Things to Do in Mozambique

About Mozambique

Mozambique stretches along Africa's southeastern coast with white beaches, coral reefs, and the remnants of Portuguese rule. The Indian Ocean laps against mangrove channels where dhows still sail—just as they have for centuries. Marrabenta music plays in the streets. The Bazaruto Archipelago draws divers and sailors. Gorongosa National Park offers serious wildlife. Arabic traders, Portuguese colonizers, and indigenous groups all left their mark, and you'll see it in the architecture, hear it in the language, taste it in the food. Peri-peri prawns cook on grills at beachside spots while humpback whales breach offshore. Locals greet visitors with 'Bem-vindo' in Portuguese or phrases in Makhuwa and Tsonga. The hospitality is real. Luxury lodges operate near traditional fishing villages—a contrast that works. This is the kind of place that hasn't been overrun yet. Worth seeing now.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Chapas (minibuses) charge 15-50 MZN ($0.23-0.78) for intercity routes but can be overcrowded. Bush taxis between provinces cost 200-800 MZN ($3.13-12.50) depending on distance. Car rental requires international license and starts at 2,500 MZN ($39.06) daily. Domestic flights on LAM cost 3,000-8,000 MZN ($46.88-125) between major cities. Ferry to islands costs 50-200 MZN ($0.78-3.13) depending on destination. Train service limited but Maputo-South Africa line operates. Motorcycle taxis charge 20-100 MZN ($0.31-1.56) for short trips. Road conditions vary greatly - 4x4 recommended for rural areas.

Money: Mozambican metical (MZN) used. ATMs in cities but may have daily limits. USD accepted at upscale venues and safari lodges. Budget $35-65 daily. Credit cards work at major hotels but carry cash elsewhere. Banking hours Monday-Friday 8am-3pm. Tipping 10% expected at restaurants. Exchange rates fluctuate - roughly 64 MZN per USD. Mobile money via M-Pesa popular for small payments. Keep cash secure - crime can be an issue. Rural areas are cash-only.

Cultural Respect: Portuguese is official with English at tourist venues. Greet with 'Olá' and handshakes. Mozambican culture blends African, Portuguese, and Arabic influences. Dress modestly especially away from beach areas. Photography of people usually welcomed but ask permission. Music and dance central to culture - marrabenta is national music. Traditional capulana cloths worn by many women. Islamic influence strong in northern regions. Remove shoes when entering homes. Bargaining expected at markets. Time can be flexible - patience important.

Food Safety: Piri-piri prawns cost 400-800 MZN ($6.25-12.50) and are exceptional along the coast. Matapa (cassava leaves with coconut) costs 200-400 MZN ($3.13-6.25). Fresh fish grilled with spices costs 300-600 MZN ($4.69-9.38). Local beer like 2M costs 60-120 MZN ($0.94-1.88) in bars. Cashew nuts cost 150-300 MZN ($2.34-4.69) per bag - local specialty. Portuguese pastries cost 30-80 MZN ($0.47-1.25) each. Restaurant meals average 500-1,200 MZN ($7.81-18.75) per person. Coconut curry dishes cost 250-500 MZN ($3.91-7.81). Bottled water costs 20-40 MZN ($0.31-0.63). Traditional xima (maize porridge) costs 100-200 MZN ($1.56-3.13).

When to Visit

Mozambique's tropical climate offers distinct seasons that dramatically affect both experiences and costs. The dry season (May-October) brings perfect weather with temperatures ranging from 20-28°C, minimal rainfall (less than 25mm monthly), and excellent diving conditions with 30+ meter visibility. This peak period sees accommodation prices increase 40-60%, especially June-August when Southern African school holidays coincide with perfect weather. November-April marks the wet season with higher temperatures (25-32°C), humidity reaching 80%, and rainfall averaging 100-200mm monthly. While cyclone risk exists December-March, this off-peak period offers 30-50% savings on accommodation and spectacular bird watching as migrants arrive. March-May provides the sweet spot: fewer crowds, 25-30% lower prices, and improving weather conditions. Key festivals include Independence Day (June 25) and the colorful Festival of Our Lady of Conception on Island of Mozambique (December 8). Divers should visit May-September for whale sharks and manta rays, while fishing ensoiasts prefer September-December for marlin season. Budget travelers benefit most from visiting April-May or October-November, avoiding both peak prices and heaviest rains while enjoying pleasant temperatures and reasonable accommodation rates.