Preparing for Mozambique

• Island and marine travel in the Bazaruto or Quirimbas archipelagos
• Beach finishes after a safari elsewhere in Southern or East Africa
• Inland wildlife in Gorongosa, one of Africa's notable restoration stories
• City and coast time around Maputo for travellers who like food and architecture

Bazaruto Archipelago

Dune islands, sandbanks and protected marine areas reached from Vilanculos.

Vilanculos

The mainland gateway for Bazaruto, with flights and boat transfers.

Quirimbas Archipelago

Remote northern islands with a very different, quieter feel.

Gorongosa National Park

Inland restoration, wildlife and strong community programmes.

Maputo

Markets, cafés and coastal reserves within reach of the capital.

• The cooler, drier months are often described as easier for travel; the wetter, hotter months bring humidity and heavier rain.
• Cyclone risk exists in the wider region during the wet season — many travellers plan around it and take suitable insurance.
• Diving and snorkelling conditions depend on visibility, wind and tide, which vary daily.
• No sea conditions, marine sightings or weather outcomes can be promised.

Mozambique operates online visa and travel-authorisation systems, with conditions varying by nationality and point of entry. Confirm current requirements with the National Immigration Service before booking.

Requirements change. Always verify current entry, health and fee information with official government and travel-health sources before you book or travel.

• Mozambique National Immigration Service — eVisa and eTA
• U.S. Department of State — Mozambique

Ask a travel-health professional about routine vaccinations, malaria prevention for coastal and inland areas, and marine-activity safety including diving fitness. Personal medical advice should come from a clinician.

• CDC Travelers' Health — destination pages
• World Health Organization travel advice

Berngo Safaris provides general planning context only and does not give medical advice.

Each link is owned by the authority named beside it and opens in a new tab.

• Mozambique National Immigration Service (SENAMI)Visa and entry information ↗ (opens in a new tab)
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and PreventionCDC Traveler View — Mozambique ↗ (opens in a new tab)
• U.S. Department of StateCountry information — Mozambique ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Last link review: August 7, 2026. Requirements depend on nationality, routing and current policy. Verify directly with the issuing authority before booking or travel. Berngo Safaris provides planning links, not legal, immigration or medical advice.

Avoid unofficial visa agents. Beware of unofficial visa agents and copycat visa websites. Several look almost identical to government portals and charge inflated fees. Apply only through the official government domains linked here, and never share passport or payment details with a site you reached through an advertisement.

• Tropical and humid on the coast, with strong sun and warm sea temperatures.
• Wind affects boat transfers and diving more than rain does on many days.
• Inland areas can be hotter and drier than the coast at the same time of year.

What to pack for

• Reef-safe sun protection, a rash vest and a wide-brimmed hat
• Light, breathable clothing plus one long-sleeved layer for evenings
• A dry bag for boat transfers and any dive or snorkel certification cards
• Insect repellent and light cover-up clothing for dusk

• Maputo (MPM), Vilanculos (VNX) and Pemba (POL) are the main entry points depending on your region.
• Island lodges are reached by light aircraft, helicopter or boat, and transfers depend on tide and weather.
• Internal connections are limited in frequency — routing should be built around flight days, not the other way round.

• Dress modestly away from resort beaches, particularly in villages and towns.
• Ask before photographing people, and arrange community visits through your lodge.
• Avoid buying shells, coral or marine curios, and choose operators that follow marine-park rules.

Bring these to your planning conversation — they change the itinerary more than most travellers expect.

• Are small-boat and light-aircraft transfers manageable for everyone in the group?
• Do any travellers need step-free access or ground-floor rooms at island lodges?
• Are water activities suitable for all swimmers, and are certifications current for divers?
• What medical and dietary details should remote island lodges receive well in advance?

These pairings share flight routings or complement each other in pace. Each links to its own preparation guide.

• Mozambique & South Africa

  Kruger-region safari followed by an Indian Ocean island finish.

• Mozambique & Zimbabwe

  A falls-and-safari route ending on the Mozambican coast.

• Mozambique & Malawi

  Freshwater lake and ocean coast in a single, unhurried journey.

Is Mozambique a safari destination or a beach destination?

Both, but most itineraries treat the coast as the anchor and add Gorongosa or a safari in a neighbouring country.

What about cyclone season?

The wet season carries cyclone risk in the wider region. Travellers commonly plan around it and take comprehensive travel insurance; conditions cannot be predicted for specific dates.

How do I reach the islands?

Usually a light aircraft to Vilanculos or Pemba, then a boat or helicopter transfer that depends on tide and weather.