How safe is Mozambique for tourists? While Mozambique is a popular tourist destination in Africa because of its beautiful tropical beaches the most frequently asked question is How safe is Mozambique for tourists? Most travelers will have no problems visiting Mozambique resorts.
Mozambique is a country located on the coast of the Indian Ocean in southern Africa. This country shares its borders with South Africa to the south, Tanzania and Malawi to the north, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Swaziland.
Its eastern coast of the Indian Ocean, with its wonderful clear and turquoise waters, is an ideal place for various water sports.
With 2,500 kilometers of coastline, you can count on a large number of all-natural pristine beaches that are literally untouched by human hands. It is a real paradise for divers, fishermen, sailors and beach lovers.
Mozambique is a country full of contrasts, from the famous peak of Mount Binga to the aforementioned wonderful beaches. It has some of the best colonial architecture and antiques, while constantly maintaining its African heritage, and you can feel it everywhere.
You will enjoy the African heritage in the food you eat, the street art you encounter, and the music you hear everywhere. . You can expect a wonderful time in the cities of Mozambique as well as in its small charming fishing villages.
However, just like any society with people, safety becomes a concern hence the question how safe is Mozambique for tourists?
Petty crimes such as purse thefts, pick pocketing and robberies occur in cities. Pedestrians are common targets, even in broad daylight. Thieves also attack vehicles parked near shopping malls, entertainment centers and transport hubs.
How safe is Mozambique for tourists in terms of violent crime? Violent crimes such as armed robberies, armed carjacking and burglaries do occur. There have been kidnappings in the past, and most of them happened in major cities.
The kidnappings took place in Maputo and Matola. Most of these cases happened to wealthy local residents of the country.
How safe is Mozambique for tourists in relation to terrorism? The threat of terrorism is particularly prevalent in the province of Cabo Delgado, which is further away from the country and far from most tourist destinations and areas.
You may be occasional demonstrations, though there have been no demonstrations in the country in recent years.
HOW SAFE IS MOZAMBIQUE FOR TOURISTS IN TERMS OF WEATHER
In March and April 2019, tropical cyclones Idai and Kenneth made landfall in parts of Mozambique, causing extensive damage mainly in the provinces of Sofala, Cabo Delgado, Nampula and Niassa.
Causing heavy rains and strong winds, major floods, landslides, infrastructure damage and disruption of basic services and unfortunately loss of life.
But how safe is Mozambique for tourists as a result of such extreme weathers? Some infrastructures in the cyclone-affected areas have not been fully restored. The roads may have been rendered impassable.
Recent heavy rains have again caused flooding around the city of Beira. The rainy and cyclone season lasts from November to March. Seasonal flooding can disrupt land transport and reduce the supply of essential services. Roads and bridges may be damaged during this time.
Before planning your African safari to Mozambique, check local news and weather reports and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure you understand how safe is Mozambique for tourists before choosing when to go to Mozambique
AREAS WE WILL NOT RECOMMEND YOU TO GO IN MOZAMBIQUE
Avoid traveling to the areas of Ancuabe, Ibo, Macomia, Meluco, Mocímboa da Praia, Muidumbe, Nagande, Palma and Quissanga (Cape Delgado Province).
Also avoid traveling to Ancuabe, Ibo, Macomia, Meluco, Mocímboa da Praia, Muidumbe, Nagande, Palma and Quissanga due to clashes between terrorist groups and security forces.
SAFE TIPS TO REMEMBER IN MOZAMBIQUE
If you are looking at how safe is Mozambique for tourists, then the safety has to start with you. Make sure your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are safe at all times.
Be very careful when walking in cities. Avoid looking rich or wearing jewelry to avoid unwanted attention.
It is important not to travel alone at night. You should also be conscious of your surroundings. Do not leave valuables in the car.
Some crimes happen in hotels, so take precautions when using hotel safes and hide your money from prying eyes.
Keep doors and windows locked at night. Keep some money in your wallet and hide the rest. Make sure you don’t use it in a place that can be easily stolen or seen.
When you go to the beach, do not leave your clothes or belongings exposed. Keep copies of important documents in the hotel safe or in a safe place. Be careful in restaurants or bars if you have a handbag.
Do not place your feet behind or in front of you. Remember that even the safest places cannot be measured as completely risk-free.
If there are random demonstrations, avoid the area. Peaceful demonstrations can quickly turn violent. It can also cause traffic jams. It is necessary to follow instructions given by the local authorities. Watch local news for protests.
HOW SAFE IS MOZAMBIQUE FOR TOURISTS IN TERMS OF TRANSPORTATION
If we are looking at how safe is Mozambique for tourists? Public transport is quite a challenge with domestic train service being congested and slow and not really recommended. Be sure to arrange transportation with a trusted African safari tour operator before your trip.
If you plan to rent a car, you should rent a four-wheel drive. An international driver’s license must always be with you. You must have third party insurance, which you can obtain at each entry.
Driving while intoxicated can result in immediate jail time. Traffic flows on the left.
Road conditions are mostly good in big cities. Due to poor road conditions, especially during the rainy season, you will need a four-wheel drive vehicle to drive outside cities and on major highways.
Traffic accidents are common because most drivers do not follow the traffic rules. Bad road conditions, potholes, pedestrians and animals are also a danger.
Make sure you travel in a convoy. Car thefts can happen, so it is better to avoid criminal situations. Checkpoints are frequent and you must obey the police when asked to stop.
It is only the National Police of Mozambique (Policia da República de Moçambique) and especially the customs authorities near its border points (Autoridade Tributária de Moçambique) have the right to establish checkpoints.
If you spot a checkpoint, make sure there are four police officers and a clearly visible vehicle. The police may sometimes ask for a bribe at checkpoints. To avoid doubts on how safe is Mozambique for tourists, drive on official roads and only in daylight.
VARIOUS WARNINGS AND DANGERS IN MOZAMBIQUE
GENERAL RISKS: HIGH
In general looking at how safe is Mozambique for tourists? Mozambique is relatively safe, probably safer than its neighboring countries, but both petty crime and violent crime are very high due to the poverty of the population.
You should be vigilant and take all possible precautions to minimize the risk of something going wrong.
TRANSPORT AND TAXI RISK: MEDIUM
As in most African countries, transportation is neither reliable nor safe. If you are a woman, avoid getting on the bus alone and remember that buses can be stopped by criminals on the way. Car thefts are also common.
RISK OF INJURY: HIGH
How safe is Mozambique for tourists looking at risk of petty crime is extreme, as in most African countries, and one must be very careful with valuables and never carry money in a wallet or pocket. The most risky places are crowded places like markets, public transport and bus and train stations.
RISK OF NATURAL DISASTERS: HIGH
Mozambique is such a poor and vulnerable country. As a result, any extreme climatic conditions can bring the entire nation to the brink of disaster. This country has been severely affected by floods, cyclones and droughts.
RISK OF CRUELTY: HIGH
Unfortunately, violent crime is not uncommon in Mozambique. There are robberies, thefts, rapes and murders on the streets of Mozambique, so be very careful.
How safe is Mozambique for tourists in Maputo? Most crime is concentrated in Maputo, where criminals are violent and armed, often in groups.
Tourists have had nasty experience on this before, so avoid showing signs of wealth: jewellery, running shoes, cameras and wallets should be left at home.
RISK OF TERRORISM: MEDIUM
There have been no major terrorist attacks on tourists in the recent history of Mozambique.
Other than the radicalization and religious terrorism attack in the north eastern part of the country, the other parts of Mozambique are relatively safe, but they should not be dismissed. Always be aware of your surroundings.
SCAM RISK: HIGH
As with any other tourist destination, especially in poor and developing countries, there is a risk of being scammed. Always double check your exchange, agree on the price of each service in advance and ask for real prices for services and other goods.
RISK FOR FEMALE TRAVELERS: MEDIUM
how safe is Mozambique for tourists especially single female traveler on Mozambique safari? Mozambique is not the safest country for single women.
Take basic precautions – avoid carrying purses and don’t walk alone or on deserted or poorly lit streets and areas. Women are advised not to go to beaches alone or travel on buses without someone.
So… How safe is Mozambique for tourists really? You should consider the same risks as in other African countries (this does not apply to the very dangerous parts of Africa).
As a seasoned traveler, you already know that you should take all the usual precautions, as petty theft is common, as are violent crimes such as thefts, robberies, rapes and murders.
Women are not advised to walk alone on beaches day or night, and women are usually advised to be accompanied at all times. Attacks on women have increased in recent years.
In general if you are concerned about how safe is Mozambique for tourists, you should not have any problems with Mozambicans because they are very warm and friendly and you will probably have even less problems with people than in any other country.
Do not trust the police as they tend to extort money from tourists as bribery is common throughout the country. Believing the police is unlikely to solve your problem, regardless of the situation.
You should also remember that there is still violence between the Mozambican political movements FRELIMO and RENAMO, and many tourists to Mozambique have been attacked. The violence is mainly active north of Vilanculos, so avoid that area.