Why we love Mozambique

Sunrise spills gold across the sea, coral reefs shimmer beneath the waves and dhows drift along the coast as dusk falls. Here, the Indian Ocean sets the rhythm. Mangroves frame quiet beaches, markets hum with the scent of fresh fish and spices and evenings are spent watching the horizon fade to pink and purple. This guide shares the essentials you need to know before you travel.

Entry requirements 

British and American nationals do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 30 days. 

To enter, you’ll need: 

– A passport valid for at least six months after the end of your trip.

– A return or onward air ticket.

– A written invitation or confirmation letter from your host or hotel (we’ll upload this to your Vamoos app before you travel).

– On arrival, you’ll need to pay an entry fee of 650 Mozambican meticais, payable by card or cash. 

Always check your local government’s advice if you’re travelling from another territory, and reach out to our operations team if you have any questions about paperwork. 

Health and safety 

We are not certified to give medical advice, but we recommend you consult your doctor about your vaccination history and discuss any further vaccinations you may need for your trip. We recommend this website for travel vaccination information and advice on bringing medication into the country.  

It’s worth noting that Yellow Fever Vaccinations are mandatory when coming from a country at risk of transmission. The above link will provide you with more information.

Getting around

We can arrange all transfers for you. Just share your flight number or train details and we will plan your route. For multi-stop trips, we can also arrange transfers between lodges, hotels and regions. 

Baggage

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, there are specific baggage allowances for each country and sometimes even different airlines. See below for Mozambique’s baggage allowances: 

Airline: Safarilink    

Checked luggage: 20 kg per person 

Hand luggage: 5 kg per person (max dimensions: 30 cm x 35 cm x 70 cm) 

If you are connecting to a safari, remember that smaller aircraft often have strict weight and size limits for bags. 

Packing and climate 

We strongly recommend that you carry overnight essentials and any medication in your hand luggage, particularly if connecting to an onward destination, in the event of lost luggage or delays.  

Most lodges and camps will offer laundry services with a 24-hour turnaround, but please note that, for cultural reasons, most will not launder women’s underwear.

Pack lightweight cotton clothing for hot days, a few layers for cooler evenings in the dry season, swimwear for the coast, and a waterproof jacket if you are travelling in the rainy season. 

Dry season: May to October – warm, dry and slightly cooler, ideal for beach and outdoor activities.

Wet season: November to April – hotter and more humid, with seasonal rains. 

Check out our What to Pack on Safari Guide for a comprehensive packing list. 

Laws and customs 

Here are our top tips for adhering to Mozambique’s laws and customs, but please check the official government guidance for full details. 

– Always carry identification – by law you must be able to show ID to the authorities on request. Police checkpoints are common, especially on the roads. 

– It is illegal to photograph government buildings, airports, military establishments, police or officials without permission from the Mozambique Information Office (Gabinete de Informação – GABINFO). 

– Dress modestly in towns and villages – light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees is appreciated. 

– Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas. 

Money matters 

The currency is the Mozambican Metical (MZN). ATMs and exchange facilities are widely available in major cities but less common in remote or island areas, so carry enough cash for smaller purchases when travelling off the beaten path. Most hotels and restaurants accept card payments, but it’s best to have cash on hand for taxis, tips, market stalls and excursions. 

Tipping 

Tipping isn’t compulsory in Mozambique but is welcomed for good service. As a guideline: 

Restaurants and cafés: 5–10 per cent of the bill is appreciated if service isn’t included.

Guides: 5–10 USD per traveller per day.

Drivers: 3–5 USD per traveller per day.

Hotel porters: 1–2 USD per bag.

It is a good idea to keep small notes in local currency for tips in markets or remote areas where card payments aren’t accepted.

Practicalities 

Plug type: Mozambique uses plug types C, F and M. Type C and F have two round pins, while type M has three large round pins.  

Flights and time zone: The fastest direct flight from London to Mozambique takes just over ten hours. Mozambique operates on GMT +2 year-round and does not observe daylight saving time. 

Language: Portuguese is the official language across Mozambique. English is spoken in some hotels, restaurants and tourist areas, but less so in rural communities. Knowing a few basic Portuguese phrases can be helpful: 

Hello – Olá
Thank you – Obrigado / Obrigada
Please – Por favor
Yes / No – Sim / Não
How much is this? – Quanto custa?
Excuse me / Sorry – Desculpe
I need help – Preciso de ajuda 

Food and drink 

Mozambique’s food is a vibrant mix of African and Portuguese influences, with big flavours and plenty of fresh seafood. Expect fragrant spices, coconut-rich stews, and plenty of tropical fruits. 

Piri-piri chicken: A Mozambican classic, marinated with chilli, garlic and lemon then grilled over an open flame. 

Matapa: A traditional, slow-cooked dish made with cassava leaves, coconut milk, garlic and peanuts. 

Pãozinho: Soft, Portuguese-style bread rolls served warm – perfect for soaking up sauces. 

Xima: A cornmeal staple similar to polenta, often served with stews. 

Local beers and rum: Laurentina and 2M are popular beers, while Tipo Tinto is the local rum, often mixed into cocktails. 

Keep connected 

Most travellers use a local Mozambican SIM card or an e-SIM for reliable coverage. You can buy SIM cards from local providers such as Vodacom and Movitel on arrival at Maputo airport or in larger towns. If you’d prefer to be connected as soon as you land, we recommend purchasing an e-SIM in advance from a trusted provider such as Airalo.