6 Days Best Mozambique Safari Dhow Cruise to Bazaruto Island
This 6 Days Best Mozambique Safari Dhow Cruise to Bazaruto Island combines pristine beaches, traditional dhow cruising, and authentic African wildlife encounters in this extraordinary coastal paradise. This carefully crafted Mozambique Safari takes you through the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, where crystal-clear waters meet pristine sand dunes and abundant marine life thrives in protected coral reefs. Your journey encompasses both terrestrial and marine safaris, offering unique opportunities to witness dugongs, whale sharks, and nesting sea turtles in their natural habitat. The adventure seamlessly blends cultural immersion with world-class snorkeling, diving, and traditional sailing experiences aboard authentic Arab dhows.
Your Mozambique Safari experience showcases the diverse ecosystems of this Indian Ocean gem, from the turquoise lagoons of Bazaruto Island to the mainland's pristine beaches and wildlife reserves. The itinerary includes exclusive access to some of Africa's most remote and unspoiled safari destinations, where game drives reveal indigenous species in landscapes untouched by mass tourism. Expert guides share their knowledge of local Makua and Portuguese cultures while leading you through mangrove forests, coral gardens, and coastal plains teeming with wildlife. This unique safari combines the thrill of African game viewing with the serenity of tropical island exploration.
The culminating Mozambique Safari days focus on relaxation and adventure along Mozambique's legendary coastline, known locally as "Costa do Sol" (Coast of the Sun). These final experiences include seasonal highlights such as swimming with gentle whale sharks, witnessing ancient turtle nesting rituals, and exploring vibrant coral reefs that rank among the world's most biodiverse marine ecosystems. Your luxury beachfront accommodation provides the perfect base for both active adventures and peaceful moments of reflection as your transformative Mozambique Safari journey comes to a memorable close.
Tour highlights
Day 1: Pick Up from Maputo and Transfer to Vilanculos for Dhow Adventure
Day 2: Continue with Traditional Dhow Cruise to Bazaruto Island Paradise
Day 3: Proceed with Marine Safari and Snorkeling in Protected Waters
Day 4: Transfer to Gorongosa National Park for Classic Game Drives
Day 5: Continue with Walking Safari and Wildlife Photography Sessions
Day 6: Proceed to Tofo Beach for Whale Shark Swimming Experience
Price Includes:
- Park fees and marine conservation levies
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 safari vehicles
- Traditional dhow cruise with crew and equipment
- Bottled water during transfers and activities
- Full board accommodation at specified lodges and camps
- Professional English-speaking driver-guides and marine guides
- Driver and crew allowances
- Snorkeling equipment and whale shark swimming gear
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
Price Excludes:
- Mozambique Visa (where applicable)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities and excursions
- Laundry services
- Travel insurance
- Beverages beyond provided water
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Pick Up from Maputo and Transfer to Vilanculos for Dhow Adventure
Your extraordinary Mozambique Safari begins with an early morning pickup from Maputo's Mavalane International Airport, followed by a scenic 1-hour flight covering 470 kilometers north to Vilanculos Airport in Inhambane Province. This exciting Mozambique Safari day continues with a 30-minute transfer to the historic dhow harbor, where you'll board a traditional Arab sailing vessel for your first taste of coastal exploration along the pristine shores known locally as "Praia da Barra." Your Mozambique Safari experience comes alive as you sail through the crystal-clear waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago, spotting dolphins and dugongs while enjoying a welcome lunch aboard your dhow before arriving at your luxury island accommodation for the evening.
- Day2Continue with Traditional Dhow Cruise to Bazaruto Island Paradise
Wake to the gentle sounds of the Indian Ocean as your Mozambique Safari continues with a full day exploring Bazaruto Island, located just 25 kilometers offshore and spanning 37 kilometers of pristine coastline. This immersive Mozambique Safari adventure takes you to the famous two-mile freshwater lake in the island's interior, followed by snorkeling excursions in the protected coral reefs surrounding "Ilha do Bazaruto" where over 2,000 fish species thrive. Your Mozambique Safari day includes visits to traditional fishing villages where local communities practice sustainable fishing methods passed down through generations, before returning to your dhow for sunset sailing and a seafood feast prepared by your experienced crew.
- Day3Proceed with Marine Safari and Snorkeling in Protected Waters
Day three of your Mozambique Safari focuses on underwater exploration in the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, covering 1,430 square kilometers of protected marine sanctuary established to preserve critical dugong habitat. Your specialized Mozambique Safari guides lead you to the best snorkeling and diving sites around Santa Carolina Island, known locally as "Paradise Island," where visibility often exceeds 30 meters and encounters with manta rays and reef sharks are common. The afternoon Mozambique Safari activity includes a visit to the iconic Bazaruto lighthouse and sand dune exploration, where you can sandboard down the towering dunes that rise 120 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the entire archipelago.
- Day4Transfer to Gorongosa National Park for Classic Game Drives
Your Mozambique Safari transitions inland today with a morning flight from Vilanculos to Beira Airport, followed by a scenic 2-hour drive covering 170 kilometers through rural Sofala Province to Gorongosa National Park, once known as "Eden of Mozambique." This remarkable Mozambique Safari destination spans 4,067 square kilometers of diverse ecosystems, from miombo woodlands to floodplains where wildlife populations are recovering dramatically after conservation efforts restored this former paradise. Your afternoon Mozambique Safari game drive explores the park's central floodplains where large herds of waterbuck, impala, and buffalo graze alongside the seasonal lakes, while your expert guide shares stories of the park's remarkable restoration and the return of predators to this pristine wilderness.
- Day5Continue with Walking Safari and Wildlife Photography Sessions
This morning's Mozambique Safari adventure begins with a guided walking safari through Gorongosa's riverine forests, where you'll track elephants, hippos, and crocodiles along the Urema River while learning traditional tracking techniques from local guides. Your immersive Mozambique Safari experience continues with visits to local communities participating in conservation programs, offering insights into how traditional knowledge supports wildlife protection in the "Parque Nacional da Gorongosa." The afternoon Mozambique Safari includes specialized photography sessions from elevated hides overlooking seasonal pans, where you can capture images of the diverse birdlife including the endemic green-headed oriole and rare wattled crane in golden afternoon light.
- Day6Proceed to Tofo Beach for Whale Shark Swimming Experience
The final day of your Mozambique Safari journey takes you from Gorongosa to the coastal paradise of Tofo Beach via a 3-hour drive through Inhambane Province, covering approximately 200 kilometers of scenic countryside dotted with cashew plantations and traditional villages. Your concluding Mozambique Safari adventure centers on swimming with whale sharks in the nutrient-rich waters off Praia do Tofo, where these gentle giants gather year-round to feed on plankton blooms created by the meeting of warm and cold ocean currents. This unforgettable Mozambique Safari finale includes snorkeling with manta rays, relaxing on pristine beaches backed by towering coconut palms, and enjoying a farewell dinner featuring fresh seafood and traditional Mozambican cuisine as you reflect on your diverse adventures across land and sea.