Epic South Africa Honeymoon - 2026

Situated on the east coast of Africa, this tropical paradise is blessed with 2500 kilometres of spectacular coastline. With its idyllic beaches fringed with palm trees and lapped by crystal-clear waters brimming with a dazzling array of marine life, this enchanting African nation is an ideal adventure holiday destination, with an abundance of activities on offer such as snorkelling, sunset cruises, horse-riding, dolphin tours and world-renowned scuba diving. Mozambique’s two major centres, Maputo and Inhambane, offer an exotic kaleidoscope of art, music and delicious local food as well as a lively nightlife scene. Spend your days immersing yourself in the fascinating local culture, marvelling at the impressive colonial architecture and interacting with the fabulously friendly local inhabitants. Those seeking a more remote getaway can head for the isolated beaches of Benguerra Island; the historic Portuguese and Muslim architecture of Mozambique Island; or the outstanding wildlife of Gorongosa National Park. However, you choose to spend your time in this exceptionally scenic destination you are likely to leave with a heavy heart and a burning desire to return time and time again.

VISA

It is the responsibility of the client to obtain their own visas.  

Most Passport holders require a visa to enter Mozambique. The visa fee is USD 50.00 for a single tourist visa, payable in cash on arrival into Mozambique.

Please Note:

1. Evidence of Yellow Fever immunization will be requested to gain entry if you are arriving from a Yellow Fever Country. Please ensure you have had the inoculation at least 14 days prior to travel and are carrying your Yellow Fever card. 
2. Most countries require a minimum of 6 months’ validity on your passport at the time of travel and at least 4 blank pages in order to gain entry

Currency 
Local currency: Mozambican Metical 
Symbol: MT 
ISO code: MZN 
Subunit: Centavo (1/100 of a Metical) 
Banknotes: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 meticais 
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10 meticais 

Banking 
Card Transactions: Widely accepted in major cities 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 
Banking Hours: Weekdays: 07:30 – 15:30, Weekends: Closed, Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Yes

Air: 
Main airlines: LAM Mozambique Airlines 
International Airports: Maputo International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Beira Airport, Nampula Airport 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes, mainly in urban areas 
Gravel roads: Yes, common in rural areas 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes, in major cities 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Yes, limited service 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes, to the Bazaruto Archipelago 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

TRAVEL ADVICE & WARNINGS

We strongly recommend you review the current travel advice for your country/countries of destination before booking and ensure you remain up to date with this advice before travelling.

Australia: http://smartraveller.gov.au/countries/Pages/default.aspx

UK: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html

REGISTER YOUR TRAVEL

We recommend that you register your travel with your local authority. These services are free and help locate you in case of an emergency. Updates to travel advice are also provided through the subscription service.

Australia - Smart Traveller service - https://orao.dfat.gov.au/pages/

USA - Smart Traveller service - https://step.state.gov/step/

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, if washed 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes, if cooked thoroughly 
Street food: Yes, from reputable vendors 

Local cuisine: 
Mozambican cuisine is a delicious blend of African, Portuguese, and Arab influences. Seafood is a staple, especially prawns, served with piri-piri sauce. Coconut, lime, and spices enrich dishes like Matapa, a stew made with cassava leaves and nuts. Corn porridge (Xima) is a common side. 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Laurentina and 2M beers, and Tipo Tinto rum. 
Tipping: 10% is customary in restaurants. 

Annual rainfall: Varies greatly, from 500 mm in the south to 900 mm in the north 
Average temperature: 28°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 31°C 
Average lows: 24°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 18°C 

Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit Mozambique is from May to November during the dry season when temperatures are cooler and there is less humidity, making it ideal for wildlife viewing and beach holidays. 

As a rule lightweight, light coloured cottons are preferable. Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort. Garments of neutral colours that blend with the bush and forest are advisable for safaris and game viewing particularly if walking.

Suggested packing list:

The following is a guide to clothing and personal items:

1. Safari:

• 2/3 pairs of long trousers or shorts, 3 shirts, preferably long sleeved and collared. Clothing should preferably be khaki or neutral colour’s.
• At least four neat casual clothes for evening wear.  Long-sleeved shirt and trousers (and the female equivalent) are recommended for keeping mosquitoes at bay in the evenings
• A light fleece for morning and evening game drives.
• 3 pairs of socks (cotton)
• A lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably GORETEX or the equivalent) in case of rain
• Comfortable closed footwear plus a pair of runners/strapped sandals (in case your regular footwear gets wet).
• 1 pair of flip flops/sandals for the afternoons and evening
• A wide brimmed hat or cap
• 2 Pairs of light pants/jeans
• 2 T-shirts
• Underwear (sports bras recommended)
• Swimsuit
• Fleece and Tracksuit pants for the morning and evening game drives
• Belt
• Scarf & beanie

ii.      Sundries

• Sunglasses and an extra pair of prescription glasses
• Binoculars and Camera
• Cash for curios and tips (smaller denomination notes for tipping)
• Travel Insurance information kept on hand

iii.  Toiletries:

Toiletries as appropriate - soaps, shampoos and body lotion are provided in the camps however some guests like to bring their own.

• Plenty of max factor sunscreen
• Lip balm with sunscreen
• Moisturiser or Vaseline as the air is very dry
• Shampoo, conditioner and liquid soap of your choice (smaller bottles recommended)
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Wash cloth
• Gloves/Hand warmers (optional)
• Razor and Tweezers
• Hairbrush
• Hand/body - face lotion
• Small insect repellent (the camps do have these, but if you want your own)
• Antihistamine cream and tablets
• Paracetamol in case of a headache
• Rehydrate salts
• Hairbrush
• Hand/body - face lotion
• Small insect repellent (the camps do have these, but if you want your own)
• Antihistamine cream and tablets
• Paracetamol in case of a headache
• Rehydrate salts

As a final comment a daily laundry service is provided in most camps (except smalls), and is included in the tariff, so there is no need to pack too much.

Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes, in major cities and tourist areas 
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities 
Cafes: Yes, in major cities 
Shopping malls: Yes, in major cities 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Yes, in major cities 

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is highly recommended that clients obtain comprehensive Travel Insurance cover. Please furnish Epic with a copy of your insurance policy prior to travel.
If you require assistance with travel insurance please click on the following link - Travel Insurance.

• Hospitalisation and Repatriation
• Cancellation and Missed flight connections
• Loss of baggage and loss/breakage of valuables en route
• Loss/breakage of valuables such as cameras

PHOTOGRAPHY

Digital cameras are the best for wildlife, with a good zoom up to 300mm or more. If you have an SLR it is a good idea to bring a point and shoot as back up. Remember to bring plenty of memory cards, spare batteries and battery chargers (Please check that you have all your chargers for cell phones, iPods, kindles, camera and video batteries).

If you need to or are interested in hiring a lense to take with you, here are a couple of websites for you to take a look at:

In the USA  - https://www.lensrentals.com

In Australia -  https://rentalens.com.au/index.php or http://www.camerahire.com.au/hire/digital-slr

GRATUITIES

Although tipping is not compulsory, if service expectations are exceeded, we recommend the following:

• Airport/Hotel Porters/Bag carriers: USD 2.00 per porter
• Transfer only guides: USD 5.00 per group per transfer.
• Private Safari vehicle Driver-Guide (Full day or multi day): Between USD 15.00 – USD25.00 per guest per day. Hand to the driver/guide directly at the end of the stay. For 4+ guests, a bit less per person is fine since the total adds up.
• Shared Safari Vehicle (game drives with camp guide): Between USD 10.00 – USD15.00 per guest per day. Hand to the driver/guide directly at the end of the stay.
• Local Tour Leaders/Professional Local guides: USD 40.00 per group per day, hand directly to the guide at the end of the trip.
• Butler (if you have one at the lodge): USD 15.00 per guest per day. Hand to the butler directly at the end of the stay.
• General Camp Staff: Between USD 10.00 – USD20.00 per guest per day. This can be placed in a communal tip box or hand to the camp manager at the end of the stay for the staff pool (housekeepers, waiters, back-of-house).
• Community Excursions: USD 10.00 per guest, to be given to the village leader for distribution.