Mozambique Holidays

Getting Around

Most travellers get around the main towns in taxis, but be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand and don’t always expect western standards. Chapas, or minibuses, are the main transport method for most locals, but these get busy and can be a little treacherous.

There are bigger, more comfortable buses that connect the major towns and are run by private companies. Be prepared for hairy roads, however. Rail connections link the country to Malawi, South Africa and Zimbabwe. There’s also a twice-weekly, 11-hour train from Nampula to Cuamba that takes in the picturesque landscapes of the north along the way. Book at the station the day before you travel and opt for first or second class for the comfiest experience.

Domestic flights are also available with national carrier LAM Mozambique Airlines. These connect Maputo with Beira, Chimoio, Lichinga, Nampula, Pemba, Tet and eight other destinations across the country.

If you want to go it alone, hire cars are available in Maputo, Vilankulo, Beira, Nampula, Tete and Pemba and can also be arranged from most good hotels. It’s worth noting a lot of the roads aren’t paved and petrol can be hard to come by away from the main routes, but diesel is more readily available.

Read more

Food & Drink

Mozambique cuisine is heavily influenced by its history as a Portuguese colony. Look out for the likes of piri-piri, galinha asada – chicken cooked on an open fire – and feijoada, a hearty stew with beans, beef, chorizo and sometimes pigs’ trotters. You’ll also find plenty of Arab and Asian influences, thanks to its centuries-old status as a key centre for trade. Expect coconut curries, peanut stews and ingredients such as bay leaves, garlic, coriander and chilli peppers. The coast meanwhile serves up some excellent seafood.

More traditional staples include corn porridge, millet and matapa, a local stew made from cassava leaves. Roadside stalls selling steak sandwiches, fried chicken and rice dishes are also common, alongside coffee and chá, or tea. This is often served with malasadas (fried, doughnut-like balls) and fresh papaya, pineapple and other fruit. In terms of drinking, the Portuguese influence extends into wine, with reds especially popular. You’ll also find plenty of local, maize-based beers, served in a big communal pot on special occasions.

Read more

Shopping

Wood carvings, pottery, paintings, batik (dyed fabrics with intricate designs), leather goods and silver jewellery are among the key finds to look out for in Mozambique. You’ll also find the country’s signature colourful sarongs, or capulanas, sold at almost every market.

Head to Maputo, Pemba or Nampula for woodwork, and try Ibo Island in the Quirimbas Archipelago for some of the country’s best silverwork. Cabo Delgado in the north is known for its patterned woven mats, while the Inhambane province in the south is famous for its baskets, made by local Tonga artisans.

If you’re in Maputo, the Mercado Municipal is worth a visit with paintings, jewellery and other souvenirs sold alongside live poultry and other produce. The Parque dos Continuadores FEIMA meanwhile specialises in all things art with traditional paintings, ceramics, wooden masks and more available. Be prepared to haggle, however, as vendors often inflate the prices for tourists.

Read more