Destination Guides
Mozambique

 
ravel - International
 
Air

The national airline is LAM-Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (TM). Other airlines serving Mozambique include Air France, Air Mauritius, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways and TAP Air Portugal.

 
Approximate flight times

From Maputo to London is 14 hours, including stopover in Johannesburg.

 
Main airports

Maputo International (MPM) (Maputo) is 3km (1.8 miles) northwest of the city. To/from the airport: Bus and taxi services run to the centre (travel time – 15 minutes). Facilities: Bank, restaurant, bar, snack bar, car hire and post office.
Beira (BEW) is 13km (8 miles) from the city (travel time – 15 minutes). Beira receives flights from Continental Europe, other African countries and America. Facilities: Restaurant, shops and a post office.

 
Departure tax

US$20 if destination is outside Africa; US$10 if destination is within Africa. Infants under two years of age and transit passengers are exempt.

 
Sea

British, European, American, Japanese and South African cargo vessels call at Maputo and Beira, but there are no regular passenger services.

 
Rail

A train runs six times a week from Johannesburg to the Mozambique border at Komatipoort where there is a connection to Maputo (travel time – 15 hours). An overnight train runs regularly from Durban to Maputo. There is a service from Harare to Beira. There are connections from Malawi to Beira (although the border still has to be crossed on foot).
Note: Rail services are sometimes sporadic and unreliable.

 
Road

There are good road links with all neighbouring countries except Tanzania. However, road travel can be dangerous and should only be undertaken in daylight. Highjacking and robberies are rife and travellers should be aware of the possiblilty of unexploded landmines on the lesser-used roads. Bus: There is a daily bus service from Maputo to Johannesburg, and there are good bus links to other South African cities. Minibuses run between Maputo and towns in Swaziland, crossing the border at Namaacha. For further information about entry requirements and routes for border crossing, contact the High Commission (see Passport/Visa Information).

 
 
 
ravel - Internal
 
Air

There are flights linking Maputo with Beira, Blantyre (Malawi), Inhambane, Lichinga, Nampula, Pemba, Quelimane and Tete. Flights depart from Maputo between 0500 and 0730 and are subject to seasonal alterations. Flights are frequently delayed or cancelled and baggage is often lost or tampered with. Air-taxi services are also available, and are the safest means of transport outside the main cities.

 
Departure tax

US$7.

 
Rail

There is no rail connection between Maputo and Beira. There is a rail link between Beira and Tete and lines from the towns of Moçambique and Nacala, via the junction at Monapo, to Nampula and Lichinga. Trains also run from Maputo to Goba and Ressano Garcia, and northwards on the line to Zimbabwe. Most trains have three classes, but there are few sleepers and no dining or air-conditioned cars. For seats and sleepers, it is necessary to book in advance. All train services are subject to disruption.

 
Road

There are an estimated 29,810km (18,631 miles) of roads in Mozambique. Tarred roads connect Maputo with Beira and Beira with Tete. It is now possible to travel by road in southern Mozambique though flood damage can still cause serious delays. Traffic drives on the left. Bus: There are regular services covering most of the country. In more rural areas, road passage can only be undertaken by converted passenger trucks known as chapas. It is advisable to carry food and water on long journeys. There are occasional controls on the roads to check papers, especially in the north and near the border with Zimbabwe. Bus travel is the cheapest form of transport in the country and is, on the whole, fairly reliable. Taxi: Rarely available outside large towns. Car hire: Cars can be hired from international and national agencies in Maputo and Beira. Only hard currency is accepted. Documentation: International Driving Permit is recommended.

 
Note

Landmines may make travel by road outside the capital risky, and up-to-date travel advice should be sought. Driving after dark can be hazardous owing to vehicles travelling without headlights. Hijacking occurs.

 
Urban

Bus services in Maputo have been improved with the introduction of new vehicles, and there are now fairly extensive services. Taxis are metered. Taxi drivers expect a tip.