities.