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Ponta do Ouro - Mozambique
Ponta do Ouro
Located just 15 minutes from the South African border at Kosi Bay, the town of Ponta do Ouro is the most convenient option for those wanting to visit both countries.

Ponta do Ouro

Located just 15 minutes from the South African border at Kosi Bay, the town of Ponta do Ouro is the most...

Ibo Island - Mozambique
Ibo Island
Ibo is one of the Quirimbas Islands in the Indian Ocean off northern Mozambique.

Ibo Island

Ibo is one of the Quirimbas Islands in the Indian Ocean off northern Mozambique.

10 Best Places to Visit in Mozambique
Mozambique flag

Mozambique Travel Information

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Key facts

Capital:

Maputo

Location:

Southeastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel, between South Africa and Tanzania

Currency:

meticais (MZM)

Area:

799,380 sq km

Population:

30,888,034 (July 2021 est.)

Languages:

Makhuwa 26.1%, Portuguese (official) 16.6%, Tsonga 8.6%, Nyanja 8.1, Sena 7.1%, Lomwe 7.1%, Chuwabo 4.7%, Ndau 3.8%, Tswa 3.8%, other Mozambican languages 11.8%, other 0.5%, unspecified 1.8% (2017 est.)

Religion:

Roman Catholic 27.2%, Muslim 18.9%, Zionist Christian 15.6%, Evangelical/Pentecostal 15.3%, Anglican 1.7%, other 4.8%, none 13.9%, unspecified 2.5% (2017 est.)

TimeZone:

UTC+2

Tel Code:

+258

Things to Do

  • 1. Scuba Diving in Bazaruto Archipelago

    Explore the colorful coral reefs and vibrant marine life while scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a truly unique underwater experience.

  • 2. Swim with Dolphins in Ponta do Ouro

    Get up close and personal with playful dolphins in Ponta do Ouro. Join a guided tour and swim alongside these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

  • 3. Explore Gorongosa National Park

    Embark on a thrilling safari adventure in Gorongosa National Park. Discover diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and hippos, as you explore this stunning conservation area.

  • 4. Dhow Cruise in Quirimbas Archipelago

    Sail on a traditional dhow boat through the picturesque Quirimbas Archipelago. Enjoy breathtaking views, pristine beaches, and snorkeling opportunities in this tropical paradise.

  • 5. Visit the Island of Mozambique

    Step back in time and explore the historic Island of Mozambique. Discover ancient forts, bustling markets, and stunning colonial architecture in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • 6. Hike Mount Namuli

    Challenge yourself with a hike up Mount Namuli, Mozambique's second-highest peak. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and immerse yourself in nature.

  • 7. Visit the Gorongosa Mountain Range

    Explore the scenic beauty of the Gorongosa Mountain Range. Trek through lush forests, discover hidden waterfalls, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding plains.

  • 8. Relax on Vilanculos Beach

    Unwind on the pristine shores of Vilanculos Beach. With its turquoise waters, soft white sand, and tranquil atmosphere, it's the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.

  • 9. Explore Pemba

    Discover the vibrant city of Pemba, Mozambique's third-largest city. Explore bustling markets, admire colonial architecture, and indulge in delicious local cuisine.

  • 10. Visit the Quirimbas National Park

    Experience the untouched beauty of Quirimbas National Park. Go on guided nature walks, spot rare bird species, and relax on remote and secluded beaches.

Weather

Climate

Mozambique has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the rainy season from October to March and the dry season from April to September. The coastal areas experience high humidity and temperatures averaging in the high 30s to low 40s Celsius (high 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit), while the interior experiences a more arid climate with temperatures averaging in the high 30s to low 40s Celsius (high 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit).

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Mozambique is from May to November, during the dry season. During this time, the weather is sunny and dry, making it ideal for beach and wildlife activities. The rainy season can still be enjoyable, but some areas may experience heavy rainfall and flooding, making travel more difficult.

Visas

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

COVID Status

I am vaccinated 
Mozambique Closed
Test
Required
Quarantine
Not required

Check Visa Requirements

      Accommodation

      Hotels and Resorts

      Mozambique offers a variety of hotels and resorts for travelers, ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options. Many of these accommodations are located along the coastline, offering stunning views of the ocean and easy access to beaches. Some hotels and resorts also offer activities such as diving, snorkeling, and water sports.

      Guesthouses and B&Bs

      For a more local and intimate experience, guests can opt to stay in a guesthouse or bed and breakfast (B&B). These accommodations are often owned and operated by local families, providing a unique cultural experience and an opportunity to learn about the local community.

      Camping and Glamping

      For those who enjoy the outdoors, Mozambique also offers camping and glamping options. These accommodations range from tents and camping sites to luxury tents and treehouses. They are often located in wildlife reserves, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature activities.

      Vacation Rentals

      For larger groups or families, vacation rentals such as villas, apartments, and private homes can also be found in Mozambique. These accommodations provide more space, privacy, and the comforts of home, making them a popular option for extended stays or family vacations.

      Transportation

      Domestic Flights

      Mozambique has several domestic airlines that offer flights between the major cities and tourist destinations within the country. This is a convenient option for those who want to save time and travel quickly between destinations.

      Buses and Taxis

      For ground transportation, buses and taxis are widely available in the larger cities and towns of Mozambique. Bus services connect the major cities and tourist destinations, while taxis offer a more flexible and personal mode of transportation.

      Rental Cars

      For those who prefer more independence, rental cars can also be rented in Mozambique. This option is especially convenient for travelers who want to explore the country at their own pace. However, it's important to note that driving conditions and road infrastructure in some areas can be challenging, so a good level of driving experience is recommended.

      Ferries and Boats

      For those traveling to the coastal islands or along the waterways, ferries and boats are also available. This is a convenient way to reach some of the more remote destinations in Mozambique and to enjoy the scenic beauty of the coastline and islands.

      Money

      Money Tips for Travel

      • Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
      • Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
      • Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
      • Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
      • Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
      • Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
      • Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
      • Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
      • NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
      • Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

      ATM and Credit Cards

      • Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
      • Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
      • Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
      • Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
      • Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
      • Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

      Exchange Rates

      • Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
      • Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
      • Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
      • Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
      • Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

      Insurance

      Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

      Medical Coverage

      Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

      Trip Cancellation and Interruption

      Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

      Lost or Stolen Luggage

      Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

      Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

      Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

      Liability coverage

      Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

      Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

      Mobile

      When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

      eSIM

      Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

      Dual SIM phone

      If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

      Extend your home plan

      Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

      Keep your primary SIM

      With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

      Community

      There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

      Facebook groups

      There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

      Meetup

      Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

      Internations

      Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

      Couchsurfing

      Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

      Reddit

      Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

      Linkedin

      LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

      At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.