Mozambique’s rise on the African safari and beach travel map: Travel Weekly

After years of being overshadowed by its neighbors, Mozambique is starting to claim its place on the African travel map particularly among U.S. travelers seeking fresh combinations of safari and sea.

The idea of pairing the bush and the beach isn’t new. But what is changing is a growing demand for more immersive experiences beyond traditional itineraries, improved flight access within the country and a handful of new or relaunched properties that offer something new and distinctive.

Launching in June, Classic Portfolio and aviation partner Safari Air will introduce twice-weekly flights between Gorongosa National Park (via Beira) and Vilanculos on Mozambique’s southern coast. The route will operate April through November each year (Mondays and Wednesdays).

“It makes it so much easier to experience the best of Mozambique in one incredible journey, from the rich wildlife of Gorongosa to the stunning beaches of Benguerra Island,” said Classic Portfolio’s Suzanne Bayly referring to the island off the coast of Vilanculos.

For U.S. travelers used to multileg transfers between safari lodges and island resorts across countries or even regions, this kind of point-to-point connection can be very appealing when planning an itinerary.

It should be noted that shortly after the publication of this article on April 28, the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique issued a security alert following reports of terrorist activity around Niassa Specia Reserve in northern Mozambique. Travelers are currently advised to reconsider travel to areas near Niassa and Cabo Delgado provinces.

However, it is important to note that key tourism hubs such as Gorongosa National Park, Vilanculos and Benguerra Island, which are featured in most bush-and-beach itineraries, are located far south of the region mentioned in the alert and remain unaffected by these developments.

African wild dogs in Gorongosa National Park. Photo Credit: Daviesphotos/Shutterstock

A safari with a purpose

Gorongosa National Park has undergone one of Africa’s most ambitious restoration programs since civil war left it decimated in the late 20th century. Thanks largely to a long-term partnership between American philanthropist Greg Carr and the Mozambican government since 2008, wildlife populations are rebounding, and tourism is playing an increasing role in sustaining this progress.

“Guests can spend time at the conservation center learning more about their work with wildlife restoration,” said Shaun Stanley from Stanley Safaris. “One project they’re working on involves pangolins. Guests may even get to go out with them as part of their rehabilitation before release.”

Stanley added that his company only works with properties engaged in genuine conservation: “We need guests to understand these experiences aren’t staged; they depend entirely on what work needs doing at any given time.”

Accommodation options include Muzimu Lodge (open year-round) and Chicari Camp (launching in May), both designed around low-impact safaris focused on walking trails, birding expeditions and specialist-led activities rather than vehicle-based big-game viewing alone.

The new Chicari Camp, formerly known as Gorongosa Wild Camp, is built around a natural waterhole known as Chicari Pan. It will offer eight spacious canvas safari tents plus two elevated tree-hide tents ideal for families or couples traveling together. All structures are connected via wooden walkways overlooking the wetland area where elephants gather seasonally alongside flocks of wading birds. Activities include game drives tracking lions or wild dogs; walking safaris right from camp and seasonal boating along Urema floodplains as well as excellent birdwatching during wetter months when lilies bloom across surrounding pans.

Laid-back Benguerra Island

A short hop from Vilanculos, by boat or helicopter, brings travelers into the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine Park, a string of five islands off Mozambique’s southern coast known for their protected marine ecosystems and remote beaches.

Among them, Benguerra Island stands out. It’s the second-largest island in the archipelago and one of the most accessible, making it a favorite for travelers looking to combine an Indian Ocean island stay with a mainland safari. Compared to lesser-known or harder-to-reach coastal areas farther north, Benguerra offers both convenience and outstanding biodiversity, including dugongs, turtles and vibrant coral reefs just offshore.

The island will see the reopening of the Azura Marlin Beach in May; the property has been closed since a fire destroyed much of its infrastructure over a decade ago. This small-scale retreat will offer just 10 villas, all set steps away from white-sand shores, with design elements inspired by local traditions blended subtly into modern comforts.

Guests here can enjoy private butler-host service alongside access to water-based activities like snorkeling Two-Mile Reef, dhow sailing, horseback riding along coastal trails, dugong-spotting excursions, community visits and stargazing sessions led by locals plus all-day picnics across neighboring islands, including Pansy Island or Paradise Island.

Guests staying in Gorongosa National Park at a Classic Portfolio property can take part in walking safaris exploring the surrounding areas. Photo Credit: Classic Portfolio

Jonty Medcalf from Timbuktu Travel said interest continues to rise despite occasional political uncertainty elsewhere: “The islands off Vilanculos remain popular add-ons because they’re easy logistically … and guests want different kinds of island escapes than what they can find back home.” He adds that many are moving away from passive beach holidays toward something more active: “People want diving, snorkeling, kayaking — not just lying around doing nothing.”

That observation aligns with broader patterns noted by Nicole Robinson of AndBeyond: “There’s growing demand for immersive stays where guests can combine rest with things like marine safaris or engaging directly with local conservation initiatives.”

Also Pearl Jurist-Schoen at Extraordinary Journeys USA said she increasingly sees clients ditching classic beach stays altogether for softer safari experiences — places where you sleep late, take walks, visit communities, get spa treatments. She added that it still feels like “being on safari” but without needing binoculars all day long.

Meanwhile, Robinson points out how guest expectations around island extensions have evolved, too.

“There’s definitely been an uptick around wellness-focused stays,” Robinson said. “Guests increasingly value opportunities tied into ocean research projects such as coral reef restoration [like those run through our Oceans Without Borders programme].”

For advisors looking beyond standard Kruger-Zanzibar pairings, or simply interested in offering clients less-crowded alternatives, Mozambique offers real-world potential thanks not only improved logistics but also greater variety built into shorter routes.

UPDATED: This report was updated at noon Eastern time on April 28 to include a recent travel alert issued by the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique for certain areas of the country.