Mozambique essential info
Lapped by the turquoise Indian Ocean, resurging Mozambique offers beautiful beaches, succulent seafood and big game parks on the up
Travel in Mozambique: vital statistics
- Capital of Mozambique: Maputo
- Population of Mozambique: 21 million
- Languages in Mozambique: Portuguese plus more than 10 African languages
- Time in Mozambique: GMT + 2
- International dialing code in Mozambique: + 258
- Voltage in Mozambique: 220 AC, 50 Hz
- Visas for Mozambique: Mozambique visa
- Money in Mozambique: Mozambique metical (MTC). US dollars are widely accepted. There are ATMs and banks in all major cities; there are no banks in rural areas and on the islands.
- Mozambique travel advice: Foreign & Commonwealth Office
- Mozambique tourist board: Mozambique Tourism
When to go to Mozambique
The best time to visit is May to October, when it’s dry and temperatures are at their lowest. You can travel from November to January, but temperatures and humidity are considerably higher.
Avoid the height of the rainy season – February to April – as many roads become impassable. Also, resorts in the south are often overcrowded around Easter, Christmas and South African school holidays.
International airport
Maputo (MPM) 3km from the city; Beira (BEW) 13km from the city; Nampula (APL) 4km from the city.
Getting around in Mozambique
Distances are huge, so flying is the best option unless you have unlimited time. Frequent flights connect the major cities. Machibombo (coaches) run between major towns at least daily. Away from main routes, use chapa (converted lorries or minibuses) to get around. Both leave early in the morning and stop frequently. Cars can be hired in Maputo, Nampula and Beira.
Mozambique accommodation
Tourism in Mozambique is still developing and there are few Western-style hotels, particularly outside the established tourist destinations on the coast. Standards are not high but the prices can be. Look for signs that say pensăo (guesthouse), pousada (inn) complexo turistico (tourist compound), boma (camping pitch) and barraca (bivouac you can camp under).
Mozambique food & drink
Staples such as rice, cassava-based bread and chicken are often spiced with piri-piri (hot chilli sauce). Seafood is excellent – especially prawns and fresh fish. The local beers are 2M and Laurentina.
Health & safety in Mozambique
Ensure you’re immunised against typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A and B. Malaria is endemic; consult your doctor about the recommended prophylaxis. Drink purified water.