Mozambique in Southern Africa boasts fantastic pristine beaches along the Indian Ocean, colorful African cultures, colonial towns and bustling cities as well as national parks with typical African wildlife. Great destination for activities such as diving, sports fishing and safaris, Mozambique is still recovering from a long civil war but is today safer and more affordable than many of its African neighbors.
Former Portuguese colony located in Southeastern Africa on the shores of the Indian Ocean between South Africa and Tanzania, Mozambique hosts a great variety of local African cultures. The numerous ethnic groups in Mozambique include Makhuwa, Tsonga, Sena and Lomwe. Tourism facilities in Mozambique are now being developed and it is just a matter of time when this diverse and fascinating country with more than 1,000 kilometers of coastline becomes a popular beach holiday destination.
Cities & historical sites. The Mozambique capital Maputo is an attractive African city with many parks, restaurants, and nightlife options, while the historic towns of Inhambane and Sofala and the World Heritage –listed Ilha de Mozambique offer beautiful colonial architecture and historical sites. There are also several national parks in Mozambique, such as Gorongosa National Park, that are good safari destinations.
Traveling to Mozambique is easiest by air. There are international airports in the capital city Maputo and the coastal towns of Vilanculos and Pemba. If you are coming from outside Africa, it is easiest to fly to Lisbon, Johannesburg or Nairobi first. There are also bus and minibus connections to Mozambique from most neighboring countries, including frequent luxury buses to Maputo from Johannesburg and a few ferry options. Roads in Mozambique are mostly in bad condition, so be sure to drive a four-wheel drive vehicle if coming to Mozambique by car.
Former Portuguese colony located in Southeastern Africa on the shores of the Indian Ocean between South Africa and Tanzania, Mozambique hosts a great variety of local African cultures. The numerous ethnic groups in Mozambique include Makhuwa, Tsonga, Sena and Lomwe. Tourism facilities in Mozambique are now being developed and it is just a matter of time when this diverse and fascinating country with more than 1,000 kilometers of coastline becomes a popular beach holiday destination.
Tourist attractions and travel destinations in Mozambique
The main attractions of Mozambique are the vast unspoiled beaches of its long coastline. Some of the main beach holiday destinations in Mozambique are Vilanculos and Bazaruto Islands, Inhassoro, Barra Beach, and Tofo Beach in Inhambane province. The main beach resorts in Mozambique are located in the south close to South Africa, but Pemba in the north coast of Mozambique also offers great beaches. The coastal areas of Mozambique are also home to unspoiled coral reefs offering excellent opportunities for diving.Cities & historical sites. The Mozambique capital Maputo is an attractive African city with many parks, restaurants, and nightlife options, while the historic towns of Inhambane and Sofala and the World Heritage –listed Ilha de Mozambique offer beautiful colonial architecture and historical sites. There are also several national parks in Mozambique, such as Gorongosa National Park, that are good safari destinations.
Mozambique travel tips and practical information
Mozambique enjoys a tropical climate with two main seasons: a dry season from April to September with lower temperatures and little rainfall and a wet season from October to March with more rainfall and high temperatures as well as occasional cyclones. Weather in Mozambique’s coastal areas is generally warmer and wetter than in the higher inland regions. The rainiest months in Mozambique are February and March that often witness flooding and road transport problems.Traveling to Mozambique is easiest by air. There are international airports in the capital city Maputo and the coastal towns of Vilanculos and Pemba. If you are coming from outside Africa, it is easiest to fly to Lisbon, Johannesburg or Nairobi first. There are also bus and minibus connections to Mozambique from most neighboring countries, including frequent luxury buses to Maputo from Johannesburg and a few ferry options. Roads in Mozambique are mostly in bad condition, so be sure to drive a four-wheel drive vehicle if coming to Mozambique by car.
Photo: Stig Nygaard, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
Local transport. The best ways to get around in Mozambique are buses and domestic flights. There are regular buses between all major towns in Mozambique, and in the less travelled routes, passenger trucks called chapa-cems are used. Private charter airlines can also be used. There is only one train line in Mozambique. Car rental in Mozambique is available in the main cities Maputo, Beira and Nampula. Hotels can arrange cars for you elsewhere.
Developing services. Mozambique has a wide range of accommodation available in the main cities and several beach resort areas. The quality of accommodation and restaurants in Mozambique varies from very cheap to very good. Although many people speak English in Maputo and in the main tourist areas in Mozambique, learning some phrases of Portuguese will prove to be useful.
Safety. Mozambique is mostly a safe country to travel, but there are still landmines left from the civil war, so make sure you never wander off the roads and trails. Violent crime such as robberies and muggings happen mainly in Maputo, but it is good to exercise caution also in other cities and beach areas of Mozambique. Women should not walk on the beaches unaccompanied. Police in Mozambique is known to hassle visitors driving their own cars.
