Introducing Mozambique
Mozambique is one of Africa’s up-and-coming hot-spots, with stunning beaches, excellent diving and magical offshore islands. Go snorkelling around the Bazaruto Archipelago, sail on a dhow through mangrove channels or laze under the palms in the Quirimbas Archipelago, take an off-beat safari in the wilds of Gorongosa National Park, wander along cobbled streets past stately colonial-era buildings on Ilha de Moçambique, sip a café espresso at one of Maputo’s lively sidewalk cafés (or maybe a caipirinha at one of its jazz bars), watch the silversmiths at work on Ibo Island or dance to the country’s trademark marrabenta music.
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For almost two decades, many of these attractions were inaccessible due to a protracted guerrilla war. Now dark times are in the past, and Mozambique is one of Africa’s rising stars, with an upbeat atmosphere, overflowing markets and a 2500km coastline waiting to be discovered. If you’re inclined to something tamer, stick to Southern Mozambique, where roads and transport links (especially with neighbouring South Africa) are good and accommodation options abound. For more adventure, head across the Zambezi into the wilds of Northern Mozambique, one of Africa’s last frontiers. Getting around here takes time, but the paradisiacal coastal panoramas and sense of space, the sheer adventure of travel and – for those with a healthy budget – some of the continent’s most idyllic island lodges make the journey well worthwhile.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Tips & articles
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Mozambique: travel books to read before you go
1 October 2010
This excerpt from Lonely Planet’s Mozambique guide provides a selection of travel literature to get you in the mood for...
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Best of cosmopolitan Africa
10 June 2010
In this excerpt from Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate Experiences, celebrate Africa and submerge yourself in some of the wor...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Best way to go from Durban to Maputo?
by 7siebenstern 14 September 2011
Hello, I've actually looked into that topic quite thoroughly recently and what I found out is: - the border at Kosi Bay/Ponta d'Ouro…
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Community work in Mozambique
by mjones3 14 September 2011
Hi people, I'm travelling in Tanzania and Mozambique over the next few months and i want to stay somewhere in Mozambique for a while…
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RE: South Africa Garden Route OR Inland Safari Trip.
by nomadicjess 13 September 2011
Hi Dave Yip, South Africa over school holidays can be pretty manic but generally the rush is short and sharp and centralised specifically…
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Mozambique
Things to do
- All things to do (166)
- Activities (18)
- Entertainment (18)
- Restaurants (50)
- Shopping (35)
- Sights (27)
- Tours (18)
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Our Top Picks For Mozambique
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1 Maputo
The energetic waterside capital, with flame tree-lined streets, lively sidewalk cafés and pulsating nightlife.
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2 Inhambane
Dhows and flamingos dot the bay in this sleepy, charming town near beautiful beaches
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3 Tofo
White sand dunes, a long arc of beach and diving with the manta rays
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4 Archipélago de Bazaruto
The ultimate tropical paradise, with incomparably turquoise waters and shoals of colourful fish
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5 Montes Chimanimani
Cool, dense forests shelter secluded valleys and rich traditional cultures
Fast Facts about Mozambique
- Time
GMT/UTC+ 2
- Population
19.7 million
- Borders
Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe; all borders open
- Seasons
Dry (May to November), wet (December to April); during the rains some roads are impassable
- Telephone
Country code 258; international access code 00
- ATMs
In all major towns
- Budget
US$25 to US$100 per day
- Capital
- Visa
US$20 to US$70 for 30 days; issued at most border posts
- Area
800, 000 sq km
- Language
Portuguese
- Money
Metical nova família; US$1 = Mtc25
Our favourite Mozambique Blogs (beta)
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Hospital Admission Forms and Procedures – Mozambique Style
Blog: The Travel Tart - Offbeat Tales From A Travel Addict - 2 May 2011
Hospital Admission Forms – The Un-computerised Way If you think you don’t need Travel Insurance, think again! Check out this piece of paper – what do you think it is?...
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Photo Essay: Crossing the Heart of Africa
Blog: GoBackpacking - 24 February 2011
Photos from Julian Smith's 4,500-mile overland journey from South Africa to Sudan.---------Join Travel Blog Success today and learn to build a better travel blog. Membership includes 27 tutorials, private forum, audio interviews, and more.
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Stories of flying
Blog: Sophie's World - 29 December 2010
Recently, a friend of mine was on a plane hit by lightning. Seemed scary enough, but the pilot had quickly explained very calmly that it was nothing to worry about....Stories of flying is a post from Sophie's World
