FAQ

Is Mozambique a safe country to go on holiday?

Mozambique is a very safe and relaxed country and Mozambicans are very peaceful and friendly people. You will feel immediately at ease here. Unfortunately the perception that Mozambique isn’t safe and stable is very persistent, especially in some European countries. The province of Cabo Delgado in the far north is currently experiencing some sad problems and unrest. The rest of the country is perfectly safe to visit.

How do I get to Mozambique from Europe?

From Amsterdam, KLM flies directly to Johannesburg where you can continue with Airlink to Vilanculos the next morning (Johannesburg- Vilanculos 1.5 hours). There are also direct flights with Airlink from Johannesburg to Beira (for Gorongosa National Park) or Nampula (for Mozambique island).

Alternatively, fly to the capital Maputo with Qatar Airlines, Emirates, or Ethiopian Airlines with a stopover, and an internal domestic flight back to Maputo, depending on your itinerary.

From Portugal, TAP Airlines flies directly to Maputo. From London, Ethiopian Airlines has the best connections and fares to Mozambique. KLM partner Kenya Airways flies via Malawi to Nampula in the north, also an interesting connection.

What is the best time to come to Mozambique?

Mozambique is nice and warm all year round and can be visited almost in every season. The period between December 15 and January 15 is less recommended due to school vacations in South Africa (high season) and the February/March period is rain and cyclone season. Gorongosa National Park is closed from mid-December to early April and some accommodations close in February for maintenance and upkeeping.

April, May, September, October and November are very beautiful and the winter months of July and August are a lot cooler with pleasant daytime temperatures and much cooler evenings. July until the end of September is the best time to see the humpback whales. If you are tied to school holidays, May is the quietest period and a very nice month. In July/August the whales can be seen but international flights are often a lot more expensive.

Do I need a visa for Mozambique?

The current visa procedure for travellers and tourists is much easier than before and a lot of nationalities don’t need to apply for a visa in advance –  you can get your tourist visa on arrival. For example passport holders from The Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, Portugal, USA, United Kingdom can get visas on arrival  (please check with me for the whole list). If your first port of call in Mozambique is Vilanculos, obtaining a visa on arrival is usually a very easy and straightforward process. You will need to pay 10 Euro or 11 USD for your visa and your passport needs to be valid for a minimum of 6 months, with a minimum of 2 consecutive white pages, a print out of your accommodation reservation and a return flight ticket if traveling by air. The visa is valid for 30 days.

Can I self-drive in Mozambique?

Self-drive in Mozambique is possible but with Unique Mozambique I do not offer self-drive holidays. I prefer to create and focus on relaxed and tailor-made experiences and want to work with local reliable transfer companies. Gorongosa National Park also does not allow self-driving. Parts of the National Road (N1) in Mozambique are in a very poor state, with a lot of police checks. I do not want you to stress about your rental car during your holiday.

Is Mozambique a malaria area?

Yes, Mozambique is a malaria-endemic area. It is your personal choice to take malaria prevention or not. The local hospitals are very good in detecting and treating malaria.

Where should I go and what to visit in Mozambique?

Leave that one to me! It all depends on your wishes, needs and budget. Have a look around my website and travel blogs and share your wishes with me. That’s how we can create unique experiences! 

Can I visit Mozambique with children?

Mozambique is perfect for children! It is a very safe and relaxed country and Mozambicans love children! The waters are warm and places like Vilanculos, situated around a shallow bay and calm warm waters, are ideal. Your older children will love activities such as kite surfing, coconut cutting, snorkeling, horse riding on the beach or just playing football with the locals.

Can I use my credit or debit card in Mozambique?

Yes you can. Mastercard is not accepted everywhere, Visa is fine. Most major towns have working ATM’s and a lot of the restaurants also have card machines. Cash is king though and it’s always good to have cash to buy local products here in Mozambique. It’s easy to take out money from an ATM or change money once you arrive here.

Is there good internet in Mozambique?

Mozambique has very good internet! A lot of places now have Starlink with fast and unlimited Wifi. Where there is no Wifi you can buy a local SIM card and buy data, which is cheap and works very well. 

What is Unique about Mozambique?

Many things but my top 5 is as follows:

  • Relaxed atmosphere. Mozambique is a very laid-back, safe and peaceful country, stress-free!
  • The colours! The colourful capulanas (sarongs) of the local women, the white beaches and turquoise-blue warm waters of the Indian Ocean with a fascinating underwater world. The Thailand of Africa but without the hordes of tourists.
  • Exclusive SafarisThe Big 5 on Ocean and Land
    Ocean safari or on land, Mozambique offers both! The underwater world is a fascinating aquarium and home of many species of majestic manta rays, whale sharks, migrating humpback whales (seasonal), and the very rare and almost extinct dugong. Mozambique has some of the most pristine dive sites in the world. Gorongosa National Park is is perhaps Africa’s greatest wildlife restoration story and home to the critically endangered pangolin.
  • Authenticity. Life here is still authentic, slow and uncomplicated. Absorb and experience local life, enjoy watching the dhows and slow pace. It is the simple things in life that often make life beautiful.
  • The rich and interesting cultural history. UNESCO world heritage sites, local Makua and Swahili culture, a mix of Portuguese and Arab influences, beautiful arts & crafts and the famous Peri-Peri chicken and freshest seafood.