Is Mozambique safe?

For many people living in southern Africa, Mozambique was a sought after holiday destination until independence in 1975. It then entered a period of decline prompted by the creation of a communist state and a civil war. The two protagonists in that war, the ruling FRELIMO party and the opposition RENAMO, signed a historic peace treaty in Rome in 1992 which created the base for democratic government, investment, new infrastructure and general renewal.

The situation had become so peaceful, that like neighbouring South Africa, the event of general elections was not considered newsworthy by international media. Tourist numbers and investment in tourism infrastructure from lodges to hotels has accelerated significantly in recent years and the beaches of Mozambique have become a destination of choice for tourists in southern Africa post their safari.

For the first time in many years, politically inspired violence has broken out this year. In April, RENAMO members attacked a police post, killing five people, apparently in retaliation for raids on party gatherings. The RENAMO leader Afonso Dhlakama admitted ordering ambushes on the main north-south highway last month. Police responded by raiding a RENAMO camp in early July. RENAMO is further threatening to boycott November's general elections.

All of this has to be placed in context. This sporadic violence is very localised and essentially centred in the northern district of Gorongosa where RENAMO has its headquarters. There is an amount of posturing in all this, ahead of the plebiscite where FRELIMO has been dominant in what has been generally considered free and fair elections. It should be noted that unless you are travelling to the particular district of Gorongosa, the likelihood of encountering any violence will be small. Probably 99% of tourists in Mozambique will not even realise that there have been any problems.

As always, you should consult your government travel advisory websites before you arrive as the advice on these websites influences in certain cases the payouts on your travel insurance and the legal obligation of tour operators to reimburse cancelled trips. The main websites are:

UK - foreign travel advice

South Africa travel_advice

Is Mozambique safe?

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Mozambique Lodge Map
Popular Mozambique Lodges

  • Vamizi Island Lodge

    Vamizi Island Lodge on a private island in the Quirimbas Archipelago of Northern Mozambique offers exclusivity like no other, this is the lodge that you look at when you want to escape the modern world.

  • Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort

    Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort and Spa can be found on the Bazaruto Island itself, offering up luxurious accommodation and world class facilities including the best scuba diving all surrounded by the unspoilt beauty.

  • andBeyond Benguerra Lodge

    An African island paradise awaits for all that visit the small and intimate andBeyond Benguerra Lodge, with the Indian Ocean's turquoise waters lapping at your feet there is simply no better destination to unwind and relax.

  • Polana Hotel

    Situated in the heart of Maputo on one of the city's most desirable avenues, the justly famous Polana is a cool and gracious haven that recalls the elegance and splendour of colonial times, one of Maputo's best-loved hotels.

  • Ibo Island Lodge

    Ibo Island Lodge in the far northern region of Mozambique located within the magnificent Quirimbas Archipelago offers a luxurious private Island experience surrounded by year round warm weather and waters, a life change experience awaits.

  • Pestana Rovuma Hotel

    This Maputo hotel is situated in the centre of Maputo opposite the Cathedral and 10 minutes away from the main points of interest in the City, such as the historic Railway Station, the Market, the Fort and the main business zone.

  • Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort

    A luxurious resort on a remote and private island offers a getaway that is accessible only by light aircraft, Medjumbe Island being 800 metres long and 350 metres wide with crystal clear warm waters lapping at your feet all day long.

  • Pestana Bazaruto Lodge

    Bazaruto Lodge set within a hop, skip and a jump from the warm waters of the Mozambique channel provides one with an Island style holiday second to none, snorkelling, fishing, and relaxing are just a few of the activities on offer here.