Special Activities

• 

  Diving in Mozambique

  Diving through an underwater wonderland, in the warm, crystal clear ocean Indian Ocean waters of Mozambique and its islands, is a thrilling and rewarding experience. Mozambique is one of the finest diving destinations in the world, with remarkably unspoilt coral reefs and an abundant variety of marine life that all levels of divers can enjoy all year round.

  Sea temperatures vary between 30ºC in summer to 21ºC in winter and the structure of the reefs offer pinnacles, overhangs, coral arches and much more. Reef depths vary from 10m to 40m and offer good visibility and fantastic photo opportunities. Not only of the incredibly range of coral but of over 6,000 species of fish . The reefs attract a variety of game fish while the coral is home to myriads of brightly coloured smaller fish including schooling banner fish, Moorish idols, butterfly fish, blue striped snappers, barred sweetlips, goldies, and tiger fish.

  Diving is excellent all year-round and a variety of exciting diving itineraries can be organised. Dolphins, eels, manta rays, sharks, turtles, huge schools of kingfish, giant lobsters and numerous spices of reef fish are commonly seen. The whale shark, the largest fish in the world which can reach lengths of up to 14 m and weigh up to 15 tons, can be spotted between December and April while the lucky few get to marvel at the sight of the rare dugong.
  Most lodges are pleased to welcome all levels of divers and lessons can be arranged for both beginners and intermediates.

• 

  Fishing in Mozambique

  Mozambican is an angler’s paradise which offers world-class rock & surf, salt water fly and game & bill fishing. Deep-sea fishing expeditions along the Mozambican coasting are exceptional with the Bazaruto Archipelago, Inhaca, Nacala, Pemba, Ponto Douro , Xai-Xai considered among the high spots.

  The Bazaruto Archipelago is in fact, recognised as one of the best destinations in the world for black marlin. The best months for black marlin being between October and the end of January. Blue and striped marlin are found from September to January, while the main sailfish season runs from the beginning of June until the end of September.
  
  From December to February anglers may see one of the archipelagos most interesting creatures. This is the rare whale shark, the largest shark and the largest fish in the world. Fly-fish, for queens fish, ladyfish, bonefish, pompano and several species of kingfish, in the narrow channels between Bazaruto and Benguerra, is unsurpassed with the best season being from March to July. Rock and surf fish included kingfish, couta, king, mackerel, Springer, and big garfish.
  
  Other catches include, barracuda, bludger, dorado, green jobfish, kawakawa, prodigal son, rainbow runner, skipjack and yellowfin tuna and wahoo. A variety of other shark species also occur offshore including blackspot, blacktip, tiger and Zambezi.
  
  Most lodges in Mozambique are happy to welcome, and teach, novices while tackle and equipment is normally available to hire. Boats are fully equipped with the navigational and fish finding aids in additional to all the usual safety equipment. Half day (six hours) and full day hires are offered. A tag and release policy is widely encouraged.

• 

  Horse Riding

  There are numerous opportunities for equestrian activities, especially on the major islands where there are special horse trails.

• 

  Quad Biking

  Quads are fun and very easy to ride, even a complete novice will be ready to roar within minutes.

  The trails twist and through the sand and bush, offering climbs, descents, technical sections and flat-out straights. There are river crossings for the adventurous and alternative routes for the less daring

   

• Hiking & Climbing

  Mozambique’s rugged terrain combined with its natural beauty, makes it a good place for hikers. Experienced climbers can tackle the challenges of the demanding rock faces of Ugando range, to the north of the country, but there are few facilities so mountaineers need to plan expeditions carefully.

• Parasailing

  This exhilarating experience is a must for all thrill-seekers. Launched and recovered from a small powerboat, it turns you into a human kite suspended hundreds of feet above the water. The view is unparallel.

• 

  Sea Kayaking

  Paddle next to ancient dhows and dugout canoes as you explore Mozambique Island, Lake Niassa or the Bazaruto or Quirimbas Archipelagos in a one or two person kayak

• 

  Water sports

  Canoeing, sailing, surfing, water-skiing, windsurfing and yachting take place along the coast; on Lake Niassa; and on several other lakes in the interior. Ponta do Ouro and beaches close to town of Inhambaneare especially good for surfing.

• Bird-Watching

  The wealth of birdlife in Mozambique is stunning. The varying habitats to be found, particularly those in central Mozambique, account for rich variety of bird life- more than 900 species have been recorded.

  Benguerra Island alone is home to115 different types including the rare crab plover, olive bee-eater and green coucal. Inhaca Island, with its flocks of flamingos and pelicans is also excellent for birding as are lake Chicamba, with its waders and water-birds, and the mountains of Namuli.

• 

  Tropical Fish

  Mozambique’s coral reefs are home to innumerable species of fish while Lake Niassa, Known as “god’s Aquarium”, is renowned for its spectacular cichlids famous with collectors all over the world

• Sand boarding

  Unlike surfing and snowboarding, sand boarding is easy to learn and accessible to beginners so adrenaline is just a slide away

• Dolphin Tracking

  Ponta Douro, a resort to the south of Maputo, and the Bazaruto Archipelago are popular places for dolphins tracking.

• Dugongs

  Families of rare dugong, or sea cows, may often be seen in the waters surrounding the Bazaruto and Quirimbas Archipelagos

• Rail Buffs

  A metal dome, designed by Monsieur Eiffel of the Paris tower fame, tops Maputo’s Railway Station, built in 1910 and recently renovated. On display are two turn-of-the-century, wood-burning locomotives.

• Flora Enthusiasts

  Cycads and many other exotic indigenous plants can be admired in Maputo’s Tunduro Gardens, designed in 1885 by the English gardener, Thomas Honey. Ancient baobab trees, sometimes know as the “ upside down tree” because its branches look like roots, are to be found in Tete, Cabo Delgado and Inhambe provinces. They are closely linked by legends to the local people.

• Rock Paintings

  Ancient rock paintings are found in the provinces of Manica, Tete and Zambezia.

• Whale Watching

  At certain times of the year humpback whales can be seen off the coast of Inhambane Province.