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Quissico Lagoons

A chain of blue coastal lagoons behind the dunes in Zavala district, seen from the escarpment at Quissico.

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Typelagoons
WhereInhambane
Nearest cityQuissico
Best seasonMay to September
Time to allowHalf a day
Getting thereAt Quissico on the EN1, about 350 km north of Maputo; track down to the water
EntryFree

The main road at Quissico runs along an escarpment, and from it the ground drops away to a chain of freshwater lagoons lying behind the coastal dunes, coloured an intense blue against white sand and green vegetation, with the ocean beyond. The viewpoint from the road is the standard stop. A rough track goes down to the lagoons and the beach, and the water is fresh, warm and calm.

What you actually see

  • The escarpment view - the lagoon chain and the ocean seen from the main road.
  • The freshwater lagoons - blue water behind the dunes, calm and warm.
  • The dune barrier - the sand ridge separating the lagoons from the sea.
  • The beach - open ocean shore beyond the dunes.

When to go

May to September is the cooler dry season and the clearest. Midday sun gives the strongest colour from the viewpoint. The track down is difficult after rain.

Honest expectations

The track down to the water is rough and needs a four-wheel drive. Facilities are minimal at both the viewpoint and the lagoons. The colour depends on light and can be flat on an overcast day.

Nearby

Zavala and the timbila district are nearby, and Xai-Xai is south.

What to pack for Quissico Lagoons

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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