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Mozambique Birds
Despite its chequered history, Mozambique is an exciting destination for birders wanting to find the many southern African specials that the region holds. The areas highly threatened lowland forests and miombo woodlands are home to many African specials.
Bird life in Mozambique
Most areas of Mozambique are largely unexplored ornithologically. However significant populations of birds have been recorded in the country. They include the Little and Great Crested Grebe, Antarctic Giant Petrel, Hall’s Giant Petrel, Cape Petrel, Great-winged Petrel, Atlantic Petrel, Soft-plumaged Petrel, Broad-billed Prion, Antarctic Prion, White-chinned Petrel, Greater Shearwater, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Cape Gannet, Red-footed Booby, Brown Booby, Lesser Frigatebird, Madagascar Pond-Heron, Rufous-bellied Heron, Cattle Egret, Striated Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, White-backed Night Heron, Hadada Ibis, Glossy Ibis, African Spoonbill, Flamingos, Fulvous Whistling-Duck, White-faced Whistling-Duck , White-backed Duck, etc.

MOZAMBIQUE BIRDING HOTSPOTS

Ibo Island
Ibo Island Lodge has simply spectacular views of the inter-tidal flats. There are early morning and afternoon walks everyday to explore the coastal scrub and mangrove forests in the surroundings. Sea going excursions will be arranged to the Ulumbwa Estuary. You can enjoy fantastic sightings of around 200 Crab Plover amongst numerous other bird species and explore the inter-tidal flats, surrounding estuary and mainland bush.
Manda Wilderness
Manda Wilderness is home to a large number of birds. In Manda, excellent birding tours commence at Nkwichi Lodge. Several indigenous and some migratory birds are spotted. Bird trails are possible from the lodge usually accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who with years of experience knows the top birding spots.

Quirimbas Archipelago
The beautiful island group of the Quirimbas Archipelago is a birding haven that has yet to be truly discovered. The itinerary is based on flights into and out of Pemba, with journeys into mainland Quirimbas National Park and to mystical Ibo Island. The historical Ibo Island in Mozambique is a unique and beautiful location surrounded by the Indian Ocean, coral reefs, an array of incredible islands, coastal inter-tidal zones and nearby mangrove forests. Bird species that can be seen include: Brown Breasted Barbet, Mangrove Kingfisher, Madagascar Bee-eater, Terek Sandpiper, Brown-headed Parrot, Senegal Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Crab Plover, Bat Hawk, Eleonora’s Falcon, Dimorphic Egret and the Western Reef Heron.

Mozambique National Parks / Birding Destinations
- Banhine National Park
- Bazaruto National Park
- Gorongosa National Park
- Limpopo National Park
- Quirimbas National Park
- Zinave National Park
- Gilé National Reserve
- Maputo Special Reserve
- Marromeu Buffalo Reserve
- Niassa National Reserve
- Pomene National Reserve
- Chimanimani National Reserve
Also See:
Bird watching in Botswana | Bird watching in Malawi | Bird watching in Uganda | Bird watching in Namibia | Bird watching in Rwanda | Bird watching in Seychelles | Bird watching in South Africa | Bird watching in Tanzania | Bird watching in Zambia | Bird watching in Zimbabwe | Bird watching in Madagascar | Bird Watching in Lesotho

When to Visit Mozambique
The best time for game viewing in Mozambique is towards the end of the winter season, as the animals tend to gather more often and in greater numbers during this drier season than they do in summer.
If you are a bird watching enthusiast November and December are the months to visit. If you are visiting Mozambique for the amazing fishing opportunities the larger fish tend to populate the waters in summer months while the small to medium sized fish are more prolific in winter. It is not advisable to visit during January and February, as Typhoons have always created havoc along the Mozambique coast.

1. New Years’ Day, 1 January

2. Heroes’ Day, 3 February

3. Women’s Day, 7 April

4. Labour Day, 1 May

5. Independence Day, 25 June

6. Victory Day, 7 September

7. Armed Forces Day, 25 September

8. Peace Day, 4 October

9. Defunct’s Day, 2 November
10. Christmas Day, 25 December
11. Boxing Day, 26 December

Mozambique Honeymoons – Find Extensive Mozambique Honeymoon Destinations from Luxury Resorts to Romantic Honeymoon Retreats; Quirimbas Archipelago Honeymoon; Find a Wide Choice of Romantic Honeymoon Packages & Ideas in MozambiqueRomance is surely your ultimate goal on your honeymoon, but you don’t want to be jostling around with too many other couples searching for the exact same thing. If you still want to enjoy stunning beaches, scuba diving, and luxurious, culturally relevant resorts, Mozambique is the perfect honeymoon destination for you. It’s one of Africa’s hidden jewels, ideal for striking scenery and serenity on your honeymoon. If you’re seeking island splendour and gorgeous turquoise water as far as the eye can see, Mozambique will cater to you.

Our Recommended Mozambique Honeymoon Destinations

BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO
Bazaruto Archipelago, the area best known for Benguerra, Magarugue, Bazaruto and Santa Carolina. Its idyllic and exclusive islands offer luxurious resorts with breath-taking views of the sea and beaches. And being able to relax on sandy white beaches next to clear blue waters will make any honeymoon romantic.
Honeymoon accommodation in Bazaruto is available at the places; Indigo bay on Bazaruto, benguerra lodge on benguerra, Dugong Beach Lodge, Bazaruto Lodge, Marlin Beach Lodge on benguerra, Vilanculos Beach Lodge, Flamingo Bay Water Lodge and Pomene Bay Lodge. All these options offer packages in addition to packages designed for honeymooners, adventure seekers and leisure travelers. If you wish to spend your honeymoon bliss in the picture perfect destination then your answer is Bazaruto. The stay in any of these lodges will surely be imprinted in your love memories forever. Rates range from 200 US Dollars, 399 US Dollars and 500 US Dollars; and they are administered based on per couple, per night, from low season upwards.

QUIRIMBAS ARCHIPELAGO
The real jewel in the crown of Mozambique honeymoons is the gorgeous Quirimbas archipelago. Comprising of more than 30 coral islands, the Quirimbas Archipelago stretches from Pemba to the Rovuma River. This tranquil archipelago offers the perfect combination of luxury and privacy in peaceful settings to relax and unwind. Widely renowned as a snorkeling destination the Island boasts some of the most beautiful corals in East Africa. The highlights of Quirimbas include the untouched archipelago, Quirimbas National Park, Pristine coral atolls, abundant marine life and superb snorkeling and scuba diving.  Famous resorts such as Guludo Beach Lodge, Matemo Island Resort, Medjumbe Island Resort, Quilalea Island Resort, Quilalea Island Resort, Ibo Island Lodge and Ibo Island Cinco Portas assert Quirimbas as a haven for luxury honeymoons.

MATEMO ISLAND
Matemo is a tropical Island located Quirimbas Archipelago. This tiny paradise island is just 8 km long and 3 km wide and it’s little known to the rest of the world. It is one perfect honeymoon destination for you if you love silence of nature and the songs of creation. Island is yours to explore, whether you’d like to laze about beneath a swaying palm tree or explore hidden coves where you won’t spot another soul. You’ll be able to enjoy all of your honeymoon meals at the restaurant, where you’ll find a focus on fresh and local seafood. During the days, you might also choose to snorkel, dive, fish, or join an excursion off the island to go sailing. Here in Matemo, every were you can feel the hint of romance.

INHAMBANE
Inhambane is a perfect romance destination for those who seek luxury accommodation in beautiful indigenous surroundings, undisturbed beaches, safe swimming and non- motorized water sports. An overabundant stretch of beaches and tranquil days await your presence. Available accommodation is with Tsene Lagoa eco-lodge, Flamingo Bay Water Lodge, Ligogo Resort, Montanha Lodge and Lagoa Poelela Resort. The ambience created in the places, especially Flamingo Bay Water Lodge, is that of a home away from home. The lodge is situated on stilts in the calm Indian Ocean and offers true serenity in a luxury water chalet. Thanks to the extraordinary and extensive range of honeymoon packages on offer.

Best Time For Honeymoon

If you want to get the most out of your wedding celebration in the country without having to worry about bad weather that might spoil your sun filled days, then it’s best time for honeymoon in Mozambique between May and November. This is the time when both rainfall and temperatures are at their lowest with pleasant temperatures between 20 – 29°C. It is also possible to plan your honeymoon during the early part of the warmer, rainy season from November to January, only if you can tolerate the high temperatures though.
All in all, Mozambique is a stunning honeymoon destination with abundant venues to choose. These vary from the romantic and intimate to the family resort. For both wedding and Honeymoons, Mozambique is a fabulous choice, diving, snorkeling, Big Game fishing, water sports it has it all. There are the most magnificent Islands off the coast of Mozambique and in a nutshell the whole country beckons the sun seeker, the beach lover and the romantic.

Gorongosa National Park is remotely situated in a 4,000 sq km section of the Great Rift Valley system north of Beira; in a stunning area with the majestic 1,800-metre high massif Mount Gorongosa in the backdrop. It has approximately 3,770 sq km of savannah, woodlands, and rainforest in central Mozambique, Southern Africa. The real asset of Gorongosa National Park is its intriguing diversity of animals, birds and plants – some of which are found nowhere else in the world. Guided trails up Mount Gorongosa enable visitors to easily observe the several kinds of forest and rare plants, wonderful birdlife, gorgeous waterfalls and the view from the top is breathtaking.

Resting Lion

The Ecosystems
The rain and the seasonal inundation of the valley mix up with numerous soil types to produce a unique mosaic of distinct ecosystems. The plains are dotted with acacia savanna, dry forests in sandy areas, wetlands or pans seasonally filled by the rains, and thickets on termite-built mounds. The plateaus contain Miombo and montane forests, as well as a spectacular rainforest at the bottom of a series of limestone gorges. Mount Gorongosa has rainforests, montane grasslands, riverine forests along its rivers, and forests and savanna woodlands at lower elevations. Both plateaus are covered with a kind of closed-canopy savanna, widespread in southern Africa

Gorongosa animal

Wildlife
Gorongosa National Park offers shelter to a wide range of wildlife including the Big Five (lion, buffalo, leopard, elephant, and rhino). Other wildlife include hippo, crocodile, kudu, nyala, waterbuck, reedbuck, serval cat, zebra, civet, oribi, lichenstein’s hartebeest, impala, sable, bushbuck, warthog, bush pig, chacma baboon and vervet monkey.
On safari tours, watching these wild animals is a unique and cheerful wildlife experience to most park visitors. On night drives in particular, visitors are guaranteed sight of porcupines, genets, civets and servals. Lake Urema and its waterways support healthy populations of crocodiles and over 200 hippos.
Bird Life
Birding at Gorongosa is spectacular with excellent quality and quantities. Approximately 400 rare species of birds including endemics and non-endemics have been spotted in the jungles of National Park. The Collared Palm Thrush, the Green Coucal, Narina Trogon, crowned cranes and Spotted Creeper are some of the commonly spotted bird varieties. Mount Gorongosa is also the only habitat where the rare green-headed oriole has been spotted. Thousands of birds settle on Lake Urema and one can literally sit for hours watching fish eagles swoop down, spoonbills forage, lilies, herons and stock pluck fish.

Ground Hornbill

GETTING AROUND
Visitors are highly encouraged to move around the Park using a four wheel drive car, especially during the rain season. Since most roads are murrum, they become boggy and impassable.
WHERE TO STAY
Chitengo Safari Camp
Chitengo Safari Camp is a luxurious custom-designed tented camp with 9 modern and comfy double cabanas located in a tranquil area of Chitengo. In total, there are for 18 detached en-suite guest rooms, (two single beds / one double bed). There is also a newly renovated campsite within the camp premises. Other amenities facilities available include en-suite wash rooms, large shaded swimming pool, and fast internet, air-conditioning, reasonably priced bar and a top quality restaurant serving Mozambican lunch and breakfast between 06.00am and 09.00pm. Accommodation Prices are £85 per person @ night. Breakfast is included in the price of the cabanas.
For Reservations;
Phone: (+258) 23-535010
Email: info@madbookings.com
SAFARI ACTIVITIES
- Birding – Bird Watchers have a treat in store at Gorongosa. Visitors can get very close to birds on foot. Trained guides are available to keep visitors safe from the threats of attacking wildlife.
- Walking Safaris – the Park’s terrain is well suited for walking safaris.  The huge open floodplains and riverine forests are ideal for exploring on foot.
- 3 Hours Guided Game Drives - The Park’s trained guides can take you through early-morning and late evening game-viewing drives to view wildlife. Exploring the Park’s jungles in open 4X4 Safari vehicle presents a unique and cheerful wildlife experience.
- Private Game Drives – If you prefer to drive your own vehicle you can do a wildlife self game drive. Get tickets at the Chitengo Camp reception and do not forget to hand it in at the gate before you start your self guided drive.
Park Entry Charges
Local Visitors – 100 Mt / 4 US$ per head
Foreign Visitors – 200 Mt / 8 US$ per head
Visiting Hours
The Park entrance gate is opened to visitors at 6:00am and closes at 6:00 pm.