Mozambique Travel Planner

Where is Mozambique?

  1. Approximate Population of Mozambique: 30,366,036


Hotels in Maputo


Maputo is the capital of Mozambique

Maputo has an approximate population of around 1,088,449 people and you can typically expect to pay around £1.11p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.

Maputo is one of the most beautiful cities of Mozambique and is also one of its most famous attractions. Maputo sits on the shores of the famous River Magistros which flows through the country of Mozambique. The city of Maputo itself covers an area of 70 km2 and today, it is considered to be one of the major cities of Mozambique along with the capital Gaborone. Today, Maputo is home to a wide variety of tourist attractions and activities that include scuba diving, snorkeling, camping and more, making it an ideal destination for tourists.

The Portuguese settlement of Maputo was built during the 16th century and today this city is home to some of the oldest museums in the world. There are numerous historical buildings and monuments to view in the city and these include the Cathedral of St. John and St. Francis, Churches of St. Ignatius and St. Raphael, as well as the Mozambique Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral. The beautiful Churco Square, once used as a stoa has been turned into a tourist attraction which attracts hundreds of visitors every day. Another attraction worth visiting is the Maputo Cathedral which has a wonderful history. Today the cathedral is open to the public for the first time in Mozambique.

Other interesting tourist attractions in Maputo include the Museum of Maps which is dedicated to providing information about the indigenous cultures of Mozambique and the surrounding area. This museum also houses some of the world's oldest maps and is open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday. Another place of interest is the Maputo zoological garden which is rich in animals and other nature specimens. The lion-tailed macaque monkeys can be seen at close range at the Monkey Park.

What vaccinations do I need before travelling to Mozambique

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Mozambique are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel to Mozambique

For up to date information around safety and security in Mozambique read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office latest information for Mozambique.

Mozambique Flights


Best time to visit Mozambique?

June to October is the dry season, with often perfect tropical weather: clear skies, plenty of sun and almost no rain. This is the best time for most people to visit Mozambique.

Festivals in Mozambique

In October, the country holds the popular Mozambique Tourism Festival, a showcase for local tourism. Hundreds of artists and performers from all over the world perform and celebrate Mozambique's cultural diversity. Visitors can participate in a free street party and dance into the night. This event promotes local tourism and celebrates Mozambique's rich culture. It is also one of the largest festivals in the country, with up to 36 000 people expected to attend.

In September, the Inhambane Province holds a music festival called STRAB, featuring concerts by traditional Chopi musicians. This music has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural property. The Chopi musicians play the mbila, rattles, pan pipes, and animal-horn trumpets to create a unique sound. The festive season and Christmas are also celebrated in the country. During this time, Catholic churches celebrate midnight masses, and choirs fill the air with African harmonies.

During the festive season, Mozambique holds a variety of festivals, including a Xai-xai Beach Festival. This festival celebrates the rich musical heritage of Mozambique by hosting exhibitions, performances, and dancing. The CHOPI Music Festival is a UNESCO-recognised event that features a renowned xylophone and more than 50 international guest artists.

During the Independence Day, the country celebrates independence by holding a concert in a stadium. Popular Mozambican bands perform alongside traditional poetry. Other cultural events take place throughout the country the week prior to Independence Day. The Tambo International Art Festival celebrates the cultural diversity of Mozambique. The festival features workshops by internationally renowned artists and craftsmen. A week-long celebration of the Tambo International Art Festival marks the end of the month and welcomes international visitors.

Throughout the year, Mozambique hosts a series of festivals. Azgo, the country's international arts festival, features a varied line-up of music and art. The festival is named after a Maputo slang phrase meaning "let's go" and celebrates contemporary art. This festival is a showcase for emerging and acclaimed artists from across Africa. In addition to celebrating the arts, the country holds several other annual festivals.

The Quissico Festival is a unique event that celebrates traditional Chopi music. The UNESCO has recognized Chopi music as an intangible cultural heritage, and the festival includes live performances and traditional dancing. During the festive season, the country hosts concerts in its national stadium. On Christmas day, the President of the country attends the midnight mass. The atmosphere is incredibly festive and enchanting, and is sure to make your vacation unforgettable.

The Mozambique Independence Day is the country's largest celebration, and is celebrated on 25 June. The country's independence from Portugal is marked on this day, which is why the celebrations are so popular. The country's president has been known to attend these festivities. It is an important day to celebrate the nation's independence. A successful party is a sign of a flourishing economy. It also demonstrates that Mozambique is a destination for a variety of tourists.

Mozambique Trips & Guided Tours


Mozambique Tourist Attractions

The country of Mozambique, located in southern Africa, is known for its long stretch of Indian Ocean coastline, which is home to some of the world's best beaches. It is also home to several marine parks and archipelagos, including the Quirimbas Archipelago, which is made up of 250-km of coral islands. Further south, the Bazaruto Archipelago boasts of colonial ruins.

For the most historical sites, visit the Central Railway Station, which was designed by Gustav Eiffel and restored beautifully. It is home to old locomotives and a museum at the back. It is best to avoid visiting the Central Railway Station during peak commuter hours, as it is packed with commuters. But, if you're a fan of architecture, you should definitely visit the National Gallery. A tour of the historic buildings in the city center is also a must-do for your trip to Mozambique.

The Fortaleza of Maputo is the largest historical monument in the country, and is one of the country's most visited landmarks. It houses the remains of the Gaza emperor Ngungunhane. The fort is an important cultural monument in Mozambique, and visitors are encouraged to spend time exploring it. There are also several museums in the city, and visitors can explore the ruins of Fort San Gaetano, the first European building in southern Africa.

Do I need a Visa?

British nationals need a visa to enter Mozambique. If you're a tourist or travelling for work purposes from a country where there is a Mozambican diplomatic mission, you must get the appropriate visa before travelling. In summer 2017, Mozambique introduced the possibility for tourists to buy visas at border posts.

See which forms you may need for entry into Mozambique.

What currency do i need for Mozambique?

The official currency of Mozambique is the Mozambique Metical (MZN). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Mozambique you can grab amazing Mozambique Metical deals via Wise.com (GBP to MZN).

What wildlife live in Mozambique?

Wildlife includes big game like lions, cheetahs, elephants, leopards and rhinos as well as smalleranimals like antelopes, zebras, hyenas and buffalo. Marine wildlife includes humpback whales, whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, dugongs, turtles and many fish.

What is the traditional food of Mozambique?

Portuguese food? Traditional Cuisine of the Mozambicans revolves around fresh seafood, corn porridge, millet, stews and mandioca (Cassava Pudding). It is common to find bifel streak and chicken served with beans, cassava chips, batata potatoes, coconut, and cashew nuts.

What Languages are spoken in Mozambique?

Portuguese is the official language, although this is generally only spoken by the more educated amongst Mozambique's population. Beside this, more than 60 different dialects of Bantu languages can be found in Mozambique. You can learn some basic Portuguese before you travel to Mozambique and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip in Mozambique?

The currency in Mozambique is the Mozambique Metical (Tipping for service is standard practice in Mozambique and is usually 10% in restaurants and about £1 per item for hotel porters; cleaners and maids in hotels and Lodges usually get between £1 and £2 per day.).

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  • Police: 119
  • Ambulance: 117
  • Fire: 198
  • UK Embassy: +258 21 356 000

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