Mozambique Travel Information

Mozambique is a stunning country located in Southeast Africa, bordered by the Indian Ocean and Swaziland to the west. It is well known for its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. From scenic landscapes to cultural experiences, Mozambique has something for everyone. Here are the top 10 things to do in Mozambique:

1. Visit Ilha de Mozambique

Located off the coast of Nampula Province, Ilha de Mozambique is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the capital of Portuguese East Africa. Visitors can explore its colonial architecture and learn about its rich history as a center of trade and commerce.

2. Take a Boat Trip on the Zambezi River

The Zambezi River is one of the most iconic waterways in Africa and provides a great opportunity for boat trips and fishing expeditions. Visitors can take a sunset cruise or go on a multi-day fishing trip to see hippos, elephants, and other wildlife along the river.

3. Explore Gorongosa National Park

Located in the central region of Mozambique, Gorongosa National Park is one of the most diverse ecosystems in Africa. Visitors can go on a game drive to see a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, zebras, and buffalos.

4. Visit the Quirimbas Archipelago

The Quirimbas Archipelago is a chain of 32 islands located off the coast of northern Mozambique. Visitors can explore the pristine beaches and turquoise waters, go snorkeling or scuba diving to see vibrant coral reefs, and visit local villages to learn about the culture and traditions of the Makonde people.

5. Visit the Bazaruto Archipelago

Located off the coast of Inhambane Province, the Bazaruto Archipelago is a group of six islands known for their stunning beaches and clear waters. Visitors can go island-hopping, snorkeling or diving to see colorful coral reefs, and explore the rich marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and manta rays.

6. Visit the historical city of Maputo

Maputo is the capital and largest city of Mozambique and is known for its rich history, colonial architecture, and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore the city's museums, art galleries, and markets, as well as enjoy its nightlife, music, and cuisine.

7. Take a Wildlife Safari in Limpopo National Park

Limpopo National Park is located in the southern part of Mozambique and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalos. Visitors can go on a game drive or take a walking safari to see the animals in their natural habitats.

8. Visit the Historic Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Conceição

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Conceição is a historic church located in the town of Ilha de Mozambique. Visitors can admire its Gothic-style architecture and learn about its history as a center of Portuguese colonial power in Africa.

9. Explore the Archipelago of the Bazaruto and Quirimbas Marine National Parks

These two national parks protect some of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world and offer visitors a chance to see colorful coral reefs, rich marine life, and stunning beaches. Visitors can go snorkeling, diving, or island-hopping to explore the parks and discover the beauty of the Indian Ocean.

10. Experience the Culture and Traditions of the Maconde People

The Maconde people are an ethnic group located in northern Mozambique, known for their rich cultural heritage and traditional music and dance. Visitors can attend a performance of Maconde music and dance, learn about their customs and traditions, and visit local markets to purchase handmade crafts and textiles.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.