Sofala

Sofala Province is central Mozambique's economic and wildlife heartland, home to the port city of Beira — the country's second-largest city — and the world-renowned Gorongosa National Park. The province stretches from the Indian Ocean coast inland to the Great Rift Valley, encompassing the vast Gorongosa-Marromeu wetland system, the Gorongosa massif, and the Zambezi River delta. Beira is a bustling port and transport hub, while the interior offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Mozambique. The Sofala coast has long sandy beaches, and the Buzi and Pungwe rivers create productive estuaries.

May to October is the dry season with the best wildlife viewing. The rainy season (November–April) is hot and humid.

The EN1 and EN6 highways connect Beira with the rest of the country. A 4x4 is recommended for Gorongosa National Park and the interior.

• Beira — Mozambique's second-largest city, a major port with colonial architecture.
• Dondo — A town west of Beira, known for its cement industry.
• Gorongosa — A town at the base of Mount Gorongosa, gateway to the national park.
• Nhamatanda — An agricultural town on the road to Gorongosa.
• Caia — A town on the Zambezi River with the longest bridge in Mozambique.
• Marromeu — A town in the Zambezi delta region.
• Buzi — A small town on the Buzi River.
• Inhaminga — A railway town in the Sofala interior.
• Gorongosa National Park — One of Africa's greatest wildlife restoration success stories.
• Marromeu Reserve — A protected area in the Zambezi delta.

Beira has excellent restaurants serving Portuguese and Mozambican cuisine. Seafood, particularly prawns and crab, is a highlight.

Beira's architecture reflects Portuguese colonial heritage. Gorongosa has a strong local culture around the national park.

• Gorongosa National Park safari — Game drives for elephant, lion, and wild dog.
• Climbing Mount Gorongosa — Trek through rainforest to the summit.
• Beira's architecture tour — Explore the city's colonial buildings and Macuti lighthouse.
• Zambezi River bridge at Caia — Cross one of Africa's longest bridges.
• Marromeu birdwatching — Waterbirds in the Zambezi delta.