Introduction
What to do
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Getting around
Local costs

Mozambique travel guide

Mozambique Tourism | Mozambique Guide

You're Going to Love Mozambique

Slightly off the beaten path for most travelers, Mozambique is a vibrant mix of old colonial architecture, cultural influences, and sandy beaches.

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What to do in Mozambique

1. Enjoy the Beaches

Quiet and gorgeous beaches are easy to find in Mozambique, but perhaps Ponta d'Ouro in the south is the one that matches the dreams of many tourists: fine sand surrounded by leafy trees, gentle waves, and the occasional visit from dolphins.

2. Visit Gorongosa National Park

Enthusiasts of wildlife spotting should head to Gorongosa National Park for a chance to observe antelopes and elephants in their natural habitat.

3. Take a Trip to Mozambique Island

Home to a mix of influences, Mozambique Island in the north is one of the most multicultural places to visit in the country and a World Heritage Site since the early 1990s.

4. Explore Maputo

At the capital city of Mozambique, you'll find Mediterranean buildings, large avenues lined with trees, and sidewalk cafes: a testament to its colonial past that transitioned into the present time.

5. Tour One of the Neighborhoods in Pemba

Although tourist attractions and landmarks are scarce in Pemba, the neighborhoods outside this town are worth a visit. Paquitequete and the Mbanguia Market are two spots worth a visit.

1. Enjoy the Beaches

Quiet and gorgeous beaches are easy to find in Mozambique, but perhaps Ponta d'Ouro in the south is the one that matches the dreams of many tourists: fine sand surrounded by leafy trees, gentle waves, and the occasional visit from dolphins.

2. Visit Gorongosa National Park

Enthusiasts of wildlife spotting should head to Gorongosa National Park for a chance to observe antelopes and elephants in their natural habitat.

3. Take a Trip to Mozambique Island

Home to a mix of influences, Mozambique Island in the north is one of the most multicultural places to visit in the country and a World Heritage Site since the early 1990s.

4. Explore Maputo

At the capital city of Mozambique, you'll find Mediterranean buildings, large avenues lined with trees, and sidewalk cafes: a testament to its colonial past that transitioned into the present time.

5. Tour One of the Neighborhoods in Pemba

Although tourist attractions and landmarks are scarce in Pemba, the neighborhoods outside this town are worth a visit. Paquitequete and the Mbanguia Market are two spots worth a visit.

When to visit Mozambique

Mozambique in July
Estimated hotel price
$107
1 night at 3-star hotel
Mozambique in July
Estimated hotel price
$107
1 night at 3-star hotel

Festival Azgo and Mafalala Festival are two of the country's top cultural events happening at that time of year.

How to Get to Mozambique

Entry requirements

Travelers of practically all countries need a visa to enter Mozambique, which must be requested at your local embassy or consulate.

Visas are valid for up to 90 days and you'll need to present a return ticket.

Plane

Most flights to Mozambique land at Maputo International Airport.

The majority of the frequent flights to Mozambique come from South Africa and Portugal.

Train

There's a regular train every Wednesday from Bulawayo (Zimbabwe) to Maputo in Mozambique, with a layover in Chicualacuala.

Tickets must be purchased at the train station. It's not possible to pre-book tickets online.

Car

You can enter Mozambique by car from South Africa (from Johannesburg, Kruger Park, and Kosi Bay) and from Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland (from Mhlumeni and Namaacha).

You'll need to carry the car registration papers and proof of ownership, or a letter from the owner with permission to use the car.

Bus

There are a series of local buses (known as "chapas") connecting Malawi to Mozambique every day, but the most comfortable ride is the Intercape Mainliner bus that runs from Johannesburg (South Africa) to Maputo (Mozambique) twice a day.

Entry requirements

Travelers of practically all countries need a visa to enter Mozambique, which must be requested at your local embassy or consulate.

Visas are valid for up to 90 days and you'll need to present a return ticket.

Plane

Most flights to Mozambique land at Maputo International Airport.

The majority of the frequent flights to Mozambique come from South Africa and Portugal.

Train

There's a regular train every Wednesday from Bulawayo (Zimbabwe) to Maputo in Mozambique, with a layover in Chicualacuala.

Tickets must be purchased at the train station. It's not possible to pre-book tickets online.

Car

You can enter Mozambique by car from South Africa (from Johannesburg, Kruger Park, and Kosi Bay) and from Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland (from Mhlumeni and Namaacha).

You'll need to carry the car registration papers and proof of ownership, or a letter from the owner with permission to use the car.

Bus

There are a series of local buses (known as "chapas") connecting Malawi to Mozambique every day, but the most comfortable ride is the Intercape Mainliner bus that runs from Johannesburg (South Africa) to Maputo (Mozambique) twice a day.

Popular airports in Mozambique

VXCLichinga
VNXVilanculos
INHInhambane
TETTete Matunda
MNCNacala
BEWBeira
MPMMaputo Intl
POLPemba
APLNampula
UELQuelimane
VPYChimoio
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Popular airlines serving Mozambique

KLM
Good (1,480 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,834 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,293 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,163 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,558 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,522 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,550 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,729 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,376 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,185 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,432 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,234 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,906 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (987 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,902 reviews)
Air China
Good (144 reviews)
Royal Air Maroc
Good (586 reviews)
XiamenAir
Good (42 reviews)
Kenya Airways
Good (301 reviews)
Air Algerie
Good (33 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Mozambique

Where to stay in Mozambique

Accommodation in Mozambique is a mix of backpackers' hotels, camping sites, self-catered apartments, and hotels.

Where to stay in popular areas of Mozambique

Most booked hotels in Mozambique

See all
Hotel Cardoso
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 426 reviews)
$126+
View
Meliá Maputo Sky
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 309 reviews)
$141+
View
Polana Serena Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, 557 reviews)
$161+
View
Hotel Avenida
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, 158 reviews)
$128+
View
Afrin Prestige Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (8, 413 reviews)
$108+
View
Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence Maputo
5 stars
Good (7.8, 759 reviews)
$147+
View

How to Get Around Mozambique

Public Transportation

"Chapas" are a sort of local bus used as public transportation within most cities in Mozambique.

Taxis only work between the airport and hotels and you'll need to negotiate a fare with the driver.

Trains

There is only one train that connects Nampula to Cuamba, twice a day. The ride is slow but reasonably comfortable, and most travelers choose it over driving because of the experience.

Bus

Long-distance buses in Mozambique are known as "autocarros" or "machibombo" and they connect the larger towns and cities at least once a day.

In most cases, there isn't a central bus station, so the buses depart from the beginning of the road leading to your destination or the garage of the bus company.

Car

You'll need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Mozambique.

Rental car companies are easy to find in larger cities like Maputo, Beira, or Pemba. Elsewhere, make arrangements with your hotel.

Plane

Local airline LAM operates most domestic flights in Mozambique. There are regular connections from the capital Maputo to other cities in the country, some of them daily.

Public Transportation

"Chapas" are a sort of local bus used as public transportation within most cities in Mozambique.

Taxis only work between the airport and hotels and you'll need to negotiate a fare with the driver.

Trains

There is only one train that connects Nampula to Cuamba, twice a day. The ride is slow but reasonably comfortable, and most travelers choose it over driving because of the experience.

Bus

Long-distance buses in Mozambique are known as "autocarros" or "machibombo" and they connect the larger towns and cities at least once a day.

In most cases, there isn't a central bus station, so the buses depart from the beginning of the road leading to your destination or the garage of the bus company.

Car

You'll need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Mozambique.

Rental car companies are easy to find in larger cities like Maputo, Beira, or Pemba. Elsewhere, make arrangements with your hotel.

Plane

Local airline LAM operates most domestic flights in Mozambique. There are regular connections from the capital Maputo to other cities in the country, some of them daily.

Best car rental deals in Mozambique

Pickup truck

5 Adults, 2 Bags

$139/day

Pickup truck
Find car rentals in Mozambique

The Cost of Living in Mozambique

Credit cards are accepted in large chain hotels and most car rental companies, but expect to pay in cash elsewhere. ATMs are widely available in larger towns. A one-way ticket on local transportation costs approximately 12 MZN (0.20 USD). Groceries cost about 1500 MZN (24 USD).

Everything you need to know for your stay in Mozambique

Popular cities in Mozambique

Maputo