Mozambique is steadily maturing as an attractive bush and beach destination for international travellers, bolstered by Singita’s confirmation of a multi-million dollar eco-tourism investment on the Bazaruto Archipelago and the country’s impressive progress in building a sustainable safari industry.
Singita’s Executive Director Luke Bailes met with Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo in June to discuss the development of “two, maybe three” hotels or lodges on Bazaruto in the Inhambane Province, according to a press release from the Presidency.
Singita PR and Communications Manager Lisa Carey said the luxury eco-tourism group has since received official approval for its plans, focused on the archipelago’s Santa Carolina – also known as Paradise Island.
“Our vision has long been to extend our impact across other regions of Africa and Santa Carolina presents an extraordinary opportunity to reimagine the safari experience, marking Singita’s first foray into marine conservation and completing a powerful Southern African circuit for our guests to explore,” said Carey.
Safari offerings growing from strength to strength
Meanwhile, the development of quality safari offerings in the country’s national parks and reserves is growing in leaps and bounds, headed by the revival of the 400 000 hectare Gorongosa National Park.
Driven by funding from the Greg Carr Foundation, the Gorongosa Restoration Project has led to the rebound or reintroduction of four of the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo) and the proliferation of plains game.
“Gorongosa has undergone one of the most remarkable transformations in modern conservation. The rebuilding of the park over the past 25 years, after the civil war, is widely regarded as the most successful restoration project on the planet,” said Classic Portfolio MD Suzanne Bayly.
Subsequent investment in access, accommodation and guest experiences has enabled the park’s emergence as a high-quality safari destination. Gorongosa Safaris now operates two luxury camps – Chicari Camp and the seasonal Muzimu Lodge – in the park with 100% of profits reinvested into the Gorongosa Restoration Project.
“I’ve been travelling to Mozambique for more than 25 years and have always regarded it as home to one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world,” said Bayly. “But it was only last year, when I ventured inland to Gorongosa, that I truly grasped the scale of Mozambique’s untapped potential. What I experienced there completely reshaped my view of the country: Gorongosa is one of the most extraordinary, unexpected safari destinations in Africa.”
Karingani Game Reserve – a 147 000 hectare reserve located on the country’s southwestern border with the Kruger National Park – has also benefitted from private-sector investment and ecological restoration efforts.
After the return of elephants, lion, rhino, cheetah and African wild dog, the reserve has attracted the attention of global ultra-luxury hospitality brand the Aman Group. Featuring 30 standalone pavilions and a range of branded residences, Aman Karangani is set to open in 2028 as the group’s first African safari property.
New bush and beach options
Bayly said, with this increased investment, Mozambique is well-poised to deliver a world-class bush and beach experience. Classic Portfolio facilitated the launch of a new 90-minute flight connection between Gorongosa and Vilanculos in March, providing linkages between Gorongosa Safaris’ camps and Azura Marlin Beach on Bazaruto.
“Demand for the combined Gorongosa and Marlin Beach itinerary is building steadily: it’s an exceptional and truly unique experience – one that is now resonating strongly with the market. Several key trade partners have visited, and their excitement about the Gorongosa safari experience, paired with their long-standing trust in the Azura beach product, bodes extremely well for future sales,” said Bayly.
She said the country as a whole has the potential to become one of the most “exciting and sustainability-focused destinations” in Africa.
“If Mozambique adopts a long-term, low-impact approach that safeguards wild landscapes, protects ocean ecosystems and delivers meaningful benefits to local communities, it can set a new benchmark for responsible tourism development. Crucially, it has the advantage of developing later than its regional peers, which means it can learn from the shortcomings of overbuilt or extractive tourism models elsewhere.”
Renewed government commitment
At the inaugural Mozambique Tourism Summit, held in Vilanculos from November 3-4, President Chapo announced several structural measures to accelerate the national tourism development policy.
These include the approval of special economic zones for tourism development and the implementation of a special visa regime including expanded visa exemptions and long-term investment visas.
“The government renews its commitment to providing a stable, predictable and transparent business environment. We want every investor to find confidence, security and real growth opportunities in Mozambique,” said Chapo, pointing out that the country’s recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force Grey List has bolstered investor sentiment.
Chapo said government has acknowledged several tourism industry concerns raised at the conference and would “continue improving service quality, especially in public services such as immigration and police”.
Bayly said the measures demonstrate serious intent to unlock the tourism economy.
“We are feeling extremely positive about the direction Mozambique is taking. If these commitments are implemented effectively then they will ultimately strengthen Mozambique’s ability to deliver on its vast tourism potential,” said Bayly, further touting the need for improved air access (especially domestic links and regional connectivity) and continued new investment from reputable African and global tourism brands.
