The best air connections to Mozambique, outside of Africa, can be found from Portugal and France. Both Air France and Air Portugal have flights in and out of Maputo (Mozambique capital).

Bazaruto & Benguerra Islands:
Pelican Air has daily direct flights from Johannesburg International to Vilanculos airport with connecting flights to Bazaruto & Benguerra Islands. LAM (Mozambique Airlines) fly from Johannesburg International on Mondays / Wednesdays / Fridays & Sundays with return flights on Wednesdays & Fridays.

Quirimbas Archipelago:
LAM (Mozambique Airlines) fly from Johannesburg International on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays to Pemba airport with return on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays. All flights are via Maputo. Connecting flights or transfer to the Islands from Pemba airport available every day.

Vilanculos:
Pelican Air has daily direct flights from Johannesburg International to Vilanculos airport. LAM (Mozambique Airlines) fly from Johannesburg International on Mondays / Wednesdays / Fridays & Sundays with return flights on Wednesdays & Fridays.

Inhambane:
A Private Charter flies on Fridays and Mondays directly from Lanseria airport (Johannesburg) to Inhambane. LAM (Mozambique Airlines) fly from Johannesburg International on Wednesdays / Fridays / Saturdays & Sundays with return flights on Wednesdays & Fridays.

Visa & Entry Requirements
South Africans must have a valid passport, but a visa is not required for a stay of up to 30 days. The following countries require a valid passport and a visa: United States / British / Canadian / Australian / New Zealand / Irish. A visa can be obtained on arrival (at airports only). The fee is US$25. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Departure tax
Departure taxes payable on day of departure at the airports is US$20.

Customs
Each visitor is allowed to bring the following into the country: 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 grams of tobacco, 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, 250 ml of perfume, 6 cans of beer as well as other used and new goods worth not more than the equivalent to 100 US dollars.Personal goods, including camera and computer equipment, can be taken in without formalities. If you are planning to take anything unusual into the country, please enquire at the Director of Customs.

Health
Visitors require a yellow fever certificate if travelling from infected areas. Malaria is a risk throughout the year in the whole country and is reported to be resistant to chloroquine. It is recommended that visitors take precautions against typhoid, bilharzia, hepatitis and cholera.

Travel insurance
If you need medical care whilst in Mozambique, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy, which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

Weather & Climate
The best time to visit Mozambique is during the dry season - April to October-with the averages temperatures along the coast of 27ºC. The rainy season coincides with the heat and humidity from November to March, with average coastal temperatures of 31ºC.

Currency / exchange
The Mozambique monetary unit is the Metical (MTZ). There are coins of 500, 1000 and 5000 Meticais and notes of 5000, 10'000, 50'000 and 100'000. Exchange of currency may be done at banks, exchange houses and hotels. However, US-dollar and Rand are current currency in Mozambique. Exchanging traveler cheques is very expensive in Mozambique. Major hotels and some bank accept credit card transactions but you will be charged a commission.

What to pack
During the rainy season, October to April, light clothing is recommended, mainly cotton or linen. During the dry season (November to March), it is advisable to wear light clothing, however adequate spring clothing is recommended, as at night or early mornings the temperature can drop. Rainwear advisable all year rounds.

Tipping
Tipping is generally not expected, although in tourist areas a tip of 10 to 15% is appreciated.

Drinking water
Water is treated, but it will be safer to drink mineral water, which can be found in all supermarkets and hotels.