The best times to visit Mozambique are between May and November, when both rainfall and temperatures are at their lowest. It's also possible to travel during the early part of the warmer, rainy season from November to January but be prepared for high temperatures, especially in January. If possible, avoid the height of the rains from February to March, tropical cyclones can hit the coast at this time.
There are three main regions of Mozambique which attract visitors. Arguably the most popular, particularly for honeymooners and those looking for a hideaway island experience, is the tropical paradise of Vilanculos and Bazaruo Archipelago. There are daily flights into Vilanculos from Johannesburg and twice weekly flights from Kruger Mpumalanga Airport. After clearing customs you will be treated to either a boat or light aircraft transfer to one of the three islands of the archipelago lying in the middle of a marine national park. The lodges we recommend are situated both on Benguerra Island and Bazaruto Island. To view a sample holiday taking in this area, see our 7 night Mozambique Beach Holiday – Vilanculos and Bazaruto.
The second area of interest is the Barra Peninsula of Inhambane. Again you can expect to find the white palm beaches and indigo seas but some would say there is a little more life around this region. This makes it particularly good for families, however the luxury lodge Flamingo Bay is very popular with honeymoons for its water chalets. One can access Inhambane with flights from Johannesburg and the lodges of the Barra Peninsula are a short drive from the airport. The following sample trip incorporating 7 nights in the Barra Peninsula will provide you with an idea of the lodges and estimated price. Mozambique Beach Holiday – Inhambane.
If you are looking for a twin centre holiday combining a safari with the above two regions in Mozambique, we suggest incorporating the Kruger Park.
Finally Pemba and the Quirimbas offers an archipelago of 32 coral islands providing an unexplored tourist paradise. Its reef systems, species diversity and crystal waters have drawn comparisons to the Great Barrier Reef and offer some of the greatest diving and fishing experiences our planet has to offer. Pemba is accessed from Nairobi in Kenya, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, Johannesburg in South Africa and Maputo, Mozambique. Usually the islands themselves are reached by helicopter, light aircraft and boat transfers from Pemba. Our 7 night Mozambique Beach Holiday – Pemba and the Quirimbas is an example of how you may like to spend your time. This area is best combined with a Southern Circuit Tanzania safari.