7-Day Mozambique Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Mozambique itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaMozambique travel expert at TourRadar
7 Day Mozambique Itinerary, incl. Vilankulo and Maputo
A week-long adventure divides time between coastal Vilankulo and urban Maputo, combining three days of marine activities and beach relaxation with four days of city exploration, including an Inhaca Island day trip.
- Day 1
Vilankulo Arrival
Arrive at Vilankulo Airport, just 20 minutes from your beachside accommodation. Spend the afternoon getting used to the tropical climate and visit the local market before 4 PM when vendors start closing up. If you arrive early enough you can watch the sunset from one of the beach bars on the main strip.
- Day 2
Vilankulo Beach & Local Culture
Head to the historic port area in the morning to see centuries of trade history come to life. Take a ride on a traditional dhow ferry across the bay. These wooden boats are an essential part of the local experience. A recent visitor said: "The beaches are wonderful, the locals are friendly, and the food is delicious." You'll want to bring water shoes since the beach gets very hot during midday.
- Day 3
Bazaruto Archipelago Excursion
Leave around 7 AM for the Bazaruto Archipelago, one of Southern Africa's biggest marine reserves. The dhow trip takes about 2 hours each way. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and lots of water. The sun can be strong, especially when it reflects off the water. You can snorkel near beautiful coral reefs or relax on white sand beaches. Make sure to return before sunset for safety.
- Day 4
Vilankulo to Maputo Transfer
Catch a morning flight to Maputo (about 1.5 hours). Book morning flights since afternoon ones often get delayed during summer thunderstorm season. The trip from the airport to city center hotels takes 30 minutes but can take up to an hour in rush hour traffic between 4-6 PM.
- Day 5
Inhaca Island Day Trip
Start early since this trip depends on the tides. A past visitor noted: "The ferry takes 2 hours one-way and there's no pier at the island so you have to wade ashore... wear shorts and flip-flops, and bring a jacket for the ferry ride." You'll get fresh seafood for lunch on the island. On the way back, stop at Portuguese Island for great photos.
- Day 6
Maputo City Exploration
Start your city tour at 9 AM before it gets too hot. Visit the Iron House, Tunduru Botanical Gardens and FEIMA craft market. One tourist mentioned: "The Maputo city tour is good, but there's less to do than expected – focus on the cultural sites and local markets." In the afternoon, visit the seafood market and try the local prawns with a cold 2M beer.
- Day 7
Departure Day
If you're leaving early watch the sunrise over Maputo Bay from the Marginal waterfront. Book your airport transfer at least 2 hours before international flights because traffic can be unpredictable.
7 Day Mozambique Itinerary, incl. Maputo and Bazaruto Archipelago
The seven-day itinerary balances two nights in Maputo, two at Barra Beach, and two in the Bazaruto Archipelago, offering a mix of city tours and ocean activities.
- Day 1
Maputo Arrival & Orientation
Your Mozambique adventure begins in Maputo. Book a pre-arranged transfer to avoid taxi negotiations at the airport. The ride to central Maputo takes 20-30 minutes. Stay in the Polana area which offers great bay views and easy access to diplomatic districts. If you arrive in late afternoon take a walk along the Maputo Bay waterfront promenade to watch the sunset.
- Day 2
Exploring Maputo
Start your city tour at 8 AM to avoid the heat. Visit the historic Central Railway Station which looks best in morning light. Shop at FEIMA craft market before the midday heat and get better prices from morning vendors. After lunch visit the Natural History Museum when it's less crowded. Make sure to see the Casa do Ferro (Iron House) a unique building designed by Gustave Eiffel.
- Day 3
Maputo to Inhambane
Fly to Inhambane in the morning (1 hour) then drive 45 minutes to Barra Beach. Spend the afternoon swimming in the perfect tides. Watch for local fishermen returning with their catch in traditional dhow boats mid-afternoon. Stay for the incredible sunset over the Indian Ocean.
- Day 4
Barra Beach Activities
Go snorkeling or diving early morning when the waters are calmest. Look for manta rays and whale sharks especially from October to March. If you prefer staying on land walk the beach at low tide to explore natural pools. Head to the southern end of the beach for better swimming with fewer coral obstacles.
- Day 5
Journey to Bazaruto
The drive to Vilanculos takes about 4 hours on mixed quality roads. Bring motion sickness pills if needed. The boat ride to Bazaruto Island (45-60 minutes) can be rough so sit in the middle for more stability. Try to arrive at high tide for easier docking. Keep your camera ready since dolphins often swim alongside the boats.
- Day 6
Bazaruto Island
The best snorkeling is on the eastern side of Two Mile Reef when winds are calm. Ask staff about daily conditions before heading out. Visit the fishing village on the southern end for some local culture. Wear proper shoes when walking the massive dunes which get very hot during midday.
- Day 7
Departure from Vilanculos
Take one last morning swim before your boat transfer back to Vilanculos. Morning waters tend to be calmer. Plan for 3 hours total transfer time from the island to the airport.
7 Days in Mozambique, incl. Vilanculos and Maputo
This carefully curated week spans 6 coastal cities, featuring 3 nights in Vilankulo, 2 in Tofo, and 1 in Maputo, complete with a Bazaruto island trip, ocean safaris, and an in-depth Maputo tour.
- Day 1
Vilanculos Arrival
Arrive at Vilanculos Airport, your entry point to the Bazaruto Archipelago. The trip to your beachfront hotel takes about 30 minutes. Book morning flights if possible since afternoon winds can make small aircraft landings bumpy. Spend the rest of your day adjusting to the relaxed coastal pace and watching traditional dhow boats glide by.
- Day 2
Vilanculos Local Life
Visit the bustling local market early before 10 AM to see fishermen bring in their fresh catch. A guide will show you around the lively stalls and introduce you to local Mozambican fruits. Take an afternoon village tour and enjoy lunch with a local family for a real cultural experience. Remember to bring small bills in meticais for your market shopping.
- Day 3
Bazaruto & Benguerra Islands
Take an 8 AM boat to the beautiful Bazaruto Archipelago. Start at Two Mile Reef for excellent snorkeling when water visibility peaks between 9-11 AM. After a lunch of fresh seafood visit Benguerra Island to see its lagoons filled with flamingos. Pack water shoes as the sand gets very hot. The boat heads back around 4 PM depending on the tides.
- Day 4
Vilanculos to Tofo Transit
The coastal drive south to Tofo takes 4 hours. Pick a seat on the right side for the best ocean views. Some sections of road are unpaved so expect a bumpy ride. Stop in the historic town of Inhambane to see its Portuguese colonial buildings. You will reach Tofo in time to watch the sun set over the beach.
- Day 5
Ocean Safari in Tofo
Take a morning marine safari at 8 AM for the best chance to see whale sharks and manta rays. The water can be cool so use the wetsuit they provide. Spend your afternoon relaxing on the beach or checking out Tofo's beach bars. The area is popular for its diving and large marine life.
- Day 6
Tofo to Maputo Journey
Start your 6-hour drive to Maputo early at 7 AM to beat traffic into the city. The road gets much better after Xai-Xai. Stop for lunch at peaceful Bilene Lagoon about halfway through your trip. You will reach Maputo in late afternoon with time to settle in before dinner.
- Day 7
Maputo City Exploration
Start exploring the capital at 9 AM. Begin at FEIMA craft market when vendors are most active then visit the Iron House and Tunduru Gardens. Have lunch at the Municipal Market where the prawns are exceptional. Your tour covers both historic colonial sites and modern city spots before you leave.
