Mozambique, Mozambique - Travel Guide

Mozambique offers stunning Indian Ocean coastline with pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs perfect for diving, and a rich blend of African, Portuguese, and Arab cultures. It's an adventurer's paradise with untapped natural beauty and unique experiences.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay10 days

Budget$50/day

Mid-range$100/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

MaputoEast AfricaIndian OceanPortuguese-speakingSouthern Africa

🇲🇿 Country Information: Mozambique

CapitalMaputo

CurrencyMozambican metical (MT)

Language Portuguese , Makhuwa, Tsonga, Sena, Lomwe, Chuabo, Ndau

Phone Code+258

Electricity220V (Type C, F, M)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in local restaurants and for taxis, but it is appreciated in tourist
oriented establishments (10
15%)
For tour guides, around 5
10 USD per day is appropriate

Money & Payments

ATMs are available in major cities but less so in rural areas
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases
It is advisable to bring some US dollars or South African Rand for exchange
There is a small black market for cash, but it is not recommended due to safety concerns and unfavorable rates

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
Politeness and respect are highly valued
It is customary to greet people with a handshake
Eating with your right hand is common, especially when eating traditional dishes

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Homosexuality is decriminalized, but LGBTQ+ individuals may still face discrimination and lack legal protections.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, and possession of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

Photography of government buildings or military installations is prohibited
It is illegal to buy or possess unpolished gemstones

Common Phrases

NoNão (NOWNG)

YesSim (SING)

HelloOlá (oh-LAH)

PleasePor favor (poor fah-VOR)

Thank youObrigado/Obrigada (oh-bree-GAH-doo/oh-bree-GAH-dah)

Climate

General climate classification for Mozambique, recognizing the long coastline and inland areas.

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Hot season: Nov
Apr
Cold season: May
Oct
Cyclone season: Nov
Apr
Floods: Dec
Mar (especially in central and southern regions)

Getting There

Fly into Maputo International Airport (MPM), direct flights from Lisbon, Johannesburg, and other regional hubs
Visa required for most nationalities, obtain in advance or on arrival depending on citizenship

Getting Around

Chapa (minibus taxis) are common for local travel in cities and between towns
Taxis are available in major cities but agree on fare beforehand
No major ride
sharing apps like Uber or Bolt widely available
Dhows (traditional boats) for island hopping and coastal travel

Health & Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccine recommended
Malaria prophylaxis strongly advised for most areas
Hepatitis A/B, Tetanus, Typhoid vaccines are generally recommended
Carry anti
diarrhea medication and a basic first
aid kit

Staying Connected

eSIM availability is limited
Local physical SIM cards (e
g
, Vodacom, Movitel) are more reliable
Check with providers like Airalo or Nomad for expanding coverage, but don't rely solely on eSIM here

Local Cuisine

Piri-Piri Chicken (or Piripiri) must_try

An iconic Mozambican dish featuring chicken marinated in a spicy mixture of piri-piri chillies, garlic, lemon, vinegar, and herbs. It has an intense a

Matapa regional_speciality

A traditional stew made with finely chopped cassava leaves, cooked down in coconut milk and crushed groundnuts (peanuts). It is often served with rice

Xima / Nsima (or Ugali) must_try

A staple food throughout Mozambique, this is a thick porridge made from maize (corn) flour cooked in water until it reaches a firm consistency. Its ne

Bolo Polana dessert

A traditional dessert named after the Polana suburb of Maputo, typically served for special occasions. It is made with mashed potato and powdered cash

Caril de Camarão fusion

A flavorful shrimp curry that showcases the fusion of African, Portuguese, and Indian culinary influences. The dish features fresh shrimp in a creamy

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Luxury Beach/Safari Accommodation (e.g., Benguerra Island Lodges) Accommodation

Book 2–6 months in advance, especially for peak season.

The most desirable and limited-capacity lodges (especially on islands like Benguerra) and safari camps sell out far in advance, particularly during the dry/peak season.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) logistics_other

Apply at least 1 week before travel.

Visa-exempt travelers must obtain this authorization at least 48 hours before departure to be allowed entry for tourism or business up to 30 days.

Fun Facts

1. Mozambique is the only country in the world whose flag features a modern assault rifle, specifically an AK-47, which symbolizes defense and vigilance in the struggle for independence.
2. The nation's official slogan, "A luta continua\!" ("The struggle continues\!"), originated during the fight for liberation and is still used by activist movements today.
3. Mozambique has an incredibly young population, with approximately 45% of its citizens being under the age of 15.
4. Despite Portuguese being the official language, the country is a "linguist's dream" with over 40 indigenous languages spoken across the nation.

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