Why Visit Mozambique
Mozambique boasts a long coastline along the Indian Ocean with some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in Africa. The coastline is dotted with palm-fringed beaches, pristine waters, and vibrant marine life, making it a paradise for beach lovers and water enthusiasts.
Mozambique is home to several stunning archipelagos, including the Bazaruto and Quirimbas. These islands offer luxurious resorts, fantastic diving and snorkeling opportunities, and a chance to relax in a tranquil, tropical setting.
The country offers a range of adventure activities including fishing, kayaking and dhow sailing trips to name a few.
Mozambican cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors, influenced by Portuguese, African, and Indian culinary traditions. Seafood dishes, peri-peri (spicy) flavors, and exotic fruits are highlights of the local cuisine.
Discover Mozambique
Top Destinations
Bazaruto Archipelago
Welcome to paradise, this protected archipelago is renowned for pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. Sit back and relax alongside the turquoise waters and long stretches of white sandy beaches. This is the perfect place for nature lovers, adventure seekers and pure relaxation. The islands are home to an array of marine species, including dolphins, whales, turtles, and an array of colourful fish. Getting to the Island is either by way of Helicopter, Boat Transfer or Traditional Dhow Sailing Boat. The archipelago is a protected marine reserve, promoting conservation efforts and allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of nature in its unspoiled state.
Attraction List:
- Diving and snorkeling amongst the untouched coral reefs.
- Excursions to find Dugongs, Whale Sharks and Dolphins.
- Some of Southern Africa's finest luxury island retreats.
- Helicopter flights over the archipelago.
- Sail on the traditional dhow sailing boats.
- Ultimate location for relaxation and beach adventures.
Top Experiences
Best Time to Visit Mozambique
Mozambique is a year-round travel destination.
The prime time to visit is from May to October. During this period, the weather is typically drier, cooler and plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for beach activities, diving, and wildlife safaris.
Whale Migration: June – November
Whale Shark Migration: November – April
The hot and wet summer months, from January to March can often bring in cyclone rains which is hit and miss for marine adventures.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
- Excellent
- Good
- Fair
Monthly features:
Dry Season (May to October) are the driest months. The temperature is the day is moderate to hot, there is hardly any rain and perfect for both underwater and land activities.
Wet Season (December to March) is very hot and wet. One can find decent specials and last minute availability, except for December as many South African’s head to Mozambique for their summer holidays. The showers are usually short and sharp, therefore the weather still allows for marine activities.
Shoulder Season (April and November) are good in between for being hot sunny conditions and slightly out of peak season (except for Easter).
Perfect Mozambique Add-Ons:
Fequently Asked Questions
Mozambique offers something to all travellers and all budgets. There are both extremely luxurious offerings and simple rustic beach cabins throughout.
Bazaruto Archipelago is more suited to high budgets as most lodges are luxurious offerings.
Can you travel Mozambique on a budget?
Yes, Mozambique does allow for budget travellers.
Tofu, Vilanculos and Maputo are relatively affordable beach destinations. Food, accommodation, and general expenses are reasonable.
From Vilanculos one can do day trip excursions to Bazaruto Archipelago.
Cost of Travelling Mozambique in order of cheapest to most expensive:
- Overland Tours
- Self-Driving (accommodated)
- Fly-In Beach Lodges
Mozambique is a relatively easy country to travel to.
International Airports:
- Maputo International Airport
- Vilankulos International Airport
- Inhambane International Airport
Most international visitors would fly through Johannesburg or Cape Town, South Africa before an onward flight into Mozambique.
Mozambique is a large country to explore.
If you are travelling for a short period of time (less the 7 days) or you are visiting a single destination then we would recommend flying to the destination or resort/lodge.
For guests travelling to multiple destinations and looking to explore remote regions then it might be worth renting a car in South Africa and doing a self drive.
Options for travelling in Mozambique:
Self-Drive: This is for adventurous travellers. Mozambique has some beautiful and remote places with tough sandy conditions and long distances, therefore its best to find out the latest conditions before travelling.
Fly In: For travellers wanting to fly straight into the prime locations, there are daily flights from South Africa and internally in Mozambique.
Taxis: Only available in bigger towns and cities.
Mozambique is generally considered safe for travellers. There are some safety considerations that need to be taken if one heads into the far northern parts of the country.
Vilanculos, Tofu, Maputo and Bazaruto Archipelago are safe destinations with relatively low crime rates. However, like any destination, it’s wise to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in urban areas where petty theft and opportunistic crimes can occur.
Overall, Mozambique is a beautiful country with welcoming people, but as with travel anywhere, staying vigilant and informed is key to having a safe and enjoyable experience.
At AfriVenture we will never design an itinerary that would put you into a risky situation or area.
Yes, malaria is present in all of Mozambique. The risk of malaria is high in the wet summer months.
It’s important to take precautionary measures if you’re traveling to malaria-prone areas, especially during the rainy season (November to April), when mosquito populations are higher.
Preventive measures against malaria includes:
- Taking anti-malarial medication prescribed by a healthcare professional (if necessary).
- Using insect repellent.
- Wearing protective clothing in the evenings. (eg, Long Sleeves and Long Pants).
- Sleeping in accommodations with mosquito nets, screened windows, fans and air conditioning.
Always consult with a healthcare provider or travel doctor before your trip to get the most up-to-date and personalized advice on malaria prevention based on the specific areas you plan to visit and your individual health considerations.
Visa requirements for Mozambique vary depending on your nationality.
Some countries have visa-free arrangements with Mozambique, allowing their citizens to visit for a specified period without needing a visa. Other nationalities might need to apply for a visa in advance.
To determine whether you need a visa to visit Mozambique, you should check with the nearest Mozambican embassy or consulate in your country or visit the official website of the Mozambican Department of Home Affairs. They will have the most updated information about visa requirements.
Visa requirements can change, so it’s essential to confirm the most current information well before your planned travel dates.
Always consult with a healthcare provider or travel doctor several weeks before your trip to get personalized advice based on your health history, itinerary, and current health recommendations.
At the time of writing there are no compulsory vaccinations for travellers entering Mozambique.
However, the country may require a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from, or have recently visited a Yellow Fever endemic area. This requirement usually applies to travellers coming from certain African and South American countries.
Malaria Prevention: Please see other frequently asked question on Malaria.
The currency used in Mozambique is the Mozambique Metical (MZN), however many lodges and hotels use United States Dollars (USD). Also, some establishments accept South African Rand (ZAR).
There are a variety of methods to pay for goods and services:
- Cash: Carrying some cash in ZAR/USD/MZN can be useful for small purchases, markets, tipping, and places where card payments might not be accepted. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns and accept most international cards.
- Credit and Debit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted in most establishments, especially in urban areas. American Express and Diners Club cards are less widely accepted. Inform your bank about your travel plans to prevent any issues with card usage abroad.
Tipping:
It is customary to tip for services in Mozambique.
- Restaurants: Tipping around 10% of the total bill is common if the service charge is not already included. Check the bill; sometimes a service charge is included, in which case additional tipping might not be expected.
- Hotels: Tipping hotel staff, such as porters and housekeeping, is customary.
- Taxis: Tipping taxi drivers isn’t mandatory, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
- Lodges: This depends on the lodge standard and services, please enquire with us or directly with lodge management.
Even though tipping is customary, it is still discretionary, and the amount can vary based on the quality of service you received.
