Mozambique Travel Guide
Complete 2026 Destination Guide
Pristine Indian Ocean Paradise — Turquoise Waters & Barefoot Luxury
Mozambique is Africa's Indian Ocean paradise — 2,500 km of pristine coastline, turquoise waters, and the magical Bazaruto Archipelago create the perfect beach extension to any Southern African safari. The Bazaruto islands offer world-class snorkelling and diving with manta rays, whale sharks, and dugongs, while the mainland's Gorongosa National Park has been called "Africa's greatest wildlife restoration story." From barefoot luxury island lodges to the Portuguese-influenced cuisine of Maputo and the historical charm of Ilha de Moçambique, Mozambique combines relaxation, adventure, and culture in a way no other African destination can match.
Top Things to Do in Mozambique
From world-famous wildlife spectacles to hidden gems — these are the experiences that make Mozambique unforgettable.
Bazaruto Archipelago Island Escape
Crystal-clear waters, pristine white sand, and some of the Indian Ocean's best snorkelling and diving — the Bazaruto islands are East Africa's Maldives.
Whale Shark & Manta Ray Diving
Swim alongside the world's largest fish and graceful manta rays — Tofo Beach is one of the planet's most reliable spots for these gentle giants.
Gorongosa National Park Safari
Africa's greatest conservation comeback story — a once-devastated park now teeming with lions, elephants, and over 500 bird species.
Dhow Sailing & Seafood Feast
Sail on a traditional dhow through turquoise waters to a deserted sandbar, then feast on freshly caught seafood prepared over an open fire.
Ilha de Moçambique Heritage
A UNESCO World Heritage island — centuries of Portuguese, Arab, and African influence create a fascinating architectural and cultural melting pot.
Deep-Sea Game Fishing
World-class marlin, sailfish, and tuna fishing in the Mozambique Channel — some of the best big-game fishing waters in the world.
Mozambique Safari Packages
Expert-crafted itineraries combining the best lodges, guides, and seasonal timing. All packages are fully customisable.
Best Lodges & Camps in Mozambique
Hand-picked accommodations from ultra-luxury to premium — each one vetted and approved by our safari specialists.
Barefoot luxury on a castaway island
Where luxury meets conservation
Gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago
Iconic Wildlife of Mozambique
What you can expect to see — and where to find them.
Whale Shark
Tofo Beach is one of the world's most reliable places to swim with whale sharks — these gentle giants can reach 12 metres in length.
Manta Ray
Giant oceanic manta rays with wingspans of up to 7 metres glide through Mozambique's warm waters — an awe-inspiring diving experience.
Dugong
The Bazaruto Archipelago hosts one of the last viable populations of dugongs in the Indian Ocean — these gentle sea cows are critically endangered.
African Elephant
Gorongosa's elephant population has recovered dramatically — from near-extinction to over 600 elephants in a remarkable conservation success.
African Lion
Lions were reintroduced to Gorongosa and are thriving — watch them on game drives through this incredible conservation comeback park.
Humpback Whale
Humpback whales migrate through Mozambique's waters from June to November — spectacular breaching displays from island lodge viewpoints.
When to Visit Mozambique
Every season offers something unique. Here's what to expect throughout the year.
Dry Season
April – November
Warm & dry, 20–30°C. Perfect beach weather.
- Best diving visibility (20m+)
- Humpback whale season (Jun–Nov)
- Comfortable temperatures
Whale Shark Season
October – March
Hot & humid, 25–35°C.
- Whale sharks at Tofo Beach
- Manta ray encounters
- Warm water diving
Green/Wet Season
December – March
Hot & humid, 25–35°C. Afternoon storms.
- Game fishing at its best
- Tropical fruit in season
- Lowest lodge rates
Winter
June – August
Mild, 18–26°C. Dry and pleasant.
- Humpback whales arrive
- Best overall conditions
- Peak season for island escapes
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
More Travel Guides
Ready for Mozambique?
Let our Mozambique specialists handle every detail — from flights and visas to lodges and game drives.