Wildlife Safaris in Mozambique

In the African nation of Mozambique, wildlife safaris are not only land-based but can be experienced in the water too! Here are some of the best spots for such experiences.

Bazaruto National Park

Home to a protected marine reserve, the Bazaruto National Park covers an archipelago with several islands. Those staying here including at the property of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas can explore the waters of the park and encounter dolphins, whales, sharks, manta rays, sailfish, turtles and endangered dugongs too.

Quirimbas National Park

Enjoying water-based safaris at the Quirimbas National Park is amongst the best things to do; Mozambique gives travellers a chance to explore this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve which has thriving wildlife including turtles, migrating humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, leopard sharks, crocodile fish and more.

Gorongosa National Park

For wildlife safaris in Mozambique on dry land, a popular choice would be Gorongosa National Park. Apart from guided safari drives, there are canoe and boat safaris here too; on your adventures, you may spot elephants, lions, impalas, warthogs, baboons, crocodiles, hippos and not forgetting more than 500 bird species.

Judy GallagherNyala – Tragelaphus angasii, Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique (45601504894)CC BY 2.0

Niassa Reserve

The country’s largest conservation area, the Niassa Reserve is another wildlife hotspot with thousands of elephants, buffalos and sables along with many zebras and Lichtenstein’s hartebeests. Smaller populations of wildebeest, kudu, hippo, leopard, lion and African wild dog can also be seen for an unforgettable safari.

Swim with underwater giants in Africa

Many travellers love Africa for its rich wildlife. They often talk about the lion, elephant, leopard rhino, and the Cape buffalo living here, but not about the spectacular marine life available.

Mozambique – an underrated underwater paradise

Did you know that Mozambique is home to over 1500 miles of amazing coastline? Diving opportunities offered by this coastline is not known, which shouldn’t be the case. The world should really discover this treasure!

The underwater life

This is indeed the place to go to meet the underwater giants. Be its whale sharks, whales, or the mantas, divers meet every one of them in their natural habitats during diving sessions.

Image Credit: Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas

Diving. Is it the only way?

No- Mozambique underwater explorations are also open for the non-divers out there. Snorkelling with the experts offers them the chance to meet the cheerful dolphins, and of course the whale sharks.

Bazaruto – the archipelago worth visiting

You may also head to Bazaruto during your holiday and enjoy the luxury offered by Bazaruto Island Resort managed by Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas. An exotic experience awaits you here while letting you enjoy many other places to visit in Mozambique.

Unforgettable Whale Watching in Africa

An experience you are bound to cherish for a lifetime, the sight of humpback whales swimming wild and free in the ocean is not to be missed on a visit to Mozambique in Africa.

Key Destinations

The Quirimbas and Bazaruto archipelagos are amongst the best places to visit in Mozambique for those looking to enjoy this activity. You will find accommodation at islands here and some properties including those belonging to brands such as Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas even offer whale watching excursions which add to the convenience factor.

Image Credit: Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas

Best Time to Go

When it comes to whale watching in Mozambique, the best time to plan your holiday would between July / August and October. It is during these months that humpback whales make their way to warmer tropical waters from the Arctic.

What to Spot

Depending on the day and some luck, it is not unheard of to spot up to 30 whales! These marine mammals which can grow to lengths of around 60 feet, migrate to these waters to mate and subsequently give birth to young; one may spot them arching over the water, expelling air via their blowholes or leisurely swimming in protected waters.

Other Species

It is not just whales one can observe when here, but bottlenose dolphins, endangered dugongs and from April to July, whale sharks too. The waters are ideal for snorkelling and diving to spot diverse marine species including giant manta rays, while from October to April you can witness turtles visiting the islands to nest as well.

Mozambique Wildlife Safari

Mozambique isn’t the typical urban country where high-rise buildings are all you see. The country and its people are very much in tune with nature ad attempt to protect their wildlife. This is exactly what makes a safari here so exciting.

The abundance of wildlife

The Limpopo National Park in Mozambique is one of the most impressive parks which has been merged with South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Now wildlife in the two regions roams free. A safari here is one of the top things to do in Mozambique.

Gorongosa National Park

This was the regions most abundant national park in the 1960s. But once the civil war began, animals were poached for ivory and meat. Now projects have begun to bring the park back to its former brilliance and visitors get to see it all.

Judy GallagherAfrican Lion – Panthera leo, Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique (45650835935)CC BY 2.0

Moving to water

When it comes to wildlife, Mozambique is also blessed with rich marine life. There are many diving and snorkelling opportunities available to witness it all.

Tours and places to stay

Now that the country has recovered from the civil war, there are many hotels belonging to large chains like Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas that have decided to set up here. They may even organize your tours.