Safari and Beaches in Mozambique
From safari to the elephants of Maputo Reserve to the golden beaches of Santa Maria, the essence of Mozambique in 10 days.
Duration
10 days
From
€2,120/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, Honeymoon
The spirit of travel
Welcome to Mozambique!
This circuit invites you to discover Mozambique through an immersion between wild nature, urban culture and coastal landscapes. You begin your journey in the heart of a pristine environment, where safaris and wildlife observation punctuate your days in a reserve recognized for its ecological richness.
Then, heading to Maputo, a lively capital where colonial heritage, local markets and cultural life offer an interesting contrast with natural spaces. You take time to explore the city, between architecture, local atmosphere and openness to the ocean.
Your itinerary continues on the Santa Maria peninsula, ideal for a seaside stay. Between beaches, calm waters and water activities, you enjoy a setting conducive to both relaxation and adventure.
This trip thus combines safari, local immersion and beach relaxation, in an accessible and balanced format.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1-3: Maputo Special Reserve, a preserved wildlife sanctuary
Off the beaten track, the Maputo Elephant Special Reserve, formerly known as the Maputo Elephant Reserve until 1969, was created in 1960 to preserve the elephant population in the region.
Today recognized as one of the 36 biologically richest and most threatened ecoregions in the world, it lies at the heart of the Lubombo transboundary conservation and resource zone.
Spanning less than 1,500 km², the reserve connects different marine, coastal and terrestrial ecosystems. This diversity of environments gives it significant ecological value as well as real interest for travelers seeking nature.
You will discover:
Extensive lakes and floodplains
Mangroves and marshy areas
Wooded dunes that meet pristine golden sand beaches
This protected environment is home to varied African wildlife, observable in natural conditions:
Flamingos and numerous bird species
Leopards, antelopes, crocodiles and hippopotamuses
Striped jackals, zebras, kudus, baboons and warthogs
The reserve is notably known for its population of over 400 elephants, which you can observe in groups in the floodplains or through the dune forests.
The Maputo Special Reserve thus offers a preserved setting, conducive to wildlife observation and the discovery of varied landscapes, in an environmentally respectful approach.
Day 4-5: Maputo: The vibrant capital of Mozambique
Réserve Spéciale de Maputo → Maputo
Maputo, capital of Mozambique, stands out for its well-preserved Portuguese colonial architecture, notably its Art Deco style, a testament to its history. Nestled on a hillside overlooking Maputo Bay, the city has long been nicknamed the "Riviera" of southern Africa.
Formerly known as Lourenço Marques, Maputo is today the country's largest city and home to its main port. You will discover a lively urban atmosphere, with numerous hotels, supermarkets, restaurants as well as an active cultural scene. Terrace cafés contribute to the city's pleasant ambiance.
Several emblematic sites mark your exploration:
The Baixa district, lined with jacarandas
Praça da Independência, the historic center
The neoclassical city hall, representative of local heritage
Maputo train station, recognizable by its bronze dome
The city also opens onto the coastline, offering beaches conducive to relaxation and water activities:
The beaches of Catembe and Ponta d'Oura, suitable for a seaside getaway
Snorkeling and scuba diving in the waters of the Indian Ocean
Between historical heritage, cultural life and openness to the ocean, Maputo constitutes an interesting stop for discovering the different facets of Mozambique.
Days 6-9: Santa Maria Peninsula, a preserved haven facing Maputo Bay
Located below Inhaca Island, the Santa Maria Peninsula, also called Machangulo Peninsula, is home to the village of Santa Maria, which offers an unobstructed view of Maputo Bay.
Surrounded by mangroves, this Mozambique village seduces with its simple and authentic atmosphere. You will discover a local restaurant as well as traditional stalls, witnesses to daily life. Around the area, several beachfront accommodations allow you to fully enjoy the coastal setting and landscapes.
Must-do activities in Santa Maria
Boat excursions in the bay
Snorkeling in calm and clear waters
Watching the sunset by the water
Other experiences complement your stay:
Deep-sea fishing
Scuba diving
Bird and whale watching
Kayaking, swimming and water skiing
The Santa Maria Peninsula thus offers a preserved natural environment, conducive to alternating moments of relaxation and outdoor activities during your stay in Mozambique.
Day 10: See you soon in Mozambique!
Return to the airport where you return your rental vehicle, then boarding for your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- International and domestic airport taxes
- Meals not mentioned
- Beverages
- Personal Expenses
- The entrance fees to the parks, reserves and sites visited
- Tips
- All insurance necessary for your trip
Included
- Travel documents
- Les hébergements mentionnés
- Meals and beverages mentioned
- Local and tourism taxes
- Airport pickup in Maputo
- Guided tour of Maputo
- Road transfers
- Maputo Airport - Membene lodge
- Membene lodge - Maputo Figtree Guesthouse
- Maputo Figtree Guesthouse - Maputo Marina harbour
- Maputo Marina Harbour - Maputo Airport
- Boat transfers
- Maputo Marina harbour - Machangulo beach lodge
- Machangulo Beach Lodge - Maputo Marina Harbour
- Child Sponsorship Association A CASA AMARELA MOZAMBIQUE
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Mozambique for tourism purposes. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying information with official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Mozambique, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada must generally be in possession of a visa to enter Mozambique. Several options are available:
the visa on arrival, available at certain official entry points (international airports and main land border crossings), for stays generally up to 30 days,
the electronic visa (e-visa), to be requested online before departure through the official portal of the Mozambican authorities, for stays of up to 30 days, renewable once on arrival.
It is recommended that you obtain your visa before departure to avoid any complications upon arrival. Processing times and conditions may vary; contact the embassy or consulate of Mozambique in your country of residence for further information.
Authorities may also request:
a departure ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a hotel reservation.
Health and Vaccinations
Certain health precautions are strongly recommended before traveling to Mozambique:
The international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory for travelers coming from a country where this disease is endemic. It may also be required from any traveler upon entry to the country.
Antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended, as malaria is present throughout Mozambican territory. Consult a doctor or international vaccination center before your departure.
Up-to-date vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and tetanus are also advised.
We recommend consulting a healthcare professional or travel medicine center several weeks before your departure.
Travel with Children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
Mozambique may require minors traveling alone or with only one parent to present a birth certificate and written parental authorization signed by the absent parent(s), preferably legalized. It is strongly advised to contact the Mozambican embassy before your departure.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should contact the embassy or consulate of Mozambique in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expense coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy outlining all coverage and claim reporting procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
An e-visa or Visa on Arrival is required. The e-visa must be requested online before departure. A valid passport, required to be valid for at least 6 months after entry with at least two blank pages. Before booking, check with the consular authorities of your destination for entry requirements applicable to your nationality.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 200 and 340 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and activities. International flights (900-1300 euros return) are additional. Bazaruto and Quirimbas islands are premium destinations.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to match your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. Together you adjust every detail until you have the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Maputo
Creator of meaningful journeys in Mozambique, based in Maputo
Mozambique touches me with its light, its hospitality and its simplicity. My role is to create journeys that respect this beauty, without turning it into a backdrop.
— Clara
