Many tourists would overlook Mozambique in favour of the more popular African destinations. But if you love nature and adventures, you’ll find Mozambique a great country to visit. It has gorgeous beaches, bustling cities, remote villages, and beautiful national parks that you can explore on a hike. So, if you’re planning your next hiking adventure, Mozambique is the best destination to consider. Below, check out the list of the top hiking destinations to try in Mozambique.
Benguerra Island
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Located off the southern coast of Mozambique, Benguerra Island is one of the islands in the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, a protected area covering a vast expanse of the ocean and home to six islands. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination to explore after your safari adventure in Mozambique, Benguerra Island is the perfect place to visit.
Thanks to the protected status of the Bazaruto Archipelago, you’ll find that nature bursts in full force on your hike of Benguerra Island. Keep your eyes peeled on the different bird species, including pink flamingos and fish eagles. You will also come across an idyllic mix of azure waters and powdery white sands where you can enjoy a spot of snorkelling to take advantage of the island’s reefs bursting with marine life and a hundred different species of fish.
After your hike, the best way to relax is to take a scenic cruise along the Indian Ocean onboard a traditional boat called the dhow. During your cruise, you’ll also have a chance to swim with the dolphins, dive, or snorkel. As a protected marine reserve, you’ll encounter abundant marine life on your dive, including sea turtles, dolphins, and manta rays!
Maputo
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Maputo is a vibrant city full of great things to explore. Famous for its long stretch of powdery white sand beaches lined with restaurants and bars, Maputo is a great destination for a beach getaway in Mozambique. But if you’re here to hike, you won’t be disappointed.
You’ll find great hiking trails around Maputo, but for a scenic hike, head to Inhaca Island, a gorgeous island you can reach on a 2-hour ferry ride from Maputo. The tropical island is a UNESCO-listed site home to more than 300 species of birds and several mammals, including whales, dolphins, and orcas. On your hike, you’ll come across small villages home to the local tribe, the descendants of the Nhaca dynasty. When hiking Inhaca Island, it’s worth visiting its gorgeous tropical gardens. Other sites you should see on your hike are the Museum of Marine Biology, the Inhaca Lighthouse, and the lovely town of Santa Maria.
Back in Maputo, you can hike at Jardim dos Professores, a vast green space to enjoy a relaxing stroll late afternoon or early morning. Featuring panoramic views over the harbour, the park is also home to a small cafe and a community library.
Tofo
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Situated in the southern region of Mozambique, Tofo is a small coastal town with a laidback atmosphere. It’s a popular destination for diving as well as those in Mozambique on marine volunteering missions. What ever reason people are there, it’s a fun place to explore on a hike, where you’ll find hidden enclaves, secluded coves, and other hidden gems.
Hiking along Tofo’s soft dunes is a great way to explore the island, with some paths taking you to a small, deserted beach with almost no one around. Take a refreshing dip on the beach to relax before you go on with your hike. Given Tofo’s chilled-out vibe, it’s an incredibly relaxing place to slow down and enjoy the stunning beauty of unspoilt nature. You can also take boat trips to the nearby islands, which you can explore on a hike and come across secluded beaches to chill out.
While in Tofo, don’t miss the opportunity to go scuba diving. In fact, the town is an ideal spot for scuba diving, where you will have incredible encounters with massive sea creatures, such as whale sharks, dolphins, and manta rays that frequent the warm waters of Tofo. Since Tofo is far from the tourist radar, you are less likely to encounter other divers, which makes for an even more incredible diving experience.
Manica
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Another place to visit in Mozambique if you’re looking to hike off-the-beaten-path destinations is Manica, a province in the central interior area of Mozambique. It’s one of the highest areas in the country and a source of the many rivers flowing towards the Indian Ocean.
Manica’s capital city of Chimoio is the economic centre of the province and where you will find some of the country’s most picturesque hikes, such as the Cachoeira De Amizade, a gorgeous park home to majestic waterfalls of approximately 20 metres. Your hike requires walking through a dirt road, climbing scenic hills, and coming across several species of flora and fauna.
Take time to explore Vila Manica, where you’ll find the Geology Museum housed in a charming colonial-era house, which showcases a varied and unique collection of rocks and minerals discovered in the region. Check out Fort Macequece, which lies close to Vila Manica. It’s a gorgeous fort built by the Portuguese to strengthen their stronghold of the land.
Inhambane
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Inhambane is a picturesque city, home to glorious beaches, picture-perfect scenery, and incredible wildlife, which you can discover on a scenic hike. Famous for its many beautiful beaches, the best trails in Inhambane will take you to coastal paths where you can stop to relax on some of the beaches and try some exciting water sports.
As you walk around Inhambane, you’ll come across many interesting attractions, including the statue of the famous Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama. It is well worth a stop if you’re visiting the Museu Regional Inhambane, as the museum is located close to the statue.
After your walk, the best way to relax is to indulge in a delicious meal at Branko’s, a shack-style restaurant with a casual vibe, serving a mix of local Inhambane delicacies and international fares. The restaurant is right behind a local central market. After your delicious meal, wander around the market, for a peek into the bustling local life.
