Day-by-Day Itinerary
Settle into Mozambique's vibrant capital city and explore its colonial architecture, cultural landmarks, and waterfront atmosphere.
Morning
Arrival and hotel check-in
Arrive at
Maputo International Airport and transfer to your accommodation. Take time to settle in, freshen up, and get oriented with the city layout. Exchange currency at the airport or use ATMs for meticais. The morning is intentionally light to account for travel fatigue and potential flight delays.
2-3 hours
$15-25 (airport transfer)
Pre-arrange airport transfer through your accommodation for safety and convenience
Lunch
A seafood restaurant along Avenida Marginal with ocean views
Fresh prawns and grilled fish with piri-piri sauce
Mid-range
Afternoon
Visit the iconic
Maputo Railway Station with its stunning early 20th-century architecture, then walk to the nearby Comunidade Hindu De
Maputo to admire the beautiful Hindu temple and its intricate details. Stroll through the Baixa district to see colonial-era buildings, street vendors, and the bustling city center atmosphere that defines modern
Maputo.
3-4 hours
$5-10 (entrance donations)
Evening
Sunset at the waterfront and dinner
Watch the sunset along Avenida Marginal, then enjoy dinner at a traditional Mozambican restaurant featuring live marrabenta music
Where to Stay Tonight
Maputo city center or Polana neighborhood (Mid-range hotel or guesthouse)
Central location provides easy access to restaurants, cultural sites, and serves as a good base for exploring the capital
Maputo's street vendors sell delicious cashew nuts (Mozambique is a major producer) - buy some as snacks for your travels ahead
Day 1 Budget: $80-100
Dive deeper into
Maputo's cultural offerings with visits to botanical gardens, local markets, and the city's zoo.
Morning
Valentine Garden and Jardim zoológico
Start your day at Valentine Garden, a peaceful green space perfect for morning walks among tropical plants and shaded pathways. Then visit the Jardim zoológico,
Maputo's modest but charming zoo featuring local wildlife species. While not world-class, it offers insight into Mozambican fauna and is popular with local families, providing a glimpse into everyday life.
3 hours
$3-5
Lunch
A casual eatery in the
Polana neighborhood serving traditional matapa and xima
Mozambican staples with cassava-based dishes
Budget
Afternoon
FEIMA craft market and Parque Dos Cronistas
Browse FEIMA artisan market for handcrafted woodcarvings, capulanas (traditional fabrics), and local artwork - perfect for souvenirs. Afterward, relax at Parque Dos Cronistas, a pleasant urban park where you can observe local life, enjoy the shade, and perhaps catch impromptu musical performances or football games that locals organize on weekends.
3 hours
$20-40 (shopping budget)
Bargaining is expected at FEIMA market - start at about 60% of the asking price
Evening
Dinner in the
Polana neighborhood
Try a Portuguese-Mozambican fusion restaurant with outdoor seating, sampling dishes like chicken cafreal or espetada
Where to Stay Tonight
Maputo city center or Polana neighborhood (Same accommodation as Day 1)
Staying put saves time and money while you explore different aspects of the capital
The Palace of Marriages, a distinctive pink colonial building, makes for excellent photos - it's located near the waterfront and worth a quick stop
Day 2 Budget: $70-90
Escape the city for a day trip to beautiful
Macaneta Beach, where the Incomati River meets the Indian Ocean.
Morning
Take a scenic 45-minute drive north from
Maputo, crossing the Incomati River by car ferry (a memorable experience itself). Arrive at
Macaneta Beach, a stunning stretch of golden sand backed by dunes. Settle into the relaxed beach atmosphere, swim in the warm Indian Ocean waters, and explore the pristine coastline where you'll likely see more locals than tourists.
4 hours including travel and beach time
$30-50 (transport and ferry)
Hire a private driver for the day or join a shared tour from
Maputo for better value
Lunch
A beachfront lodge restaurant serving fresh catch of the day
Grilled seafood platters with rice and salad
Mid-range
Afternoon
Beach activities and relaxation
Spend the afternoon enjoying
Macaneta Beach's natural beauty. Take long walks along the shore, try bodyboarding in the waves, or simply relax under the sun. The beach is known for excellent swimming conditions and beautiful sand dunes. For the adventurous, kayaking on the Incomati River estuary offers opportunities to spot birds and enjoy the mangrove ecosystem.
3-4 hours
$10-20 (equipment rental if desired)
Evening
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a restaurant in the Sommerschield neighborhood, known for its diverse dining options
Where to Stay Tonight
Maputo city center or Polana neighborhood (Same accommodation as previous nights)
Return to your Maputo base to prepare for tomorrow's journey north
The car ferry crossing to Macaneta can have queues on weekends - go midweek for a more peaceful experience
Day 3 Budget: $85-110
Travel north to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilha de Moçambique, a living museum of Swahili and Portuguese colonial history.
Morning
Flight or drive to Nampula
Take an early morning domestic flight from
Maputo to Nampula (approximately 2 hours), or if you're adventurous and have time, begin the long overland journey. Flying is highly recommended for this itinerary to maximize time. Upon arrival in Nampula, arrange onward transport to Ilha de Moçambique, located about 180 kilometers away on the coast.
4-5 hours including connections
$150-220 (flight)
Book domestic flights with LAM Mozambique Airlines well in advance for better prices
Lunch
A local restaurant in Nampula city during your transit
Simple Mozambican fare like chicken and rice
Budget
Afternoon
Transfer to Ilha de Moçambique and initial exploration
Complete the scenic drive to Ilha de Moçambique, crossing the modern bridge that connects this historic island to the mainland. Check into your accommodation and begin exploring Stone Town, wandering the narrow streets lined with colonial-era buildings in various states of decay and restoration. The island's atmosphere is unique - a living community within ancient walls.
3-4 hours
$40-60 (private transfer from Nampula)
Arrange transfer through your accommodation on Ilha de Moçambique in advance
Evening
Sunset walk and dinner
Watch the sunset from the island's western shore, then dine at a guesthouse restaurant serving fresh seafood with Swahili spices
Where to Stay Tonight
Ilha de Moçambique Stone Town (Historic guesthouse or restored colonial building)
Staying within Stone Town immerses you in the island's unique atmosphere and puts all major sites within walking distance
The island is small enough to walk everywhere - no vehicles are really necessary once you're there
Day 4 Budget: $180-250 (higher due to flight)
Spend a full day exploring the historic fortresses, museums, and cultural sites of this remarkable island.
Morning
Fortaleza de Sao Sebastao and island museum
Visit the magnificent Fortaleza de Sao Sebastao, one of the oldest and best-preserved Portuguese fortresses in sub-Saharan Africa, dating to 1558. Explore its massive coral-stone walls, chapel, and ramparts with stunning ocean views. Then visit the Ilha De Mocambique museum to understand the island's role as a major trading port connecting Africa, Arabia, India, and Europe for centuries.
3-4 hours
$5-8 (entrance fees)
Hiring a local guide enriches the experience significantly - arrange through your accommodation
Lunch
A rooftop restaurant in Stone Town with views over the colonial architecture
Seafood curry with coconut rice, influenced by Swahili and Indian traditions
Mid-range
Afternoon
Palace of São Paulo and Macuti Town exploration
Explore the Palace of São Paulo, a former governor's residence, and wander through the contrasting neighborhoods of the island. Visit Macuti Town, the traditional reed-house area where most island residents live, offering a stark contrast to Stone Town. Interact respectfully with local communities, visit small mosques, and observe traditional dhow boat building along the shore.
3 hours
$3-5 (tips for guides)
Evening
Traditional dinner and cultural exchange
Arrange a home-cooked meal with a local family through your guesthouse, experiencing authentic island hospitality and cuisine
Where to Stay Tonight
Ilha de Moçambique Stone Town (Same accommodation as Day 4)
Another night allows you to fully absorb the island's unique atmosphere without rushing
Photography is sensitive in Macuti Town - always ask permission before photographing people or their homes
Day 5 Budget: $65-85
Travel to Vilankulo, the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, with time to settle in and enjoy the coastal town.
Morning
Return to Nampula and fly to Vilankulo
Transfer back to Nampula by road, then catch a flight south to Vilankulo. This coastal town serves as the jumping-off point for the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago. The flight offers spectacular aerial views of Mozambique's coastline. Upon arrival, the change in atmosphere is immediate - Vilankulo has a more relaxed, beachy vibe compared to historic Ilha de Moçambique.
5-6 hours total travel
$150-200 (flight plus transfers)
Coordinate your Ilha de Moçambique departure with flight times from Nampula
Lunch
A casual beachfront spot in Vilankulo serving grilled prawns
Fresh seafood with local sides
Budget
Afternoon
Vilankulo beach walk and town orientation
Check into your accommodation and spend the afternoon exploring Vilankulo's main beach area. Walk along the shore, watching traditional dhow boats sailing in the bay with the Bazaruto islands visible in the distance. Visit the local market to see daily life and perhaps purchase fresh fruit. The town is small and walkable, with a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
2-3 hours
$5-10
Evening
Sunset dhow cruise planning and dinner
Book tomorrow's activities at local tour operators, then enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant watching the sunset over the archipelago
Where to Stay Tonight
Vilankulo beachfront (Beach lodge or guesthouse with ocean views)
Beachfront location provides easy access to dhow departures and captures the essence of this coastal paradise
Vilankulo has better tour operator options and prices than booking Bazaruto trips from
Maputo in advance
Day 6 Budget: $170-210 (higher due to flight)
Experience the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago on a full-day dhow safari with snorkeling, beach time, and marine life.
Morning
Dhow safari to Bazaruto Archipelago
Depart early on a traditional dhow boat for a full-day excursion to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Sail across turquoise waters to pristine islands with powdery white sand beaches and towering dunes. The journey itself is magical, with the wind filling the dhow's sails. Arrive at prime snorkeling spots where you'll explore coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, and if lucky, spot dolphins or dugongs.
Full day (8-9 hours)
$80-120 (includes lunch, snorkeling gear)
Book through reputable operators in Vilankulo - price should include all equipment and meals
Lunch
Beach barbecue on a deserted island
Fresh grilled fish, prawns, and lobster prepared by the boat crew
Included in tour
Afternoon
Beach exploration and snorkeling
Continue exploring different snorkeling sites around the islands, with opportunities to see rays, reef sharks, and incredible coral formations. Spend time on pristine beaches that often feel entirely private. Climb sand dunes for panoramic views of the archipelago. The crystal-clear waters and untouched beauty make this one of Mozambique's most memorable experiences.
Included in full-day tour
Included
Evening
Return to Vilankulo and relaxed dinner
After a full day on the water, enjoy a casual dinner at your accommodation or nearby restaurant, reflecting on the day's adventures
Where to Stay Tonight
Vilankulo beachfront (Same accommodation as Day 6)
Familiar base allows you to rest well after an active day on the water
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and extra water - the sun is intense on the water and islands
Day 7 Budget: $120-160
Travel south to Tofo Beach, one of the world's best destinations for diving with manta rays and whale sharks.
Morning
Drive from Vilankulo to Tofo Beach
Depart Vilankulo for the scenic coastal drive to Tofo Beach, near Inhambane. The journey takes you through rural Mozambique, passing small villages, cashew plantations, and coastal scenery. You'll cross the bay to Inhambane town by ferry, a charming colonial town worth a brief stop to see its historic cathedral and waterfront before continuing to Tofo.
5-6 hours including stops
$60-90 (private transfer or chapa ride)
Private transfers are more comfortable but chapas (minibuses) offer an authentic local experience for the adventurous
Lunch
A restaurant in Inhambane town during your transit stop
Coconut-based curries and fresh seafood
Budget
Afternoon
Settle into Tofo Beach and orientation
Arrive at Tofo Beach and check into your accommodation. This relaxed backpacker haven has grown into a world-renowned diving destination while maintaining its laid-back vibe. Walk along the stunning beach, visit local dive shops to arrange tomorrow's activities, and soak in the bohemian atmosphere. The beach curves beautifully with powerful waves on one end and calmer areas for swimming.
3 hours
$10-15
Evening
Beach sunset and casual dinner
Watch the spectacular sunset from Tofo Beach, then enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant with a relaxed, international backpacker atmosphere
Where to Stay Tonight
Tofo Beach (Beach lodge, backpacker hostel, or mid-range guesthouse)
Tofo's accommodations are steps from the beach and dive centers, perfect for the marine activities ahead
Tofo has a strong backpacker community - easy to meet fellow travelers and share experiences and tips
Day 8 Budget: $85-115
Experience world-class diving or snorkeling at Tofo Beach, famous for manta ray and whale shark encounters.
Morning
Scuba diving or snorkeling excursion
Join a morning dive or snorkel trip to encounter Tofo's famous marine megafauna. Tofo Beach is one of the world's most reliable places to see manta rays year-round, and whale sharks from October to March. Even if you're not a certified diver, snorkeling trips offer excellent chances for encounters. The experience of swimming alongside these gentle giants is truly unforgettable and humbling.
3-4 hours
$50-120 (depending on diving vs snorkeling)
Book with established dive centers like Peri-Peri Divers or Tofo Scuba - they know the best sites and times
Lunch
A beachfront café serving fresh juices and light meals
Salads, sandwiches, and tropical fruit smoothies
Budget
Afternoon
Tofinho Beach exploration
Walk or take a short ride to Tofinho Beach, a more secluded stretch of coastline just south of Tofo. This beautiful beach is quieter and offers excellent tide pools to explore at low tide, revealing colorful marine life. The beach is also popular with surfers when conditions are right. Relax on the sand, swim in the clear waters, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
3 hours
$5-10 (transport if needed)
Evening
Beach bonfire and dinner
Many accommodations organize beach bonfires - join one for a social evening, or dine at a restaurant serving Mozambican-Portuguese fusion cuisine
Where to Stay Tonight
Tofo Beach (Same accommodation as Day 8)
Stay put to maximize beach and diving time without packing and unpacking
Marine encounters are never guaranteed, but Tofo has exceptional success rates - patience and multiple dives increase your chances
Day 9 Budget: $90-140
Enjoy a more relaxed day with optional diving, beach time, and learning about marine conservation efforts.
Morning
Second dive/snorkel or beach relaxation
Choose between another diving or snorkeling excursion to explore different sites or encounter species you may have missed, or opt for a relaxed morning on Tofo Beach. The beach itself is beautiful for swimming, bodyboarding, or simply lounging. Visit the Marine Megafauna Foundation's research center to learn about their conservation work protecting manta rays and whale sharks through citizen science.
3-4 hours
$0-120 (depending on activity choice)
Lunch
A beachside spot known for fresh seafood platters
Grilled calamari, prawns, and fish with piri-piri
Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore Tofo Beach area and local culture
Rent a bicycle or walk to explore the Tofo area more thoroughly. Visit the local market where fishermen bring in their daily catch and women sell produce. Interact with local artisans selling handmade jewelry and crafts. The contrast between the tourist beach area and local villages provides interesting cultural perspective. Consider a surf lesson if you're interested in trying the waves.
3 hours
$10-30
Evening
Farewell to beach life dinner
Enjoy a special seafood dinner at an upscale beachfront restaurant, celebrating your last night in this coastal paradise
Where to Stay Tonight
Tofo Beach (Same accommodation as previous nights)
Final night in this beach haven before heading inland tomorrow
Ask dive centers about their photo/video services - professional footage of your manta ray encounter makes an incredible souvenir
Day 10 Budget: $70-120
Journey inland from the coast to Gorongosa National Park, one of Africa's greatest wildlife restoration stories.
Morning
Drive from Tofo to Gorongosa National Park
Begin the long but scenic drive from the coast inland to Gorongosa National Park. The landscape transforms from coastal plains to the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment. This journey typically requires an early start and takes most of the day. Alternatively, you can break the journey with an overnight in Beira, though this itinerary proceeds directly to maximize park time.
7-8 hours
$100-150 (private transfer)
Arrange transfer through Gorongosa's accommodation or hire a reliable driver - road conditions vary
Lunch
Packed lunch or stop at a roadside restaurant en route
Simple Mozambican fare or packed sandwiches
Budget
Afternoon
Arrive at Gorongosa and sunset game drive
Arrive at Gorongosa National Park in the afternoon and check into your accommodation. If time permits, join a late afternoon game drive to get your first glimpse of the park's recovering wildlife populations. Gorongosa is one of Africa's most inspiring conservation stories, having been devastated by civil war and now experiencing remarkable wildlife recovery. Spot waterbuck, impala, warthogs, and various bird species as the sun sets over the floodplains.
2-3 hours
$40-60 (game drive)
Book game drives through the park or your lodge upon arrival
Evening
Dinner at camp and night sounds
Enjoy dinner at your lodge while listening to the sounds of the African bush - hippos, lions, and hyenas create an atmospheric soundtrack
Where to Stay Tonight
Gorongosa National Park (Safari camp or lodge within or near the park)
Staying inside or near the park allows for early morning game drives and full immersion in the safari experience
Gorongosa is less crowded than famous East African parks - you'll often have wildlife sightings to yourself
Day 11 Budget: $150-200 (higher due to long transfer and park fees)
Experience the full magic of Gorongosa with morning and afternoon game drives through diverse ecosystems.
Morning
Early morning game drive
Wake before dawn for an early morning game drive when animals are most active. Gorongosa National Park spans diverse habitats from floodplains to miombo woodland to montane rainforest. Look for elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and the park's famous waterbuck populations. The birdlife is exceptional with over 400 species. Your guide will share the park's remarkable restoration story and point out wildlife behaviors.
4 hours
$40-60
Lunch
Return to lodge for lunch and midday rest
International and Mozambican dishes at the lodge restaurant
Mid-range
Afternoon
Afternoon game drive and Lake Urema exploration
Head out for an afternoon game drive focusing on different areas of the park. Visit Lake Urema, the park's centerpiece, where hippos and crocodiles are abundant and waterbirds gather in impressive numbers. The lake area offers excellent photographic opportunities, especially as the afternoon light becomes golden. Watch for predators becoming active as temperatures cool, and enjoy the changing colors of the African sunset.
4 hours
$40-60
Evening
Night drive or stargazing
If available, join a night drive to spot nocturnal species like civets, genets, and bush babies, or enjoy stargazing in the unpolluted African sky
Where to Stay Tonight
Gorongosa National Park (Same accommodation as Day 11)
Staying put allows you to maximize your safari experience without wasting time on logistics
Visit the park's education center to learn about the Gorongosa Restoration Project - it's one of conservation's most inspiring success stories
Day 12 Budget: $130-170
Optional morning activity at Gorongosa, then begin the journey back to
Maputo for your final night.
Morning
Mount Gorongosa exploration or final game drive
If time and interest allow, take a guided hike on Mount Gorongosa's lower slopes to experience the park's unique montane rainforest ecosystem, or enjoy one final early morning game drive to catch any species you may have missed. The mountain's forests are home to different species than the lowlands and offer spectacular views. Alternatively, use the morning to relax and reflect on your safari experience.
3-4 hours
$30-50
Mountain hikes require advance booking and reasonable fitness levels
Lunch
Final lunch at the lodge before departure
Lodge buffet or set menu
Mid-range
Afternoon
Begin your return journey to
Maputo, either by flying from nearby Beira (requires driving to Beira first) or by road transfer. Flying saves significant time but the road journey offers one last look at rural Mozambique. If driving, the journey is long but allows you to see the changing landscapes from interior to coast. Plan to arrive in
Maputo by evening.
6-8 hours by road, or 4-5 hours total if flying
$80-180 (depending on transport method)
Book flights from Beira to
Maputo in advance, or arrange reliable road transfer
Evening
Settle into your
Maputo accommodation and enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant in the
Polana or Sommerschield neighborhoods
Where to Stay Tonight
Maputo near the airport (Hotel with easy airport access)
Proximity to airport makes your departure morning stress-free
If you have time in the evening, revisit favorite spots from your first days in
Maputo - you'll see them with new perspective
Day 13 Budget: $120-200
Final morning in Mozambique with last-minute shopping and airport departure.
Morning
Last-minute shopping and relaxation
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and do any last-minute souvenir shopping. The FEIMA craft market or shops in
Polana offer quality Mozambican handicrafts, textiles, and artwork. If you have several hours, revisit the Comunidade Hindu De
Maputo or take a final walk along Avenida Marginal to soak in the ocean atmosphere one last time before departing.
2-3 hours
$20-50 (shopping)
Lunch
Early lunch at the airport or near your hotel before departure
Light meal suitable for travel
Budget
Afternoon
Airport transfer and departure
Transfer to
Maputo International Airport with plenty of time for check-in and security. Mozambique's airports can be slow during busy periods, so arrive at least 2-3 hours before international flights. Reflect on your incredible two weeks exploring one of Africa's most underrated destinations - from historic islands to pristine beaches to recovering wilderness.
Varies by flight time
$15-25 (airport transfer)
Evening
Departure
Depart Mozambique with memories of incredible marine life, rich history, warm people, and diverse landscapes
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day
Keep some meticais for airport purchases, but exchange remaining cash before security as options are limited airside
Day 14 Budget: $60-100