Follow the EN1 from Maputo to Inhambane for quiet coves and long, empty beaches. With a car you can detour into coastal villages, stop for fresh seafood and enjoy the Indian Ocean at your own pace.
Further north, drive to Vilanculos for views over the Bazaruto Archipelago, or inland to Gorongosa National Park. Having your own vehicle makes it easier to reach lodges and viewpoints off the main bus routes.
At a glance
Drives onLeft
Motorway tollCheck locally
CurrencyMozambican Metical (MZN)
Min. rental age21 years
Good to know before you drive
The essentials for a smooth, ticket-free trip.
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Speed limits
Town50 km/h
Open road90 km/h
Motorway130 km/h
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Parking
Paid short-stay zones in city centres — buy a ticket and display it.
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Alcohol limit
Typically 0.05% blood-alcohol limit; lower for new drivers.
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Vignette / tolls
Check whether a motorway vignette or tolls apply — many rentals include one.
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Change or cancel free up to 24 hours before pick-up.
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What drivers say about Mozambique
★★★★★★4.5
★★★★★★4.5
"I travelled with a friend; car was clean and reliable, only pick-up took a bit long."
J
José António
Mozambique
★★★★★4
"We travelled as a family with two kids; car seats were fine and the car roomy, just wished the staff had explained the toll rules more clearly at pick-up."
L
Lurdes
Mozambique
★★★★★4
"We booked as a couple for a coastal road trip. The car was fuel‑efficient and handled rougher roads better than expected. Staff were friendly, but the queue at the airport desk moved slowly, so collection took longer than we had planned."
In Mozambique it is wise to reserve a rental car at least 2 to 4 weeks before your trip, and earlier (6 weeks or more) for Christmas, Easter and school holidays. Popular classes and 4x4s around Maputo, Vilankulo and coastal resorts sell out quickly, especially in July–August, so earlier booking usually means better availability and lower rates.
Most Mozambican and international rental companies release the security deposit within 3 to 7 working days after you return the car, once they confirm no damage or unpaid fines. Your bank may then take a few extra days to show the money as available. With some no-deposit or low-deposit offers, the blocked amount is reduced or not taken at all.
The excess (deductible) is the maximum amount you must pay if the car is damaged or stolen. In Mozambique it typically ranges from about 20,000 MZN to 80,000 MZN, higher for SUVs and 4x4s. If a covered incident happens, you pay only up to that limit. You can often buy extra cover to lower the excess substantially, sometimes almost to zero.
Most suppliers in Mozambique insist on a major credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. A few partners accept debit cards or offer no-deposit, no-credit-card style deals on selected vehicles, usually at a higher daily rate and with extra ID checks. Always check payment rules in the rental conditions before booking.
Expect an average of around 3,000–4,500 MZN per day for a small economy car with standard mileage, while mid-size vehicles and basic SUVs usually cost 5,000–8,000 MZN per day. Full 4x4s and specialist vehicles for remote areas can be more. Prices vary with season, location, insurance options and how far in advance you reserve.
Bookingcar lets you instantly compare prices and conditions from many rental companies in Mozambique on one page, so you can see which offer is genuinely best value. By checking local and international suppliers side by side, including insurance and mileage rules, our comparison service helps you choose the most cost-effective deal for your travel dates and route.
If you return the car late in Mozambique, even by an hour, most companies charge an extra fee, often a full additional rental day after a short grace period. Prolonged delays can lead to higher charges and may affect insurance cover. If your plans change, contact the rental office as soon as possible to request an extension at the correct rate.
Standard limits in Mozambique (unless signs indicate otherwise) are:
Urban areas: 60 km/h
Open roads / rural highways: 80 km/h
Main national roads: 100 km/h or 120 km/h on some sections
Police speed checks are frequent near towns and villages, so always follow posted limits and slow down when passing through built-up areas.
Traffic fines are usually paid on the spot to official police with receipts. Speeding, not wearing seat belts or using a mobile phone while driving can incur fines of roughly 1,000–10,000 MZN, depending on severity. Serious offences, like dangerous driving, drunk driving or causing an accident, can lead to much higher penalties, licence issues or even court proceedings.
The legal blood alcohol limit in Mozambique is generally 0.05% (0.5 g/l) for private drivers, and effectively lower for professional drivers. Police conduct roadside breath tests, especially at night and on weekends. Penalties for drink-driving can include heavy fines, possible arrest and insurance refusing to cover damage, so the safest choice is not to drink at all if you are driving.
Fuel prices in Mozambique change with global markets and government adjustments, but as a guide, petrol and diesel typically cost around 80–95 MZN per litre in major cities. Prices may be slightly higher in remote areas, where stations are scarce. Most fuel stations accept cash in meticais and some cards; it is wise to carry cash when driving long distances.
Yes, Mozambique has several pay-per-use toll roads, particularly on key routes such as the Maputo–Nelspruit corridor and some upgraded national roads. Tolls are collected at booths in cash (meticais) and sometimes by card. Motorists stop and pay each time they pass a plaza; there is currently no nationwide vignette system. Keep small notes handy for quicker payment.
