Relax during your Safari Holidays on Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago

Mozambique is best known for its gorgeous white sand beaches. With over 1,000 km of coastline along the Indian Ocean you can be sure of finding the perfect beach to relax on during your Family Safari Holidays. Arguably one of the key areas of coastline in Mozambique is the Bazaruto Archipelago which is a stunning island resort and marine park. The archipelago is made up of five islands and is the only official marine reserve in the country. Described as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, the park protects all of the coral reefs around the islands. The archipelago has range of environments to explore including sand dunes, tidal flats and inland saline lakes and these provide a haven for a variety of seabirds. The coral reefs also provide homes for many species of fish as well as marine mammals. In fact this area of the ocean provides a home for the largest population of dugongs along the coast. Dugongs are large marine mammals which are the closest modern relative to Steller’s Sea Cow which were hunted to extinction in the 18^th century. Scuba diving is the main activity in the archipelago with opportunities to see dolphins, hump back whales, whale sharks, sharks, manta rays and turtles. A more leisurely activity is to go on a dhow safari along the coast. This area of coast is ranked as the best black marlin fishing destination in the eastern Indian Ocean so it’s a great spot to indulge in some fishing during your Family Safari Holidays.

Safari Holidays stop in Ilha de Mozambique

Ilha de Mozambique is definitely worth taking a trip to when visiting Mozambique during your Family Safari Holidays. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which has been described as haunting and magical. The small island is attached to the mainland by a 3.5km causeway. It was the capital of Mozambique for four centuries as well as previously being used by Arab traders. Ilha is a unique mix of colonial Portuguese architecture and old Swahili architecture. In centuries past the Ilha was the site of slave trading as well as spice and gold trading. The fort at the southern end of the island contains the Church of Nossa Senhora do Baluarte which is the oldest surviving European building in the southern hemisphere and dates back to 1522. Other buildings worth seeing include the Palace and Chapel of Sao Paulo which was built in 1610 as a Jesuit college and is now a museum. There are also several mosques and a Hindu temple. A trip to Ilha de Mozambique will add a touch of culture to your Family Safari Holidays.

Getting to Mozambique for your Safari Holidays

Almost all visitors except those from neighbouring countries will require a visa to enter Mozambique for their Family Safari Holidays. Mozambique’s policy is to charge you the same cost for your visa as what your country charges Mozambicans. To fly to Mozambique from most countries will require flying via South Africa.