Terror threat looms over coastal destination as US warns attacks could strike without notice

Americans are being warned to avoid parts of an African safari destination where terrorists have targeted upscale lodges frequented by international big-game hunters.

Mozambique, a southeastern African country across from the island of Madagascar, is the subject of an Aug. 21 updated "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" advisory from the U.S. State Department.

Officials have also designated multiple areas "Level 4: Do Not Travel" — citing heightened terrorism risks.

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Bordered by Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Eswatini, Mozambique is known for its Indian Ocean coastline, beaches and wildlife reserves.

Though not a tourist hot spot, Mozambique draws visitors for its safari tourism. It welcomed over 757,400 foreign guests in 2024, according to government statistics.

Cabo Delgado Province, a "Do Not Travel" area, is home to safari and wildlife destinations, including Quirimbas National Park.

The State Department also warns that terrorist groups in northern Mozambique are "active" and that there is a risk of terrorist violence and attacks.

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"Attackers may strike public areas and tourist destinations with little or no warning, sometimes taking hostages," the advisory says.

Alex Perry, an England-based author and veteran foreign correspondent who previously served as a TIME bureau chief, told Fox News Digital the terrorist presence in northern Mozambique is relatively small but particularly brutal.

"Mozambique has one of the smaller ISIS groups in the world," Perry said, estimating it has roughly 500 members. "They are spectacularly nasty."

Perry, author of the book "Blood Will Flow" about the deadly Islamist insurgency in Mozambique, said militants in Cabo Delgado have carried out mass beheadings, and that the region's tourism industry has suffered as a result of the insurgency.

Cabo Delgado has historically attracted a more exclusive clientele, with smaller numbers of wealthy visitors paying high prices for hunting safaris compared with Africa's major mass-market safari destinations, he also said.

"This is almost exclusively hunting safaris — people going to shoot animals," Perry said. "That tends to be much smaller numbers of people paying a much higher price."

The State Department says Americans who opt to travel to Mozambique are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

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Those who must travel to affected areas of Cabo Delgado, Niassa and Nampula provinces are also advised to consider hiring a security firm.

"Avoid all but emergency travel between sunset and sunrise," the advisory says, adding that Americans should "keep a low profile."

"Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible."

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Perry said that, although the advisory highlights serious risks, much of Mozambique remains a beautiful destination for travelers.

"On the whole, it's a pretty safe and secure and, as I say, beautiful and enjoyable place to visit," Perry said. "The far north is a dramatic exception."

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Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. State Department for further insights.

The warning is one of several travel advisories issued or updated by the State Department in recent months, as officials continue flagging safety concerns for Americans traveling abroad.

This month, the State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Ecuador, warning Americans to exercise increased caution due to violent crime, terrorism and kidnapping.

Earlier this summer, the U.S. renewed a Level 2 "Exercise Increased Caution" advisory for the Bahamas.