Explore Mozambique – Top Safari Tours & Beach Adventures

Because of Mozambique’s disorganized post-colonial past and inadequate infrastructure, the majority of tourists are somewhat daring people. However, the odd bump in the road—literal and metaphorical—is well worth the experience of traveling through this mysterious and unexplored nation.

The nation’s 2,414 km (1,500 mile) of unspoiled Indian Ocean coastline is the main draw. It features palm-fringed beaches, warm tropical waters, a wealth of marine life, excellent diving, fantastic snorkeling, and a number of idyllic islands from which you can enjoy all of the aforementioned activities in blissful isolation.

The parks are another option. Even though the Mozambican Civil War (1977–1992) devastated much of the nation’s big game, valiant conservation efforts have helped restore some national parks to a state akin to their former splendor. In contrast to the parks in neighboring South Africa, they are rather inaccessible and secluded, therefore there will never be crowds of people vying for space.

Much of Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, is characterized by its faded art deco appeal and Portuguese ancestry. These buildings are bright, decaying, and occasionally filled with bullets; they contrast sharply with the more contemporary areas of this energetic port city. Head to the bustling fish market to sample what many locals claim to be the best seafood in East Africa. The food, music, and nightlife are all equally exciting and unique.

Though there are many of unexplored mountains scattered around the Mozambican hinterland for climbing, one should use extra caution because there are a lot of landmines still in place.

Mozambique has been working to rebuild itself since peace came to the nation in 1992 and has been working to realize its significant tourism potential. However, the country’s relative seclusion from Southern Africa’s more traveled routes currently accounts for a sizable portion of its allure.

Best time to visit

The climate differs from place to place. As land rises, inland temperatures drop relative to the coast and rainfall increases; the majority of rain falls between January and March. The wettest and hottest months are from October to March. The shore experiences mild, mostly dry weather from April to September, which is moderated by sea breezes.

Required clothing

Lightweight tropical attire, paired with more comfortable nighttime wear. Throughout the year, rain gear is advised.

Geography

Tanzania is Mozambique’s northern neighbor; Zambia and Malawi are its northwest neighbors; Zimbabwe is its western neighbor; and South Africa and Swaziland are its southwest neighbors. The Indian Ocean and an approximately 2,500-kilometer (1,550-mile) stretch of coastline with beaches surrounded by lagoons, coral reefs, and islands are located to the east. Nearly half of Mozambique is made up of a large low plateau that rises towards mountains to the west and north behind the coastline. The plateau is covered with savannah, which is made up of areas of short grass steppe interspersed with mostly dry, open forests.

There are scattered forests in the northern and western highlands. Out of the 25 major rivers that run through Mozambique and into the Indian Ocean, the Zambezi is the biggest and most significant. The majority of the population, which is made up of a wide variety of ethnic groups, is concentrated around the shore and in the lush river valleys, particularly in the provinces of Gaza and Zambezia.

The Makua-Lomwe, a Central Bantu group, are primarily found in the region north of the provinces of Zambezia, Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado. The majority race in the southern lowlands, the Tsonga, supply a large portion of the labor for the South African mines. The Shona live in the middle region, and the Chopi and Tsonga are in the coastal section of Inhambane. The far north is home to the Makonde. The primary coastal population center and the more fertile river valleys are home to Mestizos and Asians.

Attractions in Mozambique

Delve into the Indian Ocean

Enjoy diving and snorkeling in the pristine Indian Ocean seas of the nation with dolphins, rays, and dugongs (manatees). An increasing number of resorts in Mozambique are outfitted for subaquatic sports. The reefs of Inhambane, the Bazaruto Archipelago, and Quirimbas National Park are among the diving highlights.

Enjoy a night out in Pemba

Take a trip to Pemba, a thriving seaside city that is expanding quickly along the Indian Ocean’s edge. Savor the intense heat on the beach at Wimbe, which is close to the town, before going into Old Town for a few snifters. The city has some excellent eateries in addition to a vibrant array of bars.

Enjoy fantastic birdwatching

Because Mozambique is a great area to go birdwatching, bring your binoculars. Along the shore are several species with vivid colors; in addition, twitchers from all over the world are drawn to Gorongosa National Park and Marromeu National Park.

Explore Quirimbas National Park

Enjoy the warmth and sunshine of Quirimbas National Park. Take in the rich marine life and coral reefs of the park by diving and snorkeling off its coast. Elephants, lions, leopards, and wild dogs are among the land-dwelling fauna of Quirimbas, which spans 110 km (68 miles) along the northern Mozambican coastline.

Go fishing

Mozambique is home to excellent sport fishing. The Mozambique Channel offers the chance to catch dogtooth tuna, sailfish, dorado, kingfish, barracuda, and black, blue, and striped marlin. The Bazaruto Archipelago is among the many well-liked locations for big game hunting. A lot of fishing lodges have a “catch and release” policy.

Go on safari

Explore some of the 12 national parks and reserves in the nation by going on a safari. This area is home to several species, including the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino) and many others. There are many different types of scenery to take in, ranging from mountainous to seaside.

Hike national parks

Packing hiking boots is recommended because hiking is excellent in the many national parks and the chilly highlands of the north. Though they formerly posed a threat, landmines are no longer an issue in Mozambique, which was deemed free of the lethal weaponry left behind from the civil conflict in 2015.

Keep your eyes peeled in Gorongosa National Park

Discover the Gorongosa National Park, the crown treasure of Mozambique. An airfield at Chitengo provides access. It is situated 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Beira and is open from April to October. The journey is worthwhile because of the excellent birdwatching and chances to see buffalo, elephants, hippos, zebras, and other animals.

Kick back in the capital

Maputo is one of Africa’s most attractive capitals, with broad avenues, laid-back street cafes, and a vibrant cultural scene. However, don’t leave the city right away. Not to be missed are the Central Railway Station and the fascinating Iron House, both designed by Gustave Eiffel, as well as the municipal museum and market.

Marromeu National Park

Maputo is one of Africa’s most attractive capitals, with broad avenues, laid-back street cafes, and a vibrant cultural scene. However, don’t leave the city right away. Not to be missed are the Central Railway Station and the fascinating Iron House, both designed by Gustave Eiffel, as well as the municipal museum and market.

Relax in a luxury lodge on a white sand beach

The breathtaking Bazaruto Archipelago, which consists of five tropical islands and the nearby islets and coral reefs, should not be missed. This stunning location, which is 20 km (12 miles) from Inhassoro and Vilanculos, is home to abundant marine life, including dugongs (manatees), white sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters. There are many opulent lodges that offer lodging.

Relax on a beautiful beach

Mozambique has a vast coastline with several breathtaking white sand beaches. Some of the well-known beaches are Ponta do Ouro, Malugane (in the south), Tofo, Xai-Xai, Vilankulo, and Chonguene in Inhambane.

Step back in time

Take a bridge to the little island of Ilha de Moçambique, located north of Nampula. Under the Portuguese, this was the nation’s capital. It’s an interesting location, full with mosques and buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, many dating back to the colonial era. It is now recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Track down some elephants

Visit the Maputo National Reserve, popularly called Maputo Elephant Park. It is located 79 kilometers (49 miles) south of the city on the Maputo River. In addition, jackals, flamingos, hippos, antelope, crocodiles, and leopards call it home. It includes grasslands, mangroves, swamp woods, lakes, and wetlands.

Visit a historic island

Take a boat to Inhaca Island, which is located near Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, in the country’s south. The island features a maritime biology museum, 40 km (25 miles) of beaches and reefs, and a historic lighthouse. It is a very well-liked diving location.

What to Pack

For your trip to Mozambique, you should bring the following items: For protection from the sun and mosquitoes, wear light cotton tops and bottoms, shorts and airy shoes, long sleeve shirts or blouses for boat trips, jeans or casual pants, a jacket for cooler evenings, rain gear, a hat, sunglasses, and lots of sunscreen!

Visa and entry

All tourists can obtain a 30-day tourist visa at the borders. Upon arrival, all visitors to Mozambique are eligible to pick up a tourist visa. This visa is available to any genuine tourists who want to enter Mozambique, regardless of whether their home country has an embassy. It will be provided at designated entry points, has a 30-day validity period, and allows the recipient to make two entries. The visa costs $50 USD and must be paid for in cash.

It is legally necessary for you to always carry identity documents in Mozambique and to produce them upon request from the authorities.

In order to receive a visa entry stamp, your passport needs to have two blank pages adjacent to each other and be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of your intended departure. The immigration officer at the point of entry has the authority to deny you entry into the nation if these conditions are not fulfilled. You will need two blank pages in your passport for each country you visit if you are visiting multiple nations.

Language and religion

Your passport must have two blank pages next to each other and be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your anticipated departure in order to be eligible for a visa entry stamp. If these requirements are not met, the immigration officer at the point of entry has the right to refuse you admission into the country. If you are traveling to more than one country, you will need two blank pages in your passport for each one.

Health information

Any foreign national entering Mozambique from a nation where yellow fever is a danger must provide documentation of their yellow fever vaccine. You need to get vaccinated against yellow fever at least ten days prior to your trip. You do not need to have a yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling straight to East Africa from Europe or the Middle East and you will not be passing through any countries where yellow fever is a concern.

Anti-Malaria prophylactics are strongly recommended as many areas in Southern Africa are prone to malaria.

Camps in isolated locations are unable to remove visitors after nightfall. In the event of an emergency, you will be sent to the closest appropriate institution until they can be transported by air for medical attention. Make sure you are aware of your blood type, particularly in an emergency.

Currency

The most widely used currency in Mozambique is the US dollar. For little purchases, tips, and other expenses, it is crucial to have local cash with you on your vacation, preferably in lower numbers. Only US dollars minted after 2013 are accepted in the majority of African nations.

Upmarket lodges, hotels, and several larger stores in towns accept international credit cards, especially VISA and MasterCard. A fee is imposed by certain lodges and motels when paying with a credit card.

Nightlife in Mozambique

Maputo offers a vibrant nightlife, especially over the weekends. The primary hub for nightlife is Feira Popular, which features a variety of pubs and discos, some with live music. Western pop music and traditional Mozambican rhythms are the two main musical genres heard at clubs. Most large towns have movie theaters.

Social Conventions in Mozambique

A handshake is the traditional way to welcome someone. It is appropriate to dress casually. Often, formal attire is not necessary.

Photography: It is forbidden for tourists to take pictures of military personnel, airports, bridges, or public or government structures. You may only snap pictures of beaches and other tourist attractions.

Language in Mozambique

The official language is Portuguese. There is also spoken Tsonga, Sena Nyanja, Makonde, and Macua, among other native African languages.

Mozambique Food and Drink

Mozambique’s food is primarily African, with some Far Eastern and Portuguese influences as well. Seafood is a specialty, as one might anticipate from a coastal nation. Typically, lunch is the largest meal of the day. As an appetizer, soup is frequently served before the main course, which is typically served with either rice, potatoes, or both. Most places have street food, but major cities and hotels have restaurants.

Specialities

Piri-piri chicken: Chicken marinated in lemon juice, garlic and a spicy chilli sauce (made of lemon juice, garlic, chilli, and oil). Usually served with chips.
Shellfish: All shellfish is good in Mozambique and the country is famous for prawns often grilled with piri-piri sauce.
Matapa: Sauce of ground peanuts and cassava leaves served with rice. It often includes seafood.
Wusa: Stiff maize porridge.
Pao: Portuguese white bread rolls baked in wood-fired ovens.
Prego roll: Steak covered in piri piri sauce in a bread roll.
Toasted cheese sandwiches: A commonly sold snack.
Malasadas: Local doughnuts sold in markets.
2M: Popular local beer.
Tipo Tinto: The national rum.

Air Travel in Mozambique

The majority of Mozambique may be reached by plane directly from Johannesburg, South Africa (Maputo, Inhambane/Tofo, Vilanculos, Pemba). The official airline of Mozambique, LAM Airlines, offers flights all around the nation, but at a premium. Speaking with several foreign residents of Mozambique, one of their main grievances is the high cost of flying throughout the country.

In general, flying inside Africa is not inexpensive, and this also applies to Mozambique. The cost of a round-trip ticket from Pemba to Maputo, the capital, might easily exceed $500. Over $800 is spent on a flight on South African Airways from Johannesburg to Pemba!

Travel

• The majority of Mozambique may be reached by plane directly from Johannesburg, South Africa (Maputo, Inhambane/Tofo, Vilanculos, Pemba). The official airline of Mozambique, LAM Airlines, offers flights all around the nation, but at a premium. Speaking with several foreign residents of Mozambique, one of their main grievances is the high cost of flying throughout the country.
• In general, flying inside Africa is not inexpensive, and this also applies to Mozambique. The cost of a round-trip ticket from Pemba to Maputo, the capital, might easily exceed $500. Over $800 is spent on a flight on South African Airways from Johannesburg to Pemba!
• If your stay in Mozambique is four weeks or longer, you might need to provide documentation of your polio vaccination (found on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, or ICVP)) before you leave the country. The vaccination against polio should be given to you four weeks to twelve months prior to your departure from Mozambique. Refusing to provide an ICVP could lead to receiving a vaccination upon departure.
• Even though every known minefield has been removed, landmines could still be present. In the central and southern provinces in particular, stay on the well-traveled routes. You will want a 4WD car if you intend to travel outside of Maputo during the rainy season. Before you depart, ask the locals about the state of the roads.
• In the Indian Ocean, piracy is a threat. Check the piracy reports from the International Maritime Bureau if you’re planning a boat trip.

Safety

• Following the results of the municipal elections, protests are taking place throughout Mozambique; in Cabo del Gado, there have been allegations of violence and injuries. Steer clear of protest and crowd-filled locations. Keep an eye on the local media and heed the authorities’ recommendations.
• Mozambique is threatened by terrorism, which is particularly dangerous in Cabo Delgado and the Nampula province’s Erati and Memba districts. Attacks in the province of Cabo Delgado and the districts of Erati and Memba in the province of Nampula are highly probable. Foreigners, particularly Westerners and Western interests, as well as towns and other locations where foreign businesses operate and where expatriate employees live, are likely to be the targets of terrorist attacks. Security forces and armed organizations associated with Islamist extremism frequently clash. Instances of attacks such as roadside ambushes and raids on cities and villages are frequent. The regions of Nampula and Cabo Delgado are seeing a rise in the number of security personnel.
• Because of the long wait times at the border between Lebombo and Komatipoort, sly thieves have started preying on tourists and their cars. Make the necessary safety precautions.
• There is a chance of kidnapping in Maputo, Beira, and the province of Cabo Delgado. Seek professional security advice if you plan to travel to these places.
• Steer clear of protest and demonstration places. Service interruptions are possible. Do as the local authorities advise.
• There are violent crimes, including sexual assaults. Crime is more likely to occur at night and on vacations. Even in tourist destinations, stay indoors after dark and stay away from remote areas. Carjackings, break-ins, and armed robberies are frequent. Lock the doors to your automobile and place of lodging.
• Small-time crimes like stealing bags are frequent. Just bring what you need, and store valuables somewhere safe.
• Earthquakes, mudslides, cyclones, and flooding all occur in Mozambique. These may cause service interruptions. November through April is when it rains.

Local laws

• Don’t use or possess illicit substances. Drug offenses carry harsh penalties, including lengthy prison terms.
• It is legally required of you to always carry identification documents and to show them to the authorities upon request.
• When shooting pictures, use caution. The Ministry of Information must get you permission before taking pictures of public servants, buildings, and other infrastructure.
• Avoid purchasing anything made from endangered wildlife, such as rhino horn and ivory. Buying or selling them without a license is prohibited.
• Importing or exporting local currency is prohibited.
• There are local sensitivities, but same-sex relationships are legal. Steer clear of affectionate public shows.