Mozambique | An off-the-beaten-track paradise in Africa

Are you planning a trip to Mozambique? Whether you're backpacking through Africa, exploring the continent in a 4x4, or searching for a luxurious resort on pristine white beaches, Mozambique has something for everyone. Our page provides a summary of helpful information for traveling in Mozambique, along with links to our latest blogs on the best places to visit, where to find delicious food, and which roads to take. Start planning your dream vacation to Mozambique today!

Our Latest Travel Blogs for Mozambique

Community Lodge: Ndzou Camp in Chimanimani Mozambique

The Chimanimani region in Mozambique is known for its beautiful scenery, including lush green hills dotted with banana trees and a jungle inhabited by wild elephants. Camp Ndzou is a community lodge located in the heart of Chimanimani, next to the N280 road. All proceeds from the lodge go to the local village. It’s an ideal stop on your road trip through Mozambique, especially if you’re traveling to/from the coast (Inhassorro/Vilankulo) and Zimbabwe or visiting the Tete corridor or Gorongosa NP.

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The Best Lodge in Vilankulo: Ocean Pearl Lodge. A Hidden Paradise

Are you looking for the best place to stay in Vilankulo? Look no further. Ocean Pearl Lodge (9.5/10)  is your destination. This lodge is a peaceful haven situated away from the bustling city centre of Vilankulo. Nestled right at the tropical Mozambican coastline. The new owners of the lodge, who took over in December 2022, have done an incredible job renovating the lodge and creating an outstanding place to stay in Vilankulo.

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5 Local Hidden Gems in Tofo, Mozambique

For those that are looking for the Bali vibe in Africa. Tofo is the place to be. This still small beach town offers everything you are looking for on your Mozambique backpack trip. The restaurants are cheap. The ocean is beautiful. The hotels and hostels are amazing. And there is a lot of cool things to do. Instead of going for the usual stuff. We opted for some more unusual hidden gems in Tofo. Enjoy reading!

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Pomene the most beautiful highlight of any Mozambique Itinerary

Welcome to Pomene Village, a hidden gem in Mozambique that adventurous travelers will surely love. It's a small community of 350 people that's perfect for those who want to go off-the-beaten-track. The village is located on a peninsula and is filled with small huts made out of palm leaves. While there's no electricity or Wi-Fi, you might catch a little bit of 2G Vodacom signal if the wind is in your favor. It's an authentic way to experience Mozambique and immerse yourself in the local culture.

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Top 11 Places To Visit on your Mozambique Road Trip 2024

Are you planning on visiting Mozambique? Looking for off-the-beaten-track places to stay?  Based on our two months in Mozambique we compiled a list of places we recommend you staying. We started our trip north of Maputo and slowly drove up all the way up to Pemba in the north. The places we visit are considered low to mid-range to budget. 

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Best Places to Stay in Mozambique

Mozambique is a big country with over 2700km of coastline full of resorts. So it really depends on your itinerary.  It also worth mentioning that Mozambique offers a lot more than just a coastline. Within Mozambique you can find all sort of nature and wildlife. And therefor it's very much advised to also visit some more inland places such as (e.g. Gorongosa, Chimanimani).

 

The most popular towns to visit in Mozambique are:

  • Ponto d'oro
  • Tofo / Barra
  • Vilankulo / Inhassoro / Bazaruto
  • Bazaruto
  • Nacala
  • Pempa / Quirimbas

 

Read our blog on 9 places to visit in Mozambique.  In this blog we do a full cover of the best places in Mozambique.

Car rental in Mozambique

To rent a car in Mozambique this is best done from the major cities. Car companies such as Sixt and Avis have offices in most major cities. Mozambique has one of the worst roads in the world. Due to the poor road quality it's recommendable to get a good insurance when renting a car.


To get the best prices for a car in Mozambique I wouldn't trust small local offices. Rather opt-in with larger global firm to have more securities. We always book out rental cars with Booking.com. You usually get a discount on your hotels as well.

Cash and Currencies in Mozambique

When traveling to Mozambique, it's important to know that their local currency is the Metacais. While this is the primary form of payment, it's also common to find that Rands and Dollars are widely accepted, particularly in the tourist areas. However, it's important to note that access to cash can be quite difficult in Mozambique. Banks are often empty, and if you do happen to find one, you'll likely encounter long lines. A helpful tip for locating banks with money is to simply follow the crowds. You will find Standard Bank, BCI and Absa in most towns in Mozambique.

 

Additionally, keep in mind that you'll only be able to withdraw a maximum of 5000 Metacais per transaction, which equates to around $75 at the time of writing. It's always best to plan ahead and have enough cash on hand to avoid any potential difficulties.

Mozambique Visa and other costs associated with entering the country

Traveling to Mozambique is an exciting adventure, but it's important to be aware of the visa requirements before embarking on your journey. Whether you're an international visitor or a South African visitor, you'll need to obtain a visa before entering the country. For international visitors, a visa is required for all nationalities except for those from countries that have a visa exemption agreement with Mozambique. Visitors from countries such as South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe are exempt from the visa requirement for stays of up to 30 days.

 

For those who need a visa, it can be obtained in advance from a Mozambican embassy or consulate in your home country. Alternatively, you can obtain a visa on arrival at one of Mozambique's international airports or land border crossings. However, it's recommended to obtain a visa beforehand to avoid any delays or complications at the border.

 

The cost of a visa varies depending on the length of stay and the type of visa required. For example, a single-entry visa for a stay of up to 30 days costs around $50, while a multiple-entry visa for a stay of up to 90 days costs around $80. For South African visitors, a visa is required for stays longer than 30 days. However, South African passport holders are eligible for a visa waiver program, which allows for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. This program is only available for tourism and business purposes.

 

In conclusion, it's important to be aware of Mozambique's visa requirements before planning your trip. Make sure to check if you need a visa and obtain one in advance to avoid any complications at the border. With the proper preparation, you can enjoy all the wonders that Mozambique has to offer.

Is Mozambique safe to visit?

Mozambique is a welcoming and secure destination for travel. The locals are hospitable, and we never experienced any safety concerns during our nighttime outings. However, it is advisable to take precautions against malaria. Additionally, the northern region above Pemba is known to be a high-risk area, so it may be wise to avoid this part of the country.

What language do they speak in Mozambique

In Mozambique, the official language is Portugees. But only around half of the population speaks the language. Next to Portugees, they speak: Makhuwa, Changana, Nyanja, Ndau, Sena, Chwabo, and Tswa. You fill din that in touristy areas (e.g. Tofo, Inhambane, Barra, Vilankhulos) people speak English.

Can you do a visa run for Mozambique.

Yes, you can do a visa run to neighboring countries. Since the visa is only valid for 30 days, you must re-enter Mozambique. This can be done through the borders of South Africa, Zimbabwe, or Malawi. It is recommended to spend a few days in the other country before heading back in case of suspicious border control.