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.
Ready to go?
These tours & activities make it easy:
- See the best of Mozambique in 14 days
- Discover Mozambique's coastline on a trip through Zimbabwe and South Africa
- Visit Mozambique on your trip from Vic Falls to Kenya
Last updated: Jan 22, 2013
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Mozambique
Things to do
- All things to do (173)
- Activities (18)
- Entertainment (18)
- Restaurants (55)
- Shopping (38)
- Sights (31)
- Tours (13)
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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