Mozambique

Maputo and surrounds

With its Mediterranean-style architecture, waterside setting and wide avenues lined with eye-catching trees, Maputo is easily one of East Africa’s most attractive capitals. With a wide selection of hotels and restaurants, shady sidewalk cafés, a lively cultural scene and local walking tours, getting to know the city is essential to understanding the country.

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Located within an unblemished nature reserve, Coral Lodge lies on an amazing peninsula, minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ilha de Mocambique. Glide over the turquoise waters of the lagoon, and slowly meander through the maze of mangroves, on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Or head out past the lagoon, into the aqua blues of the ocean, enjoying the birds-eye view of the marine world below you. Coral Lodge is the perfect playground for both beginner and advanced stand-up paddle (SUP) boarders.

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Reasons to visit Maputo and surrounds

  • Explore Old Town
  • Take a day trip to Inhaca Island
  • Memorable cafés, restaurants, architecture and museums

Scintilla’s Delights

Treat yourself to the best experiences Mozambique has to offer.

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Visit Ilha de Moçambique

A UNESCO World Heritage site, The Island of Mozambique (Ilha de Moçambique) has over 500 years of history etched in its streets and walls. A calcareous coral reef, just 3kms in length and 600 metres at its widest, it takes only 30-40mins to walk from end to end. Uncover the rich history, significant architecture, and the tapestry of life of its earliest inhabitants in the company of a local guide. Harry Potter, a local whiz and vibrant character, has been conducting tours since he was 11yrs old. 

Vilanculous Village Tour
Vilanculous Village Tour

Soak-up the easy-going lifestyle, and traditional seaside charm of this tropical town.

Whale Watching & Sea Safaris
Whale Watching & Sea Safaris

Set sail across the waters off Vilanculos on a boat trip to search for the biggest creatures of the coast.

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Where to stay in Maputo

Maputo has some world-class accommodation options. 

Machangulo Beach Lodge
Machangulo Beach Lodge

Other destinations in Mozambique

Mozambique has one of Africa’s longest coastlines, with many beaches and bays to explore. These places are our best of the best.

Mozambique Islands

Vilanculos

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Guest Testimonials

Discover why our guests select Scintilla for their travel to Southern Africa.

Cuan, everything going to plan so far with stunning weather and excellent service and amazing wildlife in Etosha!! Thanks again for your professionalism. Everything has been magical, and we have definitely brought some luck with us being the first group to find the elephants only after 10 minutes of looking !! Really appreciate your help, and I will be recommending you to our friends back home.

Tom Last, AU

My week in Namibia was sensational and went seamlessly. From the welcoming pickup from the airport to the beautiful accommodations and fascinating road-trip across much of the country, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Of particular note, the food at Hoodia Desert Lodge was impeccable and the al fresco lunch prepared by the guide after the visit to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei was simply magical. The sundowners at both Hoodia and Onduli Ridge were top-notch, each offering breathtaking views and fabulous Namibian gin cocktails and bites. What made the entire journey so easily enjoyable was the daily itineraries and maps presented to me upon arrival and the overall organization and attention to detail. My solo sojourn was truly flawless, and I will recommend it widely!

Sarah Scott, ZA

Hi Cuan.  Just wanted you to know we have had an amazing time in Namibia!  What an experience!  Yesterday we stopped off at a bar in a very remote village after tracking elephants and had beers and danced with the locals which was fantastic.  Between the orphanage, stops in many villages, the kids we’ve gotten to meet, the Himba village and of course all the animals it has just been incredible.  You organized quite a trip for us!  And now, Botswana!!!

The Soloman Family, USA

Well, we finished up Cape Town this evening, heading to safari tomorrow. We loved the country tour and winery tour, absolutely amazing. Also, our guide for both days, was one of the best we have ever had. We couldn’t imagine a better time and she couldn’t be more flexible. Thank you for setting up this first part of the vacation and setting us up with the tours.

Cory & Heather, USA

The most important thing for me to tell you is that we had a fabulous time with James exploring the Peninsula of Cape Town! Along with our visit to the Zeitz Museum, our day with James was a highlight of the time we spent in South Africa. He was friendly and open about discussing his experiences growing up with apartheid which I really appreciated. I enjoyed the towns we visited, the restaurant where we had lunch, our visit with the penguins, and our hike out to the shipwreck. Thank you!!

Emma & Lori, USA

Please convey my thanks to the Cape Town guiding teams! Without a doubt our most memorable moment of the trip was our visit to the Cape Peninsula with our guide, Chizzy. A major positive, thrilling time. The penguins, picnic and swim at the reservoir, continual birthday celebrations for Jack’s 18th Birthday were all home runs.

Suzanne, Jack & Family, USA

The trip was FANTASTIC, and our guide Marcus was absolutely superb! We took all of his recommendations for our last free day in the city and can’t thank him enough for the stellar suggestions.

Thomas & Mary Louise, Canada

Our guide Charlene was out of this world. She was charming, intelligent, and fun and she showed us the best of Cape Town while also educating us on the journey Cape Town has taken from Apartheid through today. We were fascinated, engaged, and overjoyed to spend our final days in Africa with her. She is truly outstanding.

Paul & Wendy, UK

It was great! Everything worked out perfectly! We absolutely loved the Sidecar experience – wow, was that fun! We loved our guide in Cape Town, Josh, he was the BEST! He was so fun. We took him for dinners and played golf with him! We just thought Cape Town was fantastic. Wine Country was great. Fantastic.

Joseph, Marsha & Family, USA

On Saturday, we met our guide, Charlene, who was OUTSTANDING. We had missed the Zeitz Museum, and she was happy to let us rearrange our schedule so that we could tour it as well as taking me to a beautiful craft market to buy gifts.  On arriving in the wine country, we enjoyed an amazing lunch at La Motte.  With Charlene's background in wines, she was able to recommend the best wineries to visit on the winetram, as well as several good restaurants in the area.

William & Constance, USA

Cape Town was so scenic and beautiful.  Had an interesting visit around town and to the houses of parliament with a very accommodating guide James.  James made that whole experience everything it was and deserves a lot of credit. What a great place to visit!  What phenomenal food!  What masters of hospitality they all are in Africa!

Jeffery & Barbara, Canada
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Local Knowledge

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Responsible Travel

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Boutique Focus

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Immersive Experiences

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Exceptional Locations

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Bespoke Trips

Our consultants are widely travelled and vastly experienced, with expert knowledge of Southern Africa.