Mozambique is an amazing destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have and amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Mozambique?
You should plan to spend around $0.00 (MT8,189) per day on your vacation in Mozambique. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $0.00 (MT3,896) on meals
- $0.00 (MT1,214) on local transportation
- $0.00 (MT6,771) on hotels
A one week trip to Mozambique for two people costs, on average, $0.00 (MT114,646). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Mozambique expensive to visit?
Mozambique is a very affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 10% of countries in the world for its affordability. Many budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring this country in depth.
Within Africa, Mozambique is very affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Africa for its affordability. Very few countries in the region are as affordable as Mozambique.
Whether you're watching your wallet or ready to splurge, Mozambique provides a range of accommodation options and things to do. For travelers on a budget, there are affordable hotels, while those seeking luxury can enjoy high-end stays, with mid-range hotels also available for couples and families.
While Mozambique can be costly, following advice like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities can make your trip more affordable.
On average, budget travelers spend $0 (MT3,583) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $0 (MT8,189) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $0 (MT15,639) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Mozambique.
For more details, see Is Mozambique Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Mozambique?
The average Mozambique trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Mozambique travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Mozambique cost?
Mozambique on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$0.00
(MT1,482)
|
$0.00
(MT3,386)
|
$0.00
(MT6,460)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$0.00
(MT531)
|
$0.00
(MT1,214)
|
$0.00
(MT2,320)
|
Food 2
|
$0.00
(MT1,705)
|
$0.00
(MT3,896)
|
$0.00
(MT7,446)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$0.00
(MT525)
|
$0.00
(MT1,200)
|
$0.00
(MT2,293)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$0-0
(MT188-565)
|
$0-0
(MT431-1,292)
|
$0-0
(MT823-2,469)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Mozambique without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
Many people hear that you can visit Mozambique for $0 per day, but unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a significant amount more.
Backpackers can often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore major museums and attractions, many of which have entry fees. You won't want to miss all of the major sights and attractions. Since most things cost money, your daily budget should realistically be closer to $0 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $0 per day. To stay in nicer hotels, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and hire private drivers to get around, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. With this level of spending, you'll be traveling alongside the rich and famous in places like the major cities and resort areas. Or you could plan an multi-day adventure by booking a higher end tour such as 3 Days Cultural Swaziland, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and Hlane National Park - offered by Across Africa Tours & Travel.
Accommodation Budget in Mozambique
In Mozambique, you'll find a wide range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Peak season brings higher costs, but if you travel in the off-season, prices drop. Booking ahead is another great way to save some money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Mozambique for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $0.00 (MT6,771). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $0.00 (MT3,386) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Mozambique? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Mozambique
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $0.00 (MT1,214) per person, per day, on local transportation in Mozambique. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Mozambique is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$0.00
MT1,214
If you're in Mozambique, you'll find that public transportation is quite limited. It's probably a good idea to rent a car or organize some form of transportation ahead of time, like a tour or taxi service. However, this could reduce your overall trip budget.
Food Budget in Mozambique
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Mozambique can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Mozambique is $0.00 (MT3,896) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$0.00
MT3,896
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Mozambique is around $0 (MT3896) per person, with previous travelers spending from $0 to $0. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Mozambique are as follows:
- Breakfast: $0 to $0
- Lunch: $0 to $0
- Dinner: $0 to $0
- Coffee: $0
- Fast Food or Street Food: $0
Mozambique cuisine consists of a mix of influences from the days of Portuguese occupation to the more traditional dishes common throughout Africa. Fresh seafood is more abundant closer to the coast, while the staple of maize based porridges are more common inland.
Piri-Piri or African Bird's Eye Chili: an extremely strong chili, usually in sauce form
Pãozinho or Portuguese Rolls: a floury, semi-sweet bread roll, generally filled with meat in the center
Matapa: A seafood stew-typically crab, clam, or prawn-made with cassava leaves and served over rice. A staple throughout Mozambique.
Camarão National: Mozambican prawns marinated in Piri-Piri, garlic, onion, lemon, and vinegar.
Kakana: a bitter local vegetable
Seafood is generally caught right off the beach and often prepared with a piri-piri marinade, then served with rice and matapa.
When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you order.
While numerous hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, some might add it as an additional fee. The quality and pricing of breakfast can fluctuate based on the hotel. Knowing this information in advance can guide your decision on whether to indulge in a hotel buffet or opt for a cheaper bakery or café nearby.
Carrying a water bottle instead of buying drinks can help you save money while also being good for the environment.
If a tour is on your agenda, be sure to confirm which meals are covered beforehand. Paying for some food out of pocket can really add to your travel expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in Mozambique, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Half Day Guided Taste of Africa Food Tour in Mozambique Maputo for $101 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Mozambique
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Mozambique typically cost an average of $0.00 (MT1,200) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$0.00
MT1,200
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Mozambique. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Maputo City Super Tour - More History and Tastes, & Less Walking for $69 details
- Tour about Art and Architecture in Maputo City for $40 details
- Maputo Street Art Private Walking Tour for $45 details
- Maputo and Mozambique City Tour for $80 details
Nightlife Budget in Mozambique
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $0.00 (MT861) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Mozambique per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$0.00
MT861
Nightlife is often a highlight, but cutting back on alcohol can help you stay within your travel budget.
Traveling in Mozambique
Located on the Indian Ocean coast of Southern Africa, Mozambique is a country renowned for its beaches and offshore marine parks-making for great sailing, snorkeling, and diving. Additionally, while there are outstanding examples of colonial architecture, the African cultural heritage is also well-preserved and thriving through its art, music, and food. From north to south, Mozambique is bordered by Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and South Africa.
At a Glance
Mozambique is a country divided into three regions that are further made up of 10 provinces. Northern Mozambique is the first region, divided into the Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. This region is home to a handful of cities and smalls towns, a true African wilderness at the Niassa National Reserve, crystal waters and white sands of Lake Niassa, and Quirimbus National Park with a beautiful chain of islands.
Central Mozambique is the next region, divided into the Manica, Sofala, Tete, and Zambezia provinces. This region is home to the country's second largest city called Beira, as well as the Gorongosa National Park.
Southern Mozambique is the final region, divided into the Gaza, Inhambane, and Maputo provinces. Maputo City is the capital and largest city in the country, Inhambane is a quaint historic town on the bay with beaches and coconut plantations, and Tofo Beach is one of the most popular attractions of Mozambique.
With over 1,000 kilometers of coastline, many visitors come to Mozambique for its waterside activities, attracting scuba divers, fishermen, sailors, and beach lovers. Pemba, in the northern region, is well known for its beaches and scuba diving, and has an international airport receiving flights from nearby African countries. In the southern region, Tofo Beach and Vilanculos are also popular for their beaches, scuba diving, amenities, and easy access to islands. Also in the south, the Bazaruto Archipelago is a more secluded destination with great diving and some of the country's more upscale resorts.
And then there are endless opportunities to hop on a tour or safari, allowing visitors to more easily experience Mozambique's highlights. Guided tours are especially recommended for those looking to dive into the country's wilderness areas. Some suggested agencies include Tours Maputo, Mozaic Travel, and Dana Tours in the south, or Kaskazini in the north.
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Top Tourist Attractions
The sights of Mozambique are many and varied from colonial architecture, bustling cities, and fishing villages to the natural beauty of pristine beaches, secluded islands, and African wilderness. Some of the more popular attractions include:
Gorongosa Nature Reserve: Located in Central Mozambique, this reserve is home to over 400 species of bird plus animals like buffalo, zebra, buck, hippo, crocodile, and lion. Chitengo Safari Camp is nearby and open most of the year, providing accommodations including swimming pools and a restaurant.
Niassa Reserve: Located in Northern Mozambique, this reserve contains varied habitats of forest, savannah, and wetlands for animals including African wild dog, elephant, sable antelope, buffalo, wildebeest, and zebra. It is a great spot for experiencing some true African wilderness and is just to the west of Lake Niassa which is famed for its clear waters and white beaches.
Pemba: Located along the northern coast, Pemba is a port city founded in 1904 that has become a popular tourist destination. A bustling market lies at the heart of the city with opportunities for purchasing local crafts and souvenirs. The beaches along Pemba are also good for water sports, with a coral reef for diving.
Two Mile Reef: Just off of Bazaruto Island, this reef consists of a diverse collection of corals and a habitat of brightly colored fish and aquatic life. With opportunities to see undersea critters like anemone fish, fusilier, snapper, kingfish, barracuda, whale sharks, turtles, manta and honeycomb rays, it is a great dive site for the scuba enthusiast.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.