Mozambique offers pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and rich Portuguese-African culture along Africa's southeastern coast. From the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilha de Moçambique to the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago, this tropical paradise combines world-class diving, fresh seafood, and warm hospitality in one of Africa's most underrated destinations.
Local currency: Mozambican Metical (MZN).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Mozambique.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $12-18 (dorm, Tofo/Maputo)
- Budget
- $25-50 (guesthouse, private room)
- Midrange
- $70-150 (mid-range hotel or beach lodge)
- Luxury
- $200-1,800+ (resort or island lodge)
Food
- Street
- $1-3 (chapas, chamuças, grilled corn)
- Local
- $5-10 (local restaurant: piri-piri fish, xima)
- Midrange
- $15-30 (tourist restaurant: seafood, salads)
- Fine
- $40-80+ (Zambi, resort dining)
Transport
- Bus
- $0.25-0.50 (chapa, city ride)
- Taxi
- $8-15 (Uber/taxi, city trip in Maputo)
- Airport
- $15-20 (Maputo airport to center)
- Daytrip
- $15-25 (bus to nearby town)
Activities
- Museum
- $2-5 (Maputo museums)
- Sites
- $3-15 (fort entry, park fees)
- Tour
- $35-60 (half-day guided tour)
- Excursion
- $60-120 (diving, island day trip)
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Mozambique costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$210-315/week
Midrange traveller
$560-1,050/week
Luxury traveller
$2,100-10,000+/week (island resorts)
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Travel by chapa (minibus) instead of taxis - $0.25-0.50 per city ride vs $8-15 for taxis
Eat at local mercado (market) restaurants where a full meal costs $3-6 vs $15+ at tourist spots
Buy drinking water in 5-liter bottles from supermarkets ($0.80) instead of individual bottles ($1.50 each)
Travel during low season (February-April, excluding Easter) for 20-30% lower accommodation rates
Book LAM domestic flights 4-6 weeks ahead for best prices - last minute domestic flights are very expensive
Stay at Fatima's Backpackers (Tofo) or Base Backpackers (Maputo) for budget accommodation with great social scenes
Buy cashews, capulanas, and souvenirs at Mercado Central rather than at resort gift shops - prices are 50% lower
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Tofo Beach and Barra Beach
World-famous diving beaches with free access for walking, swimming, and watching the ocean. Rent snorkel gear for $5-10/day to see manta rays from shallow water.
Maputo Architecture Walking Tour
Self-guided walk past the Railway Station, Casa de Ferro, Fortaleza, and Tunduru Gardens through Maputo's colonial heart. Free and takes 2-3 hours.
Mercado Central Exploration
Wander through the 1903 iron and glass market building at Avenida 25 de Setembro. Vibrant produce, spices, and seafood with free entry - just watch your belongings.
Vilanculos Beach Sunset
The nightly spectacle of traditional dhow boats silhouetted against the Bazaruto sunset from Vilanculos beach is completely free and one of Mozambique's most iconic scenes.
FEIMA Craft Market Browsing
Browsing the FEIMA arts and crafts market on Avenida Marginal is free - over 100 stalls with Makonde carvings, textiles, and artworks to admire even without buying.
Maputo Bay Waterfront Walk
The Marginal promenade along Maputo Bay is perfect for a sunset stroll with local families. Free and one of the city's most enjoyable experiences.