How to get around in Mozambique

Image Credit: Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort

For those who love to spend their time surrounded by a marvellous coastline and pristine beaches, you must consider Mozambique as your next vacation destination. You will be able to try diving, relaxing, trying fresh seafood and so much more. Guess what? This is a budget-friendly beach destination too which means you will be saving on plenty. Here is a guide that will take you through all the necessary details for a fabulous trip in Mozambique.

Obtaining a Visa

It used to be a simple procedure to get an on-arrival Visa at border crossings and at the airport. However, there have been reports of American citizens being denied a Visa on arrival at the borders. Therefore, it has to be sorted out prior to your travel date. Check out the local embassy for Mozambique in your country and they will be able to provide you with all the necessary information on how to obtain a visa for Mozambique. This process is quite easy and, in most countries, can be obtained in a day or two. You will be asked for a biometric passport and a printout of the accommodation that has been confirmed. You can check out Mozambique resorts the likes of Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, which will help you get the confirmatory reservation details for your Visa procedures easily. You will have to fill out the application form and pay a small fee too at the embassy.

Reaching

To reach Mozambique from overseas, you might have to make your way through Johannesburg or any other airports that are close by. It might be expensive to get to Mozambique from nearby countries. If that is the case, you can always look at buses and coaches to take you there. Most of them are air-conditioned and are quite comfortable but you might have to endure long journeys.

Travelling within the country

Transport might be a little tricky in Mozambique and there is no straightforward and simple way to get around. Having said that, there are a number of options you can look into but remember most of them are not ideal. You can look into van taxis that make stops along the way picking up people. You must be aware that most of these taxis always try to overcharge you. This local transport, the van taxis, depart at around 4 am and travel around for several hours picking up people before they leave to the destination. It is quite frustrating, but it is how it is. The taxis might not be in good condition and they are often too overcrowded. Thus, if this is not the way you want to travel around you can always look into car rental. If this is the case, you might have to rent out a car in South Africa and some companies will not allow you to bring a car into this country. But there are a reputed few who allow such services. You can also hitchhike when in Mozambique but there is a certain level of risk. If you speak the Portuguese language it is going to help you monumentally. In some cases, drivers often require a tip so be prepared.

General safety

Sadly, many people warn others about Mozambique on bribes at border crossings, getting pickpocketed and robbed in the capital city and so on. If you take the general precautions, you will find that all of these are not in fact true. The locals are very kind and generous, and you are about to have one of the best trips possible.