Mozambique Eco Lodges
Escape to paradise with Mozambique Eco Lodges, where pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and untouched wilderness await eco-conscious travelers. Mozambique is a hidden gem for ecotourists, offering world-class diving in turquoise waters, wildlife safaris in remote reserves, and rich cultural experiences in coastal villages. Stay in sustainable lodges that blend seamlessly with nature, support local communities, and protect the environment. Whether you’re snorkeling coral reefs or spotting elephants, Mozambique invites you to explore responsibly and reconnect with the natural world.
The country is home to several excellent eco lodges and eco-resorts. Check out all our Mozambique Eco lodges or click on the photo below
Mozambique – The Land of Smiling People
Great that you want to explore Mozambique in a sustainable way! The country offers pristine beaches, remote islands, marine conservation zones, and untouched wilderness. Mozambique is increasingly developing as an ecotourism destination; the number of sustainable accommodation options is still growing. The emphasis is on conservation, community involvement and low-impact tourism. Many eco-initiatives are supported by NGO’s and local communities. This is especially true in and around national parks and marine reserves.
Mozambique Ecotourism and Sustainability
Popular forms of ecotourism include:
• Staying in eco lodges.
• Snorkeling and diving in marine parks such as Bazaruto Archipelago.
• Safaris in national parks (such as Gorongosa).
• Hiking, kayaking and birdwatching in nature reserves.
• Cultural experiences in traditional villages.
Flora of Mozambique
Mozambique is located in a transitional zone between different ecological zones and therefore has a diverse flora:
• Miombo woodlands: dominant in the interior, with species such as mopane trees and baobabs.
• Mangroves and coastal vegetation: along the coast and estuaries.
• Savanna vegetation: grasslands with scattered trees, typical in the south and inland.
• Endemic species. found nowhere else in the world: mainly in mountainous areas such as Mount Namuli.
Mozambique Wildlife
Mozambique has a rich wildlife, with both land and sea animals:
• Mammals: lions, elephants, hippos, leopards and antelopes in national parks such as Gorongosa and Zinave.
• Birds: over 700 species, including fish eagles, parrots. As well as endemic species of lizard, frog, squirrel, and bat.
• Marine wildlife: whale sharks, dolphins, dugongs, sea turtles and colorful coral reef fish.
Best ecotourism destinations in Mozambique
Gorongosa National Park
One of Africa’s best examples of ecological restoration. It’s home to elephants, lions, birds, wetlands, and savannahs. Local communities are actively involved in conservation.
Bazaruto Archipelago National Park
A protected marine area with crystal clear waters, coral reefs, dugongs, whale sharks, and pristine islands. Ideal for snorkeling, diving, and eco-friendly resorts.
Quirimbas Archipelago
More remote than Bazaruto, with mangroves, sea turtles, traditional dhow culture, and small-scale ecolodges on islands such as Ibo Island.
Niassa Reserve
A rugged and little-visited area in the north, teeming with wildlife (including endangered wild dogs) and community-based tourism.
Tofo Beach
Known for diving with whale sharks and manta rays. Increasingly sustainable accommodation, beach clean-ups and marine biology projects.
Mount Namuli
For lovers of hiking and botanical diversity. Home to rare plants and bird species. Projecto Mt. Namuli connects ecotourism with conservation.
Suggestion for a 2-week Sustainable Itinerary in Mozambique
Week 1 – South and Central Mozambique
Days 1–3: Maputo and Ponta do Ouro
*Explore Maputo’s sustainable initiatives, markets and street food.
*Visit the Maputo Special Reserve for elephants and coastal landscapes.
*Sustainable snorkeling or dolphin spotting at Ponta do Ouro.
*Mozambique Eco Lodges:
Day 4–6: Gorongosa National Park
*Eco-safaris, bird watching and night walks with local guides.
*Stay overnight in one of the Mozambique Eco Lodges with a focus on community involvement.
Day 7: Inhambane & Tofo Beach
*Local fishing, sustainable dive centers and marine conservation initiatives.
Week 2 – Northern Mozambique
Day 8–10: Bazaruto Archipelago
*Stay in one of the Mozambique eco lodges or eco-resorts.
*Visit the marine park by kayak or with a local guide.
*Spot sea turtles or help with coral restoration projects.
Day 11–13: Quirimbas Archipelago (e.g. Ibo Island)
*Historical walks, mangrove kayaking, diving.
*Stay overnight in a locally run Mozambique eco lodges.
Day 14: Return to Maputo or Pemba for departure.
Ecological Threats in Mozambique
Deforestation
• Illegal logging and slash-and-burn agriculture.
• This is especially true in the northern provinces such as Niassa and Zambézia.
Overfishing and destruction of mangroves
• Traditional fishing is being displaced by large-scale, sometimes illegal fishing.
• Mangrove forests are disappearing for timber and aquaculture.
Habitat loss and poaching
• Animals such as elephants, lions and antelopes are vulnerable due to habitat fragmentation and poaching.
• The civil war (1977–1992) had a severe impact on wildlife.
Climate change
• Cyclones such as Idai (2019) devastated ecosystems and infrastructure.
• Sea level rise threatens coastal areas, mangroves and coral reefs.
Mozambique Government Policy on Ecotourism and Sustainability
The government is working on a sustainable tourism model, that includes:
National strategies
• Tourism Master Plan 2015–2024 focuses on ecotourism as a driver for local development.
• Promotes low-impact tourism in nature parks such as Gorongosa and Bazaruto.
Protected areas
• Mozambique has 7 national parks, 6 reserves and several community conservation areas.
• Many of these areas are partly managed in collaboration with NGOs and local communities.
Public-private partnerships
• For example, in Gorongosa National Park, where the government collaborates with the Gorongosa Restoration Project NGO.
Subsidies and incentives
• Available for Mozambique eco lodges & eco-resorts that build sustainably and work with local employees.
Small-scale conservation projects in Mozambique
Gorongosa Restoration Project (Gorongosa NP)
*Focused on reforestation, animal reintroduction, education and local employment.
*Community scouts protect the park and work together with researchers.
*You can stay in the park and participate in educational excursions.
Vamizi Island Conservation (Quirimbas Archipelago)
*Protects coral reefs, endangered sea turtles and promotes sustainable fishing.
*Works with local fishing villages and provides education.
*Visits possible via Mozambique Eco Lodges.
Marine Megafauna Foundation (Tofo Beach)
*Research and protection of manta rays, whale sharks and reef ecosystems.
*Volunteer projects and educational dives available.
*Collaboration with local dive schools and communities.
RARE Mozambique (Niassa & Zambezi areas)
*Behavior change campaigns for conservation.
*Focuses on fishermen, farmers and school children.
*Visits possible on request via local hubs.
Community-based tourism in Mount Namuli (Zambezia)
*NGO Legado works with mountain communities to protect forests.
*Promote sustainable agriculture and eco-hiking trails.
*Unique for adventurers — guided access recommended.
Manda Wilderness Project
*Works to develop Lake Niassa wilderness area with the local people. Their focus is responsible tourism, conservation and community development.
The Manda Wilderness Community Trust (MWCT)
The MWCT develops in partnership with local villagers’ schools and health clinics, as well as small businesses. The project’s goal is to benefit the community.
Biodiversity and Tourism Project
The Project is funding conservation and community projects by offering safaris and coastal activities. These are located in the province of Delgado Cabo Delgado.
Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary
Conservation site, one of the oldest natural reserves in the world.
Mozambique Eco Lodges and Travel safety
Check in advance about the safety in Mozambique and in the places you plan to visit. You can also consult your country’s official government websites. For American citizens, this is the US Dept. of State’s page on Mozambique.