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.
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.
When to visit Mozambique
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.
Popular airports in Mozambique
Popular airlines serving 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
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.
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).