Mozambique is a paradise for surfers who crave adventure, with dirt roads, tropical to subtropical climate, wildlife and the thrill of surfing uncrowded epic breaks. It is located on the south east coast of Africa and is best known for its magnificent beaches, abundant seafood, spectacular diving and waves going off everywhere!

If you fly to Durban, South Africa, you can get to Mozambique by driving, flying or sailing. The drive to the border is about 5 hours, and the roads are decent – until you cross the border that is. You buy your visa’s at the border post. If you fly, you really only have one choice of airport to land at, the countries capital, Maputo. It’s a short flight, an hour or so. Be prepared for feral, wild Africa, where time is not a concept and there are no rules. You’ll need to hire a car from there. The sail up from South Africa by yacht takes about 3 days; I swear it feels more like 10! Either way, its going to be an adventure into unknown territory, and like all adventures, there are unforeseen surprises. But when you make it, the feeling of exhaustion is replaced with the greatest sense of fulfillment, accomplishment and pride.

The Mozambique locals speak Portuguese and are always smiling, welcoming and friendly. This surprised me because it is a third world country which was devastated by war and floods. Malaria is an ongoing epidemic (make sure you take anti malaria medication). Happiness surrounded by such poverty is humbling; it opens ones mind to new ways of thinking, perceiving and accepting.

Mozambique is extraordinarily beautiful. Palm lined beaches with pristine white sand and water so blue it hurts your eyes. The water temperature is warm all year round, so the most you are going to need is a spring suit in winter and a bikini for the hot days in summer. There are rideable waves everywhere, most of which have never been surfed. An ideal place for a surf adventure! The most consistent surf is to be found in the winter months (May – August) mainly due to the cold fronts that sweep up the coast bringing solid 6 – 8 foot swells. There is also consistent surf to be had during cyclone season. (January – April)

What’s cool about the surf spots in Mozambique is that whether you are an experienced, expert surf goddess with a big wave fetish, an intermediate surfer wanting to surf your first reef break or a beginner who is still learning or prefers beach breaks, there are fun waves for everyone. This destination has so much to offer a traveling surfer, I guarantee when the waves are firing, there is nothing like it anywhere in Africa.

Take it from me, completely surfed out as I lie in my hammock on the beach with the glow of the bonfire on my face and a warm feeling in my heart. This is my first time traveling where I actually tuned into the realism of the place. It broke me right down to my roots and made me think about what is really important in life. I am so lucky to be able to travel the world and see the different kinds of places, people and the way they live. They say, own only what you can carry with you, know language, know countries and know people… let memories be your travel bag.

Tags: Surfing, Travel