Mozambique Flooding Update: Tourism & travel advisory - February 2026!

Last updated: 06 February 2026

Mozambique is gradually moving into the recovery phase following the severe late-January flooding, with major roads - including sections of the EN1 - reopening in stages. However, travel conditions remain slower and less predictable than normal as repairs continue and occasional rain still affects road quality. Cross-border self-drive routes between South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Mozambique are experiencing longer travel times and delays, which may impact popular safari-and-beach itineraries. Tourism operations in key coastal areas such as Maputo, Inhambane, Vilanculos and the Bazaruto gateway towns remain largely operational, although transfers and excursions may take longer or be adjusted depending on local conditions. Travellers should plan flexible itineraries, allow extra travel time and follow enhanced malaria prevention measures due to increased post-flood mosquito activity.

What this means for travellers

• Travel is possible but slower: Major routes are reopening, but road conditions remain variable and travel times longer than usual.
• Expect border and transfer delays: Cross-border self-drive trips and long road transfers may take significantly longer.
• Safari + beach trips still viable: Kruger National Park –Mozambique itineraries remain popular, but buffer time is essential.
• Flights are the low-stress option: Flying to Vilanculos or Inhambane can reduce reliance on long road transfers.
• Avoid night driving in rural areas: Flood damage and displaced wildlife increase risks after dark.
• Malaria risk temporarily higher: Strict mosquito protection and travel-clinic advice are strongly recommended.
• Tourism infrastructure operating: Most hotels and resorts in key coastal areas remain open, with flexible scheduling. 

Last updated: 05 February 2026
 
Flooding in Mozambique continues to severely disrupt travel and tourism across central and southern regions. Extensive road damage, including sections of major transport corridors, has made overland travel, self-drive itineraries, and transfers to coastal and inland tourism destinations unpredictable. While some northern and less-affected areas remain accessible, travellers should expect delays, altered routes, and occasional service disruptions. Hotels and resorts outside the worst-affected zones are generally operational, but confirmation with operators is essential before travel. Health and safety risks remain elevated, particularly near flooded communities and temporary shelters, making flexible planning and up-to-date local information crucial for all visitors. 

Last updated: 04 February 2026

Mozambique's flooding situation remains serious, with regional assessments confirming that more than 700,000 people have been affected and widespread infrastructure damage persists across parts of Maputo, Gaza and Sofala provinces. While regional bodies and humanitarian agencies continue coordinated response and early recovery planning, ongoing rainfall, damaged roads and pressure on public services are still affecting mobility and access. For tourism, overland travel remains unreliable in several regions, and access to some coastal and inland destinations may be subject to delays or route changes. Travellers are advised to monitor local conditions closely and plan with flexibility.

What this means for travellers:

• Overland travel remains unreliable: Damaged roads and temporary closures continue to affect self-drive routes and long-distance transfers, particularly along major north–south corridors.
• Expect delays and route changes: Transfers to beach resorts, lodges and inland destinations may take longer or require detours.
• Some accommodation remains operational: Hotels and resorts outside the worst-affected areas are open, but services may be limited due to staffing, supply or utility disruptions.
• Health and safety risks are elevated: Flooded areas carry increased risks from water-borne diseases and displaced wildlife near rivers and low-lying zones.
• Northern Mozambique less affected: Travel to areas outside central and southern flood zones may be possible with caution, subject to local conditions.
• Flexible planning is essential: Confirm transport, accommodation and access conditions directly with operators shortly before travel. 

Last updated: 03 February 2026

Flooding continues to disrupt travel across central and southern Mozambique, with humanitarian agencies confirming that hundreds of thousands of people remain affected and large sections of the road network still impassable. Key transport corridors, including parts of the EN1 (N1), remain unreliable, limiting overland travel and complicating transfers to tourism destinations. While some stabilisation is reported in select areas, access challenges, service disruptions and heightened health risks persist, particularly near flooded communities and temporary shelters. Travellers are advised to avoid non-essential overland travel in affected regions, confirm access with accommodation providers and plan itineraries with maximum flexibility. 

Last updated: 02 February 2026

As of early February 2026, ongoing flooding continues to affect large parts of Mozambique, with significant implications for tourism, overland travel and access to popular destinations. While conditions are gradually stabilising in some areas, travel disruptions, safety risks and infrastructure damage remain widespread, particularly in southern and central regions.

Should you travel to Mozambique right now?

Mozambique remains open to international tourism, and commercial flights are operating. However, non-essential travel to flood-affected provinces is strongly discouraged at present. Travellers should only proceed with confirmed arrangements, flexible itineraries and comprehensive travel insurance that covers weather-related disruption and medical evacuation.

Current flooding situation in Mozambique

Prolonged heavy rainfall during the current wet season has caused extensive flooding across southern and central Mozambique, affecting provinces including Gaza, Maputo and Sofala. River systems remain swollen, and low-lying areas continue to experience inundation.
While water levels have begun to recede in selected corridors, large sections of road and public infrastructure remain damaged, and recovery is expected to take weeks rather than days.

Impact on tourism and travel

Road access and transport
Severe flooding has cut or damaged major sections of the EN1 (N1) highway, Mozambique's primary north–south transport corridor. This has disrupted overland travel between Maputo, Gaza and central regions, affecting tourism transfers, self-drive itineraries and supply chains.

• Road repairs are underway, but access remains unstable and subject to sudden closures
• Secondary roads and bridges are also affected in flood-prone areas
• Rail connections in parts of the region have been disrupted

Self-drive travel through affected regions is not recommended at this time.

Coastal and beach destinations
Flooding has disrupted access to coastal tourism areas, including popular beach destinations in Maputo Province. While some resorts and lodges remain operational:

• Transfers may require long detours or altered routes
• Travel times are often extended
• Supplies and staffing may be limited due to road access challenges

Travellers should confirm access routes and resort status directly before travelling.

National parks and nature tourism
Low-lying conservation areas and parks in flood-affected regions face:

• Flooded internal roads and tracks
• Restricted or suspended activities
• Limited emergency access in remote areas

Visits to national parks in southern and central Mozambique should be postponed until official access confirmations are issued.

Accommodation, services and utilities
Hospitality operators in affected areas report:

• Staffing shortages
• Supply chain disruptions
• Intermittent water and power outages

Urban centres such as Maputo City may still offer accommodation and services, but conditions vary significantly by neighbourhood and access route.

Health and safety considerations
Flooding has created elevated health and safety risks, including:

• Increased risk of water-borne diseases due to contaminated water and sanitation challenges
• Limited access to healthcare services in rural or flooded areas
• Displaced wildlife, including crocodiles entering flooded towns and peri-urban zones, posing unusual safety risks

Travellers should avoid floodwaters entirely and follow local safety advisories at all times.

Is Mozambique still open to tourists?
Yes. Mozambique is not closed to tourism, and international flights continue to operate. However, access and safety - not policy - are the primary constraints at present. Travel remains highly location-specific and requires careful planning.

Short-term outlook for tourism

• Floodwaters are slowly receding in some transport corridors
• Road and bridge repairs are progressing in phases
• Tourism recovery will depend on:
• Infrastructure rehabilitation
• Safety assessments
• Stabilisation of weather conditions    

Some destinations outside the worst-affected flood zones, particularly in northern Mozambique, may be accessible with caution.

Mozambique flooding: travel advisory summary

• Flights: Operating normally
• Road travel: Severely disrupted in southern and central regions
• Beach resorts: Some open, but access varies
• National parks: Restricted or temporarily inaccessible
• Health & safety: Elevated risks remain
• Overall advice: Travel only with confirmed arrangements and flexible plans    

Final word

Mozambique remains a compelling destination, but this is not a normal travel period. Travellers are advised to delay non-essential trips to flood-affected areas and monitor official updates closely. We will continue to publish verified tourism and travel updates as the situation evolves.

 

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