Car Rental in Mozambique - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Mozambique offers excellent flexibility for exploring the country's stunning coastline, remote beaches, and national parks like Gorongosa, where public transport is limited or non-existent. It's highly recommended for road trips along the coastal route and accessing rural areas. However, driving conditions vary significantly – main highways connecting major cities are generally reasonable, while secondary and rural roads can be poorly maintained, unpaved, and challenging, especially during the rainy season. Mozambique drives on the left side of the road. Car rental is NOT recommended for navigating congested city centers like Maputo, where traffic can be chaotic and parking difficult. Tourists should be prepared for challenging driving conditions including potholes, limited road signage, occasional police checkpoints, and sharing roads with pedestrians and livestock in rural areas. An international driving permit is typically required alongside your home license. Consider your driving experience carefully – confident drivers comfortable with variable road conditions will benefit most from the freedom a rental car provides, while nervous drivers might prefer organized tours or hiring drivers for specific routes.

International Driving Permit

Information not available for Mozambique-specific IDP requirements. Check with local authorities or your rental agency before travel.

Minimum Age

Minimum age requirements vary by rental company in Mozambique. Typically ranges from 21-25 years - verify with your chosen rental agency.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is required. Acceptance of foreign licenses varies - confirm requirements with rental agencies.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is typically included with rentals, but comprehensive coverage is recommended due to road conditions. Verify coverage details with your rental provider.

Credit Card for Deposit

Most rental agencies require a credit card in the driver's name for security deposits. Check specific deposit requirements with your rental company.

Additional Documentation

Passport and proof of accommodation may be required by rental agencies. Confirm all required documentation when booking.

Rent from established international agencies at Maputo International Airport for better vehicle condition and insurance coverage, though local agencies in cities may offer lower rates - inspect any vehicle thoroughly before accepting.

Before driving off, document all existing damage with photos, verify the spare tire and jack are present, and confirm you have the vehicle registration and insurance documents required at police checkpoints.

Download offline maps for GPS navigation as mobile data coverage can be unreliable outside major cities, and road signage in Mozambique is often limited or in Portuguese only.

Fill up with fuel whenever possible as gas stations are sparse outside urban areas, and note that many stations only accept cash in meticais - parking in cities typically requires paying attendants who watch your vehicle.

Return the car with the agreed fuel level and allow extra time for the inspection process, as agencies will carefully check for any new damage - keep all fuel receipts and toll payments as proof if disputes arise.

Road conditions vary significantly in Mozambique, with paved roads mainly in cities while rural areas often have unpaved, poorly maintained roads that become hazardous during rainy season (November-April) - drive slowly and avoid night driving outside urban areas.

Police checkpoints are common throughout Mozambique, particularly on major routes - always carry your driver's license, passport, vehicle registration, and insurance documents, and be prepared to stop frequently for document checks.

Traffic enforcement can be inconsistent and local driving customs include frequent overtaking on blind corners, pedestrians and livestock on roads, and minimal lane discipline - drive defensively and expect unpredictable behavior from other road users.

Flooding during rainy season can make roads impassable without warning, particularly in southern and central regions - check weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling, and never attempt to cross flooded roads as water depth and current strength are difficult to assess.