Mozambique Travel Tips

International Airlines

Main access from Europe and North America is via Johannesburg although TAP Air Portugal and LAM Mozambique Airlines operate direct services to Maputo from Lisbon. From Johannesburg connecting flights to Maputo are operated by South African Airways and LAM while other operators serve Inhambane, Pemba and Vilanculos.

Regional flights to Mozambique are also available from Durban, Cape Town and Mpumalanga in South Africa; Dar es Salaam in Tanzania; Nairobi in Kenya; and Harare in Zimbabwe. LAM’s domestic services connect Maputo with the country’s major cities and tourist destinations.

International Airports

Mavalane International (MPM), five miles (8 km) north of Maputo. Beira (BEW), eight miles (13 km) from the city, Inhambane, Lichinga, Nampula, Pemba and Vilanculos.

Mozambique travel guide to Passports and Visas

All visitors must present a passport, with a minimum six months validity, and visas are required by visitors other than nationals of Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is advisable to get one’s visas in advance. These are obtainable from Mozambique embassies or consulates, on presentation of two passport size photographs and the necessary visa fee, but they may also be acquired at international airports and border posts.

Health and Immunisation

A course of anti-malaria tablets is strongly advised. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, polio tetanus and typhoid are also recommended. A yellow fever certificate is required for those arriving from infected areas.

Airport Tax

A tax of US$30 is payable, at the airport, by passengers departing on international and regional flights or US$10 on domestic flights.

Currency

Mozambique’s currency is the Metical. Banks and Foreign Exchange Bureau will exchange any recognized currency while credit cards are widely accepted and travellers cheques in US dollars and South African rand are accepted in the major centers. Most city banks have ATM machines from which local currency may be withdrawn at all hours.

Car Hire

International car hire companies are represented in Maputo and Beira. Driving is on the left. An international driving license is required.

Shopping in Mozambique and Guide to Souvenirs

There are good bargains available in Mozambique’s markets and roadside stalls. Brightly coloured landscapes by Mozambican painters are becoming collectors' items. Woven baskets, bags and hats as well as beautiful, locally produced printed cloths are also worth looking out for - as is silver jewellery made by craftsmen on the islands of Mozambique and Ibo. There are lots of shops in Maputo selling locally made arts and crafts including wooden sculptures, pottery, decorated plates and ceramics.

Travel tip for Mozambique: What to take

Don't forget to take the camera, camcorder and binoculars. Stock up with plenty of film and batteries. If you're visiting a game reserve, take a torch for finding your way around the camp at night. Also bring some insect repellent for spraying on exposed areas of skin at dusk. Sunglasses, suntan lotions and possibly lip-balm should also be packed. If you do forget something, most accessories can be bought in major centres.

What to Wear

For most of the year light clothing is a must. However, during the winter (June-August), it can get chilly in the evenings so pack a sweater or jacket. In restaurants 'smart casual' is the norm: short-sleeved shirts and slacks for men, blouses and skirts or informal dresses for women - but not shorts and vests. Topless sunbathing is frowned upon.

When visiting game reserves neutral colours are preferred, but not white, because bright hues may unsettle the animals. Shorts and safari shirts in brown, beige, dark green or khaki are best. Wear sensible walking shoes and take a hat for protection from the sun. In the evening it is a good idea to wear long sleeved shirts and slacks so as little skin as possible is exposed to mosquitoes.

Travel Light

Some safari/air charter companies limit baggage to a 10 kilo maximum.