Weather & when to go in Mozambique

From April to November, Mozambique's south coast is a fantastic place to visit, because there’s very little rainfall, and the temperatures are very pleasant - between 20 - 29°C (68-85°F).

As you go further north, temperatures do rise a bit. We suggest you avoid the northwest around Tete city, because the temperatures are an absolute nightmare. It gets refreshingly cool in the higher country, around Lichinga, near Lake Niassa.

Most popular time to visit:

Between May & November: Rainfall and temperatures are at their lowest.

Around Easter, Christmas/New Year's & August: The resorts on the south coast of Mozambique get filled up with vacationing neighbours, so make sure you book in advance.

Good time to visit:

Nov – Jan: This is the early part of the warmer, rainy season. Just bear in mind that it does get incredibly hot, especially in January.

Worst time to visit:

From about Feb – March/April: This is at the height of Mozambique’s rainy season. The roads are awful and there are floods in the south and centre of the country.

Best things to do in Mozambique

1. You cannot say you’ve experienced Mozambique, if you haven’t sailed on a traditional white-sailed dhow.
2. Indulge in an ice-cold beer and as much seafood as you can
3. Make sure that you dive the warm waters and explore the colourful tropical reefs, take a stroll along miles and miles of white, deserted beaches, relax in a hammock beneath a palm tree, collect pansy shells from the shore at low tide, and watch the sun rise over the Indian Ocean
4. Swim with dolphins and spot a whale shark
5. Deep sea game fishing

Areas of interest in Mozambique

Maputo

One of Africa's most attractive capitals, Maputo is set on a small cliff overlooking Maputo Bay. Jacaranda and flame trees and heaps of pleasant, little sidewalk cafes line the wide avenues, contributing to the city’s relaxed atmosphere. For years, Maputo's charms were overshadowed, first by colonialism, then by war, and it's only recently that it’s finally come into its own. Today the capital city of Mozambique is a lively, bustling place that’s filled with colourful markets, a great nightlife, intriguing architecture and a wealth of cultural offerings.

Pemba

The coastal town of Pemba lies at the mouth of an enormous bay. Its lively atmosphere and interesting buildings (especially in Baixa, the old town) draws its visitors, who mostly come for the beaches and coral reefs. Because this little town is so popular with travellers, many bars, restaurants, and diving, snorkelling, fishing and boating centres have sprung up like mushrooms.

Wimbi beach is about 5km (3mi) east of Pemba, and its reef is close enough to swim to. On the way, there’s the Makonde workshop which sells really good wooden carvings at good prices.

Bazaruto Archipelago National Park

The Bazaruto Archipelago National Park is the epitome of tropical paradises. It consists of five main islands, namely Bazaruto, Benguera, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and tiny Bangué. Here you’ll find every cliché ever written about an idyllic location, such as clear, turquoise waters; loads of colourful birds; serene, white, sandy beaches; and incredible diving and snorkelling. This is also home to the elusive dugong who spend its days foraging among sea-grass meadows around the archipelago.

The Bazaruto Archipelago has always been protected, and if you’re there, you’ll see why. Its coral formations are in perfect tact, and life above and under the sea is just frolicking.

Recent history of Mozambique

Political progress in Mozambique has been interrupted by natural disasters, including severe flooding in 2000 and 2001.

Prominent businessman and long-time Frelimo insider Armando Guebuza was elected as president in December 2004.

Frelimo dominated the headlines with scandals of banking and corruption for a long time, and is now cleaning up its image. Meanwhile, Renamo is still trying to prove that it’s a viable political party.

But Mozambique has a remarkable ability to bounce back in the face of adversity. Tourism is taking off, the economy is slowly but surely growing, and its widely believed that Mozambique is one of Africa's rising stars.

Highlights of Mozambique

1. Sail on a traditional white-sailed dhow.
2. Indulge in an ice-cold beer and as much seafood.
3. Dive the warm tropical reefs.
4. Explorethe miles of white, deserted beaches
5. Swim with dolphins and spot a whale shark
6. Relax in a hammock beneath a palm tree
7. Watch the sun rise over the Indian Ocean
8. Deep sea game fishing

Quick facts of Mozambique

Full name:

Capital city:

Area:

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Languages:

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Electricity:

Electric Plug Details

European plug: 2 circular metal pins
South African/Indian-style plug: 2 circular metal pins above large circular grounding pin

Plug configuration

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Visa Details:

Money matters

Currency: Metical (Mtn)

Medical matters

1. HIV/AIDS
2. Malaria
3. Schistosomiasis (bilharzia)
4. Hepatitis
5. Typhoid
6. Diphtheria
7. Tetanus
8. Meningococcal meningitis

Getting there

You can fly into Maputo with Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM), TAP Air Portugal or Kenya Airways.

If you're coming from Europe or a distant part of Africa, the cheapest option is to fly to Johannesburg (South Africa) and fly from there to Maputo with LAM or South African Airways. You can also fly Pelican Air, which flies to Vilankulo and has connections on to the Bazaruto Archipelago.

If you're coming from East Africa, the most convenient thing to do is to fly from Dar es Salaam to Pemba with LAM. This will help you avoid the adventurous land border crossing. You can also fly from Nairobi to Maputo with Kenya Airways.

Remember that the airport departure tax for international flights is approx USD20.00.

If need to cross the border by land, the best one is over the South African border.

If you want to be a daredevil, cross the border at Giriyondo or Pafuri in South Africa's Kruger National Park. No public transport is available for these borders, and they can only be crossed in a 4WD.

Safety in Mozambique

Mozambique was hit with a serious floods. The situation just got worse when Cyclone Favio decided to arrive later in th month. Needless to say, it caused devastation and displacement. Floodwaters are receding, but you should avoid the affected areas while they’re in the recovery process, particularly the central Zambezi river valley. Keep your eye on the news and weather reports for any more developments in the crisis.

To avoid stepping on a landmine, don’t wander off the beaten track. They’re mainly in the central parts of Mozambique.

In general, travelling in Mozambique is safe. But in Maputo, violent crimes such as car-jackings and armed robbery are not uncommon. All you need to do is to be extra careful and use your common sense. For example, carry as little valuable stuff with you as possible, and don’t wander off by yourself, especially in urban areas and on beaches.