Sure, there is police and governmental corruption, a small rebel army, economic uncertainty, poor roads, slowly improving infrastructure, a high and confusing visa process, and crumbling transportation options—it does not sound appealing to most visitors. The country faces a huge number of challenging issues, and the northern regions of the country remain incredibly unstable with poverty, weak government, and terrorist organizations. However, the south remains stable, which has fostered a small amount of tourism thanks to the country’s glorious coastline.

After a few weeks in Mozambique, it remains one of the top places we can’t wait to return. Every day, I dream of empty beaches and delicious seafood on the African coast. If you’re thinking about traveling to Mozambique on your own and have made a wise decision, here are some things to note based on our personal travel experiences.

Tips For Travel in Mozambique

What Language do Mozambicans Speak?

Mozambicans speak Portuguese due to the historical influence of Portuguese colonization. Mozambique was a Portuguese colony for nearly five centuries, from the late 15th century until its independence in 1975. The official language in Mozambique is Portuguese, and knowing some of the basics will make any experience when you travel there more enjoyable. “Obrigado” means Thank you, and “Bom Dia” means Good Day. That being said, we got around just fine with English—as we did most of Africa.

What is the Capital of Mozambique?

Maputo has been the capital of Mozambique since 1898. It is the largest city and the country’s most important harbor. When traveling in Mozambique, this is where your trip will likely begin and end when flying. If traveling overland, this may change.

Like any other African capital city, Maputo requires vigilance and caution. While it’s not the most dangerous place in Africa, it is certainly not the safest. Violent crime is not too common, but pickpocketing and scams are, and don’t expect the police to be on your side.

If you’re going to stay in Maputo for a few days, remember to be aware, be present, not walk around at night, and not carry valuables on you. We personally only stayed a few hours in Maputo before traveling onward. We’re not big city people and just wanted to explore the more remote parts—which we don’t regret at all!

What Are the People of Mozambique Like?

Did I mention that the Mozambican people are one of a kind? I usually say that the locals are friendly or the *insert nationality here* are genuine, but the Mozambicans took us by surprise. Almost everyone we talked to throughout the country was full of smiles, laughs, and stories to share.

They seem happy to give us the shirt off their backs, even though they don’t have many material items to spare. If you need just one reason to visit Mozambique, it should be for the kind and unique people.

What Currency Will You Use in Mozambique?

The currency in Mozambique is the Mozambique Metical. The South African Rand and USD are usually welcomed everywhere as well. We suggest you always carry cash as it’s ill-advised to rely on a credit card, and ATM shortages outside Maputo are frequent. We waited in line for almost an hour to pull out cash in a small town while driving in Mozambique, and I felt lucky that the ATM worked when we needed the money.

We particularly found cash troubles when we arrived in the country from Swaziland with zero Metical on us and no ATMs in sight, and we had a three-hour drive ahead. We pulled over to ask where the nearest ATM was and got laughed at…so make sure to have some backup cash at all times. It’s worth mentioning that your Metical will be worthless outside of Mozambique. So make sure to spend it all before you leave!

Do You Need a Visa When You Travel in Mozambique?

All travelers (except citizens of Swaziland, South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) need a visa to enter Mozambique. We found information for obtaining a visa unreliably scattered across the internet. Do you need a visa beforehand, or is a visa on arrival possible? How much is a Mozambique travel visa for Americans arriving? These simple questions were very ambiguous online.

With little time to plan, we took our chances and hoped to get a visa at the land border. Thankfully, we could, and the process was fairly simple. In 2016, the cost for Americans traveling into Mozambique overland was 900 Rand (or 70 USD)—cash only. We paid in South African Rand but could have also paid in USD. Now, it appears that a single-entry visa to Mozambique costs $160.

When we traveled to Mozambique, we had no idea if this was the honest price or the price from a greedy border official. With no signs around and no information online, we had no choice but to pay what we were told. We met another American who paid 500 Rand for a visa upon arrival at the airport.

Prices in Mozambique seem to change for no apparent reason whatsoever—just luck of the draw. To be safe, you should obtain a visa before arriving in Mozambique. If the immigration official asks how long you will stay in Mozambique, tell them your plans or give yourself extra leeway. They may write down the exact days you tell them you will be there and pigeonhole you into those dates.

After I cross into any African nation, I always check the stamp on my passport and ensure everything from my name to the date is filled out correctly. Checking it on the spot means you can tell them when they made a mistake. Once you leave, you will be out of luck.

What’s the Weather in Mozambique?

Mozambique is in the tropics and experiences a hot and humid climate throughout the year. December to April is the rainy season, so the best time to travel to Mozambique is between May and November. This is their winter season and will yield cooler temperatures and fewer chances of rain.

We visited in early August and never saw a raindrop. Along the coast, it was hot and humid during the day but comfortable at night. If you are bringing electronics to Mozambique, make sure to get some packs of rice so that they can suck the inevitable moisture out of your devices.

Is There Malaria in Mozambique?

Malaria is a serious threat in Mozambique, especially during the rainy season. Precaution against Malaria should be taken seriously here, even more so if you are in well-populated and wet areas. Cerebral malaria (the most deadly kind) is common in the country. Don’t be that person who has their holiday ruined by contracting a disease or, worse, faces life-threatening complications.

Protect yourself and ask the locals or business owners where you are staying if the mosquitos are bad where you are. Take malaria tablets, wear long sleeves at night, and apply bug spray. If traveling from South Africa, doxycycline and malarone can be acquired for quite affordable prices, even if you are a non-resident. Doxy is a good drug for malaria prevention. It’s also worth noting that malaria treatment pills are available at any Mozambican pharmacy without a prescription for about 500-1000 Mets.

We took advantage and stocked up for the rest of our African travels (but never needed to take them). Always take the proper health precautions when traveling to Mozambique and the rest of Africa. If you catch malaria in Mozambique, get to a clinic as soon as possible. African nations are much better at treating malaria and know how to handle the disease than going back home and dealing with it there.

How to Stay Connected in Mozambique

Every place we stayed in Mozambique either didn’t bother having WiFi or had nonworking “internet.” The internet in Mozambique is developing. This is Africa, after all. Chances are you didn’t come to be online anyway. I suggest picking up a SIM card from Vodacom, as data is cheap in Mozambique.

The two main service providers are Mcell and Vodacom, and you won’t be able to shield your eyes from the crazy amount of advertising for these companies in the country. Registering a SIM card should be done at a real store.

You will find tons of people on the roads wearing Vodacom vests and selling top-up cards, but this is only for topping up your data and airtime. Registering a SIM card can take longer, and your passport information must be registered. Data is extremely inexpensive (500 MT for 5 GB) and works well.

Transportation in Mozambique

The best way to get around Mozambique is with your own set of wheels. We traveled in with a two-wheel-drive bakkie that we rented from Hertz in Johannesburg. However, a 4×4 high-clearance vehicle is preferred in Mozambique. Once you get off the EN1, many roads and streets turn to dust and sand and are in disrepair. We got our truck stuck more than once and had to hire some locals to help us push it out.

If you don’t have a car, another option is to take the local buses and chapas. These are essentially minibusses and what the locals use to get around. This is the cheapest way to get around Mozambique but also the most unsafe. These buses are often appalling and overcrowded, and the drivers are not exactly exemplary. Life-threatening accidents are frequent. There are government chapas and unregistered chapas, and although neither is ideal, it’s safer to go with the government-registered chapas – but put on your adventure hat!

Hiring a private driver or getting private transfers for your trip is also possible. This isn’t the most cost-effective option, but it is safer than the chapas. Speak to your reputable hotel in Maputo for this option.

Water Or Beer?

2M (pronounced doysh-em) is the national brew of Mozambique, and a large bottle will cost you 50 Mets. The tap water in Mozambique is questionable, and drinking it should be done cautiously. The more rural you are, the more hesitant I would be about tap water. If you are staying at a nice lodge or hotel, they should have safe filtered drinking water, but ask first to be sure! We travel with a Grayl water bottle, which purifies water, removes viruses, and virtually eliminates all threats of waterborne illnesses. It’s expensive but worth it around Africa.

What’s the Food Like in Mozambique?

Unlike many other countries in Africa, we found the food in Mozambique to be rich and flavorful. Most of the population lives on the coast, and seafood is on every menu. Lobsters, prawns, and crabs are caught along the shores and thrown into even the most basic dishes. The local staple is “Matapa,” a fantastic blend of coconut, cassava leaves, and seafood (clam, crab, or prawn)—just be warned: it looks like baby food! A good local meal can cost between $5 and $10.

Is Mozambique Safe?

Is Mozambique a safe place to travel? At the time of writing, some safety concerns are noted on the Mozambique Wikitravel page, with a few Mozambique travel warnings. These safety concerns mostly pertain to the center and north of the country, where the Renamo still has a stronghold. Recently, tensions have begun to flare, and fighting has returned. However, Vilanculos and south of that, along with the main tourist sites, are typically violence-free.

We felt 100% safe while traveling southern Mozambique and felt welcome just about anywhere we went. You’ll likely experience no trouble in Mozambique besides the general annoyances traveling in Africa can bring. Keep your wits and street smarts about you, especially in Maputo; all should be fine. Avoid walking around at night or displaying signs of wealth, as an opportunist will always try to take advantage.

We’re always wary of the police in Mozambique. If you feel you are being fleeced for a bribe or something feels funny to threaten, call the anti-corruption or threaten to call the anti-corruption hotline. It’s meant to be there in case tourists run into trouble and has saved people from bad situations. One of the best things we did before traveling to Mozambique was to join the traveling Mozambique Facebook group. If you’re concerned about safety, looking into a Mozambique tour might be worthwhile!

The Police and Corruption in Mozambique

Just about everyone who had traveled through Mozambique warned us of the police corruption. The night before we were set to cross the border, we spent hours reading horror stories online and then managed to completely psych ourselves out for getting hassled by the cops in Mozambique. There are frequent speed traps in Mozambique. The speed limit in towns is 60km/h, and once you are outside town, it goes up to 100 km/h. The speeds constantly change in places where it doesn’t make sense, so be alert if you are driving. The cops are waiting for you to mess up and pull you over. Or sometimes, they just pull you over for the heck of it.

If you are pulled over by traffic police (white shirt/blue pants)and given a ticket, get a receipt – this goes all over Africa. Insisting on a receipt means they don’t get to pocket the money they will charge you and have a set numerical fine. Asking for a receipt often dissuades police officers from continuing the conversation, and they may even just let you go. Dealing with your receipt means they miss out on other traffic violators and potential cash. Ask for identification if you are stopped by the police (grey uniforms). Never hand over your identification or passport to the police. Instead, show them that you physically have it and give them a copy to look at. Once they have your valuables, you could be paying to get them back.

Don’t ever initiate a bribe. Let them do the talking and ask them how they would like to handle the situation. When we were pulled over, we asked the policeman how we could help him. He told us he was thirsty, and we gave him a coke and were on our way. It’s worth noting that the country also has some “Mozambique travel vehicle requirements.” For example, traveling with two reflector vests in each car paired with triangles is mandatory.

Thankfully, the government has warned police not to rail tourists, affecting Mozambique’s tourism. Mozambique’s tourism numbers are the lowest of all the nations around them, and they are trying to change that. It’s worth noting that police don’t discriminate, either. We saw locals and tourists getting stopped, black and white.

Bring a Travel Adaptor When You Travel in Mozambique

When traveling to Mozambique, you’ll need a power adaptor. We bring this specific adapter everywhere. Plugs and sockets in Mozambique are type C, F, and M. The standard voltage is 220 V. If you need an adaptor, I highly recommend getting one before you arrive, as they will be tough to come by once you are in the country.

If you find yourself outside Maputo and need one, you may be out of luck. I would even recommend traveling with two just in case you lose one. The power sockets in Mozambique can be sketchy, so monitor the ones you use so they don’t short your electronics.

You Can See Dugongs in Mozambique!

I want to end this Mozambique travel tips post on a high note and let everyone know that it is possible to see dugongs in Mozambique. A dugong is a medium-sized marine animal sadly on the brink of extinction. They resemble manatees and are what the locals call “sea cows.”

I arrived in Mozambique to see one off the coast of Bazaruto Island. Unfortunately, I was not lucky enough to see the sea cow, but we met those who were. Mozambique is one of the few places left in the world with dugong populations.

Diving and snorkeling are popular excursions on the Mozambican coast. Sea cow or not, I highly recommend spending at least a little time in the beautiful Indian Ocean. Some fantastic marine life is off the Mozambican shores, including whale sharks, humpback whales, and dolphins.

I have to admit that there is police and governmental corruption, a small rebel army, economic uncertainty, poor roads, slowly improving infrastructure, and add a visa fee. It does not sound appealing to most visitors.

However, there is another side to traveling Mozambique that comes with an interesting history, Portuguese architecture, warm hospitable people, stunning beaches, and amazing Afro/Portuguese food. Here is what it’s like to travel in Mozambique and everything you need to know to have a great holiday in Mozambique.

Mozambique Travel Advice: The Basics

Mozambique Travel Guide Basics

All travelers (except citizens of Swaziland, South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia and Zimbabwe,) need a visa to enter Mozambique. We found information for obtaining a visa scattered across the internet. Do you need to get a visa beforehand or is a visa on arrival possible? How much is a Mozambique travel visa for Americans arriving? All these simple questions were very ambiguous online.

I get a lump in my stomach every time we cross a border in Africa, thoughts always race through my head. What shenanigans will they come up with to try and squeeze us out of our money? How long is this border going to take me? Am I following all the rules?

We decided to take our chances and arrive by land from Swaziland without a visa. We crossed over the Goba border, which is open 24 hours, and were the only visitors at the border. Thankfully the whole process was fairly painless and took about one hour.

At the border, we had to show proof of our accommodation arrangements and have a letter stating that we could drive our rental car into Mozambique. The cost for Americans traveling into Mozambique overland was 900 Rand (or 70 USD) – Cash only. We paid in South African Rand, but could have also paid in USD.

We have no idea if this was the honest price or the price from a greedy border official. With no signs around and no information online, we had no choice but to pay what we were told. However, we did meet another American who paid 500 Rand for a visa on arrival at the airport. Prices in Mozambique seem to change for no apparent reasons whatsoever, just luck of the draw.

If you plan on driving a car in Mozambique you will need to get third party insurance. This can be obtained at the border for 220 Rand, and is good for 30 days. Even if you have car insurance you will still need this “special” Mozambique car insurance as well.

Don’t get had by the runners when entering or leaving Mozambique. As soon as you drive up in your car, tons of people will run after you demanding your paperwork to “help” you, stating that it’s “their job”. The goal is to disorient you, take your documents, and then demand a tip to get them back. Don’t fall into their trap and never hand over your passport. Once someone has your passport you are basically a prisoner to them and their demands, and I wouldn’t expect the police to help you.

That being said, we had zero problems or hassles entering at the Goba border from Swaziland, it’s a quiet less used border crossing. Yet we did encounter these runners leaving and traveling onward into South Africa.

Flying into Mozambique

Most international flights will be serviced in and out of Maputo. From Maputo, you can easily take a smaller aircraft to some of the more popular destinations. Many of these flights connect in Johannesburg and from there it is a couple hour flight onward to Mozambique. We’ve had great experiences with South African Airways, as they offer a fantastic way to travel Mozambique.

Currency in Mozambique

The Mozambique currency is the new Metical; however, South African Rand and USD are usually welcomed. Always plan to have cash on you as credit cards have not really caught on yet and ATM shortages (outside of Maputo) are quite common. We particularly found trouble when we arrived with zero Metical on us and no ATM’s in sight with a three-hour drive ahead. We pulled over to ask where the nearest ATM was and got laughed at…so make sure to have some backup cash at all times. 

Police Corruption in Mozambique

We were warned by just about everyone that had traveled through Mozambique of the police corruption. The night before we were set to cross the border we spent hours reading horror stories online, and then managed to completely psych ourselves out for getting hassled by the cops in Mozambique. I’m happy to say that after driving 2,000 kilometers, we were only pulled over once. After this encounter with the cops, we were no longer as nervous driving. Here is how the exchange went –

Us: Bom Dia!
Officer/Military man with gun: Bom Dia, how are you?
Us: Great!
Officer: Where are you coming from?
Us: Inhambane, we are going to Vilankulos.
Officer: Ah hah! Inhambane is my home. Did you like it?
Us: Yes, it was beautiful we liked it very much.
Officer: Where are you from?
Us: We are American.
Officer: AMERICA!? I want to go there.
Us: Yes, it’s a very nice place to live…so what can we help you with?
Officer: Oh, you know, it’s just a very hot day…I am very thirsty because it is so hot…
{Catching his drift quickly, we search the car for any sign of a cheap cold beverage so that we can go on our way}
Us: We don’t really have anything to drink…
Officer: Well, I am also very bored…
{We search for anything we can give to entertain this man, the most entertaining thing we can find is a national park booklet lodged under our seat}
Us: Ahhh, here we go. How about a guide to Kruger National Park? Yano, lots of lions in here to read about.
Officer: Oh, I love lions. This will help with my English to talk to tourists, you see. Thank you – have a nice time in Vilankulos! Good bye!
…And off we drive into the sunset (midday).

We still have no idea why we were pulled over, but arguing was not worth it to us. Rather, just give him something small and be on our way.

There are police stops everywhere in Mozambique, and I believe we just got lucky with only being pulled over by a friendly guy. The police don’t discriminate either. We saw locals and tourists getting stopped, black and white. Our story isn’t to say that police can be bought by bribes, just let them initiate the conversation. Never be the one to suggest a bribe, and don’t let the cops ruin your Mozambique holidays.

It’s worth noting that the country has some “Mozambique travel vehicle requirements,” as well. Things like traveling with two reflector vest in each car paired with triangles are mandatory to have. We joined this Facebook group before going to stay up to date on all information regarding Mozambique travel.

Driving in Mozambique

There is basically one main road in Southern Mozambique going from north to south. If you travel outside Maputo at all then you will without a doubt find yourself on the EN1. EN1 is paved and is pretty pothole-less in the south, but it’s advised to always pay attention because there are children walking everywhere and a neverending amount of speed traps. A joy of overlanding Africa. 

We didn’t know this when we entered Mozambique, but almost any road off of the EN1 should be driven on with a 4×4 only. We had a 2×4 bakkie and got stuck a few times and had to get help from the locals. I’ll just say it…Mozambique is a 4×4 country, and you’ll have a much better and stress free time if you have a four by four. Night Driving in Mozambique is also not advised.

The Internet in Mozambique

The internet in Mozambique is developing. However, this should not be all that surprising, this is Africa after all. Chances are you didn’t come to be online anyways. Every place we stayed while in Mozambique either didn’t bother having WiFi or had nonworking “internet.”  If you find that you must be connected while traveling Mozamwbique then we highly recommend getting a sim card.

The two main service providers are Mcell and Vodacom, and you won’t be able to shield your eyes from the crazy amount of advertising for these companies in the country. Registering a sim card should be done at a real store. You will find tons of people on the roads with Vodacom vests on selling top-up cards, but do not register a new sim with them only buy their airtime. Data is extremely inexpensive (500 MT for 5 GB,) and works decently well.

Mozambique Cuisine

The food in Mozambique is nothing short of wonderful and when you travel Mozambique I’m sure you will agree. Most of the population lives on the Mozambique coast so hopefully you like seafood! Crayfish, prawns, and crab are caught along the shores and thrown into even the most basic of dishes.

Matapa is another usual flair that may look questionable on the surface, but is actually a fantastic blend of coconut, cassava leaves, and a seafood variety (clam, crab, or prawn) – a must try! A good meal can be had for 200-500 Mets.

2M is the national brew of Mozambique and a large bottle will run you all of 50 Mets. Tap water may be questionable to some stomachs, but we drank it the entire time with our LifeStraw Go water bottle filters and never had an issue.

Malaria in Mozambique

Precaution against Malaria should be taken seriously in Mozambique, especially if you are in well-populated and wet areas. Cerebral malaria is common in the country, especially during the wet season. Don’t be that person who gets malaria on their holiday – protect yourself and ask around you if the mosquitos are bad where you are at.

If traveling from South Africa, doxycycline can be acquired for quite affordable prices even if you are a non-resident and is a good prevention drug for malaria. It’s also worth noting that malaria treatment pills are available at any Mozambican pharmacy without a prescription for about 300-500 mets.

We took advantage and stocked up for the rest of our African travels (but never ended up needing to take them). Always make sure to take the proper health precautions when traveling to Mozambique and the rest of Africa.

Language in Mozambique

The official language in Mozambique is Portuguese, and knowing some of the basics will make any experience more enjoyable. However, Mozambique is a land of many languages with many people being multi-lingual.

We were able to travel in Mozambique just fine with English. The more rural you get the less you’ll be able to understand, but a smile goes a long way!

Tipping in Mozambique

Tipping in Mozambique never used to be a thing, but since South African holiday goers have come and started leaving tips it is now expected in many touristy places. 10% is a fair amount to leave at restaurants.

When staying at private lodges 500 Mets per day seems to be a fair price for the staff, but just ask the lodge managers for their recommendation first.

Is Traveling to Mozambique Safe?

Is Mozambique safe to travel? At the time of writing, there are some safety concerns noted on the Mozambique Wikitravel page, with a few Mozambique travel warnings. These safety concerns mostly pertain to the center of the country where Renamo still has a stronghold. Recently tensions have begun to flair and fighting has returned.

We felt 100% safe while traveling southern Mozambique and felt welcome just about anywhere we went. You’re likely to experience no trouble in Mozambique, besides the general annoyances that traveling Africa can bring. Keep your wits and street smarts about you especially in Maputo and all should be fine. Avoid displaying signs of wealth as an opportunist is will always take advantage.

Average Pricing in Mozambique

I didn’t know this until after traveling all over Africa, but Mozambique is incredibly affordable for African standards. There are plenty of accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury. For a basic, but comfortable, double room in Vilanculos and Tofo Beach, we paid $25/night. We then stayed at a luxurious beach hideaway about an hour north of Inhambane with a mid-range price point of $150/night (a steal in Africa).

Anvil Bay in the Maputo Special Reserve is considered one of the most expensive lodges in Mozambique, and staying here will run you about $500/night. You can find comfort at affordable prices, which is rare in Africa and why I love Mozambique so much.

Food is a delicious mix of vegetarian and seafood and is also cheap! Surprisingly our best meal in Mozambique was also our cheapest and was crab curry for $3 at a local shack in Vilankulos. Activities can make or break you. Our most expensive outing was $50 a person and included snorkeling in the Bazaruto Archipelago and having seafood lunch on Bazaruto Island.

This was an experience I was reluctant to pay $50 for, but afterward, I realized it was completely worth it. For whale shark diving in Tofo Beach, we paid $30, and this happened to be one of our best wildlife experiences throughout all of Africa!

Where to Travel in Mozambique?

It is difficult to put into words the beauty of the Mozambican coastline. It felt like most of our time spent on the coast was in complete seclusion. There are a plethora of places to spend your time soaking up the sun, eating some fresh seafood, or having a laugh with the locals.

Only in Mozambique did we find such beautiful beaches where hawkers, umbrellas, beach chairs, or people were all absent. If you need just one reason to travel to Mozambique, let it be the stunning beaches.

Maputo Elephant Reserve

The Maputo Elephant Reserve lies south of Maputo, the capital city. The reserve is 50,000 hectares of lakes, mangrove swamps, serene beaches, and woodlands. The park is wild with deep sand roads making it accessible only by 4×4 or the air.

Elephants and rhinos used to roam free here before they were poached during the brutal civil war that lasted 21 years. Although, a few elephants remain and more are being introduced.

We spent several days of tranquility in the Maputo Reserve at the beautiful Anvil Bay Beach Camp. We loved every second of our time in the reserve. Our days were spent riding fat bikes down empty beaches, dining on fish caught right offshore, snorkeling over untouched reefs, and taking in some bird life.

To enjoy the reserve you must stay overnight due to the lack of accommodation in the area and the difficulty of arrival. That leaves you with staying in one of the few lodges in the reserve or camping.

Tofo, Mozambique

Tofo Beach is as well a beaten path as there is in Mozambique. However, it is for good reason is one of the best places to visit in Mozambique. While the beach is gorgeous it is the famous deep water bay just off its shore that makes Tofo worth the visit. The bay of Tofo is regarded as one of the best places to see megafauna. We traveled to Tofo to see some of the megafaunas and take an ocean safari out into the bay.

The ocean safari we took is one of the best experiences of our lives. The day was spent swimming along with whale sharks, giant manta rays, and a hammerhead shark. For $30 this experience cannot be beaten. After our full day on the ocean, we grabbed some lunch, hit the beach, and then watched the sunset over the bay as dozens of humpback whales breached just a kilometer offshore.

If you’re looking to go too, the best time to dive in Mozambique is typically between May and September when winds are low and megafauna numerous. We traveled there in July/August and could not have timed it better. Check out my Africa packing list for ideas on what to bring.

Tofo Beach, however, beautiful it may be, is crowded for Mozambique standards and you may find a slight bit of annoyance from the constant child touts asking you for money every 2 minutes. It actually became amusing warding off these 13-year-olds. One even revealed to me their secret to selling things to tourists.

“If I annoy you enough you will eventually just buy something” and “I’ll go away if you just buy something.” We must confess he’s a smart kid, but we weren’t having any of it.

Just past the main beach and Casa de Praia, there is a fantastic lookout point to watch the sunset over Tofo. This is where we ended our day after our ocean safari. From this viewpoint, we watched around 40 humpback whales put on a dazzling aerial show. We ended our days on Tofo Beach at another laid-back backpacker spot with amazing food. Mozambeats isn’t beachfront, but we would stay there again in a heartbeat.

Morrumbene

We wanted to see even more of the Mozambican coast. Many travelers in Mozambique use a common route of traveling to Vilakulos after Tofo Bay, but we found ourselves in Morrumbene.

A local village with another untouched coast is where we called Travessia Beach Lodge our home. We loved living five days without shoes and without worry. A laid-back barefoot location where you can see the stars in all their glory is my kind of place.

Did I mention that the Mozambican people are one of a kind? I usually say that the locals are friendly, or the *insert nationality here* are genuine, but the Mozambicans took us by surprise. From the lodge, we were able to visit the local villages in Morrumbene, and everyone we talked to was full of smiles, laughs, and stories to share.

They are the kind of people who seemed happy to give us the shirt off their backs, even though they don’t have many material items to spare. If you need another reason to visit Mozambique, it should be for the people.

Vilankulos

About a four drive north of Inhambane is the town of Vilankulos. It is the jumping-off point for the one-of-a-kind Bazaruto Archipelago.

It is home to some of the most scenic islands we have ever laid our eyes on. The horizons here are filled with fine white sand and gorgeous blue water. We took a dhow out to Bazaruto island to spend the afternoon exploring the archipelago.

If your pockets are deep you can stay at one of the few private lodges on the archipelago, but we decided to stay at Baobab Beach Backpackers and enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere there.

Bazaruto Island

The beautiful sand here has been deposited by the Save river and continues to shift with the currents. The spectacle here continues beneath the surface as your eyes will be dazzled by a rainbow of colors as soon as you snorkel the famous two-mile reef.

Besides seeing Bazaruto we were also seeking to spot an elusive dugong. A dugong, or a “sea cow” as the Mozambicans know them, has one of the highest populations in the area, so we were sure we would see one. Unfortunately, we left Mozambique without ever seeing one, but we know we will be back! They were spotted the day before we went out in search so there is always a chance.

Besides the dugongs and the islands, Vilankulos is a pleasant town to spend a couple of days in and just watch life go by. It is a very well-worn city on the Mozambican travel circuit so you are bound to meet other travelers if alone.

Maputo: The Mozambique Capital

We tried to avoid the capital city, as we are just not a big city type of people anymore. We did manage to spend a couple of hours here and found traffic to be hectic, overpriced, and overpopulated with police.

However, for anyone traveling to a few destinations in Mozambique, then Maputo will probably sneak its way into the itinerary at some point. Either on your way in or out of the country. It’s one of the more interesting African capital cities for what it’s worth, but I probably wouldn’t spend much time here unless you want a night out at the bars.

Check Out Some Lodges in Mozambique

Anvil Bay

Anvil Bay is a collection of casinhas, or little huts, nestled within the coastal forests of Mozambique. It is a secluded beach camp located along the Southern Mozambique coastline in the protected wilderness region of the Maputo Special Reserve.

Which is home to a collection of Africa’s last coastal elephants and various other wildlife as they are reintroduced to the reserve? The camp was built with the smallest footprint possible on the environment and is quite literally a camp.

Travessia Beach Lodge

However, it adds to the exoticism, romance, and beauty of the destination, Travessia Beach Lodge. It was late in the day by the time we had arrived after snaking through the sandy roads to the main lodge. We were greeted by the amazing staff here who brave the Mozambican bush to maintain the remote beach destination.

The lodge itself was brought to fruition by some passionate ex-pats who appreciate what an incredible spot in the world it is. After several years of paperwork and construction, Travessia became the perfect destination for a holiday in Mozambique. For us, it was five days with no shoes, coconut waters, and relaxation.

Book A Safari in Mozambique

Traditionally if you wanted to book a safari you’d have to go to a travel agent and have them book your safari for you. They made suggestions for camps and lodges and then presented you with a large bill. Most of the industry still operates in this fashion.

However, Timbuktu is a new platform that allows you to select the lodges you’d like and see the pricing per day that way you can select the best itinerary for yourself. They will then contact the lodges and help you by booking your safari. With experts on staff, they can also provide suggestions and arrange the little details much like a travel agent.

Plan Your Mozambique Travel

Information about Mozambique by no means came from the traditional sources we use when we prepare to travel. Our best sources were from other travelers once we had landed in South Africa, a few blog posts, friends, and even Facebook groups dedicated to spending a holiday in Mozambique.

Mozambique is the sort of place that scares most people away. The logistics may not always easy, but there are ways around that, and for the adventurous, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. We certainly found all of that on our first stop in Mozambique.

Our destination was the Maputo Elephant Reserve; however, getting there in our bakkie was half the battle. We headed deep into the Maputo Elephant Reserve to a remote lodge that had promises of beautiful secluded beaches.

After hours of driving through sandy roads, potholed roads, we came to a stop as night had fallen and we parked in thick coastal bush. We walked down a narrow path of low coastal trees with the slight sound of wind. Not until 30m out did we hear the waves.

Out on the beach we found the “camp,” so to speak. Several tents lined along the beach with a full bar, dining area, handmade canvas seats, a roaring fire, and kilometers and kilometers of unspoiled Mozambican coastline.

Anvil Bay Beach Resort, a Barefoot Paradise

Anvil Bay is a collection of casinhas, or little huts, nestled within the coastal forests of Mozambique. It is a secluded beach camp located along the Southern Mozambique coastline in the protected wilderness region of the Maputo Special Reserve.

Which is home to a collection of Africa’s last coastal elephants and various other wildlife as they are reintroduced to the reserve? The camp was built with the smallest footprint possible on the environment and is quite literally a camp.

However, it is unlike any beach camp we had visited before. For instance, that bit I mentioned about avoiding the travel woes of Mozambique, one can book a helicopter transfer right from Maputo to the resort providing mesmerizing views along the way.

Sustainable Tourism in Mozambique

The beauty of Anvil Bay is its goal of being low impact on the beautiful coast of Mozambique. We often write about ECO-friendly tourism on our blog, and true care for this was obviously on display. It was something we found elsewhere on the Mozambican coast, and clearly, the new model for building a lodge meant to highlight its environment.

Very few are coming to Mozambique because it is the new Miami Beach or Cannes or even The Seychelles. You come for the pristine and remote coastline, tranquil environment, exoticism, adventure, wildlife, and the beaches.

Our Room At Anvil Bay Beach Resort

Our casinha was room number one and tucked away in the canopy of the coastal forest. The room had canvas sides that opened up on all sides allowing you to truly take in the beauty of nature. Early morning sounds in our room were that of dozens of bird species, waves, and the ocean breeze.

The most notable feature of the room was the woodwork and native elements. Everything was built with local labor, and a skilled carpenter designed and built the unique furniture. Nighttime was under a vaulted thatched roof and our bathroom was replete with stained wood. We still haven’t stopped referencing Robinson Crusoe when referring to our stay at Anvil Bay.

A short walk down a pathway through the coastal forest led to our outdoor shower and onto the beach. Mornings were spent walking the beach to camp where we would have breakfast in the beautiful campsite.

The Food at Anvil Bay

Anyone that knows us knows that we are total foodies. So the delicious food here certainly did not disappoint and highlighted the environment we were in. We had tropical fruits grown in Mozambique and fresh-caught fish almost every day.

Our first evening in even started off with fresh sashimi from fish caught that day, much to Tasha’s delight. A full bar and a barman who made some wonderful cappuccinos kept us happy too (we like coffee). While here on the coast of Mozambique there was no going hungry and no bland food that the African continent can be so notorious for.

What To You Do With No One Around?

Long walks and long books. A secluded and quiet beach is perfect for tuning out. Forget about the morning newspaper or television (No TV’s at all) and relax in the fact that while in Anvil Bay that is the extent of your world. There’s little to no cell reception here and certainly no tourist to disturb your peace. We even ditched the internet for a few days (gasp!) Life here is relaxation at its best.

Just because you’re tuning out doesn’t mean you need to sit on the beach the whole time. There is no shortage of active things to do for those who don’t want to just take in the atmosphere. Hikes through the bush where you can spot numerous coastal birds and rare glimpses of returning wildlife were definitely an African treat. A fleet of sand bikes gave us wheels to explore the coastline and let us get our fitness on. No need to worry about anyone watching, we biked for kilometers along the beach with absolutely no one around.

A natural reef is located only 200m off the beach and taking one of the boats out to explore marine life is as simple as having to ask. They have all of the equipment needed and even wetsuits for the cold days. Want more water activities? Bodyboards, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards are also sure to entertain. Or you can try your hand at catching dinner with some of the staff, big game fish are located just offshore.

Is Anvil Bay the Most Tranquil Place in the World?

Seclusion. That’s the best way to describe our experience at Anvil Bay. The beaches here are empty, quiet, and untouched. Anvil Bay is marketed as a private barefoot wilderness experience and that is exactly what it is. The only footprints on the beach you’ll find here are your own.

If you’re looking to unwind after a tour through Africa or have an escapism vacation, relaxing here on the beaches of Mozambique will be sure to satisfy. We found great solace while at Anvil Bay. It was a special experience that we will certainly take with us where ever we go, and will likely go unrivaled.

Want More? {Join us on a photo journey through Mozambique}

Thank you to Anvil Bay for this experience! As always, all opinions remain our own

How To Book A Trip To Mozambique?

Traditionally if you wanted to book a safari you’d have to go to a travel agent and have them book your safari for you. They made suggestions for camps and lodges and then presented you with a large bill. Most of the industry still operates in this fashion.

However, Timbuktu is a new platform that allows you to select the lodges you’d like and see the pricing per day that way you can select the best itinerary for yourself. They will then contact the lodges and help you by booking your safari. With experts on staff, they can also provide suggestions and arrange the little details much like a travel agent.

The southern coast of Mozambique is like something out of a dream. Blue water, white sand beaches, and absolutely no one around are what coastal Mozambique is all about. When we heard about White Pearl Resort, easily one of the most romantic resorts in Africa, we knew we had to check it out for ourselves.

the White Pearl Resort

Most visitors to Mozambique and White Pearl Resort will enter the country at Maputo International Airport (MPM). Maputo Airport is a 1.5-2 hour drive from White Pearl Resort. The last 30 minutes are only accessible by four-wheel drive, as you must travel through thick sand. White Pearl is located right on the Mozambican coast. On a map, it would be near Ponta Mamoli, near Lake Mamoli. Essentially, there is absolutely nothing around the White Pearl except a few small and local villages.

The remoteness of White Pearl creates a private and exclusive experience. You won’t run into many other people besides the resort staff and other hotel guests. The first time you step onto the property, you will be in complete shock. The resort is poised along the sand dunes on timber stilts with round-the-clock views of the ocean. It truly is one of the most beautiful locations in the world. If you’re looking for a good honeymoon location, this is it.

Around White Pearl Resort

White Pearl has 22 suites, a bar, poolside bars, a restaurant, two infinity pools, and many other areas to explore. All buildings are painted white and blend naturally into the setting. The structures are on stilts, protecting the precious ecosystem around them. From the rooms to the common area, the resort’s look is beach modern and cool, with contemporary coastal design. It’s exactly what I would expect to find on the cover of a luxury beach magazine.

the Rooms at White Pearl Resort

Each room at White Pearl is a pool suite. That means that at any time of the day, you can cool off in your own private plunge pool and relax afterward in the privacy and comfort of your own room. Afterward, it’s best to get clean in the beautiful outdoor shower.

Inside the room, you’ll find air conditioning (which can be a rarity in Mozambique), a luxurious bathtub, a comfortable bed, a living room area with a tea and coffee station, and reasonably fast WiFi. We loved relaxing in our room’s privacy when we wanted since the room had it all. Then, when it was time for the beach, it was only a couple of steps away.

White Pearl Activities

The glory of White Pearl Resort is that you can venture here and have an adventurous time embarking on a new excursion every day. Or it’s the perfect place to travel to and relax while doing nothing with your sweetie. If you are in the mood to do nothing, there are plenty of comfortable places to relax, read a book, have a cocktail in hand, and enjoy the ocean just steps away.

However, if you come for some experience, you can get just that. The coast of Mozambique is a world-renowned area for diving. The area is rich in sea life and is very close to a dive site called Pinnacles. The Pinnacles dive site is for advanced divers only, but you can often see sharks and big megafauna there.

If you don’t fancy going that far underwater, then White Pearl is also a great spot for snorkeling. Bottlenose dolphins, whale sharks, and many beautiful fish and coral are often seen here. For those who would rather stay dry, a safari in Maputo Special Reserve is a good option. Elephants have been reintroduced back into this reserve so there is a good chance of spotting them. It’s also teeming with birdlife, giraffes, and other safari animals. Other fun family-friendly activities are a Lake Mamoli Guided Exploration Walk, a Turtle Nesting experience (seasonal), or a romantic beach picnic!

The Staff

The staff at White Pearl is one of a kind. Most, if not all, the staff members are local Mozambicans with a lively amount of energy. We loved interacting with the staff, especially our butler, YES BUTLER. Every suite has its private butler to help you out with whatever you may need, whether that’s coffee in your room, breakfast by the pool, or just serving dinner at night in the dining room. Your butler is your main connection with the staff and is there to make your stay as wonderful as possible. I loved having this personal service from the butlers and managers!

Plan Your Trip To Mozambique

We’ve made several trips to Mozambique and spent weeks in the country. While we’re not experts, we do know a thing or two regarding expectations and the reality of what it’s like to travel in the country. By the way, it just so happens to be one of the favorite countries to visit in the world.

Check Out Some Other Lodges In Mozambique

Anvil Bay

Anvil Bay is a collection of casinhas, or little huts, nestled within the coastal forests of Mozambique. It is a secluded beach camp located along the Southern Mozambique coastline in the protected wilderness region of the Maputo Special Reserve.

Which is home to a collection of Africa’s last coastal elephants and various other wildlife as they are reintroduced to the reserve. The camp was built with the smallest footprint possible on the environment and is quite literally a camp.

Travessia Beach Lodge

However, it adds to the destination’s exoticism, romance, and beauty, Travessia Beach Lodge. It was late in the day by the time we had arrived after snaking through the sandy roads to the main lodge. We were greeted by the amazing staff here who brave the Mozambican bush to maintain the remote beach destination.

Mozambique is a standout. Our holiday in Mozambique was made even more special with our stay at Travessia Beach Lodge.

Travessia Beach Lodge

Most journeys through Mozambique will involve traveling along the N1 – the only highway and paved road for much of the country that extends up along the coast. A turn off of the familiar highway in Mozambique leads into rows and rows of palm trees and deep sand roads. It’s the sort of thing that would turn away those who are looking for a packaged vacation in Mauritius or Mexico.

However, it adds to the exoticism, romance, and beauty of the destination, Travessia Beach Lodge. It was late in the day by the time we had arrived after snaking through the sandy roads to the main lodge. We were greeted by the amazing staff here who brave the Mozambican bush to maintain the remote beach destination.

The lodge itself was brought to fruition by some passionate expats who appreciate what an incredible spot in the world it is. After several years of paperwork and construction, Travessia became the perfect destination for a holiday in Mozambique. For us, it was five days with no shoes, coconut waters, and relaxation. Read more about our journey through Southern Mozambique.

An Idealistic Setting At Travessia

If this is where tourism is headed then we are fans. Travessia Beach Lodge was built right into the sand dunes with the goal of being very low impact. No bulldozing over the former landscape to build some big concrete structure to pack tourists in like sardines.

Here it is the guest, birds, sea breeze, and ocean vibes. The main lodge is open to its environment with a thatched ceiling, colorful furniture, and a view out to the ocean. Featuring a restaurant, pool, bar, some super awesome chairs to kick back in, and the best setting you could ask for it’s the sort of place you need to spend some time with.

Rooms At Travessia

Our “room” was a “casa” or tent on a platform surrounded by flowers and trees. Great views awaited us each morning while we drank our ever so important first cup of coffee. Waking up with fresh coffee and a hammock to laze about it is certainly a way to live.

We spent a lot of time relaxing in our room and reading while listening to the tropical birds and crashing ocean waves – tranquility. The best feature of our room?

The view from our outdoor shower was a crowning feature. At night in Mozambique, the milky way splashed across the sky and the stars became innumerable. Stargazing under piping hot water is new pass-time for us in Africa.

The Staff at Travessia Beach Lodge

Maybe it’s something in the delicious seafood, but the staff at Travessia Beach Lodge are all smiles. It’s that Mozambican flair, friendly as can be. You’ll come to learn their names quickly and there is never a dull moment with them.

Whether it was dropping off morning coffee, climbing the palm trees for fresh coconuts, or showcasing our dinner we were always met with a smile and a willingness to engage with us.

Trevassia Local Community Practices

In normal environments, we often rave about the city or how much there is to do. With a holiday in Mozambique, it is about complete relaxation. It is about enjoying the beauty of nature and the serene coast. Travessia has worked to engage and support the community that surrounds it.

Providing the villages with wells, schools, and even supplies such as solar panels.  A unique selling point Travessia offers is a walk through the local villages allowing visitors to get a true look at what life is like in rural Mozambique.

Sustainable Practices At Trevassia Beach Lodge

Lodge owners in this country are often passionate about the environment. To build a lodge in a difficult location requires the passion for the beauty that it holds and will sustain. Add to the fact that there was no grid nearby, Travessia had no option, but to be self-sufficient.

Power is run almost entirely on solar power asides from the few cloudy days that the area brings. The details have clearly been thought out and hot water comes piping out of the shower from an indirect fired hot water heater. Add to the fact that during construction little to no harm was done to the small piece of Mozambican coastline.

The Best Cuisine in Southern Africa

With fresh seafood and a tropical climate, it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise you can find some awesome food in Mozambique. The famous spicy peri peri is present in many of the dishes and the interesting-looking matapa is sure to entertain.

The lodge tries to incorporate a local is a lekker night for every guest and features specialties from the region. Our last night was a tasty spread with lobsters from the sea and traditional matapa (coconuts, cassava leaves, and seafood). Matapa may look like baby food, but it truly delicious and a specialty in Mozambican cuisine. Try it!

Digital Detox Vacation in Mozambique

Those that are looking for a “working” vacation should be aware that Mozambique may not be the place. There’s little to no signal in camp and no WiFi available. Here you can turn off the electronics and take in the beauty of the surroundings.

Instead of checking morning updates and email, it’s checking if the palm trees are blowing . If you are a travel blogger (hint,hint) and must connect we found that you can catch a slight signal with a Vodacom sim card and a phone situated ever so perfectly in the right location.

The Bar and Pool at Travessia Beach Lodge

If you had referred to sundowners before we’d traveled to Africa we would have looked at you sideways. However, now it is something we’ve come to appreciate and love. The view from the bar at Travessia is one that is to be admired with a cold beer or fresh coconut water in hand.

The bar and pool sit on top of a dune that looks directly over the beach and offers some of the best views from the lodge making for great sunsets over the palms. The thick air in Mozambique burst into flames when the sun dipped below the horizon making for a spectacle that.

The Beach At Travessia

The beach here had to be the selling point. Mozambique had stunning beaches up the entire coastline. Spending time soaking up the sun, swimming, surfing, or riding one of Travessia’s beach bikes down the coast were all great ways to enjoy the setting.

The beach seemed to stretch on forever. One afternoon we went for a ride along the coast and found no end in sight.  It is the largest draw to spending a holiday in Mozambique after all.

 A Wonderful Holiday in Mozambique

The country itself was a highlight for our journey around the world. It is a place that is hard to find elsewhere in the world. In Mozambique, people will greet visitors with a smile. For us traveling full time, destinations can begin to feel like work, it takes a special place like Travessia to make us feel as if we’re on holiday.

It’s an escape for even us and because of that, it felt like a holiday and an astonishing place. We left Mozambique and Travessia knowing one thing for certain. We will have to return. Make sure to stay up to date with Travessia and ask them about their rates here!

Book Your Stay at Travessia Beach Lodge

Traditionally if you wanted to book a safari you’d have to go to a travel agent and have them book your safari for you. They made suggestions for camps and lodges and then presented you with a large bill. Most of the industry still operates in this fashion.

However, Timbuktu is a new platform that allows you to select the lodges you’d like and see the pricing per day that way you can select the best itinerary for yourself. They will then contact the lodges and help you by booking your safari. With experts on staff, they can also provide suggestions and arrange the little details much like a travel agent.