Exploring Mozambique: Underrated Spots & Must-Try Experiences

Mozambique is a coastal gem in Southern Africa that’s often overlooked by travellers. Its landscape is vast and impressive, packed with rich culture, untouched beaches, and unique cuisine. Although it would be impossible to explore all of Mozambique on your holiday, the country offers a range of experiences perfect for curious adventurers.

Shop at FEIMA (Maputo)
In the heart of Maputo lies FEIMA – the Feira de Artesanato, Flores e Gastronomía. This busy market is a goldmine for handmade crafts, local art, and colourful textiles. It’s a great place to interact with artisans and pick up souvenirs, and it is one of the most meaningful things to do in Mozambique.

Snorkel at Dom Carlos (Bazaruto)
Off the southern coast of Mozambique, the Bazaruto Archipelago is famed for its unimaginably clear waters and striking coral reefs. Dom Carlos Point, in particular, is a snorkelling paradise, where you’ll spot clownfish, parrotfish, and even turtles amid gorgeous underwater landscapes. Resorts like Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort typically offer excursions to the site, driving past iridescent white dunes, picturesque bays, and even a charming lighthouse.

Sail on a Traditional Dhow (Southern Mozambique)
Embrace the traditional way of sea travel by hopping on a dhow, a handcrafted wooden sailboat. Sunset sails along the coast near Vilankulos or Tofo offer breathtaking views and a fascinating experience rooted in Swahili heritage.

Try the Iconic Matapa (Nationwide)

Image by Wikimedia Commons

No adventure in Africa is complete without trying some regional dishes. A staple in Mozambican cuisine, Matapa is made with cassava leaves, ground peanuts, garlic, and coconut milk. Often served with rice or seafood, it’s a must-try dish that captures the soul of the nation’s flavours, found all over the country.

An Explorer’s Crash Course: Travel Guide to Botswana

Discover the underrated wonders of Botswana, with a crash course on travelling around the region. Known for its untouched landscapes, abundant wilderness, and colourful heritage, exploring Botswana promises an unforgettable journey chasing the beauty of southern Africa.

botswana
Image by Herbert Bieser from Pixabay

When to Visit 

Due to changes in the climate, Botswana’s seasons follow a loose guideline. Typically, however, the best time to book your stay at a Botswana resort is during the dry season, from May through October.

These months are considered the best for wildlife spotting, as well as for having pleasant, cool weather and minimal crowds, despite being peak season.

Getting to Botswana

The easiest way to get to Botswana is to book a flight to Gaborone’s international airport, located 20 minutes from city hotels like Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino. However, for those keen on exploring the northern landscapes first, consider landing in Zambia or Zimbabwe. Botswana’s stunning border towns are just a short drive from Livingstone and Victoria Falls, offering incredible wildlife sights along the riverbanks.

Botswanian Cuisine 

Cradled by rich southern African cultures and diverse natural landscapes, Botswanian cuisine is a reflection of the nation’s colourful heritage and bounty. Staple dishes include seswaa (slow-cooked, shredded beef or goat), bogobe (sorghum porridge), and vetkoek (fried dough filled with meat), promising a hearty meal at any camp or restaurant in Botswana.

Must-See Sites 

Although Botswana is packed with an endless collection of stunning sites, some adventures are too essential to leave out from your travel itinerary. Visit the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the riverbank ecosystem on canoe safaris and game drives.

The otherworldly Makgadikadi Salt Pans should not be missed either. As one of the largest salt flats on earth, this surreal landscape offers views unlike any other, accompanied by seasonal wildlife migrations.