Highlights
Maputo
The capital has wide, tree-lined avenues, Art Deco and modernist buildings, the domed railway station, the old fortress and a busy central market. The Mafalala neighbourhood tells the story of the city's culture and independence movement, and the seafood is excellent.
Ilha de Moçambique
A small coral island in the north, linked to the mainland by a long bridge, was the capital of Portuguese East Africa for centuries and gave the country its name. Its Stone Town of churches, mosques and the Fortress of São Sebastião is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tofo and Inhambane
Tofo's beach is one of the best places in the world to snorkel with whale sharks and dive with manta rays. The nearby colonial town of Inhambane, on a calm bay, is a short boat ride or drive away.
Bazaruto Archipelago
A protected group of islands off Vilanculos, with huge sand dunes, clear water and reefs. It is one of the last places in the western Indian Ocean where dugongs can still be found.
Gorongosa National Park
In the centre of the country, Gorongosa's wildlife was devastated during the civil war and has been recovering through a long-term restoration project. Elephants, lions, antelope and abundant birdlife can be seen across floodplains and woodland.
Ponta do Ouro
Close to the South African border, Ponta do Ouro is a favourite for diving, surfing and boat trips to swim with wild dolphins, within the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve.
Lake Niassa
Mozambique's shore of Lake Malawi, known here as Lake Niassa, is remote and far less developed than the Malawian side, with clear water, sandy coves and fishing villages around Cóbuè and Metangula.
Interesting facts about Mozambique
- Mozambique's national flag features an AK-47 rifle, crossed with a hoe and set on an open book, making it unusual among national flags.
- Mozambique joined the Commonwealth in 1995, one of the first members with no historic constitutional link to the British Empire.
- Its coastline is one of the longest in Africa, running for well over 2,000 kilometres along the Indian Ocean.
- Portuguese is the official language, but most Mozambicans speak one of many Bantu languages, such as Makhuwa or Changana, at home.
- The waters around Tofo and Inhambane host some of the largest known populations of reef manta rays in Africa.
Best time to visit
The dry season from about May to November is the best time to visit, with sunny days, lower humidity and better roads. Humpback whales pass along the coast from roughly July to October, while whale sharks around Tofo can be seen year-round, often most reliably in the warmer months. The wet season, from December to April, brings heat, humidity and heavy rain, and tropical cyclones can affect the coast, especially from January to March. Christmas and Easter are busy with visitors from South Africa.
Practical information
| Capital | Maputo |
|---|---|
| Currency | Mozambican metical (MZN) |
| Languages | Portuguese |
| Plugs | Type C, F, M |
| Voltage | 220 V, 50 Hz |
| Emergency | 119 police, 117 ambulance, 198 fire; services are limited outside cities |
| Driving | On the left |
| Tipping | Around 10% in restaurants is appreciated. Tip dive crews, guides and drivers directly. |
Getting around
Distances along the coast are long. The main EN1 highway runs north from Maputo, and long-distance buses and chapas, shared minibuses, connect the towns, but journeys are slow and crowded. Domestic flights link Maputo with Vilanculos, Inhambane, Beira, Nampula and Pemba and save days of travel. Many visitors from South Africa drive themselves; a 4x4 is needed for sandy coastal tracks, and you should avoid driving after dark. In the north, some areas are subject to travel restrictions, so check your government's current travel advice for Cabo Delgado province and other regions before you plan.
Staying connected in Mozambique
Mobile coverage is good in Maputo, Beira, Nampula and other cities, and along much of the coastal highway, with 4G in major towns. In national parks, on remote islands, along sandy coastal tracks and in the rural interior, coverage can be patchy or absent. Lodges and dive centres often offer Wi-Fi, but it can be slow or limited to common areas. Download offline maps before long drives. Install an eSIM before you travel and switch it on when you land or cross the border.
See Mozambique eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Mozambique
- Google Maps: Save offline maps of the coast and parks before leaving the cities.
- Google Translate: Portuguese is the main language, and English is less widely spoken outside tourist areas.
- WhatsApp: Lodges, dive centres and drivers often arrange bookings this way.
- XE Currency: Convert metical, rand and dollar prices quickly.