Rugged wilderness, off the beaten path destinations even for locals, and island paradises await the traveler in northern Mozambique. In the south, you’ll also find island paradises, but they’ll be mingling with hotels, restaurants, and vacationers from South Africa and beyond. If you want to take a vacation that half pampered nights in hotels and half wild safari rides, take some time to explore every corner of Mozambique. In the capital of Maputo, you’ll find so many fascinating markets and museums that it would take weeks or months to explore them all. Walk through the city to discover its secrets while munching on a locally grown banana you just bought.

Like lounging on the beach? Then Mozambique is the African country of your dreams. With some of the most stunning beaches on the continent, Mozambique is the ideal relaxing vacation in Africa. It’s a favorite spot for South Africans to vacation and the tourist infrastructure is all there in the southern part of the country so you’ll have an easy time of it flying into the country, zipping to your hotel, and sipping a fruity beverage by the pool.

Like your nature with a bit more adventure? SCUBA divers will have plenty of opportunities to jump into the Indian Ocean. Head to Batfish Pinnacle to see batfish, green sponges, egg cowry, and red armpit star. Or check out Pao Reef where you might spot longnose butterfly fish, devil firefish, spotted hogfish, and yellow bowl sponges. Back on land, you can head to northern Mozambique to hike in the African wilderness where you’ll likely spot exotic birds and large mammal tracks.

As the Portuguese occupied Mozambique for many years, the cuisine of Mozambique is a blend of Portuguese and African traditions. A seafood stew called Matapa is a staple in Mozambique – it is usually made with clams or crab and cassava then served on a bed of rice. Locals catch their seafood just off the coast in the Indian Ocean or buy it at the markets from local fishermen, which keeps the price down and thee quality high. Travelers should indulge on seafood here, whether it’s part of Matapa or marinated in piri-piri sauce and cooked over an open fire.

In cities and towns, food/tea stalls are everywhere. In the mornings, you’ll find spots to grab coffee or tea with an egg sandwich. At lunchtime, toasted cheese sandwiches, fries, calamari, and rice dishes appear. If you’re feeling adventurous, pair your lunch with a cup of thick, sweet beer made from maize.

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