Mozambique stretches over 2,000 km along the Indian Ocean. More than just a paradise of white beaches shaded by coconut palms, this little-known Eden offers immense tourist potential, despite its past marked by 16 years of civil war. Discover its rich cultural heritage. To the north, the island of Mozambique, a former Portuguese base, offers an architecture that fuses Portuguese, Swahili, Arab and Indian influences. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ilha de Moçambique captivates with its cobbled streets and imposing forts, which charmingly whisper of the country's history.

To the south, Maputo, the modern capital, looks to the future and reflects the country's prosperity. Here, you can admire historic buildings reminiscent of the country's colonial past, such as the Beaux-Arts-style Central Station and the Maputo Fort. In the center, Beira is the starting point for the majestic Gorongosa National Park, an example of successful conservation. While the wilder north offers a real adventure! From Pemba, explore the Quirimbas National Park and the culture of the local ethnic groups. In Niassa, the country's largest reserve surrounds a majestic lake. Finally, from Tofo to Vilanculos and the Quirimbas islands, enjoy the beaches and crystal-clear waters.

The Bazaruto archipelago fascinates with its dunes and turquoise waters. Travelling through Mozambique by road allows you to discover its rich landscape and friendly people, still untouched by mass tourism.

Mozambican cuisine, rich in seafood, is a real treat for the taste buds. For food lovers, piri-piri, a spicy specialty typical of the country, is a must. Mozambique is also a land of encounters. Let yourself be carried away by the hospitality and joie de vivre of the locals. The atmosphere is particularly palpable at festivals, where dance, music and tradition mingle with delight.

When to go Mozambique ?

When to go to Mozambique to enjoy the sun? The best time to visit Mozambique is from May to November. These months correspond to the dry season, with pleasant temperatures and low humidity. The beaches glisten in the sunshine and offer ideal conditions for swimming and diving.

If Mozambique in June and July appeals to you, you'll enjoy milder temperatures, perfect for exploring colorful markets and historic towns without being overwhelmed by the heat.

And the best time to travel to Mozambique at low cost is during the low season, which runs from January to March and November to December. This is the period of short showers.

Fans of cultural events will appreciate Mozambique in February, when the Maputo Carnival takes place.

Please note: September is an ideal time to observe humpback whales migrating along the coast.

When to go to Mozambique to avoid the crowds? Think April or October, transition periods when the weather is still mild, but there are fewer tourists.

Travel Mozambique

  • Find a hotel
  • Car Rental
  • Travel Insurance
  • Find a local agency
Practical information for travel Mozambique

A trip to Mozambique is first of all the idea of a trip where you have to take your time. Explore the plains, watch whales, land in front of the ocean, talk to people, wander around the markets, feast on fresh fish? Less than two weeks on the road will certainly leave a bitter taste of unfinished business. Due to the long distances and random transport, it takes more than a month to survey the country from one end to the other. The classic circuit starts in Maputo and goes up to Vilankulo, passing by Zavora, Tofo, then coming back by Chidenguele for example. Some add to this stay a stopover in the Kruger or in eSwatini. Or an escapade in the Gorongosa National Park, the alleys of Ilha do Moçambique, the Quirimbas archipelago?

Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners

How to go Mozambique

Use the map to see the lowest prices at a glance:
See prices on map

How to go alone

Travelling alone in Mozambique is a unique experience that offers total freedom and the opportunity to discover yourself. If you're tempted by the idea of traveling solo , here are a few recommendations to help you prepare:

Before you leave, find out about local customs, safety and the best places to visit.

While it's good to have a plan, the beauty of solo travel lies in its spontaneity. Allow yourself the freedom to change your mind along the way.

Let yourfriends and family know where you're going. It's reassuring for them, and can come in handy in an emergency.

Meet locals and other travelers, but always be mindful of your personal safety.

Keep a journal to record your adventures. It's a great way to reflect on your trip and keep precious memories.

Enjoy every moment on Mozambique's idyllic beaches!

How to go on a tour

Opting for an organized trip to Mozambique is an ideal formula for those who wish to combine discovery and serenity. In addition to the simplicity of a pre-designed itinerary, this alternative saves you a great deal of time when it comes to preparation. Here are a few recommendations to make this experience even more rewarding:

Find out more about the operator.

Although the program is pre-established, it's essential to express your preferences and specific needs to avoid surprises.

Plan your free time.

Some trips include intense activities such as hiking. Make sure you're physically fit and prepared.

And, even if the essentials are taken care of, always keep a copy of your reservations, tickets and insurance handy.

An organized tour is a guarantee of a well-organized and optimized adventure. Nevertheless, it's important to retain a certain amount of autonomy to make your trip as unique and personal as possible.

How to get around

Here are a few tips to help you get around Mozambique:

Opt for the means of transport favoured by the locals: rickshaws, tuk-tuks or the more affordable small buses, chapas.

For longer journeys, opt for machibombo buses.

If you want to explore at your own pace, consider renting a car, scooter or bicycle. But make sure you know the country's traffic rules, and note that the roads are very bad, especially beyond Maxixe. In Mozambique, you drive on the left. An international driving licence and insurance are required. Beware of local drivers, wildlife and pedestrians. Avoid driving at night and make sure you have a full tank of fuel, as filling stations are rare.

In many cities, car-sharing and bike-sharing applications are available.

Train travel is not recommended due to its slowness and unreliability. However, there are some picturesque routes, such as between Maputo and Johannesburg or Nampula and Cuamba.

Having a physical map is useful, especially in areas where there is no connection. Local tourist offices often provide them free of charge.

Optimize your travel experience, plan ahead and remain flexible to seize the opportunities that come your way!

Featured articles Mozambique

Organize your trip with our partners Mozambique
Transportation
Accommodation & stays
Services / On site

Discover Mozambique

Mozambique remains a mysterious destination outside of the initiated who know its geography, its people and its history. The most erudite may know the history of its armed struggle for independence after five centuries of Portuguese colonization and its endless civil war between Frelimo and Renamo. In the end, very little of today's Mozambique, which has turned the page on war to be reborn in an economic dynamism, despite the cyclones, Covid-19 and jihadist attacks. The history of its ethnic groups is fascinating, from the Makonde to the Bantu from north to south, including the Macua in the center. Maputo has become a trendy and affluent capital, while tourism is developing on its coast in the form ofecolodges. In addition, the repopulation of its national parks profiles a promising future of safari country.

Pictures and images Mozambique

Mercado central, Vilankulo. Elisa Vallon
Gare centrale de Maputo. Luis Leonardo - iStockphoto
Vue aérienne de Maputo. Jacek_Sopotnicki - iStockphoto
Vente de piri-piri sur un marché de Maputo. Maddy Settle - Shutterstock.com

The 12 keywords Mozambique

1. Hello

Here, we adapt to the temporality of the greetings throughout the day. There is the morning greeting(bom dia), which is sung from sunrise to noon, and the afternoon greeting(boa tarde), which takes over and is replaced by the evening greeting(boa noite) as soon as the sun sets.

2. Cashew

16_Noix de cajousà vendre © cdelacy - Shutterstock.Com.jpg

On the roadside or at the central market in Maputo, producers sell bags of fresh, crunchy cashew nuts, a delicacy. Although it is mainly destined for export, cashew nuts are part of the so-called luxury products consumed by the locals. Roasted, salted or with piri-piri, it is the favorite snack of travelers.

3. Chapa

The Chapa is the local bus. These white minibuses, often worn out, fill up more than enough before leaving for good. In the city, they are the popular public transport, people wave to them to climb on and simplify the daily trips. But Chapas are also a way for the most backpackers to cross the country.

4. Cassava

A staple food for Mozambicans, cassava, or manioc, feeds entire villages. The tuber is used to prepare xima, a white paste with a consistent texture, which can be cooked on its own or with a tomato sauce and lime. As for the leaves, they are used for the famous coconut matapas .

5. Dhow

17_pf_148511.jpg

They are part of the postcard. These typical traditional sailing boats used by Mozambican fishermen were introduced to the country by Arab and Swahili traders. They are still used for local fishing, and are also used as exotic and quiet pleasure boats to visit the islands near the shore.

6. Ecotourism

Having stayed away from the development of mass tourism for years, which, by its very nature, degrades the environment, Mozambique has gradually become a sustainable, green and rather confidential tourism destination. The fishing villages have become seaside resorts while keeping their charm, with many ecolodges on their coasts.

7. Mac Mahon

One of the most popular local beers in Mozambique. Here, we say a "two M", for the initials. Surprising to find the name of a French statesman of the 19th century on the labels of the local alcohol... First French general to have set foot in Mozambique, he would have bequeathed his name to this brand of national beer, amazing!

8. Mangrove

The mangrove is the magic tree. Vegetation of mangrove trees living between land and sea, the mangrove dots the Mozambican coast with its enchanting roots and serves as an incredible natural filter. It keeps the coastline clear and allows people to have access to fresh water. You can walk through the mangrove on foot or by canoe.

9. Mussiro

What is this white clay on the faces of the North? The mussiro. The very light wood is ground into powder, mixed with water and then applied to the face of Macua women, forming a white mask. It used to mean that a woman was available. Today, the cosmetic that is supposed to beautify the skin is mainly used as a sun protection.

10. Piri-piri

18_piri piri © Discovod - Shutterstock.com.jpg

For those who love chili peppers and thrills! Piri-piri, red peppers macerated in oil, is on every table in Mozambique; beware, it can be very strong! If you get caught, avoid water, better a good bite of rice, bread or sugar to avoid reinforcing the burning sensation.

11. Praia

©PaulGregg - iStockphoto.com.jpg

The beach is the undeniable asset of the country. In the East, paradisiacal beaches follow one another on 2 500 km of coast with dunes, lagoons, a fierce ocean or a sea of oil, coconut trees, filaos or mangrove. They are often virgin of any human presence. Be careful, they are not always accessible by road.

12. Whale shark

Mozambican waters, especially around Tofo, have the highest concentration of whale sharks in the world, year round. This harmless endangered marine mammal with black and white checkerboard skin swimming on the surface can measure up to 10 meters. We also come to observe other marine big five: dolphins, manta rays, dugongs and whales.

You are from here, if...

In Maputo, you like to push the doors of alternative cultural places. A stay in the capital cannot be imagined without a trip to a bar or an art gallery.

You live by the rhythm of the sun. Chapas and buses leave before dawn, when the city wakes up around 5am. You like to watch the sunset on the beach before it gets quiet in the houses. You eat early, around 6:30 pm, when it is already dark.

You eat matapa at every meal. The matapa, the manioc leaf, is the popular local dish: it is eaten in the bouibouis, in the markets and in all the restaurants.

You do not drive at night. The roads are not always reassuring, no lighting, pedestrians, potholes... The distances are also very long, and the travel time even longer.

Voce fala português. Portuguese is certainly the colonial language, but it is also the most practical means of communication in a country composed of multiple ethnic groups with local languages.

Card Mozambique

Send a reply