When we visited Mozambique this year (2022), it was my first time there. My partner however has been there countless times, because well, she’s half Mozambican.
This trip was long overdue for us, as it was supposed to happen back in 2021, but had to be postponed because of lockdown.
Nevertherless, we were very excited, it was going to be our first international trip together and we knew we were going to make it count. Also, I hadn’t travelled internationally in about 3 – 4 years, and I had just gotten my passport a few months back, and I was super excited to check Mozambique off my bucketlist and get some stamps on my passport.
If you have been to Mozambique, you will know that it’s a very beautiful country, especially Bilene where we were for the most part. And if you haven’t been, then you should have it on your bucket list, and I promise you won’t regret it. If you are South African, there’s absolutely zero reason to not have visited this beautiful place.
So, here are the :
5 Things That Made Me Fall in Love With Mozambique
#1. The Beaches and the Islands
Mozambique is known for its beautiful beaches, islands and beautiful waters. Most people when they choose to do a beach holiday, they are looking for ultimate relaxation, with clear blue waters and perfect weather, and Mozambique has that in bounds.
If a beach holiday is something that you like, Mozambique will give you a beach holiday experience like no other.
When we did our Mozambican trip, we stayed at San Martinho in Bilene, and I must say it blew my mind. The beach was literally 50 metres away from our villa, and I will forever cherish taking the walks on the beach, and just listening to the waves.
It’s tranquil, and it was beautiful just watching the palm trees dance to the wind in the mornings.
#2. Mozambican Culture and Food
One of the things I love about travelling, as a foodie, is that it affords me the opportunity to try out different foods. There’s no way my partner and I could do a place like Mozambique and not want to have a true Mozambican food experience.
Their seafood is out of this world . . . the prawns! In addition to that, their sauces and spices is a delight of the senses and that’s an experience everyone should have when they visit this beautiful country.
I also learned a bit more about their culture and some history, which made me want to learn and see more of what the country has to offer.
You May Also Like: 3 Days in Praia do Bilene Mozambique
#3. Night Life
Before we left South Africa with my partner, we had already decided that in addition to the food, we wanted to be able to experience the nightlife there, and even though Bilene is small compared to Maputo, it was an experience we wanted, and we made sure it happened.
We found out that there was a kind of a nightclub, not too far from where we were staying. We dressed up for it, and lucky for us, we had met other people from South Africa who were also staying at the resort we were staying at, so we made plans to all go to the club together.
As a lesbian couple, it was comforting to know that Mozambique decriminalised homosexuality back in 2017, which made us feel more comfortable to be around strangers in a foreign country.
I am pleased to say that we were never made to feel uneasy or unsafe, our nightlife experience was super enjoyable, and we had a blast.
#4. Mozambicans are Very Friendly People
They are very friendly, everyone that we came across with (except the police/law enforcement) were very friendly people, and were also willing to help.
My partner is half Mozambican, but she is not fluent in Portuguese, and I am Tsonga speaking, we didn’t have much of a communication barrier because most Mozambicans speak their version of Tsonga, and we could actually understand each other, which was super cool.
We felt very welcome in their country just from how friendly and helpful they were with us.
#5 The Resorts & Weather
We travelled to Mozambique in October,, which is considered to be part of the dry months, and the weather was perfect for what we wanted: swimming pool, the beach, cocktails, shorts, flops and sunglasses.
And the resorts make it impossible to not fall in love. The views are to die for, and no one would ever complain about waking up in paradise.
The bottom line is that Mozambique is stunning. It competes very well with the likes of Maldives, Mauritius and the fact that it’s a neighbouring country to us South Africans, is just incredible.
Things to Know Before you Visit Mozambique
#1. Getting Around
If you are thinking about travelling to Mozambique, there’s a few things to keep in mind, which may come in handy when it comes to planning your trip.
We travelled from Johannesburg South Africa with a, Isuzu MUX 4×4, which worked out very well for us. The roads were great, and tarred the entire way, so we had zero issues.
Just be aware that the police are all over, and they know when you are a tourist, and they will stop you every chance they get. just be polite, be cooperative and give them whatever they want.
#2. Money
The currency in Mozambique is metical, but the South African Rand is also acceptable in many places. However, make sure you have their currency in cash, as certain local places want only that.
There are ATM’s available, however, it’s advisable to carry cash as ATM’s may not be readily available in certain places.
#3. Costs
If you are like most people and you don’t have bags of money lying around, then you should plan for your trip on time. Start saving money and anticipating the costs, for example if you are eyeing luxury accommodation by the beach in Mozambique, depending on the accommodation that you get, it can cost a pretty penny.
Also, think of transport costs, petrol, toll gates, food on the road and all that.
Then you need to add in the experiences that you are trying to have, for example boat cruises, entertainment, and whatever else you are looking to do, all of these things can add up and you need to be prepared. It’s better to prepare way in advance.
#4. Visas
If you are a South African passport holder, you do not need a visa to get into Mozambique, as long as your stay is 30 days and less.
Hope these tips will help you plan your trip for Mozambique. Leave a comment if you have questions about planning a trip to Moz
#5. Malaria
Malaria is a thing in Mozambique, and you need to protect yourself. Make sure that you get mosquito repellant like Tabat or Peaceful sleep, and if you are able to get malaria tablets, you should do so.
We were able to protect ourselves from Malaria with just repellant, and like any trip, make sure you take vitamins and get your immunie system stronger.
#6. Sim cards
Vodacom seems to reign in Mozambique, and it seems to be the dominant network. You can purchase a local sim by any Vodacom shop . . . or you can choose to roam, which can get expensive.
