Mozambique – Travel Guide
Mozambique, a land of pristine beaches and vibrant culture, from the sun-kissed shores of Ponta do Ouro to the historic streets of Maputo. Delight in authentic cuisine, savoring traditional dishes like peri-peri prawns and matapa, infused with local spices and flavors. Immerse yourself in nature in the Bazaruto Archipelago, home to diverse marine life and coral reefs. Marvel at the colonial architecture of Ilha de Mozambique and the natural beauty of Gorongosa National Park. Experience the warmth of Mozambican hospitality in the bustling markets of Inhambane and the lively music scene of Beira. Mozambique invites you to discover its rich heritage and natural wonders, promising an unforgettable journey along the Indian Ocean coastline.
All about Mozambique
Mozambique FAQ
What is Mozambique known for?
Mozambique is known for its diverse cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and rich history. National parks and reserves offer opportunities to spot a wide range of species, including elephants, lions, zebras, and various bird species. The biodiversity of Mozambique extends to its marine life, with incredible coral reefs teeming with colorful fish and other marine creatures. The country is renowned for its beautiful coastline along the Indian Ocean, with pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and picturesque tropical islands that provide a paradise for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. It offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion for those seeking an authentic African experience. .
What are the best places to visit in Mozambique?
The capital, Maputo, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis located on the country’s southeastern coast. Maputo is known for its beautiful colonial-era architecture, wide boulevards, and a mix of African, Portuguese, and Arab influences. The city offers a range of attractions, including the historic Central Market, the Maputo Railway Station, and the stunning Maputo Cathedral. The Maputo Fortress, a 19th-century Portuguese military fort, is another notable landmark. Visitors can also explore the city’s lively arts scene, with art galleries, museums, and music venues showcasing Mozambican culture. Maputo’s waterfront is a popular spot for leisurely strolls, enjoying local cuisine, and soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
How many days should I spend in Mozambique?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Mozambique?
By Rental Car: If you`ve got a bit more time, consider renting a car. Car rental is readily available at the airport and other major cities, though it is a bit expensive compared with other forms of transportation.
What is the currency of Mozambique?
The currency of Mozambique is the Mozambican Metical (MZN). When traveling to Mozambique, it’s advisable to carry a mix of small denomination banknotes for day-to-day transactions, as it can sometimes be difficult to get change for larger bills in smaller establishments. It’s also recommended to exchange currency at authorized banks or foreign exchange bureaus, as they generally offer more favorable rates compared to exchanging money at hotels or airports. Major credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger establishments, but it’s always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets that may not accept cards.
Do people speak English in Mozambique?
English is spoken to some extent in Mozambique, particularly in tourist areas and major cities. However, Portuguese is the official language of the country. Local languages, such as Makhuwa, Tsonga, and Sena, are more commonly spoken by the majority of the population. It is helpful to have basic Portuguese phrases and translation tools available for effective communication, especially in areas where English is less commonly understood.
Best time to visit Mozambique
Weather patterns across Africa are becoming increasingly unpredictable. The country has started to see downpours in the middle of deserts and damaging droughts when rains should be falling.
Read More
The Mozambique coastline stretches for more than 1,200 miles and has a tropical ocean current running north to south along its length for the whole year. The entire country broadly follows a southern African weather pattern, with the rains falling largely between December and March. During September and October, it remains dry as daytime temperatures start to climb, though it cools down at night.
November is a less predictable month of transition. Sometimes the rains start, although many days remain sunny and hot. The rains generally start earlier in the north of the country.
May – November (Winter)
The May to November winter season is considered the best time to visit Mozambique for cooler temperatures and the least chance of rain. During the month of November, the weather is less predictable and in transition. Sometimes the rains start, although many days remain sunny and hot.
If the main focus when you travel to Mozambique is game viewing, then the best time to visit is during the dryest months of August and September when the bush has thinned out and wildlife is concentrated around rivers and waterholes.
December – March (Rainy Season)
The month of December to March are considered the rainy season. The climate on the north coast is subject to slight temperature fluctuations. It is warm, around 88°F, while in the dry season, it is only a few degrees cooler. The climate on the southern coast is more moderate and is subject to greater fluctuations, both in temperature and in precipitation. During the rainy season, it is very humid and hot, around 75°F in the day and about 59°F at night.
Tipping in Mozambique
This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
Read More
The questions `when?` and `how much?` that surround tipping can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Metical (MT)?
The official currency of Mozambique is the Metical (MT), divided into 100 Centavos. South African Rand (ZAR) and US Dollars (USD) are also widely accepted. Money can be exchanged at many banks and the major resorts. It is useful for buying items at the local shops. All hotels & lodges accept and prefer payment in US dollars. Credit cards are usually accepted only at the more upmarket hotels. The best card to carry is Visa as many places in Mozambique do not accept MasterCard.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
In a restaurant, it is usual practice to add 10% onto your bill as a tip for your waiter.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
It is a nice gesture to give general camp/lodge staff tip’s; we would recommend a tip of around $3 US per guest per day. This can be placed in the communal tipping box. With regards to tipping porters, we recommend about $1 per bag.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
We recommend that you tip your specialist tour guide direct at the end of your tour; as a rough guide, you might tip around 10% to 20% of the tour cost.
Driving in Mozambique
With its beautiful coasts and amazing wildlife, Mozambique is one of the best places to discover in southeast Africa. However, relatively lesser tourists visit, and many of its top places aren’t as well known as other parts of the continent. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t stop visitors from exploring this deeply rich culture.
Read More
Traveling in Mozambique won’t be easy for everyone, so if you are wanting a smooth trip, you need to know all about the rules you must observe, especially when it comes to driving. Driving abroad can be a challenge, especially if it’s your first time. So make sure to read this Mozambique driving guide to know all about the must-haves you’d need and all the rules to follow to be well equipped for your journey.
The country of Mozambique is an estimated 4,970 sq miles in southeastern Africa that borders Eswatini, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It has a long coastline fronting the Mozambique Channel, a channel of the Western Indian Ocean, which separates Mozambique on mainland Africa on the west from Madagascar on the east. Its position allows some of the best natural harbors in Africa, as well as some beautiful white sand beaches that draw many visitors to the country each year.
One of the best ways to experience Mozambique is by car. Planning is one of the most important steps of self-drive travel. This is a rough guide on how to ensure that you have everything you need to know before you can drive in the country; however, please contact the Mozambican Embassy for the latest advice.
Top Cities in Mozambique
What to expect while traveling
