Mozambique travel guide

Getting there

Maputo International Airport is the main gateway, with flights from Johannesburg, Lisbon and regional hubs. Vilankulo and Inhambane receive some regional flights, and overland routes connect to South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Best time to visit: May–Nov – dry, sunny and good for diving.

Flights: see the cheapest month to fly to Maputo, with live one-way and return fares from your nearest airport.

Tougher months: January-March – hot, humid and wet, with cyclone risk on the coast.

Weather by month in Maputo

• 30°J●●
• 30°F●●
• 29°M●●
• 28°A●
• 27°M
• 25°J
• 24°J
• 25°A
• 26°S
• 27°O●
• 28°N●
• 29°D●●

Average daytime highs in °C; dots show how rainy the month is (one dot dry, three dots wet).

Time zone: Africa/Maputo. Compare with your local time.

Visas: in our passport dataset, 192 of 198 other passports can enter Mozambique without arranging a visa first (visa-free or visa on arrival), 6 need an e-visa or electronic authorisation, and 0 need a visa in advance. Check your passport.

Background: Visa policy of Mozambique (Wikipedia).

Official advisory: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (U.S. Department of State, updated 2026-08-21). Read the advisory.

Stay

Most trips to Mozambique are based around Maputo, Tofo or Bazaruto Archipelago. Pick a base for your main interest, then add day trips rather than moving hotels every night.

Typical daily budget: about US$30–50 for a backpacker and US$90–180 mid-range, per person.

Connect

Plug types: C, F, M. Voltage: 220 V. Check your own devices on the plug and currency checker.

Calling code: +258.

Mobile data: set up a travel eSIM or check your roaming plan before you fly, so data works as soon as you land.

Do

• Maputo (South · capital): A lively city of jacaranda-lined avenues, markets and architecture.
• Tofo (Inhambane · diving): A laid-back beach village famous for manta rays and whale sharks.
• Bazaruto Archipelago (Central coast · islands): A marine national park with white dunes and turquoise water.
• Vilankulo (Central coast · beach town): The gateway to Bazaruto with dhow trips and kitesurfing.
• Ilha de Moçambique (North · UNESCO island): A historic coral island with a fort, churches and Swahili-Portuguese heritage.
• Gorongosa National Park (Central · wildlife): A park famed for restoration and diverse wildlife.
• Ponta do Ouro (South · beach & diving): A popular beach and dolphin-watching spot near South Africa.
• Inhambane (South · historic town): One of the oldest settlements on the coast, with a sleepy colonial charm.

Things to do

• Sail a dhow in Bazaruto. Glide across turquoise water between sand dunes and coral reefs in the Bazaruto Archipelago.
• Dive with manta rays in Tofo. Swim alongside mantas and whale sharks in one of Africa's top marine megafauna spots.
• Explore Ilha de Moçambique. Wander the coral-stone town that served as a colonial capital for centuries.
• See wildlife in Gorongosa. Spot elephants, lions and antelope in a park celebrated for its remarkable recovery.
• Eat peri-peri prawns. Feast on grilled seafood spiced with the famous chilli sauce.
• Dance to marrabenta in Maputo. Experience the capital's live music scene and colourful nightlife.
• Explore Maputo's architecture. Admire the railway station, art deco buildings and the 'Iron House'.
• Snorkel at Ponta do Ouro. Look for dolphins and reef fish in the marine reserve near the South African border.

Eat and drink

• Peri-peri prawns – grilled prawns with spicy chilli sauce
• Matapa – cassava leaves cooked with peanuts and coconut
• Galinha à zambeziana – chicken in coconut and lime sauce
• Pão – fresh Portuguese-style bread rolls

Money and safety

Currency: Mozambican metical (MZN). Currency and plug checker.

Tipping: Appreciated – around 10% in restaurants.

Emergency numbers: 119 police · 117 ambulance · 198 fire.

• The currency is the metical (MZN).
• ATMs are found in cities and tourist towns, but carry cash for rural areas.
• Some northern areas, particularly Cabo Delgado province, have seen insecurity – check your government's latest travel advice.
• Avoid walking alone at night in Maputo and use registered taxis.