Overview
Mozambique runs for some 2,500km along Africa's Indian Ocean coast and is one of the continent's finest beach and diving destinations. Expect powder-white sand, warm turquoise water, palm-thatched lodges and a Portuguese-African culture that shows in the language, the architecture and the superb seafood. There are no direct flights from the UK to Mozambique, so every routing changes at least once, most often in Johannesburg, Doha, Addis Ababa or Lisbon.
Best time to fly to Mozambique
The dry season from May to November is the sweet spot: warm days, low humidity and clear water for snorkelling and diving, plus the humpback whale migration along the southern coast between roughly July and October. The wet season from December to March brings heat, afternoon storms and a cyclone risk around Beira in the centre of the country, mainly in February and March. Diving at Tofo for whale sharks and manta rays is rewarding for much of the year. For the best balance of weather and price, look at the shoulder months of May, June and November, and check the When to book chart above.
Main gateway cities & airports
Maputo International Airport (MPM) in the capital is the principal entry point and the best connected. For the beaches, many travellers take a domestic flight on to Vilankulo (VNX), the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, or Inhambane (INH) for Tofo and Barra. Pemba (POL) serves the remote Quirimbas Archipelago in the far north, while Beira (BEW) covers the centre of the country and Gorongosa National Park.
Airlines and routes
From the UK the most established route is via Johannesburg: fly London Heathrow to Johannesburg direct with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic, then connect on Airlink or LAM Mozambique Airlines. Qatar Airways links Maputo through Doha from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh; Ethiopian Airlines routes via Addis Ababa; Kenya Airways via Nairobi; and TAP Air Portugal offers a one-stop option via Lisbon. Total journey time from London is typically around 14 to 18 hours including the connection. From Manchester, allow a little longer and expect to change in Doha, Addis Ababa or Lisbon.
Popular places to visit in Mozambique
- Bazaruto Archipelago: dune-covered islands off Vilankulo, made for dhow sailing, snorkelling and barefoot lodges.
- Tofo and Inhambane: a laid-back diving hub famous for whale sharks and manta rays.
- Quirimbas Archipelago: pristine coral islands near Pemba, with the faded colonial charm of Ibo Island.
- Maputo: a lively capital of Art Deco buildings, busy markets, live music and outstanding prawns.
- Gorongosa National Park: one of Africa's great conservation comeback stories, with elephant, lion and huge birdlife.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Mozambique
- Use the price charts on this page to find the cheapest weeks, and avoid South African school holidays, Christmas and New Year, when Johannesburg connections are busiest.
- Be flexible on your gateway: flying into Maputo and adding a domestic hop can work out cheaper than booking straight through to Vilankulo or Pemba.
- Compare routings via Doha, Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Lisbon as well as Johannesburg, as the best value changes by season.
- Set a fare alert and book two to three months ahead for dry-season travel; midweek departures usually price better.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders normally need a visa for Mozambique. A 30-day tourist visa on arrival has been available at Maputo airport, but it is not guaranteed, so we recommend arranging one in advance through the official e-visa portal or the Mozambique High Commission in London, and checking the latest FCDO advice before you travel. Your passport should have at least six months' validity and two blank pages. The currency is the Mozambican metical (MZN); carry cash for rural areas as card acceptance is limited outside the cities, though US dollars are widely accepted at lodges. For the best fares, book a few months ahead and use the When to book chart above to time your purchase.
