Mozambique Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Maputo.

Geography:

Mozambique borders Tanzania to the north, Zambia and Malawi to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, and South Africa and Swaziland to the southwest. To the east lies the Indian Ocean and a coastline of nearly 2,500km (1,550 miles) with beaches bordered by lagoons, coral reefs and strings of islands. Behind the coastline, a vast low plateau rising towards mountains in the west and north accounts for nearly half the area of Mozambique. The landscape of the plateau is savannah - more or less dry and open woodlands with tracts of short grass steppe.

The western and northern highlands are patched with forest. The Zambezi is the largest and most important of the 25 main rivers which flow through Mozambique into the Indian Ocean. The major concentrations of population (comprising many different ethnic groups) are along the coast and in the fertile and relatively productive river valleys, notably in Zambezia and Gaza provinces.

The Makua-Lomwe, who belong to the Central Bantu, live mainly in the area north of Zambezia, Nampula, Niassa and Cabo Delgado provinces. The Tsonga, who are the predominant race in the southern lowlands, provide a great deal of the labour for the South African mines. In the Inhambane coastal district are the Chopi and Tsonga, while in the central area are the Shona. The Makonde inhabit the far north. Mestizos and Asians live in the main populated area along the coast and in the more fertile river valleys.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

The national airline is LAM-Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (www.lam.co.mz). South African Airways (www.flysaa.com) operates flights from the UK and the USA to Mozambique via Johannesburg.

Departure Tax

Included in the air fare.

Flight Times

From London - 13 hours 30 minutes (including stopover); New York - 17 hours (including stopover).

Getting There By Road

There is a bus service from Johannesburg to Maputo. The journey takes about 8 to 9 hours.

Getting There By Water

Cargo vessels call at Maputo and Beira, but there are no regular passenger services.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

LAM-Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (www.lam.co.mz) offers domestic flights linking Maputo with Beira, Chimoio, Inhambane, Lichinga, Nampula, Pemba, Quelimane and Tete. 

Car Hire

You can hire cars from international and local agencies in Maputo and Beira.

Departure Tax

Included in the air fare.

Documentation

A national driving licence is valid for up to 90 days. Third-party insurance is compulsory and is available at most land borders.

Getting Around By Rail

CFM (www.cfm.co.mz) runs Mozambique's railways. Services include a train from Maputo to Ressano Garcia on the South African border and from Maputo to Chicualacuala on the Zimbabwean border. Most trains have three classes, but there are few sleepers and no dining or air-conditioned cars. For seats and sleepers, it is necessary to book in advance. All train services are subject to disruption. Services from Beira have been suspended due to reconstruction work. See CFM's website for a list of current routes. 

 

Regulations

You must carry a reflective triangle and reflective clothing in your car at all times.

Getting Around By Road

Driving after dark may be hazardous.

Road Quality

Tarred roads connect Maputo with Beira and Beira with Tete. It's possible to travel by road in southern Mozambique though flood damage can cause serious delays.

Side Of Road

l

Taxi

Rarely available outside large towns.

Urban Travel

Maputo has a fairly extensive bus service, with modern buses gifted by China. Taxis are metered and drivers expect a tip.

Travel Advice

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Cabo Delgado Province

FCDO advises against all travel to the following districts in Cabo Delgado Province due to attacks by groups with links to Islamist extremism. The advice covers the districts of:

• Chiure
• Mueda
• Nangade
• Palma, except Palma town, where FCDO advises against all but essential travel
• Mocímboa da Praia
• Muidumbe
• Meluco
• Macomia
• Quissanga
• Ibo, including the islands off the coast

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Cabo Delgado Province due to attacks by groups with links to Islamist extremism.

Nampula Province

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the districts of Memba and Eráti in Nampula Province, due to attacks by groups with links to Islamist extremism.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. 

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of Mozambique's current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Mozambique set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Mozambican High Commission in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Mozambique.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Mozambique, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

You need at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to Mozambique for tourism or business for up to 30 days.

On arrival, you must be able to show border control a written invitation from your host, or a confirmed hotel reservation, and a return or onward air ticket. You must pay a fee of 650 Mozambican meticais using cash or card.

For all other travel purposes, you can apply for a visa online through the e-visa portal.

Entering Mozambique by land crossing

It can take a long time to clear border formalities at the Lebombo-Ressano Garcia land crossing from South Africa, especially during holiday periods. There can be delays if you are travelling on public transport. Allow time to get to your destination before nightfall.

There have been armed robberies close to the Lebombo border in Nelspruit. These often take place in the queue for the border, mainly after dark. When you stop at junctions or in queues, stay alert and ensure you have space to turn and drive off.

Land border crossings into neighbouring countries can be restricted, blocked or closed at short notice.

Travel to or from South Africa  

If you're planning to enter South Africa before or after you visit Mozambique, or if you're planning to travel through South Africa, check the travel advice for South Africa.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Mozambique, you must have a certificates to prove you've had:  

• a yellow fever vaccination if you're coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
• a polio vaccine in certain circumstances

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Mozambique guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Mozambique. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Mozambique

Declare 10,000 Mozambican meticais or more in cash. Declare foreign cash or travellers cheques if the value is 5,000 US dollars or more.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Mozambique.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.  

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Mozambique

The main threat is from IS-Mozambique (IS-M), a terrorist group with links to Daesh (formerly known as Islamic State) that is mainly active in Cabo Delgado Province, and has previously carried out attacks in neighbouring districts of Niassa and Nampula Provinces.

Since January, IS-M have been associated with 76 incidents (violent attacks, robberies, looting, threats) across Cabo Delgado which has resulted in over 125 deaths, including civilians and security personnel, including a large-scale attack on Macomia town on 10 May. In these incidents, security forces have not been able to reach these areas quickly.

See regional risks.  

Militants have used explosives, machetes and firearms to conduct lethal attacks, as well as burning vehicles and homes. In 2021, dozens of people were killed in a large-scale attack in Palma, Cabo Delgado Province.  

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreign nationals, such as:

• roads and road blocks
• military bases
• towns and villages
• islands off the coast

Stay aware of your surroundings, stay up to date with local media reports, and follow the advice of local authorities.

Terrorist kidnap

Due to the presence of groups with links to Islamist extremism, there is a threat of kidnap in Mozambique. The threat is particularly acute in northern districts of Cabo Delgado Province.

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release. 

The long-standing policy of the British government policy is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal. 

If you work in Mozambique, you should follow your employer's security guidelines. Employers are strongly advised to take professional security advice, be vigilant at all times and review security measures regularly. Keep others informed of your travel plans and vary your routines. Make sure your accommodation is secure and consider pre-deployment training or travelling under close protection, particularly if working in Cabo Delgado.

Political situation

There is significant ongoing unrest across Mozambique following the October elections, this is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Protests and demonstrations can be violent and occur at short notice, and in some instances, police have used live ammunition, leading to civilians being killed and injured.

If you are considering travel to Mozambique at this time seek, local advice and monitor local media for areas you may travel, and the transport routes you will take. Be prepared for significant disruption at short notice. Stay away from crowds and pay attention to your surroundings.

Roads, routes to airports and border crossings can quickly be restricted, blocked or closed, affecting services and transport nationwide. Unpredictable violence has occurred in the area around the Ressano Garcia land border with South Africa.

Crime

Street crime, sometimes involving knives and firearms, is common in Maputo and is increasing in other cities and tourist destinations. There are some areas in cities which are more dangerous – seek local advice. Beaches and offshore islands are not policed.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

You can reduce the risk from pickpocketing and mugging by:

• not walking alone, especially in deserted areas or at night
• not displaying cash, jewellery or mobile phones
• not using ATMs at night, and using ATMs in banks whenever possible
• keeping valuables in a hotel safe or other secure place

If you want to report a crime, contact the local police to get a police report. Also report stolen passports to the British High Commission in Maputo and the Mozambican immigration authorities.

Carjacking

There is a risk of carjacking, particularly in Maputo and Matola but also between Boane and the Eswatini border crossing points of Namaacha and Goba. Keep your car doors locked and windows closed while driving. Be particularly vigilant when you arrive at or leave residential properties after dark. Avoid driving alone at night.

Do not pick up strangers or stop to help distressed motorists or pedestrians. Hijackers sometimes use these techniques to trick motorists into stopping their vehicles. If in doubt, drive directly to a police station.

Police harassment

Some visitors to Mozambique report being victims of police harassment, including robbery and requests for bribes. If a police officer threatens you or asks for a bribe, report this to the British High Commission for awareness.  

Criminal kidnap

There have been kidnappings for ransom reported in Mozambique, mainly in the capital of Maputo. Kidnaps are generally for financial gain or motivated by criminality. While most victims have been Mozambicans, kidnappers may also target foreigners. Business owners are likely to be at increased risk of this activity.  If you work in Mozambique, follow your employer's security guidelines. Be vigilant at all times.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

As a foreigner, you must always have your passport with you. Police patrols and checkpoints are common, and they will not accept copies or photos.

Do not hand over your passport to anyone other than an official. Ask to see their ID if in doubt.

Alcohol laws and bans

It is illegal to drink alcohol on public beaches.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

If you are convicted of drug use, possession or trafficking, you can expect to get a long prison sentence and a fine.

Landmines

All known minefields in Mozambique have been cleared. In the central and southern provinces of Sofala, Tete, Manica, Gaza, Inhambane and Maputo, mines may still exist in remote areas away from main routes. Get advice from district authorities if you plan to travel in these areas.

Using cameras in secure areas

It is illegal to photograph government offices, airports, military establishments, residences and police or officials without special permission. If in doubt, do not take pictures.

LGBT+ travellers

There are no laws against same-sex sexual activity. Attitudes in Maputo tend to be more liberal than in more remote rural or religious areas of the country. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Money

Make sure you can access money in a variety of ways. Travellers' cheques are not commonly accepted, Mastercard is not always accepted across the country. US dollars and South African rand are the main exchange currencies.

Credit cards, are increasingly accepted in the larger cities. You should tell your bank before using your card in Mozambique.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Mozambique, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Mozambique for up to 90 days. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

After 90 days, you must have an IDP or a Mozambican driving licence.

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Mozambique. If you are tested and found to have more than three-quarters of England's legal limit of alcohol in your system, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment.

You are legally required have third-party insurance, which you can buy at most land borders. Traffic police may give you an on-the-spot fine if you cannot show your licence and ownership and insurance documents.  

You must always carry 2 reflective triangles in your vehicle and wear a reflective vest when repairing, loading or unloading a vehicle. If you cannot produce the 2 triangles and 2 vests, you can get an on-the-spot fine.

Police officers sometimes stop drivers and try to extract bribes. If police are fining you for no clear reason, ask for a written fine you can pay at a police station.

Only travel by road outside major cities during daylight. Where possible, keep to major roads and travel in convoy in rural areas. Fuel is available in larger towns only.

Driving standards and road conditions

Traffic accidents are common in Mozambique due to poor road conditions and low driving standards. Watch for pedestrians on the roads.

Low-lying areas around major rivers flood regularly during the rainy season from November to April, making many roads impassable. Check conditions before travelling. Make sure you have emergency supplies, including a first aid kit.

Public transport

Overland travel on public transport can be hazardous due to vehicles being in an unsafe condition. If you doubt a vehicle's condition, make alternative arrangements.

Sea travel

There is a significant risk of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. Pirates can attack up to 1,000 nautical miles from the Somali coast or more. The threat assessment of the combined international naval counter-piracy forces is that sailing yachts should not enter the designated high-risk area, due to the risk of hijacking.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards. 

Cyclones and floods

Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Northern Mozambique on 15 December. Cyclones and floods are common during the rainy season from November to April. They often cause landslides, which result in road closures and disruption to travel and public transport.

Monitor local reports and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organization and the National Meteorological Institute (in Portuguese).

This section has safety advice for regions of Mozambique. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO's overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Cabo Delgado Province

FCDO advises against all travel to the following districts of Cabo Delgado due to attacks by groups with links to Islamist extremism and clashes between insurgents, armed vigilante groups and Mozambican security forces:

• Chiure
• Mueda
• Nangade
• Palma, except Palma town, where FCDO advises against all but essential travel
• Mocimboa da Praia
• Muidumbe
• Meluco
• Macomia
• Quissanga
• Ibo, including the islands off the coast

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the remainder of Cabo Delgado Province due to attacks by groups with links to Islamist extremism. Security forces have set up roadblocks throughout the province.

There are no direct flights between Palma town and Maputo and we advise against travelling there by road.

Nampula Province

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the districts of Memba and Eráti in Nampula Province due to attacks by groups with links to Islamist extremism.

Niassa Province

Groups with links to Islamist extremism have previously carried out attacks in the Mecula, Mavago and Marrupa districts of Niassa Province. Although there have been no recent reports of attacks, you should stay aware of your surroundings in these areas, as the situation may change without warning.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Mozambique is currently experiencing a cholera outbreak in central and northern areas of the country. See information on cholera.

Emergency medical number

Call 08911, 21313103 or 21322222 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Recommended vaccines and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Mozambique
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Mozambique including:

• malaria
• dengue
• Schistosomiasis

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Mozambique

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Mozambique where some staff will speak English.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you're living in Mozambique.

Hospital facilities are of a lower standard compared to the UK, especially in the north of the country. In cases of serious illness or injury, medical evacuation to South Africa or the UK may be necessary.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Mozambique

Call 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

If the call does not connect, use the country-based numbers or contact your nearest police station or medical facility.

Ambulance: 08911, 21313103 or 21322222  

Fire: 198 or 82 476 8990   

Police: 119 or 21325031

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Mozambique
• dealing with a death in Mozambique
• being arrested or imprisoned in Mozambique
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you're in Mozambique and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission in Maputo.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Mozambique on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Yellow Fever	No*
Typhoid	Yes
Tetanus	Yes
Rabies	Sometimes
Malaria	Yes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Diphtheria	Yes

Overview:

Full health insurance, preferably including Medevac, is essential. Medical facilities are scarce. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies including medications and sterile syringes.

Vaccinations Note:

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from an infected area.

Food Drink:

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Some milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other Risks:

Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended.

Currency Information:

Mozambique Metical (MZN; symbol MT) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of MT1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of MT10, 5, 2 and 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 centavos.

Note: The new Metical replaced the old Metical (MZM) on 1 July 2006. 1 MZN = 1,000 MZM. The old notes ceased being legal tender on 31 December 2006.

Credit Cards:

These are increasingly accepted in Maputo, but not generally beyond the capital.

Travellers Cheques:

Not commonly accepted, and where accepted are slow to process and often attract high rates of commission.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 0730-1530.

Currency Restrictions:

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival.

Currency Exchange:

There are bureaux de change at the airports. Money can also be changed at banks. It is advisable to take US Dollars or South African Rand.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
USD	US$

Exchange Rates

0.89

14.71

17.55

14.14

Language

Portuguese is the official language. Many local African languages, such as Tsonga, Sena Nyanja, Makonde and Macua, are also spoken.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Heroes' Day	2024-02-03 00:00:00	0
Women's Day	2024-04-07 00:00:00	0
Workers' Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
Independence Day	2024-06-25 00:00:00	0
Victory Day	2024-09-07 00:00:00	0
Armed Forces Day	2024-09-25 00:00:00	0
Peace and Reconciliation Day	2024-10-04 00:00:00	0
Family Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0

Note:

Holidays falling on Sunday are observed the following Monday.

Overview:

The following goods may be imported into Mozambique without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco.
• 750ml of spirits.
• A reasonable quantity of perfume (opened).

.

Banned Imports:

Narcotics and unauthorised firearms.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone operators. Coverage is expanding to all main cities in most provinces.

Internet:

There are Internet cafes in Maputo and other cities.

Post

Postal services are available in main centres. Airmail to Europe usually takes five to seven days, but sometimes longer.

Kick back in the capital

Don't head straight out of Maputo: it's one of Africa's more appealing capitals, with wide avenues, relaxed street cafes and a lively cultural scene. The city museum and market are worth a look, as are the Central Railway Station and curious Iron House, both designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Step back in time

Hop across by bridge to tiny Ilha de Moçambique (Mozambique Island), near Nampula in the north, which was the capital of the country under the Portuguese. It is a fascinating place, dotted with 17th- and 18th-century buildings and mosques, many of them from the colonial period. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Relax in a luxury lodge on a white sand beach

Don't miss the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago, which comprises five tropical islands plus surrounding islets and coral reefs. Located 20km (12 miles) from the Vilanculos and Inhassoro, this beautiful area features white sandy beaches, clear waters and rich marine life including the dugong (manatee). There are plenty of luxury lodges providing accommodation.

Keep your eyes peeled in Gorongosa National Park

Explore the jewel in Mozambique's crown: the Gorongosa National Park. Located 80km (50 miles) northwest of Beira, and open from April to October, access is provided by an airstrip at Chitengo. It's worth the effort getting there: visitors can expect superb birdwatching, plus glimpses of buffalo, elephants, hippos, zebra and more.

Track down some elephants

Take a trip to the Maputo National Reserve, also known as Maputo Elephant Park, which is on the Maputo River, 79km (49 miles) south of the city. It's also home to leopard, antelope, crocodiles, hippos, flamingos and jackals. It combines lakes, wetlands, swamp forests grasslands and mangroves.

Visit a historic island

Hop on a boat to Inhaca Island in the south of Mozambique not too far from the capital, Maputo. The island has 40km (25 miles) of beaches and reefs, a historic lighthouse and a museum of marine biology. It is a very popular spot for diving.

Explore Quirimbas National Park

Bask in the sun and balmy waters of Quirimbas National Park. Dive and snorkel off its shores to appreciate the park's abundant marine life and coral reefs. Quirimbas, which stretches for 110km (68miles) along the coastline of northern Mozambique, is also home to a variety of land-bound wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards and wild dogs.

Enjoy a night out in Pemba

Visit Pemba, a vibrant and rapidly growing coastal city that nestles on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Embrace the sweltering temperatures on the beach at Wimbe, just outside town, before heading into the Old Town for a few snifters. As well as a lively selection of bars, there are also some fine restaurants in the city.

Marromeu National Park

Venture out to the little-visited Marromeu National Park, not far from Beira, at the mouth of the Zambesi River in Sofala Province. The main attractions are buffalo and birds, but lions, elephants and leopards are also present. It is possible to camp in the park overnight.

Relax on a beautiful beach

Mozambique is not short of coastline and boasts some spectacular white sandy beaches. Popular beaches include Ponta do Ouro, Malugane (in the south), Inhambane with its beach resort of Tofo, Xai-Xai, Vilankulo and Chonguene.

Delve into the Indian Ocean

Go diving and snorkelling with dolphins, rays and dugong (manatee) in the country's crystal-clear Indian Ocean waters. Mozambique has a growing number of resorts that are well equipped for subaquatic activities. Highlights for divers include the reefs of Inhambane, the Bazaruto Archipelago or Quirimbas National Park.

Go fishing

Mozambique offers world-class sports fishing. Black, blue and striped marlin, sailfish, dorado, kingfish, barracuda and dogtooth tuna are all possible to catch in the Mozambique Channel. The Bazaruto Archipelago is one of several popular spots for game fishing. Many fishing resorts operate a catch and release policy.

Enjoy fantastic birdwatching

Pack your binoculars because Mozambique is an excellent place to go birdwatching. Many brightly coloured species can be found along the coast, not to mention Gorongosa National Park and Marromeu National Park, which attract twitchers from around the world.

Go on safari

Take a safari through some of the country's 12 different national parks and reserves. The Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino) can all be found here, and plenty more besides. There is a huge variety of landscapes to enjoy from coastal areas to mountains.

Hike national parks

Bring your walking boots because the cool mountains of the north and the various national parks offer good hiking. Landmines used to present a danger, but don't be deterred: in 2015 Mozambique was declared free of the deadly weapons planted during the civil war.

Overview

Special purchases include basketwork, reed mats, woodcarvings, masks, printed cloth and leather articles.

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri 0800-1230 and 1400-1730, Sat 0800-1800.

Overview

The cuisine in Mozambique is predominately African, but heavily influenced by the Portuguese with some Far Eastern influences. As you might expect from a coastal country, seafood is a speciality. Lunch is usually the main meal of the day. Soup is often served as a starter followed by main dishes usually accompanied by rice, potatoes or both. Restaurants are found in main towns and hotels, but street food is available in most places.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

Not generally expected outside Maputo. In Maputo and other tourist-exposed areas, around 5% of the bill is normal (depending on standards of service and the place itself).

Drinking Age

18

Hotels

Hotels of international standard are found mainly in the cities of Maputo and Beira. Accommodation in smaller towns is generally of a lower standard.

Camping Caravaning

There are campsites along the beaches, and a rest camp with a restaurant in Gorongosa Game Park. Camping is also permitted at various Catholic and Protestant missions in the country.

Other

History

Bantu tribes moved into an area, part of which is now Mozambique, from central and western Africa during the third century. The 11th-century Shona Empire, the main ethnic group in modern Zimbabwe, covered part of Mozambique and relations between the two peoples are still very close.

Mozambique attracted the attention of Arab and Indian traders in the 10th century. The first European expedition to Mozambique was led by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who arrived in 1498. Thereafter, Portuguese influence gradually displaced the Arabs and Indians.

The Portuguese colonialists gradually moved inland, usurping the local rulers and taking over land and mineral resources. By the 18th century, they had developed Mozambique into a major centre for the slave trade, which continued to thrive for decades after its official banning in 1842.

Mozambique continued as a Portuguese colony until 1951 when it became an overseas province. The economy expanded rapidly during the 1950s and early 1960s, attracting thousands of Portuguese settlers to the country.

It was around this time that the first nationalist groups began to form. The main nationalist movement, FRELIMO, began a guerrilla war, which ended in 1974 following a military coup in Portugal. The new left-wing government in Lisbon had no wish to maintain an empire and independence negotiations began immediately. Mozambique became independent in 1975, and FRELIMO took power in a one-party state.

Then a 16-year-long civil war ensued. The National Resistance Movement (RENAMO), set up by the white-run Rhodesian government and then backed by apartheid South Africa and the US, fought a guerrilla war against FRELIMO from 1976 until the a ceasefire was brokered in 1992.

Elections were held in 1994 and won by FRELIMO. The new government was confronted with hundreds of thousands of refugees, as well as large numbers of demobilised soldiers from both sides, massive social and economic dislocation, and the destruction of virtually all health and education services.

Despite some setbacks, the Chissano government made steady progress in tackling these problems during the late 1990s, and in 1999 FRELIMO prevailed once again with Armando Guebuza becoming president. In the 2015 election, he was succeeded by Filipe Nyusi, also from FRELIMO.

Did you know?
• Apparently the name of the country arose from Musa al Big the name of an Arab who was living on Ilha de Mozabique when the Portuguese arrived.
• Over 22 years, more than 170,000 landmines were cleared from Mozambique. In some places specially trained rats were used to locate the mines. The country was declared free of the deadly weapons in 2015.
• Mozambique is home to five of the seven endangered species of sea turtles.

Religion

Christian (mainly Roman Catholic), Muslim and Hindu. Many also follow traditional beliefs.

Social Conventions

Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. Casual wear is acceptable. Formal dress is seldom required.

Photography: Visitors should not take photographs of soldiers, airports, bridges or government/public buildings. Only photos of beaches and other tourist sites may be taken.

Best Time To Visit:

Climate varies according to area. Inland is cooler than the coast and rainfall higher as the land rises, with most rain between January and March. Hottest and wettest season is October to March. From April to September the coast has warm, mainly dry weather tempered by sea breezes.

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Required Clothing

Tropical lightweights, with warmer clothing for evenings. Rainwear advisable all year round.

Dialing Code:

+258

Area(sq km):

799380

Population:

31.255.435

Population Density(per sq km):

32

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

117