Mozambique is safe to visit, with no major travel advisories, though avoid Cabo Delgado Province.
The rains are returning. November is hot with increasing showers and rising humidity, making remote roads tricky; December gets wetter, January brings widespread rain, and February has the highest cyclone risk, so book flexible, refundable coastal travel and monitor forecasts.
Come for serious beach time and marine life, then add a few days of history or safari. First trips usually mix Maputo and the south coast, Tofo and Vilankulo for the Bazaruto Archipelago, and the north around Nampula and Ilha de Moçambique.
Why Visit Mozambique?#
Mozambique is at its best when you combine coast, culture and one wildlife stop. The distances are real, so plan fewer places and stay longer in each.
Bazaruto Archipelago. The Bazaruto Archipelago is the headline for diving and snorkelling, with coral reefs and dugongs. It is best reached from Vilanculos, with liveaboards or beachfront lodges.
Tofo diving. Tofo Beach near Inhambane is known for swimming with whale sharks and manta rays. It is casual and backpacker friendly, and reputable operators matter.
Ilha de Moçambique. Ilha de Moçambique is a UNESCO-listed island of Portuguese fortresses and Swahili architecture. Spend a few days wandering its narrow streets and colonial buildings.
Gorongosa safaris. Gorongosa offers safari walks, night drives and river safaris with fewer crowds. It is described as a major conservation success story.
Quirimbas islands. The Quirimbas Archipelago is a remote northern escape for dhow charters and coral reefs. Ibo Island is highlighted for history and a mangrove-fringed setting.
Maputo food and music. Maputo is a strong first stop for seafood, cafés and colonial architecture. The city is also known for live music and a lively scene along the Avenida.
Things to Watch Out For#
Cabo Delgado. There is an insurgency in Cabo Delgado province.
Night crime. Avoid walking alone after dark in Maputo and cities.
Roads. Night driving and rural roads can be hazardous.
Cyclones. November to March can bring heavy rains, flooding and cyclones.
Malaria. Malaria is a main health risk in much of country.
Who Is Mozambique For?#
Couples
Remote Bazaruto islands and Tofo-area lodges suit quiet beach time, sunsets and snorkelling.
Families
Coastal resorts can work, but transport, health precautions and seasonal weather take planning.
Digital nomads
Wi‑Fi and power are patchy outside Maputo, so remote work is easiest in the capital.
Foodies
Seafood is the big draw, including peri‑peri prawns, grilled fish and matapa.
Adventure seekers
Diving Bazaruto, surfing Tofo and Gorongosa safaris give a strong ocean-to-savannah mix.
Party animals
Maputo has live music and bars, while Tofo is a relaxed surf-town scene.
Nature buffs
Gorongosa, Niassa Reserve and Bazaruto marine parks combine wildlife and coral systems.
What you need to get in#
The site summary says most Western passports get up to 30 days visa-free, and you should register online through the official e-visa portal before travel. It also says many nationalities can use an e-visa or get a visa on arrival, so check the official e-visa portal for eligibility and current lists.
Passport
Carry a passport valid for at least six months.
Yellow fever proof
Arrivals from yellow fever risk countries may need a certificate.
Rules and fees can change, so verify before departure with the official e-visa service or Mozambican diplomatic representations. Malaria prevention and water hygiene are repeatedly flagged as key health prep, and medical services are limited outside capitals, so plan accordingly.
When to go#
The short answer is May to November for dry, cooler weather and easier travel. The wet season is hotter and can disrupt roads and boats.
| Months | What it is like | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| May to September | Dry season, cooler days and generally clearer seas | High season, book lodges, ferries and flights ahead |
| April and October | Transitional months between wet and dry seasons | Often fewer crowds, with mostly pleasant conditions |
| November to March | Hot and wet, with heavier rains in many regions | Higher storm risk and some services may be affected |
Northern, central and southern regions all have a wet season roughly November to March and a dry season from May to September.
The classic trips and what they cost#
A classic first trip starts in Maputo, then heads up the coast for Tofo and Vilankulo for the Bazaruto Archipelago. Longer trips add Gorongosa and the north around Nampula and Ilha de Moçambique.
Prices are per person, with two sharing mid-range rooms, and don’t include international flights.
| Trip | Route | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | Maputo (2 nights), Inhambane and Tofo (4), Maputo (1) | 19,600-53,200 MZN ($315-840) |
| 14 days | Maputo (2 nights), Tofo and Inhambane (3), Bazaruto Archipelago (3), Vilanculo coast (3), Maputo (3) | 39,200-106,400 MZN ($630-1,680) |
| 21 days | Maputo (3 nights), Inhambane and Tofo (4), Bazaruto (3), Gorongosa (5), Nampula and Ilha de Moçambique (4), Maputo (2) | 58,800-159,600 MZN ($945-2,520) |
Day to day, the site’s budgets run 1,900-2,800 MZN ($30-45) backpacking, 2,800-7,600 MZN ($45-120) mid-range and 7,600-15,800 MZN ($120-250) for comfort lodge travel. Maputo and island lodges are described as the priciest.
Distances are long and roads can be slow, so keep fewer stops and add buffer days in the wet season.
Mozambique in a nutshell#
- Capital: Maputo is the capital, and a common start point for first trips.
- People: About 34 million people. More in [Mozambique demographics].
- Language: Portuguese is the official language, and a friendly hello in Portuguese goes far.
- Money: The currency is [Metical (MZN)]. The site notes a mostly cash economy outside Maputo, and cards work mainly in larger hotels and restaurants.
- Daily budget: Typical daily budgets are given as $30-45 backpacking, $45-120 mid-range and $120-250 comfort, with Maputo and island lodges priciest.
- Electricity: Electricity is 230V, 50 Hz. Plug types are listed on [Mozambique plug types].
- Emergencies: Police 119, ambulance 117, fire 198. More on the [Mozambique emergency page].
Don't forget to bring#
Repellent and nets
Malaria is flagged as the main health risk in much of the country. Pack repellent, and choose rooms with nets where available.
Reef-safe sunscreen
The Bazaruto Archipelago and Tofo are built around reefs and diving. The country page specifically says to bring reef-safe sunscreen.
Cash plan
Outside Maputo it is described as mostly cash-based. Carry metical, and do bigger ATM withdrawals in main cities.
Offline maps
The site says connectivity is improving but uneven, especially rurally. Download offline maps before long road days.
Light rain protection
The wet season can bring heavy rain and flooding, and storms can disrupt boats. A light shell and dry bags help in November to March.
Plug adapter
Mozambique uses 230V, 50 Hz, with plug types C and F listed. Pack the right adapter to cope with patchy charging opportunities.
Good to know before you land#
- Greetings matter: A simple ‘bom dia’ or ‘boa tarde’ in Portuguese is specifically recommended.
- Dress modestly: The customs section advises modest dress in towns, villages and religious sites.
- Photography: Ask permission before photographing people or private property.
- Getting around: Chapas are cheap but flexible, and domestic flights are the quickest for long distances.
- Water and food: Tap water is described as unsafe in most places, so use bottled or treated water.
- Tipping: The site suggests around 10% in tourist restaurants, plus small tips for guides.
Plan the rest of your trip#
More Mozambique guides#
First time in Mozambique FAQs#
Is Mozambique safe for tourists?
The site calls it mixed. It flags insurgency in Cabo Delgado, petty crime in Maputo, high road risk and cyclone season disruptions.
Do I need a visa for Mozambique?
The site summary says most Western passports get up to 30 days visa-free, and you should register online through the official e-visa portal before travel. It also says many nationalities can use an e-visa or get a visa on arrival, so check eligibility on the official portal.
When is the best time to visit Mozambique?
May to November is given as best time, with dry and cooler conditions. November to March is the hot, wet period with higher storm risk, especially February to March.
How many days do I need for a first trip?
The country page suggests allowing 2-3 weeks for a first trip. One week works for Maputo plus Tofo, but you will skip the north and safari regions.
How much money do I need per day in Mozambique?
The site’s daily budgets are 1,900-2,800 MZN ($30-45) for backpackers, 2,800-7,600 MZN ($45-120) mid-range and 7,600-15,800 MZN ($120-250) for comfort travel. It also notes Maputo and island lodges are the priciest.