Getting Around Mozambique
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use chapas for Maputo and coastal cities. Rural: Rent a 4x4 for off-road exploration. Coast: Dhows and ferries. For convenience, book airport transfers from Maputo to your destination.
Train Travel
CFM National Rail
Limited but scenic train network connecting Maputo to southern regions with infrequent services.
Cost: Maputo to Inhassoro 200-400 MZN, journeys 4-8 hours between key stops.
Tickets: Buy at stations or CFM offices, cash preferred, no mobile tickets widely available.
Peak Times: Avoid weekends for better availability, services run 1-2 times daily.
Rail Passes
No national passes available; single tickets suffice for limited routes, or consider multi-ride options locally.
Best For: Budget travel on southern lines, savings for 2+ trips on same route.
Where to Buy: Major stations like Maputo or Beira, advance purchase recommended for holidays.
High-Speed Options
No high-speed trains; international connections via South Africa rail to Maputo, or regional links to Zimbabwe.
Booking: Coordinate with neighboring countries' operators, book early for cross-border travel.
Main Stations: Maputo Central for south, Nampula for north, with basic facilities.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring national parks and rural areas. Compare rental prices from 1500-3000 MZN/day at Maputo Airport and major cities, 4x4 recommended.
Requirements: International license, credit card, minimum age 25, passport needed.
Insurance: Full coverage essential due to road conditions, includes off-road protection.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 60 km/h urban, 100 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways where paved.
Tolls: Minimal on main roads like N1, pay in cash at booths (50-200 MZN).
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, animals common hazards.
Parking: Free in rural areas, guarded lots 100-300 MZN/night in cities.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations sparse outside cities at 60-70 MZN/liter for petrol, 55-65 for diesel.
Apps: Use Maps.me or Google Maps offline, as signal unreliable in remote areas.
Traffic: Heavy in Maputo rush hours, potholes and dust common on unpaved roads.
Urban Transport
Maputo Metro & Trams
No metro; use chapas (minibuses) for city travel, single ride 20-50 MZN, no day passes widely available.
Validation: Pay conductor on board, overcrowding common during peaks.
Apps: Local apps like MozaTrip for routes, but cash dominant.
Bike Rentals
Bike hires in tourist areas like Tofo and Vilanculos, 200-500 MZN/day with basic stations.
Routes: Coastal paths suitable, but traffic hazards in cities.
Tours: Guided eco-bike tours in Quirimbas, combining nature with adventure.
Buses & Local Services
Intercity buses by operators like Etrago, local chapas cover urban routes extensively.
Tickets: 50-100 MZN per ride, buy from terminals or on board.
Coastal Ferries: Dhow boats connect islands, 100-300 MZN depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus terminals in cities for easy access, coastal areas for beaches.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (May-Oct) and major events like festivals.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-dependent coastal plans.
- Amenities: Check for generators, mosquito nets, and proximity to transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in cities, spotty 3G in rural Mozambique including coastal areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from 200 MZN for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Vodacom, Movitel, and mcel offer prepaid SIMs from 100-300 MZN with decent coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, markets, or provider shops with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for 500 MZN, 10GB for 1000 MZN, unlimited for 2000 MZN/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi available in hotels, some cafes, and tourist spots, but unreliable outside cities.
Public Hotspots: Limited to major airports and hotels, use data for reliability.
Speed: 5-20 Mbps in urban areas, suitable for basic browsing and maps.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT), UTC+2, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Maputo Airport 8km from city center, taxi 500 MZN (20 min), or book private transfer for 1000-2000 MZN.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations (200-500 MZN/day) and hotels in major cities.
- Accessibility: Limited on uneven roads and chapas, some hotels offer ramps in urban areas.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on buses with restrictions (small free, large 200 MZN), check lodge policies.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on buses for 100 MZN, not recommended on chapas due to space.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Mozambique
Maputo International Airport (MPM) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Maputo International (MPM): Primary international gateway, 8km from city center with taxi connections.
Beira International (BEW): Central hub 10km from city, bus to center 200 MZN (30 min).
Nampula Airport (APL): Northern regional airport with domestic flights, convenient for north Mozambique.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season travel (May-Oct) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Johannesburg or Dar es Salaam and taking bus to Mozambique for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Airlink, Fastjet, and Ethiopian Airlines serve Maputo with regional connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in cities, typical withdrawal fee 100-200 MZN, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels, American Express rare outside Maputo.
- Contactless Payment: Limited, cash preferred in most places, mobile money like M-Pesa growing.
- Cash: Essential for markets, chapas, and rural areas, keep 5000-10000 MZN in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary but 5-10% appreciated in restaurants and for guides.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport bureaus with poor rates.