Mozambique continues to recover from one of the most severe rainy seasons in recent years, with the official death toll from flooding and related weather events rising to at least 257 people and approximately 869,000 people affected nationwide since October 2025. As of 02 March 2026, the situation has stabilised compared to January’s peak flooding, but infrastructure repair and regional recovery efforts remain ongoing - particularly in central and southern parts of the country.
For travellers planning trips to Mozambique in 2026, conditions vary significantly by region.
Flooding impact: Where the situation stands
The 2025–26 rainy season brought prolonged heavy rainfall that caused:
- Widespread river flooding
- Damage to secondary and rural road networks
- Bridge washouts and temporary transport corridor closures
- Displacement of tens of thousands of residents
Central and southern provinces — including Gaza, Inhambane, Sofala and Maputo Province — were most affected. While major highways and urban access routes in Mozambique are progressively being restored, some inland and secondary roads remain vulnerable to disruption.
The focus has shifted from emergency response to recovery and rebuilding, but travel times in certain districts may still be longer than normal.
National Parks & wildlife areas: Current access
Limpopo National Park
One of the most significant tourism impacts has been the temporary closure of Limpopo National Park due to flood damage affecting access roads and internal infrastructure. This directly affects cross-border safari itineraries linked with South Africa’s Kruger region.
Travellers planning transfrontier conservation area routes should verify reopening timelines directly with operators before departure.
Niassa Special Reserve
Northern Mozambique has been comparatively less affected by the severe flooding. Niassa Special Reserve remains accessible, although travellers should still confirm logistics due to broader national transport adjustments.
Coastal & marine destinations
Popular beach and diving areas such as:
have remained operational overall. However, heavy rains and the offshore passage of Cyclone Gezani in mid-February brought rough sea conditions, temporary power outages in some communities, and short-term disruptions to marine excursions and boat transfers.
Sea conditions have improved, but travellers should continue to allow buffer time for island transfers and diving activities.
Airports & transport infrastructure
The positive news for international travellers:
- Major international airports remain operational
- Scheduled international flights are running
- Primary tourism hubs continue to welcome visitors
The main constraint remains road-based travel, particularly:
- Secondary highways
- Rural access roads to lodges and parks
- Long overland self-drive routes
If combining South Africa and Mozambique, additional route verification is advisable before border crossings.
Humanitarian & social impact
Beyond tourism infrastructure, the flooding has had significant social consequences. More than 230,000 children have reportedly experienced school disruption due to flood-damaged facilities, and thousands of families remain in temporary accommodation as rebuilding continues.
While this does not directly prevent tourism, it underscores the scale of the recovery effort still underway.
What this means for travellers in 2026
Mozambique is not closed, nor is it in a state of escalating crisis. However, it remains in a managed recovery phase.
Travellers should:
- Confirm park and lodge access conditions before departure
- Allow flexible routing for overland travel
- Plan buffer days for marine transfers
- Maintain comprehensive travel insurance
- Monitor official weather and local updates
Northern Mozambique currently offers the most stable access conditions, while southern and central regions may require additional planning.
Bottom Line: Mozambique Travel Advisory – March 2026
As of early March 2026, Mozambique's flood emergency phase has passed, but infrastructure recovery continues in affected provinces. Key tourism infrastructure - airports, major resorts and many wildlife areas - remains operational, although selected parks such as Limpopo National Park are still impacted by flood damage.
For international travellers, Mozambique remains accessible - but smart, flexible planning is essential during this recovery period.
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