Mozambique

Mozambique Overview

 Mozambique is one of Africa’s most alluring destinations.

Chains of deserted islands and sandbank beaches make up Mozambique’s coastline. Beneath the surface are breathtaking shallows and a bewildering amount of sea life. Spend hours bobbing in the warm Indian Ocean, diving into the deep, catching your dinner or a tan.

For the wild at heart northern Mozambique, particularly, offers adventure for the discerning adventurer. Island hopping in the Quirimbas archipelago, traditional dhow sailing, kayak safaris and camping on uninhabited islands are some activities to get your boots dirty.

If not lazing under palms or sailing the turquoise ocean waters, then sinking into the city is must do before you leave. Visit century-old colonial era architecture and relics. Experience the intriguing culture. Be taught the art of jewellery making by a traditional silversmith. 

Highlights & Places in Mozambique

Mozambique is located on the south eastern coast of Africa. She is divided into 3 regions, North, South and Central Mozambique

Northern Mozambique is sheer luxury and pure adventure travel. Its wild, it's beautiful. Along the northern coast is an almost endless succession of deserted islands. Lodges in the north are lavish and define castaway chic. Endless island activities constitute northern Mozambique travel.

Southern Mozambique is for the tamer traveller. Mozambique's southern coast is the most developed part of the country for tourism. Making up the southern region are pounding surf and windswept dunes, lagoons, shallow coastal lakes, and endless stretches of sparkling beaches.

Central Mozambique lacks the accessibility to the beaches of the south, however has many attractions. Attractions include; wildlife watching, hiking, fishing and bird watching. 

Best Time to Visit Mozambique

When to Go

Your best time to travel is between June and October. June to October is the dry season, with often perfect tropical weather. Clear skies, plenty of sun and almost no rain is the kind of weather to expect.

Mozambique follows a southern African weather pattern. Rain falls largely between December and March.

The rains last a few weeks longer in the north than the south. During the rainy season humidity can be uncomfortably high. 

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting To Mozambique

Most international and domestic flights to and from Mozambique use Maputo's airport. Maputo can be accessed by road. The highway from Johannesburg to Maputo is very good. From Durban, on the KwaZulu Natal coast, Maputo is 600 km away and best approached via the Golele border post. There is also easy access from Manzini in Swaziland, which is around 186 km.

The easiest route to Pemba is to fly to Dar es Salaam, on Tanzania's coast, with British Airways. Then take a connecting flight with Air Mozambique from Dar to Pemba.

Alternatively, you can fly to Pemba via Johannesburg. From Pemba, most of the lodges can generally be reached by a short hop by light aircraft. The lodges on the mainland near Pemba are reached by a short road transfer. 

Getting Around Mozambique

Taxis can be found in many cities throughout the country.

Buses and chapas leave early in Mozambique - 4AM is not unusual.

Travellers can drive. The EN1 runs the length of the country generally staying close to the coast from Maputo up. Roads are not in excellent condition. 

Mozambique Tips : Know Before You Go

ATMs:
Banks are mostly only found in the larger towns and airports. The ATMs accept all major credit cards.

Forex/Money:
Exchange your currency for Mozambique Metical, Dollars, Euros, Pounds or South African Rands. The more remote regions in Mozambique do not have much in the way of financial facilities.

Credit/Debit cards:
Credit cards aren't always accepted. Most upmarket lodges have credit and debit card facilities.

Internet availability: 
Internet access is available in Mozambique, but is limited to the major cities. However most of the private resorts have access to the internet.

Drinking water:
Travellers are advised to boil the tap water before drinking it, or to buy mineral water. Tap water can safely be used for showering and brushing your teeth. All resorts provide guests with bottled water.

Hospitals & Medical: 
You are required to have had the yellow fever vaccine. You are required to take malaria preventions. There are hospitals and clinics in all major cities. Prior to arrival, you are required to have had the yellow fever vaccine. You are required to take malaria preventions. 

Mozambique Map