✈️ How to Get There
Getting to and around Mozambique
✈️ Flying to Mozambique
Main Airports
Maputo International Airport (MPM) — The main international gateway, 7km from the city centre. Served by Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and LAM (Mozambique Airlines). Most international travellers arrive here.
Other airports with international or regional connections:
- Vilanculos Airport (VNX) — Direct flights from Johannesburg. Gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago.
- Beira Airport (BEW) — Central Mozambique hub, connections from Johannesburg and Maputo.
- Nampula Airport (APL) — Northern Mozambique, connections to Ilha de Moçambique region.
- Pemba Airport (POL) — Far north, connections from Dar es Salaam and Maputo.
💡 Insider Tip
If the Bazaruto Archipelago is your main destination, fly directly into Vilanculos from Johannesburg on FlySafair or via LAM — it saves a day of travel versus routing through Maputo.
✈️ From Maputo Airport to City Centre
Taxi (Recommended)
Official taxis wait outside arrivals. Agree on price before getting in — expect around 600–800 MZN (approx. USD 8–12) to the city centre. Journey time 15–20 minutes. Apps like InDriver and Uber operate in Maputo and offer fixed pricing.
Minibus (Chapa)
Cheap shared minibuses run from the airport area into the city but require local knowledge. Fine for experienced travellers, not recommended with heavy luggage.
Hotel Transfer
Most hotels offer airport pick-up. Arrange in advance. More expensive but stress-free, especially on arrival.
🚀 Domestic Flights — Getting Around
Mozambique is 2,500km long. Driving between regions is not practical — domestic flights are essential. The main operator is LAM (Mozambique Airlines), which connects Maputo with Vilanculos, Beira, Nampula, Pemba, Inhambane, Tete, and Quelimane.
Flights from Maputo to Vilanculos take about 1 hour and cost around USD 100–200 return. Book early — flights fill up during peak season (June–October).
Charter flights and light aircraft connect the mainland to the Bazaruto island lodges (from Vilanculos airstrip). These are arranged by the lodges and included in most packages.
Road travel in southern Mozambique (Maputo to Inhambane corridor) is viable on the EN1 highway — the road is paved and distances are manageable. A 4x4 is recommended north of Beira.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Mozambique. E-visas are available online and are the easiest option. Visa-on-arrival is available at Maputo airport for many nationalities but requires a valid return ticket and hotel booking confirmation.
Citizens of SADC countries (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, etc.) can enter visa-free for up to 30 days. Always check your specific passport requirements before booking. Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from endemic countries.
Check visa requirements for Mozambique →🚘 Getting Around Mozambique
Domestic Flights (LAM)
The most practical way to cover long distances. Book at lam.co.mz. Vilanculos, Pemba, Nampula, and Beira are the key hubs beyond Maputo.
Long-Distance Buses
Intercape and Nagi Transportes operate routes along the EN1 highway. Comfortable air-conditioned coaches from Maputo to Inhambane (4 hours) and Beira (14 hours). Cheaper than flying but significantly slower.
Chapas (Minibuses)
The local transport system. Cheap, crowded, and slow. Fine for short urban distances. Not recommended for long-distance travel with luggage.
Boat to the Islands
From Vilanculos, speedboats and dhows connect to the Bazaruto Archipelago (30–90 minutes depending on island and tide). Boats to Inhaca Island from Maputo run regularly.
🚗 Driving in Mozambique
A 4x4 is strongly recommended for travel north of Beira or to any national park. Roads can be unpaved, sandy, or washed out. Petrol stations are scarce in remote areas — fill up whenever you can. Drive on the left. International driving licence required.
🚘 Renting a Car
Car hire is available in Maputo and at major airports. Recommended for exploring southern Mozambique and the Maputo Special Reserve. International companies (Avis, Europcar) and local operators both operate.
Compare rental cars:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Fly into Vilanculos directly: If the archipelago is your focus, skip Maputo. FlySafair from Johannesburg is often cheaper than routing through LAM.
- Book domestic flights early: Peak season (June–October) flights to Vilanculos sell out. Book 2–3 months ahead.
- Group transfers: Charter a speedboat with other guests to the islands — split the cost, often cheaper than the lodge transfer rate.
- Intercape for the Inhambane corridor: Bus from Maputo to Maxixe (for Inhambane) is around USD 15 vs USD 80+ by plane.
- USD widely accepted: In tourist areas, USD is often preferred over MZN. Bring small denomination notes.