Discover the natural wonders of Mozambique

Mozambique is located in southeastern Africa, with an extensive coastline bathed by the Indian Ocean and borders with Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Eswatini. The capital is Maputo (formerly Lourenço Marques). It is known for its white sand beaches and warm waters, its two large archipelagos – Bazaruto (to the south, off Vilankulo, including Bazaruto, Benguerra, and Santa Carolina) and Quirimbas (to the north) – its rich marine life, and for being a Portuguese-speaking country. The Pestana Rovuma (Maputo) and the Pestana Bazaruto Lodge are located here.

The Pestana Group has two properties in complementary destinations. The Pestana Rovuma is a 4-star hotel in the heart of downtown Maputo, next to the Cathedral and the City Hall, near the Tunduru Garden and the Natural History Museum – ideal for exploring the capital or for business. The Pestana Bazaruto Lodge is located in the Bazaruto Archipelago, a haven of white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation, diving, and marine life. Together, they combine the urban experience with a beach retreat.

The best time is the dry season, between May and October, with mild temperatures, lower humidity and little rain – ideal for the beaches and islands of Bazaruto, for diving and for exploring Maputo. From November to April is the wet season, with hot, humid weather and more intense rainfall. For those staying at the Pestana Bazaruto Lodge, the dry months offer calmer seas and better underwater visibility; for the Pestana Rovuma, in Maputo, the dry season also guarantees more pleasant visits.

The gateway is Maputo International Airport (MPM), a 10-15 minute drive from Pestana Rovuma in the city center. For Bazaruto and Pestana Bazaruto Lodge, access is via Vilankulo, with an airport connecting to Maputo and Johannesburg; from Vilankulo, the transfer to the island is by plane/helicopter (approximately 20 minutes) or motorboat (up to approximately 1 hour 30 minutes). There are also connections via Inhassoro, further north.

In Maputo, the architecture of the city center – the Cathedral, City Hall, Central Station, Central Market – the Tunduru Garden and the Natural History Museum, all near the Pestana Rovuma, in addition to the gastronomy and artistic life. In Bazaruto, home to the Pestana Bazaruto Lodge, the white sand beaches, reefs and sandbanks offer excellent snorkeling and diving; the region is famous for its whale sharks, dolphins, turtles and the rare dugong. Further north, the Quirimbas and parks like Gorongosa.

Given the distances and coastal geography, domestic flights are the most practical way to travel between destinations, connecting Maputo to Vilankulo (gateway to Bazaruto). Within the archipelago and to access the Pestana Bazaruto Lodge, travel is by motorboat (and by helicopter for transfers from Vilankulo), between islands and diving spots. In Maputo, from the Pestana Rovuma, most of the downtown areas are within easy walking distance, and the rest are accessible by taxi.