Mozambique Tours: Bazaruto, Tofo and Ibo Island
Mozambique's coastline is one of the least developed and most rewarding stretches of the Indian Ocean — a mix of remote archipelago islands, whale shark diving and centuries-old Swahili-Arab trading towns, reached most naturally as an extension after a Kruger or Sabi Sands safari in neighbouring South Africa.
The Bazaruto Archipelago
The Bazaruto Archipelago, off Mozambique's central coast, is the country's flagship beach destination — a scatter of small islands ringed by some of the clearest water on the East African coast, with towering sand dunes, resident dugongs and excellent snorkelling and diving straight off the beach. Access is typically by light aircraft from Vilanculos or directly from Johannesburg, keeping the islands genuinely remote and uncrowded.
Tofo Beach
Tofo, on the mainland south of the Bazaruto islands, is Mozambique's diving capital and one of the most reliable places on earth to encounter whale sharks and manta rays, with a laid-back backpacker-meets-dive-town atmosphere that's noticeably different from the archipelago's more polished resorts. See our scuba diving in Mozambique guide for the full Tofo and Bazaruto dive breakdown.
Pemba and Ibo Island
Further north, Pemba and the Quirimbas Archipelago's Ibo Island offer an even quieter, more historic alternative — a former Portuguese colonial trading post with crumbling fort walls, silversmith workshops and dhow sailing through mangrove channels, reached by very few visitors relative to the southern beaches. See our Pemba and Ibo Island guide.
Combining with a Safari
Mozambique's beach regions connect naturally to South Africa's Kruger and Sabi Sands via short flights through Johannesburg, and our 8-day Kruger and Mozambique safari pairs a full Big Five safari with a week on the Bazaruto Archipelago. See our South Africa and Mozambique itinerary guide for the day-by-day planning.
Best Time to Visit
April to November is Mozambique's dry season and the best time for both beach conditions and visibility for diving and snorkelling. October to March is whale shark season at Tofo specifically, while the cyclone season (January to March) carries a real risk of storm disruption further north.
Ready to plan a Mozambique holiday? Contact our team for a tailor-made itinerary combining the coast with a South African safari.