Malaria is present throughout Mozambique, including coastal areas. Take it seriously. Antimalarial prophylaxis — atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, or mefloquine — is strongly recommended. Use DEET-based insect repellent, sleep under a net, and cover up at dusk. Consult a travel medicine clinic at least six weeks before departure so you have time to start medication and get vaccinations.
Vaccinations recommended before travel include: hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus/diphtheria, polio, and hepatitis B. Rabies vaccination is worth considering if you'll be spending time in rural areas or with animals. The cholera vaccine is advisable — an outbreak has been ongoing since 2022.
Yellow fever: There is no yellow fever transmission risk in Mozambique itself, but if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (including some African transit hubs), you'll need a valid vaccination certificate or you may be refused entry.
Water: Do not drink tap water anywhere in Mozambique. Use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth. Be cautious with ice and raw salads at lower-end restaurants.
Medical care: Maputo has decent private hospitals and clinics, including South African-affiliated facilities. Outside the capital, medical care is limited — serious illness or injury may require medical evacuation to South Africa. Travel insurance with full medical evacuation cover is essential, not optional.
HIV prevalence in Mozambique is high — around 11 percent of adults. Take standard precautions.
Sun and heat: The tropical sun is intense. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and stay hydrated. Heat exhaustion is a real risk for travellers not acclimatised to the humidity, especially in December–March.