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Beach at Night, White Pearl Resorts, Ponta Mamoli, Mozambique

Southern Mozambique

Centred on the capital city of Maputo, southern Mozambique is squeezed between the Indian Ocean, Swaziland and South Africa.

Whilst the capital itself is rarely a destination in its own right, this quiet region is dotted with beachside areas that are quiet, unspoilt and rarely busy.

This beautiful area is conveniently close to the game reserves of eastern South Africa, allowing for both road and air access, via Maputo, to much of the region. However, in the deep south, roads are mere disturbances in the sand and access is only possible via the coastal roads that lead northwards from Richard’s Bay or Durban.

Machangulo Peninsula and Ponta Do Ouro

It is the beaches of the Machangulo Peninsula and Ponta Do Ouro that attract many people to this quiet region. The former are isolated, but accessible, offering wonderful diving, fishing and excursions into the Maputo Special Reserve. The latter – found much further south – are more rustic and forgotten, but offer the chance to swim, snorkel and dive amongst pods of curious dolphins.

Hanli beneath dolphins, Ponta Malongane, Mozambique — Ponta Malongane, Mozambique

Why visit southern Mozambique

Explore the secluded but accessible Machangulo Peninsula, with its idyllic coastline
Swim, snorkel and dive in unspoilt marine reserves, which are alive with turtles, rays and tropical fish
Freedive with dolphins off the quiet beaches of Ponta Malongane, led by the I AM WATER team
Visit remote Inhaca Island and wander through its quiet village, which hides behind a labyrinth of mangroves
Learn to freedive with Hanli Prinsloo and meet dolphins face to face, beneath the waves

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Snorkelling Adventure

Swim, snorkel and dive in unspoilt marine reserves, which are alive with turtles, rays and tropical fish.

Suggested stay

Freediving

Learn to freedive with Hanli Prinsloo and meet dolphins face to face, beneath the waves.

Freediving Blog

Machangulo Peninsula

Explore the secluded but accessible Machangulo Peninsula, with its idyllic coastline.

Freediver giving okay sign with dolphins behind, Ponta Malongane, Mozambique

Swim with Dolphins

Swim with pods of wild dolphins off Ponta D’Ouro.

Freediving blog

Inhaca Island

Visit remote Inhaca Island and wander through its quiet village, which hides behind a labyrinth of mangroves.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Machangulo Beach Lodge £££££

Mozambique
Beach and Island Escapes

Tucked away in southern Mozambique on the very edge of Machangulo Peninsula is Machangulo Beach Lodge. With a lagoon on one side and the ocean on the other, the lodge overlooks the channel that runs between Inhaca Island and the Bay of Maputo.

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White Pearl Resorts £££££

Mozambique
Beach and Island Escapes

White Pearl Resorts is on the south-east coast of Mozambique, just north of the South Africa/Mozambique border. This beachside escape is nestled in a sheltered white-sand bay. The 21 stylish white suites have private plunge pools, both indoor and outdoor showers, 24-hour butler service and in-suite dining is available.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

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Illona Cross

Before joining Steppes Travel over 25 years ago, I spent a decade working as a ranger, guide and lodge manager across Southern and East Africa. It’s also a deeply personal place for me: I got married in Africa, honeymooned in Africa and still return every year with my family – proof that my love for the continent runs far deeper than just professional experience.

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