Gorgeous beaches and endless activities make Mozambique well-suited to families. Tessa Reed chats to the trade about some of the offerings.

Mozambique has it all, says Stephanie Von Allmen, GM at Dana Tours. “Endless white sand that stretches for miles,” she says, adding that often you don’t see anyone else. She says families visiting the destination can get together and participate in a number of activities, ranging from paddle boarding, snorkelling, diving, horseback riding, quad biking, dhow excursions, dune boarding, swimming, kite surfing and  cultural trips. “The options are endless.”

Christiaan Steyn, Marketing Manager at Drifters Adventours, also highlights the numerous activities on offer in Mozambique. He says clients enjoy spending time at the various beach resorts. “Our clients love to go snorkelling or scuba diving, going on traditional dhow trips, exploring the markets and simply relaxing on the beach.” He adds that other activities on offer include horse riding, sea kayaking and whale watching at certain times of the year.

Mozambique’s deserted beaches offer something for everyone, says Christiaan Nolte of Machangulo Beach Lodge, who describes Mozambique as “an amazing destination for families”. “It is the perfect holiday for families to reconnect. Mozambique is not a big resort-type destination and the small, personal lodges offer the perfect setting to spend real quality time with your family,” he says. He recommends fishing as a great activity for fathers and sons.

Von Allmen says: “The different accommodation options for families are a bonus in terms of family budget, and you get anything ranging from high-end hotels with baby-sitting services should parents wish to kick back and relax without worrying about the children, to self-catering options where the whole family can come together.” She also highlights Gorongosa Park as a great option for families looking for a safari experience.

Beach resorts

The Deluxe Sea View Pool Villa at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort. Credit: Anantara

A number of resorts in Mozambique cater for families. Ivana Naidoo, ‎Regional Marketing Communications Manager – Southern Africa at Minor Hotels, says Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort is the perfect holiday destination for families. The property offers a family pool as well as water skis for kids. Activities include dugong, turtle, whale and dolphin watching. Other activities include diving, snorkelling, boat rides and day trips to Paradise Island. “We have a children’s entertainment room, a choice of four dining options, beach barbecues and a pizza oven,” says Naidoo. “We also specialise in looking after the kids while the parents want some alone time, or we can arrange family activities.”

Christi Patterson, Reservations Manager at Villa Santorini in Vilanculos, suggests the property’s Villa na Praia as an ideal accommodation option for families. “Villa na Praia is a three-bedroom villa with breath-taking views,” she says. The property also has a five-bedroom villa that is suited to multi-generational families. According to Patterson, the property is well located for exploring Vilanculos as well as the other islands. “Many activities are on offer in and around the area for children of all ages, such as kite surfing, horse riding, river canoeing, and a market tour in Vilanculos, to mention a few,” says Patterson. Other activities included are beach sports like cricket, tennis and volleyball as well as fishing and snorkelling. Boat charters, dhow safaris, deep-sea fishing, diving and helicopter trips can be booked as optional extras.

Nolte says Machangulo Beach Lodge offers easy access to pristine coral gardens. “Our snorkelling picnic is the perfect way to spend the afternoon, relaxing on a west-facing beach with beautiful coral reefs right at your feet.”

Funky Maputo

Crisostomo Sengulane, ‎Guest Relations Manager at Polana Serena Hotel in Maputo, describes Maputo as a melting pot of culture, offering elaborate cuisine thanks to the Portuguese and Muslim coastal heritage. He suggests that guests take a tour of the city, either on the hop-on, hop-off train or on a private tour. Highlights to explore include the Railway Station, Natural History Museum, the Central Market and the historic Naval Club.

The station’s central dome was designed by Gustave Eiffel and the building is regarded as one of the ten most beautiful railway stations in the world, says Sengulane. The station boasts elaborate wrought iron work and marble pillars that date from 1910. The Natural History Museum houses a collection of 22 gestational stages of the elephant foetus and a large insect collection. At the market, guests can buy crafts and local delicacies, including nuts.

Families should also visit the Maputo Elephant Reserve, says Sengulane. The reserve is across the bay by ferry and boasts prolific birdlife, elephants, crocodiles, hippos, reed buck and Salamanga monkeys.

Karin Murray, Airlink Marketing & Sales Manager, suggests combining safari and beach. “Airlink offers convenient direct scheduled flights from Johannesburg to Pemba (northern Mozambique), Vilanculos – the gateway to the Bazaruto and Benguerra islands, as well as from Nelspruit KMIA to Vilanculos, providing safari and beach holiday itineraries.”