A Mozambique beach and bush safari is one of Africa’s best kept secrets and a true hidden gem that can rival the more high profile destinations of Seychelles or Zanzibar which see higher footfall.
As a result, Mozambique is fast becoming the leading destination in the continent for a classic tropical island safari vacation. Mozambique safari holidays by reputed firms like Sundowner Holidays can pretty much guarantee you will have an unforgettable and comfortable adventure.
While the beaches of Mozambique offer some of the top barefoot high-end holidays in the world with a range of activities to keep one occupied, there is impeccable game-viewing in the country’s flagship nature reserve, the impressive Gorongosa National Park.
A week-long itinerary has been crafted below by combining a bush and beach safari, which has made Mozambique a standout destination for a vacation in the wild.
Day One: Vilanculos
Your one week Mozambique bush and beach safari begins literally in paradise the moment you touch down at the Vilanculos International Airport where friendly smiles and a warm ocean breeze awaits the visitor.
Transfer to your chosen beachfront retreat, sip a welcome drink and let the rigors of the long flight melt away.Take a stroll on the pristine beaches or pamper yourself with a spa treatment to prepare you for the perfect introduction to paradise.
Day Two: Vilanculos and Bazaruto Archipelago
Spend the second day in Vilanculos to enjoy dazzling ocean views across the bay to Bazaruto island. Picnic on the beach on a private trip to watch migrating humpbacks breach and tail break while you munch Portuguese bread and fresh fish.
Explore Mozambique’s only official marine reserve declared a nation park in 1971 to see untouched coral reefs that attract whale sharks, humpbacks, turtles, dolphins and gigantic lobsters.
Go on a sunset dhow safari on a traditional fishing boat and sip a cocktail as you watch the sun sink below the distant horizon.
Days Three and Four : Maputo Special Reserve
Start with a Maputo city tour to see some of the important landmarks like the Independence Square, the City Council Cathedral, Iron House, Feime Market, the Fort and the Natural History Museum and then take a drive to Mukapane to relax on the beach. Return to Maputo for the night.
On your fourth day head to southern Mozambique to the beautiful Maputo Elephant Park.See Malangatana’s outdoor works along the avenue of Mozambique. Make a short stop at the National Stadium and the Wholesale Market to take pictures.
On arrival at the elephant reserve, explore the park on a game drive in a 4×4 open vehicle. Here you will see herds of these gentle giants roam freely and elegant kudos show off their elegant horns. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site only as recently as 14 th July, 2025, after merging of the reserve with Ponta de Ouro Partial Marine Reserve.
The reserve is located on Maputo Bay, about 100 km from Maputo and passes through several local villages like Katembe, Bella Vista and Joanne. The park covers an area of 1040 square kilometres along a pristine coastline. Enter the park through the Futi gate and admire the natural landscape around you.
Also a diverse range of other animal species like hippo, crocodiles, zebra, giraffe and hundreds of species of birds in their native habitat at the edge of the sea within the Maputaland Centre of Endemism. The site combines lakes, swamp forests, wetlands, grasslands and mangrove forests on a pristine coastline.
During the nesting season, the Maputo National Park turns into an important nesting site for the critically endangered leatherback turtles as well as loggerheads which are in the endangered category. After dark, drive back to Maputo for the night.
The reserve is one of the least known spots in the world and a safari here offers an unforgettable experience, especially against the varied landscape and the meeting point of the Indian Ocean’s marine ecosystem meeting point with the African plains and dense forests.
Days Five and Six : Gorongosa National Park
On the fifth morning, catch a domestic flight from Maputo to Biera or a charter flight to Chitengo airstrip which is located in the heart of Gorongosa and follow your safari schedule from there. Otherwise the main gate to the park is a three hours drive from Biera.
A part of the Great Rift Valley, Gorongosa National Park of central Mozambique, and the surrounding wetlands attract scores of water birds. Known as “Serengeti of the South” the savannah is home to hippos, lions, leopard, African wild dog, painted wolves, elephants and more.
The park has been termed by Conde Nast Traveler, the Telegraph, Afar and the National Geographic as an inspiring safari destination of Africa, if not the world. 50,30,050, how much is it per month? How much is the interest you’re getting career?
Bird lovers will revel here as there are over 400 species recorded here, including some rare endemics that have mage Gorongosa their home.
Notable species found here are green-headed oriole, Ayre’s Hawk Eagle, silvery-cheeked hornbill and black-fronted bush-shrike, particularly during the wet season which runs from November to April.
Highlights of a safari in this park apart from excellent wildlife viewing, includes breathtaking landscapes, nature walks, birding and some off-the-beaten path attractions.The Wild Camp accommodation site is run by dedicated staff all sourced from the local communities.
Enjoy two days of game drives in the company of expert guides that will take you on a tour of the park’s diverse ecosystem, stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.
A great way to experience Gorongosa’s wilderness is by a walking safari with experienced guides who will take you on exciting bush walks to learn about animal tracking and get up close to the varied flora and fauna.
Lake Utema is home to pods of hippos and enormous crocodiles and a boat safari is the best way to see these magnificent creatures who are the beating heart of Gorongosa.
In the evenings you will return to Chitengo to savor a delicious gourmet meal crafted by talented chefs and served by attentive staff in a beautiful outdoor setting, where every bit adds to enhancing the overall safari adventure.
Day Seven: Until you visit again
One last time enjoy a peaceful breakfast overlooking the ocean before your transfer back to Vilanculos. But bed that, take time out to explore more of the park, or simply lounge in the round with a good book in hand.
As you soar back home over the shimmering coastline, you will carry back with you the sights and sounds of your Mozambique safari and will eagerly contemplate on coming back for a serene escape combined with a hint of wild charm.