The most beautiful natural sites to discover Mozambique

The beach of Relanpazo is very beautiful and wild. A stretch of soft, white sand that goes on for miles, where the vegetation spreads out close to the water. Blue-green water, very clear, almost like a lagoon, then a little bluer before reaching the depth of the continental shelf. Except maybe on weekends, it is very unlikely that you will meet other swimmers and even less people coming to sunbathe. Since the trip is quite long if you don't have a car, it is better to bring a picnic.

From the main road, take the junction towards "plage 9 km". The road ends on a point in the bay. This is the beach where everyone comes to play football and where the fishing boats leave to go up north. Weekends are crowded. All along the point, near the edge, the water is very green, then returns to ocean blue as you go down to the bay. At the headland is the boarding pontoon on the dhows. On the other side is a strip of white sand and the last sugar loaves before the ocean.

Praia Nova, the closest real beach is 7 km south east. First you have to pass in front of the public square and walk down the street to the waterfront, then leave the city along the mangrove to the east. After two kilometres, a track on the right allows you to cross the swamps. You must then pursue it for 5 km, through sand and/or mud. Suddenly a large sandy area appears through the holes in the vegetation. There you go... Praia Nova deserves it!

In the heart of the Gile Reserve, you must come fully equipped to camp, with all the necessary food, and ask for prior authorization from the administration of the Musseia camp. Otherwise, the reserve is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The best time is during the dry season from April to October, but to observe the birds, it is better to come during the rainy season, between November and March, when you will be able to witness the passage of the birds in migration.

Mount Gorongosa joined the park in early 2011. The Park Restoration Project stressed the need to preserve the ecosystem of this 1,862 m mountain. It is easy to climb and the landscape is splendid from its coffee plantations. The Rangers organize the journey from A to Z. Bird watchers come here to hike to surprise some rare species. A guide is obligatory to run on the sides of this mountain because it is sacred. He will help you find the right path, and share the tales of Gorongosa.

From the top of its 2,419 m, Mount Namuli rises up and offers many hiking possibilities. But nothing's marked out. Before venturing out blindly, ask the villagers, as the risk of landmines persists. It's best not to go too far off the beaten track. The best is to be accompanied by a Macua guide, the ethnic group whose territory it is. Mount Namuli is a sacred deity for them and there are many legends and anecdotes about it. Take the opportunity to visit the surrounding tea plantations. What a setting!

Off the island of Mozambique, small islands emerge from the water. From north to south, the islands of Goa and Sena are easily accessible if you manage to find a boat or climb with fishermen. Make sure you know how to swim as most of them will not be able to help you in case of an accident. Deserted, the islands offer all the wild charm of nature. You can swim as much as you like: the sea is magnificent, of a transparent turquoise blue and of an incomparable cleanliness. Not far away, some reefs invite you to snorkel if you have your equipment.

There is no shortage of walks on the small island of Ibo. If you want to follow one of our suggestions, you will have to go to the East beach. You may not be able to swim there for sure, but small natural pools form with the tide and you can refresh yourself by enjoying the scenery. The moment and the setting are almost lunar. For the way back, do not hesitate to cross the rice fields, you will see that they give back to the landscape all its superb between March and June.

The Bazaruto archipelago is very busy during the high tourist season, and a little less so in the low season, as a minimum number of people is required to cover the 45-minute journey from Vilankulo in a powerful motorboat. In any case, the coastguards are waiting for you on the beaches to carry out checks. A formality, since all agencies and hotels charge for it. Snorkeling and diving are also subject to a supplement included in your excursion.