Mozambique Travel Guide

To ensure an unforgettable visit to Mozambique, take advantage of our on-the-ground expertise honed by years of experience in curating travel to southern Africa. Whether you’re looking for a fly-and-flop holiday, or an African adventure that includes the vibrant capital of Mozambique, our bespoke packages promise an authentic African experience. Get in touch to find out more.

Since Mozambique reopened to international tourism in the 1990s, the country has seen steady investment into its hospitality offering, with the result that you’ll find hotels and lodges along the length of its 2500-kilometre coastline offering international standards of luxury. 

While smaller campsites and rustic lodges still appeal to the large numbers of overlanders that visit the country each year, in the upscale island and coastal hotels international travellers can look forward to five-star comfort in an unforgettable setting. 

The diversity of properties is a key selling point, ranging from boutique hotels with just a handful of suites, to larger resort-style destinations with an array of services and entertainment on offer. This is perhaps most evident in the remarkable Bazaruto Archipelago, where idyllic lodges on the islands and mainland offer the last word in coastal escapism. In the capital, Maputo, travellers will find both international branded hotels as well as luxurious boutique properties with a rich history and heritage.

The local currency in Mozambique is the metical (plural: meticais), which is divided into 100 centavos.  However, there is often no need for travellers to exchange foreign currency for meticais. 

Hotels and lodges accept payment in major foreign currencies, and even informal traders in local markets will accept US dollars (USD1:MZN58) or South African Rands (ZAR1:MZN:3.76). Undamaged bills in small denominations are preferred.  

If you prefer to use local currency, cashpoint machines are available in major towns and cities, but may not operate 24 hours a day. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most upmarket hotels and lodges. However, American Express and Diners Club cards might not be accepted and, if so, may incur a significant surcharge.  

Tipping in bars and restaurants is at your discretion, but is generally expected unless you have received particularly poor service. A gratuity of between 10-15% of the bill is acceptable, and can be left in cash or added to the bill.

Mozambique operates on a 230V (50Hz) electrical system. For travellers from Europe, Australia and most of Asia this rarely poses a problem, but it is considerably higher voltage than the 110V used in the United States. Confirm that your appliances are multi-voltage before departure, or consider bringing an adapter/converter. 

The most common plug type in Mozambique is a Type ‘C’ 2-prong plug with two round pins. Type ‘F’ plugs – with two round pins and two earth clips on either side – may also be found. Luxury hotels and lodges will usually be able to provide plug adapters, on request.

Despite its chequered history of colonialism and civil war, Mozambique is considered one of the safest countries to visit in southern Africa. And, with visitors spending most of their time enjoying the luxury and serenity of their island lodge or resort, the chances of travellers falling victim to crime is extremely small.  

However, petty theft can occur, and when exploring towns and cities – particularly in crowded locations such as souvenir markets – it is essential to show some caution when it comes to personal safety. Leave non-essential valuables in your hotel safe, and be vigilant with personal belongings including handbags and cameras. Avoid displaying jewellery or large sums of cash in public. 

In rural areas little English may be spoken by the locals, so if you wish to explore nearby villages and markets ask a staff member from the hotel to accompany you as guide/translator.

With a coastline stretching for more than 2000 kilometres, travellers could happily spend weeks meandering across Mozambique. But with so much else to discover in southern Africa, most travellers to Mozambique find that a seven-day itinerary is sufficient to soak up the country’s idyllic coastal scenery. If you’d like to include a safari in Gorongosa National Park, or a few days exploring the vibrant streets of Maputo, a 10-day itinerary is recommended. 

With the exception of 10 South and East African nations all visitors to Mozambique require a visa to enter the country for tourism. While obtaining a visa prior to departure is recommended, travellers may purchase a visa on arrival. 

Further, your passport or travel document should be valid for no less than six months after the intended date of departure, and must have at least three blank pages for entry/departure endorsements. Failure to comply may result in entry to the country being denied.

Malaria is widespread throughout Mozambique and anti-malarial medication is recommended year-round. Consult your travel doctor at least three weeks before departure. 

While vaccinations against polio and tetanus are recommended for travellers visiting remote regions, no inoculations are required to enter Mozambique. However, travellers arriving from a Yellow Fever region must produce a certificate of prior vaccination on arrival.

Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access is available in most hotels and lodges across Mozambique. Mobile connectivity is available in major towns and cities, but coverage will be limited or non-existent between towns and in remote national parks.