Mozambique
Southern Africa · Africa
- Capital
- Maputo
- Currency
- Mozambican Metical (MZN MT)
- Language
- Portuguese (official); many local languages
- Timezone
- UTC+2
- Safety rating
- 5/10
- Best time to visit
- The dry season from May to November offers the best beach and diving conditions, before the humid summer rains and cyclone risk.
Overview
With over 2,500 kilometres of Indian Ocean coastline, Mozambique dazzles with the Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos, world-class diving with whale sharks and manta rays, and the historic Swahili-Portuguese trading post of Ilha de Moçambique. Its Lusophone culture, seafood and music add rich flavour. It is a paradise for divers and beach lovers.
Visa requirements
Many travelers can obtain a visa on arrival or e-visa for tourist stays; yellow fever proof may be needed depending on your route.
Safety information
The southern and central coast and Maputo are generally fine with normal precautions, but the far-northern Cabo Delgado province has an insurgency and must be avoided. Watch for petty crime in cities and police checkpoints on the roads.
Travel tips
Carry meticais in cash as card acceptance is limited outside cities and resorts, and bring some US dollars or rand. Portuguese helps greatly, and you should keep documents handy for checkpoints. Buy a Vodacom, Tmcel or Movitel SIM for data.