🇲🇿Mozambique
A long Indian Ocean coastline of pristine archipelagos, with Portuguese colonial history woven throughout.
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Capital
Maputo
Best time
May–November
Language
Portuguese
Currency
Mozambican metical
Mozambique's 2,500km Indian Ocean coastline holds the Bazaruto Archipelago's dunes and coral reefs, and Ilha de Moçambique's UNESCO-listed former colonial capital, while Gorongosa National Park has become one of Africa's most celebrated wildlife restoration success stories after decades of civil war decimated its animal populations.
🏝️ Bazaruto Archipelago
🏛️ Ilha de Moçambique
🦁 Gorongosa National Park
🤿 Tofo's whale shark diving
Trip essentials
Budget: Budget: €30–50/day · Mid-range: €70–130/day · Luxury: €220+/day
Visa: Most nationalities can get an e-visa or visa on arrival — confirm current requirements before booking.
Suggested days: 9 — 9 days covers Maputo, the coast, and Gorongosa, reflecting the significant distances between Mozambique's main regions.
Getting there: Maputo International Airport (MPM) is the main gateway
Getting around: Domestic flights are the practical way to cover Mozambique's long coastline; roads can be rough in places
Safety: The main tourist circuit (Maputo, Tofo, Bazaruto, Gorongosa) is generally safe for tourists; checking current specific guidance for the far north (Cabo Delgado region) given periods of instability there is sensible
Tipping: 10% at restaurants is appreciated, not mandatory
Power plug: Type C/F/M, 220V
Tastes of Mozambique
Piri piri chicken
Grilled chicken in a spicy chili sauce, Mozambique's best-known culinary export, reflecting Portuguese-African fusion.
Matapa
Cassava leaves cooked with peanuts and often shrimp, a coastal staple.
Prawns
Mozambican prawns are widely regarded as among the best in the region, commonly grilled with piri piri sauce.
Xima
A maize porridge staple, similar to nsima or pap found across the region.
Top attractions
Suggested itinerary
Days 1–2
Maputo
The capital's colonial architecture and markets.
Days 3–4
Tofo
Whale shark and manta ray diving.
🚗 ~8h drive or domestic flight to Inhambane
Days 5–6
Bazaruto Archipelago
Island and reef time.
🚗 Domestic flight to Vilanculos, then a boat transfer
Days 7–9
Gorongosa National Park
Wildlife safaris in the recovering park.
🚗 Domestic flight connections vary by route
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Mozambique?
Most nationalities can get an e-visa or visa on arrival — confirm current requirements before booking.
Is Mozambique safe to visit?
The main tourist circuit in the south and center is generally considered safe; checking current specific guidance for the far northern Cabo Delgado region given periods of instability there is sensible.
Is Tofo's whale shark diving really reliable?
Yes, among the more consistent places in the world for sightings, alongside regular manta ray encounters.
How significant is Gorongosa's recovery story?
Genuinely remarkable — wildlife populations were decimated during the civil war, and a major, well-documented restoration partnership has brought numbers back substantially in recent decades.