Active vacation in Mozambique - things to do, entertainment and nightlife

Mozambique is a country with ancient history, rich flora and fauna, and gorgeous beaches. There are many attractions left from the colonial period when the Portuguese ruled the country. It is hard to call Mozambique a mainstream tourist destination nevertheless the country is not deprived of tourist infrastructure. Moreover, new tourist infrastructure is being added continuously. Mozambicans are friendly with European guests and do not show any signs of aggression or disrespect. However, the country is not rich, and it is easy to notice this once you go deeper into the mainland. That is why remote rural areas are not the best choice for foreign guests. This is the reason why we will mention only one attraction located in the countryside.

The Cahora Bassa Lake is the artificial lake that appeared after the construction of the hydroelectric power station on the Zambezi River. The length of the lake is approximately 250 kilometers, and its width is up to 38 kilometers. Nowadays, the lake is rich in fish, so there is a fish farm here. Tourists can try fishing in Cahora Bassa. There are several hotels along the shore, such as Moringa Bay Lodge with comfortable bungalows and comfortable summerhouses in Sunset Bay Lodge. It is not easy to reach them. The final 20 kilometers of the road are in particularly poor condition. However, after an exhausting journey, it is twice more pleasant to find clean and tidy rooms, comfortable beds with crisp white sheets, and delicious food. To get to the fishing area, tourists need to ride a boat. Boats with guides are available for rent.

The Bazaruto Archipelago is one of the most famous on the sea coast. This is the best destination for everyone who wants to sleep a lot, enjoy leisure pastime, sunbathe, or try various water-based activities. The archipelago is a part of the national park. Located 900 kilometers to the north of the capital, the archipelago consists of the three inhabited islands (Bazaruto, Benguerra, and Magaruque) and two uninhabited islands (Santa Carolina and Banque). On Benguerra, tourists can stay at Marlin Lodge and Benguerra Lodge. Camping, beautiful areas for snorkeling and diving, and freshwater lakes with crocodiles – these are just some of the main attractions of this island. To get to Benguerra, travelers first need to fly to the mainland city of Vilankulo and then continue their way on a motorboat. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The biggest island – Bazaruto – is the location of Anantara Bazaruto. Among the advantages of this place, it is important to mention a takeoff strip, sandy beaches, and a comfortable lagoon perfect for diving in the west, near the coral reef. Besides that, there is a century-old attraction – a lighthouse constructed in 1914. Today, it has turned into an excellent observation area with striking views of the Indian Ocean. The Island of Mozambique is one more interesting place. It is situated in the northern part of the country. The island has been luring generations of travelers with its medieval attractions and active recreation in the turquoise water. Tourists can get to the island from the city of Lumbo using the 3-kilometer-long bridge.

Fans of active recreation should find the Ilha Blue Company that will never let them feel bored. It offers such outdoor activities as boat tours, various water sports, cycling excursions, and much more. If you like water-based activities, consider booking a day-long yacht ride. The plan includes a visit to the Cabaceira Peninsula and its sacred baobabs, Varanda Beach, a mangrove forest, and even a Swahili people village. Of course, tourists can snorkel in clean water among small isles. The price includes equipment rent (snorkel mask, swim fins), a professional crew with a guide, clean drinking water, non-alcoholic beverages, and dinner cooked right in front of guests. Tourists are recommended to take a shirt with long sleeves and durable shoes for walking on the bottom.

A cycling tour on the Island of Mozambique is one of the most exciting and affordable ways of exploring the area. The tour lasts 2.5 hours and covers all historic, modern cultural, and social attractions of Makuti Town. Of course, no excursion is possible without shopping. The island is small, so it is easy to get around on foot. Guides take visitors to medieval landmarks, six churches, ten mosques, day and night fishing markets, a Hindu temple, beaches, and even restaurants and bars. There are several hotels of different categories in the Island of Mozambique. In the evening, both locals and tourists visit the island’s nightclub - Discoteca A Piscina.

However, Maputo is the best destination for nighttime entertainment in Mozambique. Núcleo de Arte (144, R. da Argélia) is an amazing place for a weekend night with live music. The venue calls itself an art studio – there is an art gallery with works of Mozambican artists. Besides that, the studio often hosts wonderful parties that bring together many people of the art. The entrance can be paid – 200-300 meticals. The club is located in the district of Polana in the historic center near the ocean. This district is considered safe both in the daytime and at night.

In the same part of the city, on Salvador Allende Street, tourists can visit 1908 (Bar Lounge & Restaurante 1908, 560). In the daytime, this is a French cuisine restaurant that turns into a nightclub after sunset. The venue is open until 2 am. The dance floor and its bar are located inside the building. There is also an open-air terrace with another bar and tables. Polana has many attractions suitable for tourists, as well as hotels, restaurants, and shops. This is one of the safest and most popular areas in the capital for foreign guests. Mozambique is very different – poor and rich, cheerful and depressive, but it is always hospitable and ready to greet new guests. Coastal areas are more suitable for tourists. It is better to refrain from traveling to rural areas unless you have friends among locals. Otherwise, the journey can be too extreme.