Mozambique Diving Holidays: An Overview

What species can I expect to see in Mozambique?

Those diving in Mozambique will be treated to a dazzling array of wildlife, including pelagic species, eels, octopuses and even turtles. Moray eels are among the most spotted creatures, while reef manta rays, green turtles, a variety of octopuses, wrasse and eagle rays have all been spotted at different times of the year. As for sharks, expect to meet whale, tiger and bull sharks, and you'll likely be making friends with humpback whales and dolphins during surface intervals.

What types of diving can I do in Mozambique?

Mozambique is the perfect location for a variety of dives, including night, reef wall and drift dives. Whatever your confidence level or choice of excursion, there's something to cater to every diving taste. The coral reefs here are buzzing with life, making them the ideal spot to try drop-off diving, particularly in Tofo.

Is the diving suitable for beginners?

Mozambique's waters generally aren't crystal-clear (due to high levels of sediment and plankton), so we'd typically recommend it for experienced divers who are comfortable navigating low visibility and strong currents. That said, some suppliers do offer beginner courses for those eager to learn in a more challenging environment. If you're looking for somewhere to build your skills and gain further qualifications, Mozambique is just the ticket.

What level of dive qualification will I need?

You'll need at least a PADI Open Water Diver Certificate to dive in Mozambique. In Tofo, we recommend an Advanced Open Water Certificate (or equivalent) to ensure confidence in diving in swells and low visibility. Some sites even ask for 30 to 50 dives under your belt before being allowed to hit the water.

If diving isn't your only priority, then you'll want to know what else to add to your itinerary to make the most of your time in Mozambique. Here are some of our top picks:

• National parks. While Gorongosa National Park is the closest option, it's still recovering from the civil war and doesn't yet match the abundance of wildlife in nearby South African reserves like Kruger National Park. Efforts are underway to reintroduce larger mammals, and the park already offers stunning savannahs, forests and woodlands, along with exceptional birdlife. For those seeking top-notch game viewing, we recommend combining your Mozambique trip with a visit across the border to Kruger.
• Vilanculos. Located north of Tofo, Vilanculos is a charming little fishing town with ample activities to explore. Take a boat tour to the beautiful Bazaruto Archipelago and explore the stark white sand dunes and turquoise waters. Or, go horse riding along the town's beaches and even try your hand at kitesurfing or sailing.
• The Chimanimani Mountains. Found on the border of Mozambique and Zimbabwe, these iconic mountains offer the chance to trek through nature. Standing just under one-and-a-half miles tall (just under 8,000ft), those daring enough to reach the peak of the Chimanimani Mountains will be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the two countries. You'll also find a gluttony of deep valleys and caves to explore.
• Tofo. This village is on the southern coast of the country and gives a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of Mozambicans. Head to a local market for a truly authentic taste.

What is Mozambique famous for?

Located at the crossroads between the Middle East and India on the south-eastern coast of Africa, Mozambique was once a trading port for gold and ivory. Its fortunes took a turn for the worse in the last century: the former Portuguese colony gained independence in 1975, but was officially one of the poorest nations on earth. A period of socialist mismanagement and 15-year civil war did little to help, with peace finally coming only in 1992.

Mozambique is now a destination on the up, thanks to a period of stability since the civil war ended. Add to that a treasure chest of natural attractions, namely the unspoilt coastline and the beautiful Bazaruto Archipelago in the south. Think swaying palms, picture-perfect beaches and azure waters.

The foodie scene here is also something to write home about, with many restaurants specialising in succulent seafood (particularly shrimp and prawns).

Mozambique has several marine national parks in the Indian Ocean. Several members of the Original Diving team have dived here and agree that these are the best dive sites in Mozambique (and possibly the planet).

Neptune's Arm is one such dive spot and is widely regarded as one of, if not the, best dive sites in the world. It's a gigantic coral garden, covering a cliff that drops down as far as the eye can see. Expect to see shoals of fish so large and dense that they look like impenetrable clouds and, of course, plenty of reef sharks patrolling the surrounding area.

What food and drink should I try in Mozambique?

Like a lot of locations famed for their diving opportunities, Mozambique has built a rich culinary culture around seafood. This, blended with close to 500 years of Portuguese influence, has resulted in a fantastic mix of punchy and flavourful dishes and drinks to try. Some that we'd recommended are:

• Matapa. Stewed cassava leaves ground with peanuts, garlic and coconut milk. The resulting mix is served alongside a bed of rice or prawns.
• Rissois. Shrimp and prawns are the most popular seafood on the menu in Mozambique. This dish batters them and serves them with a tangy dipping sauce.
• Caril de Camarao. This shrimp curry draws on spicier elements, with onion, garlic, ginger, chili peppers, coriander, cumin, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, salt and pepper all mixed together. These spices are cooked with the shrimp, with coconut milk added for the final 15 minutes to give it a more traditional curry texture.
• Frango a Zambeziana. This is another dish that hits hard when it comes to spices. Chilli, garlic flakes, lemon juice, salt and coconut milk are used to marinate chicken, before it's fried up and served on a bed of rice.
• Tipo Tinto. The official rum of Mozambique, we'd advise mixing this as opposed to trying it neat. Kill two birds with one stone by trying it with Sparberry - a popular soft drink.

Do you need to tip in Mozambique?

You'll never have to tip in Mozambique, but if you feel like you were provided with a top-notch service, it's always nice to. A normal amount is anywhere from 10-15% of your total bill. If you notice that a service charge has already been added, you shouldn't need to give a tip on top.

What is the climate of Mozambique like?

The climate in Mozambique is consistent year-round. The tropical nature of the region means that temperatures rarely drop below 20°C to 23°C in the winter or rise above 25°C to 27°C in the summer. That consistency is fantastic for those who are averse to extreme weather conditions - but it does come with a caveat: seasons are a little different in Mozambique. Think of them as two distinct periods of the year instead of the four you might be used to.

The wet season runs from November to March and is characterised by high humidity (making it feel muggy) and sudden downpours of rain. The dry season runs from April to October, and is when temperatures drop the most.

Where is Mozambique?

Mozambique is located in Southeast Africa, with a border running along the Indian Ocean. It also shares a border with Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the north-west, Zimbabwe to the west, and Eswatini and South Africa to the south and south-west.

What plugs do they use in Mozambique?

Type C, Type F and Type M plugs are used in Mozambique. Each of these plugs will look as follows:

• Type C - Two round pins
• Type F - Two round pins with two earth clips on either side
• Type M - Three round pins in a triangular pattern

The standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50Hz. If you're not sure whether you have the right kind of plug for a socket, it's advised to bring your universal adaptor with you. If you don't have one, you should be able to pick something up at the airport.

What it the capital city of Mozambique?

Maputo is the capital of Mozambique. The city has many places of historical and cultural interest to explore, and retains much of its colonial charm with café-dotted pavements and awe-inspiring architecture. It has an estimated population of 1,124,988 people.

What language do they speak in Mozambique?

The official language of Mozambique is Portuguese. This is far from the only dialect spoken, though - it's thought that there could be as many as 43 different languages used throughout the country.

That number includes multiple Bantu languages, such as Swahili, Makhuwa, Sena, Ndau, Tswa-Ronga (Tsonga), Lomwe, Ekoti, Nahara, Makonde, Chopi, Chuwabu, Ronga, Kimwani, Nhungwe, Chimanika, Ndau, Chiyao, Chichewa, Bitonga, Ngoni, Tswa and Chitewe. The language of the deaf community is Mozambican Sign Language.

Don't be too intimidated by this. While it's not on the list, a lot of people who work in tourist areas are very well-versed in English.

What is the time difference in Mozambique?

Mozambique is two hours ahead of GMT, and does not use daylight savings time.

What currency do they use in Mozambique?

The rather unusually named Metical is the currency in Mozambique. One British Pound is worth around 85 Meticais (the plural form). If you're unfamiliar with this kind of currency, you'll find that a lot of places also accept South African Rand and even US Dollars.

Can you drink the tap water in Mozambique?

We wouldn't advise drinking tap water on a holiday to Mozambique. Sticking to bottled water (which is available in most areas) is the safest option.

How long is the flight to Mozambique?

An average flight to Mozambique will take around 15 hours and 30 minutes from the UK. It's very common to have a layover in the middle of the journey, with this location varying depending on which airline you're using or which end destination you're headed to.

Do I need a visa to visit Mozambique?

You'll be able to travel to Mozambique without a visa for tourism or business purposes for up to 30 days. When you arrive at your destination airport, you must be able to show border control a written invitation from your host (or a confirmed hotel reservation) and a return or onward air ticket.

What are the other entry requirements for Mozambique?

Your passport must have an expiry date six months or later than the date you enter the country. You also need at least two blank pages for your entry stamps.

What vaccines are needed to enter Mozambique?

You need to show proof of a yellow fever vaccination if you're coming from a country listed as a transmission risk. You may also need to show evidence that you've had a polio vaccine.