Quick Answers to 10 of the Most Popular Mozambique Travel FAQs
This Mozambique travel guide answers 12 of the most popular FAQs about Mozambique travel. Find out all you need to know about Mozambique from an intrepid traveler who's been there, done that, and loved it.
The image that immediately springs to mind when the word “Mozambique” is mentioned is one of a table laden with ‘LM’ prawns with piri-piri sauce and 2M beer, overlooking a lush palm-tree-lined beach. This image surely has a strong allure, even for those with powerful couch-lock. Then why is it that so few tourists visit this beautiful African country? If you’re curious, our answers to the most frequently asked questions about Mozambique may well inspire you to book your tickets to this exotic location.
Most Popular Mozambique Travel FAQs:
- Where is Mozambique located?
- Where is Mozambique on a map? (Mozambique Map)
- Where is the Mozambique Channel? (and about the channel)
- What does the Mozambique flag mean?
- What language is spoken in Mozambique?
- What is the capital of Mozambique?
- What's the Mozambique currency? (and money tips)
- Is Mozambique safe to visit?
- Mozambique food and drink FAQs
- FAQs about Mozambique beaches and islands
For answers to your specific Mozambique travel questions or help planning a trip to Mozambique, chat with our African travel experts.
1. Where is Mozambique located?
Mozambique is in south-eastern Africa. It’s long and, in parts, rather thin, and is the largest coastal country in the region, bordering no less than six countries: Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Eswatini. Its immense Indian Ocean coastline of 2,700 kilometers faces east toward the island of Madagascar, across the Mozambique Channel.
Mozambique's flag reflects its history
Its numerous white beaches are its main tourist attraction, but a lot of investment is going into restoring inland game parks like Gorongosa – and they’re making a comeback.
The country has dense forestland in higher parts to the north and center, woodland and savannah in the south, and mangroves along much of the coast; about half of Mozambique comprises a flat grassland plateau. It has a population of 32 million people and the main industries are mining, fishing, and agriculture: ‘Moz’ has a very developed cashew nut industry. Tourism is definitely on the rise, but tourist numbers are still low relative to many other countries in Southern Africa, and there are less than 10,000 hotel beds in this under-developed country, which, despite a high GDP growth, is among the poorest in the world.
This does make Mozambique somewhat exotic and off the beaten track, so if you wish to come back from a holiday with unusual stories to tell, this could be your ideal African destination.
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2. Where is Mozambique on a map?
Mozambique in relation to other African countries
3. Where is the Mozambique Channel? (about the channel)
The Mozambique Channel is an arm of the Indian Ocean located between the southeast African countries of Madagascar and Mozambique. The channel is about 1,700 km long and 419 km across at its narrowest point; it reaches a depth of 3,000 m at its deepest point.
The Mozambique Channel was an extremely important trading route, firstly for slave traders and later for trade connecting India, the Middle East, and East Asia with Europe, but this declined with the opening of the Suez Canal. These days the channel is renowned for its diversity of coral reefs, which rival that of the Great Barrier Reef and are excellent for diving. It is also known for its many islands, including the Comores Group and the Bazaruto Archipelago off southern Mozambique.
Scuba diving in Mozambique
Its strong, warm current plays a huge role in the biodiversity of the area – this is where you get to swim with the gigantic whale shark – which supports major fishing industries and is an important migratory route for many species, but it also causes several storms and cyclones. In recent years gas has been discovered in the channel, but the way it is being extracted has led to conflicts in the northern part of Mozambique.
Whale sharks are often seen if you dive off Mozambique
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4. What does the Mozambique flag mean?
Mozambique was a Portuguese colony until 1975 when it passed into the hands of the Socialist Mozambican Liberation Front (Frelimo) after a decade of civil war. Most of the Portuguese colonialists left shortly after the country was liberated, and today Frelimo still rules Mozambique. After gaining independence, the country was ravaged by a devastating civil war between Frelimo and the Mozambique National Resistance (Renamo), which was trained and supplied by Frelimo’s enemies. Frelimo and Renamo are still the two dominant political parties.
Vilanculos, one of Mozambique's stunning beaches
Peace was only established between Frelimo and Renamo in 1992, by which time about a million Mozambicans had died in the fighting or of starvation, and the economy and infrastructure of the country were devastated. It is no small wonder then that the national flag bears the Marxist star and the socialist symbols of an open book, a hoe, and an AK-47 assault rifle, which stand respectively for education, the peasantry, and defense of the native country. The rifle is particularly controversial, and many argue that the weapon signifies violence and civil war and that it should be taken off the flag completely, but it remains to this day: Mozambique’s is the only flag in the world with a modern firearm on it.
The green, black, and yellow stripes are derived from Frelimo’s flag and that of South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC), which supported Frelimo in the war of independence and; in turn, supported the ANC in the struggle against apartheid. They also have a double meaning: green represents the riches of the land; black for the African continent, yellow for the country's minerals, and red, the struggle for independence.
5. What language is spoken in Mozambique?
The official language of Mozambique is Portuguese, and although it is only spoken by about half of the 32 million inhabitants, it is the most widely spoken language. This makes the country a popular destination for Brazilian and Portuguese tourists, but South Africans comprise the majority of visitors.
There are over 40 languages spoken, the most popular being Swahili, Shona, Makhuwa, Changana, Nyanja, Ndau, Sena, Chwabo, and Tswa. Most Mozambicans speak at least two languages, and most local dialects include some borrowed Portuguese words.
English is spoken at hotels and lodges, and Mozambicans are extremely laid-back and friendly, so even in rural areas, language barriers can generally be overcome.
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6. What is the capital of Mozambique?
Maputo is the capital of Mozambique, lying in the extreme south of the country along the north bank of Espírito Santo Estuary of Delagoa Bay. Until 1976 it was called Lourenço Marques, after a Portuguese trader who first explored the region in 1544 (LM prawns are also named after Lourenço). The port city is now named after a famous local chief. Maputo was not an easy place for Europeans to settle in, and it suffered extensive damage in the civil war, but it has since recovered and become a vibrant tourist destination.
Maputo has an exciting beachfront
Among the attractions of the city are the remnants of Portuguese architecture, particularly the railway station and various cathedrals. There is an abundance of markets (including fish markets near the seafront), parks, and botanical gardens. Unique to the city is the number of streets and statues named after communist icons, which makes a downtown walk one for the bucket list. Maputo is a favored stop on many Southern Africa tours via Mozambique as it is the most developed city in the country, has an airport, and is close to many popular tourist attractions. There’s also a vibrant nightlife in this city, where locals and visitors eat and dance to the local Marrabenta music till the early hours.
Maputo train station
The new Maputo-Katembe bridge connects Maputo on the northern bank with the suburb of Katembe on the southern bank. Completed in 2018 after four years of work, the bridge also connects the capital to the South African border, which has boosted the entire economy of the southern region of Mozambique, opened up trade routes, and shortened travel time for visitors hugely.
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7. What is the currency of Mozambique? (and money tips)
Mozambique's currency is called the Metical – plural Meticais – and it’s named after the Arabic unit of weight and the old gold dinar coin. It replaced the Portuguese Escudo in 1980, and appropriately, the country’s first president Samora Machel is depicted upon it. The banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 Meticais. One Metical (MZN or MT) is the equivalent of 100 Centavos, and coins are in denominations of 50 centavos, 1, 2, 5, and 10 meticais.
Maputo city hall
Travelers can carry South African Rands, particularly in the south of Mozambique; US Dollars are preferred in the north, but it is always advisable to have Meticais with you as well. Currency can be converted at exchange bureaus, but these are only found in cities. Cards can be used for hotels and cash is available from ATMs, but finding a working ATM in rural areas can be tricky, so it's advisable to keep cash on hand. Three Meticais are worth about one Rand, and in October 2023, one US Dollar was worth about 64 Meticais.
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8. Is Mozambique safe to visit?
Several tour guides recommend Mozambique as a safe country to travel and stay in, and residents of the country insist it is too, but many embassies issue warnings. The four main factors to consider are malaria, hurricanes, terrorism, and the petty crime that takes place in some areas.
The malaria risk is high in Mozambique in all areas throughout the year, especially in the rainy season between November and April. Visitors are advised to wear long sleeves and trousers, use insect repellents, take anti-malaria medication, and sleep under mosquito nets. There are also some other diseases one should take precautions against, particularly when it comes to water consumption, and you will need a Yellow Fever vaccination to enter the borders.
The rainy season is also when hurricanes occur, and as Moz is low-lying, these may lead to roads being blocked and tourists being stranded, so keep your ears pricked about the weather while you’re on the road. It’s best to follow the news about political demonstrations, too, as these can turn violent.
Mozambique is on the southeast coast of Africa
Petty crimes occur in all cities, and they do take place in Maputo and Beira, so be aware and consult the management of your accommodation before you set off anywhere to avoid trouble. The poverty-stricken country is notorious for its checkpoints, where it is advisable to comply with the officials’ demands and have your identification handy at all times.
Terrorist attacks are only something you need to worry about if you are visiting the northern regions of the country. Mozambique’s Department of Foreign Affairs advises travelers not to visit the province of Cabo Delgado and the Erati and Memba districts of Nampula province in northern Mozambique, as there has been an ongoing violent insurgency involving armed attacks since 2017. Foreigners may be targeted and kidnapped in these areas, but such issues seldom occur in the south of the country.
9. Mozambique food and drink FAQs: what food do people eat in Mozambique?
The most famous dish in Mozambique is shrimp or prawns with peri-peri (or piri-piri) sauce, and fresh seafood, which is abundant along the long, warm, and biodiverse coastline. The hot sauces have their background in the Arabs who traded in the area and brought with them seasonings and spices such as paprika, chilies, and sweet peppers, which was augmented by the Portuguese, who added wine – and the use of knives and forks. Spicy Zambeziana chicken is also a sought-after delicacy, and the renowned franchise Nando’s still grows its peri-peri in Mozambique, empowering over a thousand farmers in the process.
Mozambique is famous for its prawns
The seafood cuisine that tourists can buy at ridiculously low prices is also enjoyed by locals along the coast, but the inland inhabitants are often poor and make do on a staple diet of maize porridge called xima, which is eaten together with a stew of meat or vegetables. Visitors may wish to try local favorites such as matapa, made from stewed cassava leaves and blended with ground peanuts, garlic, and coconut milk, often served with shrimp on a bed of rice. There are many pastries with Portuguese origins that the locals love, and one that is also found at most restaurants is paõ, a fluffy and delicious roll.
Generally, food is washed down with Madeira wine and locally produced beers such as Manica and Laurenta. The national lager of Mozambique is 2M, pronounced “dosh em”, which is brewed jointly by Mozambique and South Africa.
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10. Mozambique beaches and islands FAQs
People often ask; "how many beaches are there in Mozambique?" The answer: Mozambique has 47 beaches to choose from, with clear turquoise water, white sand, and often, shady trees to shelter you from the baking sun.
Mozambique's Tofo beach
Another of the most popular questions about Mozambique is what are the best beaches in Mozambique?
The southern beaches such as those of Ponta do Ouro are easily accessed by South Africans, where swimming with dolphins is popular, and diving is one of the main attractions of locations like Ponta Malongane. Further north, you can take a dhow across Inhambane Bay to visit Tofo Beach, among others. Inhambane can be reached by car from the south, but travel is slow due to several small towns that have to be navigated along the coastal road. There are only 30,000km of roads in Mozambique, and only about 20% of them are tarred – so driving a 4x4 although not mandatory, is advisable.
Bazaruto islands
The more adventurous travelers head even further up to Vilanculos – which does have an airport – and is an access point for the exotic, well-preserved Bazaruto Archipelago. Beyond that lies Beira, and further north are attractions such as the Quirimbas Islands, but it's advisable to do your research thoroughly if you wish to venture this far up Mozambique’s lengthy coastline.
| Our budget-friendly 8-Day Mozambique Beaches Tour is ideal for beach lovers and adventure seekers. This guided Africa Overland Tour stays at lodges and hotels, includes meals, and travels by hardy overland truck. Beachy highlights on this Mozambique trip include Vilanculos, Bazaruto Archipelago, Barra Beach, and Tofo Beach where you can dive with whale sharks and manta rays. |
The beaches of Mozambique are a whole story in themselves. Be aware that Mozambique Laguna Beach is actually a steakhouse in California, USA … don’t book the wrong flight!
Bazaruto island
For more about Mozambique see our free Mozambique travel guide or browse our well-priced Mozambique Tour Packages.
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Derek lives in Joburg, so any trips into the bush or along the coast border on being spiritual experiences. He is an author, editor, poet and a musician who enjoys cutting to the chase and discovering what lurks beneath the surface. Southern Africa has an endless wealth of hikes, trails and sights that keep him inspired.
