Gaza Province: Coast, National Parks and History

Gaza Province can be explored through three themes: the coast, protected areas and the history of the former Gaza State. The province’s beaches stretch along 150 kilometres of coastline. National parks and historic sites add natural and cultural themes to the coastal landscape. When planning your trip, it helps to first decide whether beaches, wildlife watching, outdoor activities or history should be the main focus.

Coast, river mouth and natural pools

The coastal destinations offer different landscape features. Praia de Zongoene lies at the mouth of the Limpopo, where the river meets the ocean. A rocky reef protects the beach at Praia do Xai-Xai from the open sea’s swell. At low tide, it forms natural pools—a striking contrast with Zongoene’s river mouth.

Praia do Bilene is considered scenic. Activities mentioned there include entertainment, ocean safaris, boat trips, sport fishing, diving, jet skiing and canoeing. Praia do Chizavane and Praia de Chidenguele are suitable for swimming and diving; both are described as having calm water without dangerous waves. Both beaches have coral reefs and a variety of fish in different colours. At Chidenguele, the reefs can be seen without diving to great depths. Kings Pool is a natural pool on Chidenguele Beach.

National parks and nature experiences

The Limpopo National Park in Gaza Province, together with the border areas of South Africa and Zimbabwe, forms the transboundary Greater Limpopo area. Its landscapes include sandy grasslands, mopane savannas, wooded savannas and floodplains. The area along the Shingwedzi River is considered suitable for wildlife watching, challenging hikes and safaris. Nature watching and active pursuits are both available there.

The landscape of Banhine National Park is shaped by semi-arid savanna, lagoons and baobab trees. Its extensive seasonal wetlands have earned it the name “mini-Okavango,” as they share ecological characteristics with the Okavango Delta. Banhine is also an important stopover for migratory birds and is home to a diverse range of land and water birds. Activities mentioned in the park include hiking on trails, safaris, canoeing and cultural tourism. The wetlands and birdlife give the nature experience here a different focus from the savannas and floodplains of Limpopo National Park.

There are also different activity options around Massingir Dam. The dam is considered suitable for a variety of water sports. Hiking, cycling within the municipality and boat trips along the reservoir are also mentioned at Barragem de Massingir.

Getting there and road conditions

When planning a drive, the main access road between Giriyondo and Massingir is relevant, including the access road to Campismo Albufeira. This road is gravel and can be driven in a sedan; however, four-wheel-drive vehicles are preferred. As road conditions and access suitability can change, check the conditions locally before setting off.

History and places of remembrance

Chibuto was the first capital of the Gaza State and the place where King Ngungunhane was captured. He was the last emperor of Gaza. A monument in the centre of Chibuto honours him. Mandlakazi was the last capital of the Gaza State; a monument honouring Ngungunhane also stands in the town centre. A battle in the resistance against Portuguese colonial expansion also took place in Mandlakazi. A plinth there commemorates fallen Mozambican fighters.

Bilene adds another historic stop: a battle took place there on 8 September 1895. A plinth with a commemorative plaque honours the Mozambican fighters who died resisting the Portuguese colonial occupation. The open-air museum of Nwadjahane is a historic site and the birthplace of Eduardo Chivambo Mondlane, the first president of the Frente de Libertação de Moçambique (FRELIMO). Together, these places give a trip through Gaza Province a distinct historical focus alongside its coast and national parks.

Explore more destinations

Explore more destinations: Massingir, Pafuri.

For the main travel overview: Mozambique.