Mozambique Travel Guide
Pristine Indian Ocean Paradise — Turquoise Waters & Barefoot Luxury
Mozambique is Africa's beach paradise. The Bazaruto Archipelago offers world-class diving, whale sharks off Tofo Beach, and barefoot luxury lodges on pristine white sand. It's the perfect safari extension — combine Kruger or a Tanzanian safari with a few days of Indian Ocean bliss. The warmth of the Mozambican people and the fresh seafood will steal your heart.
Visa Requirements
Visa required — eVisa or visa on arrival
Apply for an eVisa at evisa.gov.mz or get a visa on arrival at main ports of entry. Single-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days.
💡 Tips
- •Apply for eVisa in advance to avoid border queues
- •Visa on arrival available at Maputo airport and main land borders
- •Passport must be valid 6+ months with 2+ blank pages
- •Carry printed accommodation confirmations
Vaccinations & Health
⚠️ Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever (if arriving from endemic area)
💡 Recommended Vaccinations
🦟 Malaria Information
Malaria risk throughout Mozambique including coastal areas and Bazaruto. Prophylaxis essential year-round.
💡 Tips
- •Malaria prophylaxis is essential — risk is year-round
- •Coastal areas have high mosquito activity
- •Use DEET repellent and sleep under nets
- •Island resorts provide mosquito management but prophylaxis still needed
Currency & Money
🏧 ATMs
Available in Maputo, Vilankulo, and Inhambane. Limited elsewhere.
💳 Cards
Visa accepted at resorts and hotels. Cash for markets and local restaurants.
💡 Tips
- •USD and South African Rand accepted at most resorts
- •Carry cash for local restaurants and markets
- •ATMs have low withdrawal limits — plan ahead
- •Island resorts are often all-inclusive, reducing cash needs
Tipping Guide
Tipping is appreciated and important for local staff earning modest wages.
🦁 Safari Guide & Staff
$5–10 per day for activity guides (diving, snorkelling, dhow trips).
🍽️ Restaurants
10% for good service.
🚗 Transfers & Porters
$5 for drivers. $2 per bag for porters.
💡 Tips
- •USD or ZAR preferred at resorts for tips
- •Dive guides and boat captains appreciate generous tips
- •All-inclusive resorts: tip at the end of your stay
Safety
Tourist areas (Bazaruto, Tofo, Vilankulo, Maputo) are safe. Avoid the northern Cabo Delgado province. The south is the tourism hub and well-managed.
💡 Tips
- •Southern Mozambique (Inhambane, Bazaruto, Maputo) is safe for tourists
- •Avoid Cabo Delgado province in the far north (insurgency)
- •Use resort-arranged transfers rather than freelance
- •Road quality can be poor — fly to island destinations
- •Petty theft can occur — keep valuables secure
Travel Insurance
Essential — medical facilities are very limited outside Maputo. Evacuation to South Africa is standard for serious conditions.
Must-Have Coverage:
- ✓Medical evacuation to South Africa
- ✓Scuba diving coverage (check depth limits)
- ✓Emergency medical treatment
- ✓Trip cancellation coverage
- ✓Water sports coverage
💡 Tips
- •Nearest quality medical facility is Johannesburg
- •Ensure diving cover for the depths you plan (30m+ requires special cover)
- •Charter flights to islands mean luggage limits — pack light
Language
Official Languages
Portuguese is the official language. English is spoken at resorts and by dive operators. French and Swahili in some areas.
Useful Phrases
Getting There
✈️ Airlines Serving Mozambique
💡 Tips
- •Most visitors fly to Vilankulo (VNX) for the Bazaruto Archipelago
- •Maputo is reachable by road from South Africa (4 hours from Nelspruit)
- •Charter flights from Vilankulo to island resorts take 15–30 minutes
- •Combine with Kruger — the parks are just across the border
Packing List
Beach & Diving
- ☐Reef-safe sunscreen
- ☐Rash guard/wetsuit
- ☐Water shoes
- ☐Waterproof phone case
- ☐Snorkel gear (or rent at resort)
Clothing
- ☐Light, breathable resort wear
- ☐Cover-ups for town visits
- ☐Flip-flops and beach sandals
- ☐One smart outfit for resort dinners
- ☐Light rain jacket
Essentials
- ☐Insect repellent (DEET)
- ☐Malaria prophylaxis
- ☐Underwater camera
- ☐Power adapter (European 2-pin)
- ☐Cash in USD/ZAR
Documents
- ☐Passport (valid 6+ months)
- ☐Printed eVisa
- ☐Travel insurance (with diving cover)
- ☐Resort confirmation
- ☐Dive certification card (PADI/SSI)
Emergency Contacts
Mozambique FAQs
Mozambique Safari Packages
More Travel Guides
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