Baby hippo drinking water in Gorongosa, Mozambique

Mozambique

Sparkling, sandy beaches and game reserves are found here

Mozambique safari guide

Companies: 168 operators
Tour packages: 13 tours
Parks: 3 parks
Currency exchange
Capital: Maputo
Population: 21 million
Total area:801,590 km² (309,496 miles²)
Languages: Portuguese
Airports: Maputo (MPM)

Recommended vaccinations


MMR

Voltage and plug type

Type D (220V)

Type M (220V)


About Mozambique

Mozambique is located on the southeastern coast of the African continent and is traversed by the mighty Zambezi River. The climate of Mozambique is tropical and it experiences two distinct seasons. The rainy season starts in the spring—around October—and ends around March. The dry season falls during the northern hemisphere’s summer, which works well for those seeking a holiday they can coordinate with school vacation.

Mozambique has seen a large decrease in the population of its larger mammals, particularly during the wars between the 1970s through 1990s, and it still battles with continued destruction of natural habitats since a general lack of regulations stifle the growth of conservation efforts. Although its animal population is growing at an extremely slow rate, it is possible to view larger mammals, particularly in the Niassa Reserve. Here one can see zebra, lions, elephants and buffalo in a remote setting – access is generally by private charter plan. It is estimated that in many of the national parks, where large mammals were present in large numbers, the number of animals now destroyed in the past wars is as high as 95%. National parks that have seen most of their large wildlife destroyed include the following: Zinave National Park, Banhine National Park and Gorongosa National Park.

In an attempt to revitalize Mozambique’s dwindling animal population, The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park was established on 27 November 2001. Limpopo is where the borders of three parks meet—Gaza Province, Mozambique, Kruger National Park, South Africa and Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe. The park has received generous donations from many countries and is divided into the following three separate zones: a tourist zone, a hunting zone and a wilderness zone.

Mozambique enjoys a long shoreline and its year-round temperatures and warm waters make it an excellent location for diving and snorkeling holidays. Bazaruto National Park is a protected area and an archipelago comprised of six islands off the coast of Mozambique that offers unparalleled opportunities for marine wildlife viewing. While not a traditional safari, it does allow visitors the chance to view stunning marine life in beautiful settings.

Mozambique is a country whose political strife has had a devastating impact on its wildlife. It is slowly trying to recover what remains. While it offers game viewing opportunities it might not be an ideal choice for those whose main priority is to view large mammals. 

Located in the heart of central Mozambique, covering over 4,000 km² (1544 m²), Gorongosa National park lies at the southern end of the Great African Rift Valley. The valley is made up of a variety … read more

Mozambique’s Limpopo National Park, located in the Gaza Province—until 1992 torn by war—was transformed in 2001 from hunting zone to park and opened to visitors in 2005. Today, the 10,000 k… read more

Quirimbas National Park is a newer park, established in June of 2002 and located along the northeast coast of Mozambique in the Cabo Delgado Province. It encompasses 11 of the southernmost islands of the Qui… read more

Getting to Mozambique

Those who are flying from North and South America will need to stop at least once. The same holds true for Europe, aside from those flying from Lisbon, Portugal, will also have at least one stop. There are no direct flights from any other major city.

If you are flying from within Africa, the majority of direct flights are from Johannesburg. Nairobi also offers direct flights to Maputo. If you are flying from other major cities, you will most likely have a stop in Johannesburg or Nairobi.

Overland to Mozambique

If you are planning on driving to or from Maputo, here are some times and/or distances for you. Maputo to Johannesburg is roughly six hours. Maputo to Harare is over 16 hours. Maputo to Gabarone is just under 10 hours. Intercape Bus also services Maputo from Johannesburg, with the journey taking around 10 hours. 

The following airlines travel to Mozambique


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The French flag carrier. Air France, stylized as AIRFRANCE, is the French flag carrier headquartered in Tremblay-en-France,. It is a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group and a founding member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance. As of 2013 Air France serves 36 destinations in France and operates worldwide scheduled passenger and cargo services to 168 destinations in 93 countries (including Overseas departments and territories of France. Visit website

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Airlink is a privately-owned, BBBEE Level 4 business and regional airline serving a comprehensive network of smaller destinations throughout Southern Africa. We are now operating independently under our own unique 4Z flight code offering more freedom, more choices and more travel opportunities. Visit website

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Bush & Lake Aviation is a newly established charter company offering flights from its Lilongwe base to destinations in Malawi and the adjacent regions. We offer a small team of dedicated pilots, engineers, and management with many years of experience in the aviation business. We fly directly to your destination making your connections possible and saving you the unnecessary frustrations of transfers - queues and delays Bush & Lake Aviation specializes in charters for leisure travel or business. Visit website

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Based in Kampala, operates scheduled and charter services across eastern and central Africa. Eagle Air is a Private Ltd Company specialising in the provision of Charter and Schedule Air services both within Uganda and around the East & Central Africa Region. Eagle Air was incorporated as an air operator in June 1994. Visit website

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The flag carrier airline of Egypt, based at Cairo. EGYPTAIR is one of the world’s pioneer airlines. Established in May of 1932, it became the seventh carrier in the world. Mission Create value for our customers, employees, owners & stakeholders. Vision Deliver competitive customer service with true Egyptian spirit. Visit website

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Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the flag carrier of Ethiopia. During the past seventy plus years, Ethiopian has become one of the continent's leading carriers, unrivalled in Africa for efficiency and operational success, turning profits for almost all the years of its existence. Operating at the forefront of technology, the airline has also become one of Ethiopia's major industries and a veritable institution in Africa. It commands a lion's share of the pan African network including the daily and double daily east-west flight across the continent. Ethiopian currently serves 100 international and 21 domestic destinations operating the newest and youngest fleet. Visit website

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The second largest airline of the United Arab Emirates. Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has in just ten years established itself as the world’s leading airline. “Etihad” is the Arabic word for “union”. Etihad Airways was established by Royal (Amiri) Decree in July 2003. It commenced operations in November 2003 and has developed into one of the fastest growing airlines in the history of commercial aviation. Visit website

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Everett Aviation started business operating a single AS350 in Kenya in 1996. In less than 20 years the Company has become established as the largest helicopter service provider in East Africa, holding AOC’s in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique. Everett’s unrivalled regional knowledge, supported by substantial local content and proven, flexible, supply chains ensure they remain at the forefront of aviation in the region. Everett Aviation services also include passenger charter to various destinations across East Africa, being part of the great service they offer. Visit website

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Budget flights within East Africa. Established in 2012, fastjet has flown over 1,000,000 passengers with almost 40% being first time flyers benefitting from fares as low as $20. Of the 300,000 social media followers fastjet has over 100 customers who have flown as frequently as 50 times! Low-cost is quite simply the avoidance of costly frills, offering customers the lowest possible fares in addition to pay-as-you travel extras. Visit website

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The flag carrier of Kenya. Kenya Airways was established in February 1977 following the breakup of the East African Community and subsequent disbanding of the jointly-owned East African Airways. KQ now flies to over 60 destinations around the world with over 40 being in Africa. The network expands to many more destinations with partnerships from Codeshare partners. Our Vision is to consistently be a Safe & Profitable Airline that Guarantees World Class Service. Visit website

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National air carrier of Mozambique. The LAM mission is air transportation of passengers, cargo and mail in the domestic, regional and international markets, of regular and non-regular nature, with maximum safety, comfort and quality to satisfy our customers. Our goal is to make your travel as enjoyable, comfortable and safe as possible. We have been working to accomplish this objective. LAM uses a fleet of Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer aircraft. Visit website

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The state-owned flag carrier of Qatar. In a relatively short time, Qatar Airways has grown to more than 140 destinations worldwide, offering unmatched levels of service excellence that have helped excel the award-winning carrier to become best in the world. Voted Airline of the Year 2011 and in 2012 in the prestigious Skytrax industry audit, Qatar Airways has won the confidence of the travelling public. In this highly competitive environment, Qatar Airways has achieved much with our phenomenal route expansion averaging 30% growth year to year and flying one of the most modern fleet of 134 aircraft in the skies today. Our global network currently spans key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America, with scheduled flights operating to and from our hub in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar. Visit website

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Regional services in South Africa. Choose Airlink to connect you to 35 destinations in 9 African countries. With more than 21 years of of customer focused experience along with the widest network and choice of flights, you get where you want to be, when you want to be there. Visit website

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Domestic airlines in South Africa. SA Express is a domestic and regional, passenger and cargo carrier established on 24 April 1994. SA Express has since become one of the fastest growing regional airlines in Africa. As a regional airline with route networks covering major local and regional cities, SA Express plays a significant role in the country’s hospitality, travel and tourism industry and is vital contributor to the country’s socio-economic development. The airline’s head office is based at Airways Park in Johannesburg. SA Express has a growing fleet of aircraft and implements self-technical maintenance for all its fleet types at OR Tambo International Airport. An integrated, sustainable regional airline connecting secondary and main airports. Visit website

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National airline of South Africa. At South African Airways we are the proud national airline of South Africa. We offer great value flights to and from South Africa as well as within our beautiful country. We are committed to the highest standards in everything we do and aim to deliver a world-class experience on every flight. Plan and book your flights with us and experience why we are one of the leading airlines in Africa. Visit website

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The state-owned flag carrier of Angola. TAAG Angola Airlines was founded in 1938 and is based in Angola’s capital city: Luanda. For over 70 years TAAG has served Angola by operating flights both domestically and internationally and by serving its passengers with a top quality level of service. TAAG is dedicated to expanding its services and improving the customer experience: the airline is acquiring state-of-the-art aircraft, improving its booking system, and instituting a customer loyalty program. TAAG is proud of its past and looks forward to continuing to serve Angola and achieve Excellence in all areas of the Company. Visit website

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The flag carrier airline of Portugal. TAP is the leading Portuguese airline, it has been flying since 1945 and has been a member of the Star Alliance since 14 March 2005. Its Lisbon hub is a key European gateway at the crossroads of Africa, and North and South America. TAP is the number one airline between Europe and Brazil, and in the summer of 2014 its network had grown to fly 11 new routes. Currently the Portuguese airline has connections to 84 destinations in 35 countries. It operates an average of around 2500 flights a week and has a fleet of 77 modern aircraft: 61 Airbuses, and another 16 aircraft in the colours of PGA (Portugália Airlines). Over recent years TAP has focussed on some of its main markets, particularly in Africa, Brazil and South America. The company’s efforts have included ensuring sustainable growth by adapting to the changes in each market, while increasing traffic and occupancy rates. Consequently, new medium- and long-haul routes have been added to the TAP network. Visit website

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The national flag carrier airline of Turkey. Turkish Airlines, one of the most preferred leading European air carrier with global network coverage thanks to its strict compliance with flight safety, reliability, product line, service quality and competitiveness while maintaining its identity as the flag carrier of Turkey. Visit website

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373 Destinations (airports served) 233 Domestic destinations (airports served) 140 International destinations (airports served) 60 Countries Served 5,055 Daily Departures 138 Million passengers in 2014 Visit website

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Mozambique map
Parks and game reserves
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