Mozambique
The Bazaruto Archipelago has some of the clearest water in the Indian Ocean, Tofo's reefs draw whale sharks and manta rays, and the coral-stone streets of Ilha de Moçambique recall four centuries as a Portuguese trading hub. Inland, Gorongosa National Park is midway through one of Africa's great conservation comebacks.
Overview
Mozambique's coastline runs for nearly 2,500 km, and most trips focus on one stretch of it. The south is the easiest: Ponta do Ouro's dolphins lie just south of Maputo, and the EN1 highway runs north to Tofo's diving, Inhambane's old port and Vilankulo, the jumping-off point for the Bazaruto Archipelago. The centre has Gorongosa National Park and the port of Beira. The north, a long flight away, holds Ilha de Moçambique and the remote shores of Lake Niassa. Given the distances, most visitors either travel the south by road or fly between two or three bases.
Food is cheap and good, from piri-piri chicken to fresh prawns and Portuguese-style bread rolls, but beach lodges are priced for South African and international visitors, and the Bazaruto islands are firmly luxury. Overland travel by chapa minibus is slow, crowded and starts before dawn. Portuguese is far more useful than English. December, January and Easter bring South African holidaymakers to the southern beaches, while rain and cyclone risk peak from January to March. It suits divers, beach lovers and overlanders who enjoy a slower, less polished side of Africa.
Map of Mozambique
Top 5 highlights
- 1Beach
Bazaruto Archipelago
A national park of islands off Vilankulo, with towering dunes, turquoise sandbanks and reefs. Dhow trips from the mainland visit for snorkelling, and the park shelters the last viable dugong population on Africa's east coast.
- 2History
Ilha de Moçambique
A small coral island linked to the mainland by a long, single-lane bridge, and capital of Portuguese East Africa until 1898. Its UNESCO-listed Stone Town of churches, mansions and the 16th-century Fortress of São Sebastião contrasts with thatched Macuti Town.
- 3Wildlife
Gorongosa National Park
Its wildlife was devastated by civil war, but Gorongosa has rebounded since a restoration project began in the 2000s: elephants, lions, huge herds of waterbuck and reintroduced wild dogs now roam the floodplains below Mount Gorongosa.
- 4Adventure
Tofo
A laid-back surf and dive village near Inhambane, known for ocean safaris with whale sharks and for giant manta ray cleaning stations on its reefs; humpback whales pass offshore from about June to October.
- 5Wildlife
Ponta do Ouro and Maputo National Park
Just north of the South African border, Ponta do Ouro offers dolphin swims and diving in the marine section of Maputo National Park, which also protects elephants and coastal lakes; loggerhead and leatherback turtles nest on its beaches from about November to February.
Biggest cities
Maputo
A relaxed capital of jacaranda-lined avenues, modernist buildings and a grand domed railway station; buy prawns at the Mercado do Peixe to have them grilled, and hear marrabenta in the bars.
Nampula
The north's commercial hub, with a good ethnographic museum and a large cathedral; most travellers stop overnight on the way to Ilha de Moçambique, about three hours east.
Beira
A major port still recovering from Cyclone Idai in 2019; few linger, but its Portuguese-era buildings and the ruined Grande Hotel are worth a look en route to Gorongosa.
Maputo's figure includes Matola and the neighbouring districts that form Greater Maputo; counted alone, Matola would rank as the second-largest city. Figures are based on the 2017 census.
When to go to Mozambique
Best time: May–Nov.
Average climate in Maputo
Festivals & events
- FebFestival Marrabenta
Each February Maputo and the surrounding province celebrate marrabenta, the country's signature guitar-driven dance music, with concerts that often include a trip to Marracuene, its birthplace.
- MayAZGO Festival
Maputo's biggest music and arts festival brings artists from across southern Africa and the Portuguese-speaking world to the capital for several days of concerts, usually in May.
How much does Mozambique cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Piri-piri chicken
Chicken marinated in fiery piri-piri chilli, garlic and lemon, then grilled over charcoal; Mozambique's Afro-Portuguese signature, served with chips or rice.
Matapa
Cassava leaves pounded and slow-cooked with ground peanuts and coconut milk, often with crab or prawns, and served with rice or xima, the local maize porridge.
Camarão grelhado
Mozambique's big, sweet prawns grilled with garlic and piri-piri butter and eaten with your fingers, ideally at Maputo's fish market, where a stall cooks what you buy.
Getting around
Distances are huge, with Ilha de Moçambique well over 2,000 km from Maputo by road, so LAM's domestic flights between Maputo, Vilankulo, Beira, Nampula and Pemba save days. In the south, chapas (minibuses) and larger buses run along the EN1, leaving very early. Dhows and boats reach the islands, and a 4x4 is needed for sandy coastal tracks and parks. Agree taxi fares before getting in.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- CFM220V — bring a UK-to-C/F/M adapter
- Emergency numbers
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +258
- Time zone
- UTC+2 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the left
- Tipping
- About 10% in restaurants is appreciated where service is not included; also tip guides, boat crews and the car guards who watch parked cars.
- Etiquette
- Greet people with 'bom dia' and a handshake before getting down to business, ask before photographing anyone, and never photograph police, soldiers, airports or government buildings.
- Main airports
- Maputo International Airport (MPM), Maputo; Vilankulo Airport (VNX), Vilankulo
Visas & entry for Mozambique
Shown for a British passport.
Apply online before you go (travel authorisation)
British passport holders must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to Mozambique for tourism or business visits of up to 30 days.
You can apply for an ETA through the official Mozambique eVisa portal at least 5 working days before you travel. You must pay online when you apply. You cannot pay on arrival at the border.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoid
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- DengueHepatitis BMeaslesRabiesTuberculosis
- Yellow fever certificate
- A yellow fever certificate is only required if you arrive from (or transit through) a country with yellow fever risk — not if you fly direct from the UK.
- Malaria
- High risk of malaria
- There is a high risk of malaria in Mozambique: antimalarial tablets recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Mozambique
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Family Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | International Fraternalism Day |
| Wed 3 Feb 2027 | Heroes' Day |
| Wed 7 Apr 2027 | Women's Day |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | International Workers' Day |
| Fri 25 Jun 2027 | National Independence Day |
| Tue 7 Sep 2027 | Victory Day |
| Sat 25 Sep 2027 | Armed Forces Day |
| Mon 4 Oct 2027 | Peace and Reconciliation Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Portuguese
| English | Portuguese | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Olá | oh-LAH |
| Thank you | Obrigado / Obrigada | oh-bree-GAH-doo / oh-bree-GAH-dah |
| Please | Por favor | poor fah-VOR |
| Excuse me | Com licença | kom lee-SEN-sah |
| How much is this? | Quanto custa? | KWAN-too KOOS-tah |
Know before you go
- Carry your passport, or a certified copy, at all times: police checks are common, especially along the EN1, and you may be asked to show it.
- If driving, carry two warning triangles and reflective vests, keep strictly to speed limits through villages, and avoid driving after dark.
- Malaria is present throughout Mozambique; see a travel clinic about antimalarials and vaccinations at least several weeks before you leave.
Mozambique travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Mozambique?
The best time to visit Mozambique is generally May–Nov. Peak months are May, June, July, August, September and October. Average highs in Maputo range from 25°C to 31°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Mozambique cost per day?
Roughly £45 a day on a tight budget, £110 mid-range and £280+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Mozambique?
Mozambican metical (MZN).
What plug type does Mozambique use?
Type C, F and M sockets at 220V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Mozambique?
Traffic drives on the left in Mozambique — the same as in the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Mozambique?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for Mozambique?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: British passport holders must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to Mozambique for tourism or business visits of up to 30 days. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Mozambique before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mozambique/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Mozambique?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid for most travellers, with Dengue, Hepatitis B, Measles, Rabies and Tuberculosis sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
