Mozambique Safaris, Tours & Holidays

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Mozambique Safaris, Tours & Holidays

Mozambique is a southern African nation whose long Indian Ocean coastline is dotted with popular beaches like Tofo, as well as offshore marine parks. In the Quirimbas Archipelago, a 250 km stretch of coral islands, mangrove-covered Ibo Island has colonial-era ruins surviving from a period of Portuguese rule. The Bazaruto Archipelago farther south has reefs that protect rare marine life including dugongs.

Water sports enthusiasts including scuba divers, snorkelers, sailors, fishermen, kite surfers, and boatmen will love the Bazaruto Archipelago as an island destination where the coral reefs and marine species are the main attractions. Luxurious villas on the shorelines offer accommodation for honeymoon couples, families, and groups of friends.

The Quirimbas Archipelago off the northern coast at Pemba is more remote and uninhabited than Bazaruto – find a picturesque holiday destination way off the beaten track where the dugongs and whales play. Tiny islands offer sumptuous Mozambique beach lodges and water-related activities. Ilha de Mozambique and Ibo Island offer a cultural experience second to none.

In Central Mozambique, find the game reserves of Gorongosa and Niassa where elephants and lions, antelope, and zebras have made their home – get closer to nature than ever before! Cahora Bassa dam is a great destination for fishermen and campers, a man-made lake and water resource in central Africa.

Swim with the dolphins at Ponto do Ouro and ride a horse on the extensive beach at Ponto Mamoli at sunset. Divers stay at backpacker lodges at Tofo and Barra for days spent underwater watching Manta Rays and whale sharks. Families with children will love the warm lagoons at Bilene while honeymoon couples will seek out the more remote destinations, be they island or mainland Mozambique beach resorts.

How to get to Mozambique

Travelers traveling to Mozambique should consider flying to South Africa and then take connecting flights to Maputo International Airport also known as Mavalane International Airport, formerly Lourenço Marques Airport, (IATA: LUM) located 3 kilometers (1.9 mi) northwest of the center of Maputo, the largest city and capital of Mozambique.

Passport, Visa, and Entry Requirements for Mozambique

All visitors to Mozambique must possess a passport valid for at least six months after their departure from the country. Visas are required by everyone except citizens of South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, and Swaziland and can be bought at most borders for between the US $35 and the US $80 depending on your nationality. However, due to recent reports of visitors being refused this service, we strongly advise you to obtain your visas in advance from your nearest Mozambican Embassy.

The health sector of Mozambique

While Mozambique might seem an idyllic paradise for holidaymakers, the country struggles with high levels of poverty and infrastructural issues which facilitate the spread of disease. The public healthcare system in Mozambique is basic and limited. Expats are not entitled to public healthcare so are forced to rely on a handful of private healthcare facilities, most of which are found in Maputo. Most ex-pats, as well as wealthier local people, opt to travel to South Africa for elective procedures.

So travelers must purchase travel and medical insurance from their home country before traveling to Mozambique or contact wilderness explorers in Africa for more information before traveling.

See our popular safaris to Mozambique

Currency of Mozambique

Mozambique’s official currency is the Metical (plural Meticais) but if you’re traveling in southern Mozambique both the South African Rand and US Dollar are widely accepted. In the north, it’s best to carry dollars. If you want to use a foreign currency instead of Meticais when souvenir shopping at markets and craft shops then we’d recommend that you bring small denomination notes.

Most hotels and lodges have credit card facilities but there are a couple of exceptions so be on the safe side and check with your Africa Safari Expert before you travel.

Official Language of Mozambique

Portuguese is the official language, although this is generally only spoken by the more educated amongst Mozambique’s population. Besides this, more than 60 different dialects of Bantu languages can be found in Mozambique. English is generally spoken in hotels and beach lodges.

Best time to travel to Mozambique

June to October is the dry season, with often perfect tropical weather: clear skies, plenty of sun, and almost no rain. This is the best time for most people to visit Mozambique.

What to wear in Mozambique

Conservative and professional dress is extremely important in Mozambique and is considered an outward sign of respect given to and expected from others. Volunteers are expected to dress appropriately, including being clean and professional, whether in training, traveling, in their communities, tourism attractions except at beach resorts you may dress the way you like.

See our longer Mozambique Holidays

What to bring for a safari in Mozambique

Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year for a Mozambique holiday. If you are visiting Mozambique for a beach holiday, pack plenty of light cotton tops and shorts, as well as a hat, sunglasses, beach sandals, and a pair of comfortable walking shoes.

If you are planning on taking lots of photographs, be sure to pack extra memory cards and batteries for your camera as these are difficult to find in Mozambique and very expensive if you do manage to get hold of them.

For the evenings – or if you are going on safari in combination with Mozambique – pack long-sleeved clothing to protect against mosquitoes and a fleece or jacket for winter game drives.

Car hire and Driving in Mozambique

Driving in Mozambique can be a rewarding adventure if you prepare yourself ahead of time. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road.

Those who are looking for self-drive in Mozambique should ensure they take a local driver along as the country’s safety has never been consistent and the lack of English in rural areas can result in hustle in case of mechanical issues.

Tipping while on safari in Mozambique

A 20% tip for service in most Mozambique restaurants is standard. Tipping tour guides is at your discretion and depends on the size of your group and the level of service you feel you’ve received.

For in-depth tipping guidelines, enquire with one of our Africa Safari Experts – they’d be happy to share their knowledge with you.

Further information for Mozambique

Mozambique is one of the best places for diving in the world and travelers must consider combing Mozambique with a South African safari.

Safety of Mozambique

Most visits to Mozambique are trouble-free, but street crime, sometimes involving knives and firearms is common in Maputo and increasing in other cities and tourist destinations, there are some areas in cities that are more dangerous; seek local advice. Be vigilant at all times.

And with the inconsistent security situation in Mozambique travelers are advised to contact Wilderness Explorers Africa before traveling to Mozambique.

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