Most People Skip Mozambique — That’s Exactly Why You Should Go

Mozambique wasn’t on my original itinerary. It wasn’t on my radar at all, to be honest. I was backpacking southern Africa, bouncing from country to country with a list of the usual suspects: South Africa, Namibia, maybe Tanzania. Mozambique? That felt off the path — and that’s exactly why I went.

And here’s what I’ll say now: skipping Mozambique would’ve been the biggest mistake of my entire trip.

Most people overlook it because they don’t know what’s there. What’s there is warm turquoise water, untouched islands, seafood so fresh it feels like it swam to your plate, and locals who will make you laugh until your ribs hurt.

Here’s everything I didn’t expect about Mozambique — and why I think it’s one of Africa’s most underrated gems.



The Beaches Put the Rest of the Continent to Shame

Everyone talks about Zanzibar. Seychelles. Mauritius. But ask anyone who’s spent time on Mozambique’s coast and they’ll tell you the same thing: it’s different here.

Quieter. Rawer. Real.

I started in Tofo, a small beach town that felt more like a secret than a destination. The sand was soft, the water warm, and the sunsets melted the sky into a watercolor painting every single night. Surfers and scuba divers mingled with barefoot backpackers and curious kids flying kites out of old plastic bags.

I swam with whale sharks my second day. It wasn’t a fancy tour — just a small boat, a passionate guide named Nelson, and a group of us who jumped into the ocean every time someone shouted “GO!” The water was deep, blue, and alive. One minute you’re floating. The next, you’re staring at a creature the size of a school bus gliding past you like something out of a dream.


Life Moves Differently Here — And That’s the Point

Mozambique doesn’t rush. Buses don’t leave on time. Meals arrive when they feel like it. Wi-Fi? You’ll find it. Sometimes. But the slower pace didn’t frustrate me — it relaxed me. I wasn’t supposed to be “efficient” here. I was supposed to be present.

I ate grilled prawns that tasted like someone had seasoned the ocean. I drank 2M beer with new friends in plastic chairs under the stars. I danced to live music in Maputo without understanding a single lyric — but feeling every beat.

And that’s how it works. You stop measuring time and start collecting moments.



Getting Around Takes Grit — But It’s Worth It

Traveling Mozambique isn’t luxury. Roads are rough. Public transport is chaotic but kind of beautiful in its own way. I took a “chapa” (a shared minibus) where I had a chicken in my lap and a toddler asleep on my shoulder. I didn’t mind.

From Maputo, I made my way north to Vilanculos — gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, a group of islands that redefined my idea of paradise. I snorkeled in coral reefs with zero other boats nearby. I walked barefoot on sandbars that disappeared with the tide. I watched dolphins surface just feet from our dhow, a traditional wooden sailboat that felt timeless.



The Food Is Simple and Incredible

Mozambican cuisine is built on the back of spice and sea. Think grilled fish, peri-peri chicken, coconut rice, cassava, and matapa — a rich, creamy stew made from ground peanuts and cassava leaves. It tastes like comfort, even if you’ve never had it before.

Every meal was an invitation to sit longer, talk more, and taste slowly. I never felt rushed. And somehow, I never spent more than $5 on a full plate.


Language Barrier? Not a Dealbreaker

Mozambique is a former Portuguese colony, so most people speak Portuguese or local dialects. My Portuguese was nonexistent, but hand gestures, smiles, and Google Translate went a long way. People were patient. Curious. Grateful that I was trying.



Safety: The Real Talk

Is Mozambique dangerous? Like any country, it has its issues. There are regions in the far north experiencing unrest, and you should absolutely check current travel advisories.

But in the southern and central parts where I traveled — from Maputo to Vilanculos to Inhambane — I felt safe. I took precautions. I didn’t flash my phone. I asked locals where to go and where not to.

And they looked out for me. Every time.



What I Wish I Knew Before I Went

- Bring USD or South African rand — ATMs are unreliable
- Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases
- Avoid traveling at night
- Buy a SIM card early — cell data is a lifesaver
- Don’t expect luxury — embrace the rough edges



So Why Isn’t Everyone Going?

Because there’s no branding. No flashy ads or Instagram-fueled hype. Mozambique isn’t selling you a curated version of itself. It’s just there, being wildly beautiful, waiting for someone to notice.

And that’s the magic.


Would I Go Back? Absolutely.

In fact, I already plan to.

Not because I missed something — but because Mozambique gave me something I didn’t know I needed. Space. Color. Warmth. Silence. Song. A reminder that the world is still big, and still full of places that haven’t been picked apart by tourism.

So if you’re looking for something different — somewhere that will humble you, surprise you, and feed you better than your favorite restaurant back home — go to Mozambique.

Before the secret gets out.

Before it changes.

Before you forget how good it feels to discover something all your own.