/images/flickr/Malawi_Village_Walk_&_Meal/3233833384_l.jpg

Livingstone to Johannesburg

21 days From EUR 1595 More about this trip
/images/flickr/Photo_of_Vilanculos_Mozambique/3365502670_l.jpg

Mozambique Magic

14 days From EUR 795 More about this trip
Previous Next
Where can we take you? Check out our route map and explore overland routes

Build Your Trip to Africa

Where?

Where do you want to go?

Close
Close Button
When?

Close
Close Button
How Long?

Close
Close Button
Mozambique Navigation
About Mozambique
About
Activities
Bazaruto Archipelago Dhow Safari
Inhambane Scuba Diving
Praia Do Tofo Deep Sea Fishing
Praia Do Tofo Whale Shark Safari
View All Activities
Destinations
Bazaruto
Benguerra Islands
Inhambane
Maputo
Praia do Tofo
Tours
Accommodated Tours
Camping Tours
Small Group Tours
View All Tours

About Mozambique

Mozambique backpacking tours offer a tropical paradise ideal for budget travel experiences. Endless white beaches and clear blue seas with a multitude of marine life, go hand in hand with a vibrant culture and friendly nation.

Mozambique Budget Travel

Below is a list of Mozambique's top destinations, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Bazaruto, Benguerra Islands, Inhambane, Maputo, Praia do Tofo

Fast Facts

Currency
Mozambican Metical (MZN)
Dialing Code
258

Airports

Mozambique international airports include:
• Beira International Airport
• Maputo International Airport
• Nampula International Airport

Birdlife

With a wide diversity of habitats including highly threatened lowlands and miombo woodlands, and an array of beautiful Southern African bird species which total 740, Mozambique birdlife offers birdwatchers a thrilling experience in a tropical paradise. There are about 15 Important Bird Areas (IBA’s) in Mozambique, spanning from coastal regions to forests, wetlands and mountain areas.

Conservation

Mozambique conservation is vital to prevent further damage to the country’s already threatened wildlife and plant species. One of the most critically endangered species in Mozambique includes the dugong, of which there are only 150 left worldwide, most of them in Mozambique. A number of plants also face extinction if conservation efforts are not improved and enforced by Mozambique authorities.

Culture

Mozambique cultures are influenced by the following:
• Music and dance is influenced by the Portuguese roots of the country
• Cuisine and food play a key role in social events and festivals
• Art is a key part of tribal cultures
• Architecture and buildings are heavily influenced by colonial eras
• Customs and traditions are a blend of African and Portuguese influences

Health

Mozambique health is typical of any African country, with health facilities ranging from average to poor. Malaria is rife in many areas, and other health risks include untreated water, cholera, Rift Valley Fever and plague. Take a first aid kit and vitamins, and follow basic health precautions to ensure that you stay healthy on your Mozambique travels.

AIDS

Mozambique HIV/AIDS is a serious epidemic, with an extremely high rate of 12.5% in adults of 15 years and older. This amounts to an estimated 1,400,000 people living with HIV or AIDS, with a death rate of 81,000 by the end of 2007. About 58% of HIV/AIDS cases occurs in women, while the child AIDS numbers show a shocking 100,000 children of 15 years or younger.

Vaccinations

Mozambique inoculations include:
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A
• Malaria
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever (if coming from an infected area)

Languages

Mozambique languages include the following:
• Portuguese (official language)
• Makua-Longwe
• Tsonga
• Shona
• Swahili

Money

Mozambique money & banking information includes:
• US Dollars and South African Rands are widely accepted
• Travellers cheques can be exchanged at most banks, major hotels or airports
• There are a number of ATMs in major cities, however these are not always safe so be cautious about withdrawing cash
• Credit cards are accepted at some major hotels or restaurants but not all
• Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 07h30 to 15h30

Phrase

Mozambique local phrases in Portuguese include:
• Hello - Hola
• Goodbye - Até logo
• How much? - Cuanto custa?
• Thank-you - Obrigado
• How are you? - Como esta?
• I am fine - Muito bem obrigado

Plants

With about 5, 500 species of plant in the country, Mozambique plant life is rich and diverse. Ecosystems range from wetlands and mangroves to lush forests and woodlands, with a wide array of vegetation to be found. Mozambique has a high density of closed canopy forest, including dry forest, scrub forest, Brachystegia forest, riverine forest, groundwater forest, swamp forest, and coastal forest.

People

Mozambique people include the following groups:
• Makua-Lomwé 37%
• Tsonga 23%
• Shona 9%
• Other tribal groups 30%
• Euro-Africans 0.2%
• Europeans 0.06%
• Indians 0.08%

Safety Tips

Mozambique safety tips include the following:
• The crime rate is generally low, however Maputo and busier cities are becoming increasing targets for tourist pick-pocketing or muggings
• Tropical cyclone seasons run from November to April and coastal areas should be avoided ' flooding may also occur during these months
• Avoid using ATM’s on the streets and keep valuables out of sight and secure
• Avoid large crowds or demonstrations which may turn violent
• Roads are often in very bad condition so be cautious when driving

Religion

Mozambique religion groups include the following:
• Roman Catholic 21.8%
• Muslim 22.8%
• Zionist Christian 17.5%
• Other 16.8%
• None 21.1%

Transport

Mozambique local transport options include:
• Car
• Bus
• Taxi
• Plane

Travel Books

Mozambique travel books include the following:
• Mozambique: The Bradt Travel Guide 4th Edition by Philip Briggs and Mark Whittington
• Mozambique Travel Pack by New Holland Publishers
• Mozambique Travel Guide by Globetrotter
• Kalashnikovs and Zombie Cucumbers: Travels in Mozambique by Nick Middleton
• Mozambique 2008 Travel Map by Globetrotter

Visa Requirements

Mozambique visa information is as follows:
• Most nationals require a visa except for South Africans and certain other African country citizens
• Passports must be valid for six months minimum
• Return tickets plus proof of income during your stay is required
• Visas are generally valid for a maximum of 3 months
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter the country

Wildlife

Mozambique wildlife includes an impressive array of mammals, marine species, reptiles and amphibians. There are about 232 species of mammal, which include the extremely rare and endangered dugong plus dolphins, whales and manatees. Marine life is rich and abundant, with species ranging from whale shark to manta ray, and scuba diving and snorkeling offer a thrilling glimpse into underwater wonderlands with a huge diversity of fish to be seen.

What To Pack

What to pack for Mozambique safaris:
• Sunglasses, sunhat and high factor sunscreen
• Swimming costume and snorkeling set, plus extra beach towels
• Loose, lightweight clothing with long sleeves
• Camera with spare batteries, extra film or memory cards
• Warm jacket for cooler seasons plus comfortable walking shoes and sandals

What To Buy

What to buy for Mozambique safaris:
• Mozambique travel book and Portuguese phrase book
• Sturdy backpack plus decent moneybag for valuables and travel documents
• First aid box filled with basic supplies and equipment
• Sleeping bag and camping mattress if you are on an overlanding tour
• Disposable underwater camera

When To Go

When to go to Mozambique:
• The best time to visit Mozambique is from March to September
• The coolest months are from May to November
• Cyclone season runs from November to April and weather is very bad during these months, with frequent flooding
• November to March are the hottest months of the year
• During Christmas, Easter and August the country is filled with tourists, often from neighbouring South Africa

2010 World Cup

Mozambique 2010 statistics are as follows:
• The Mozambique national team are known as the Mambas
• Their FIFA World Cup records are fairly dismal, with no qualifications to date
• The team have achieved a few Round 1 standings in Africa Cup of Nations games
• The team's head coach is Mozambique's Martin Nooij
• Their biggest win was 6 - 1 against Lesotho in 1980

 

Ask us something or leave a comment

3 Mozambique Overland Tours recommended for you

  • /images/flickr/Malawi_Village_Walk_&_Meal/3233833384_t.jpg Livingstone to Johannesburg

    21 days   From EUR 1595

    Livingstone to Johannesburg

  • /images/flickr/Photo_of_Vilanculos_Mozambique/3365502670_t.jpg Mozambique Magic

    14 days   From EUR 795

    Johannesburg to Johannesburg

  • /images/flickr/Mozambique_top_20_photos/3423126027_t.jpg Mozambique Explorer

    14 days   From EUR 1195

    Johannesburg to Johannesburg

  • Recent Feedback

    Left quoteI had the most amazing trip! Absolutely incredible! The crew was so good. I am on a round the world trip and Africa takes the cake so far. I miss it heaps. Thank you for all your h...Right quote

    John R (24) from Australia

    Left quoteJust arrived from our adventure in East Africa, still thinking in shillings and the sunsets of the Indic Ocean. The tryp has been a total succes, everybody has enjoy it, the truck...Right quote

    Ben and Eneko from Spain

    Left quoteI've heard nothing but good things about overlandingafrica.com and yourself personally Tania. I am aware that you guys are a very reputable company. Thank you very much for being s...Right quote

    John R (24) from Australia

    Left quoteI just want to tell you that the tour you booked for us was absolutely perfect! Africa is by far the best place we´ve been to! Thanks alot!Right quote

    Ole F from Norway

    Left quoteIt was a fantastic start into 2009! The trip was perfect and your service is outstanding! Quick in answering, always correct answers, friendly, just special! I wished all South Afr...Right quote

    Simon from South Africa

    Left quoteFirstly I'd like to thank you for all your help, you've been fantastic. Secondly i'd like to give a bit of feedback, and this is by no means a complaint cos it's not really your re...Right quote

    Carl A from Norway

    Left quoteI just wanted to thank you one more time for all of your help planning my trip. I am sorry about all of the last minute changes and greatly appreciate you accommodating them. I wi...Right quote

    Kathleen H from United States

    Left quoteI am back in Portugal and would like to thank both of you for all the trouble you went through and the support you provided. The tour was great, in all aspects. Spectacular and wel...Right quote

    Isabel M from Portugal

    Left quoteThank U! Thank U! Thank U! For alllllllll of your wonderful efforts & tenacity! This would NOT have happened without your hard work, energy & expertise!Right quote

    Mary G from United States

    Left quotethank you once again for the hard work you've put in to find the answers to all my questions! I'm determined to have a brilliant time, and I'll let you know when I get back how it ...Right quote

    Kat from United Kingdom

    Go to all feedback
    Previous Next

    5 places worth checking out in Mozambique

    Previous Next