Especially if traveling in the summer months -- that is, winter in the Northern Hemisphere -- or visiting Mozambique's beaches or low-lying wilderness areas, you'll want to pack light clothing made of breathable fabrics. Mozambique is fairly casual, so items like shorts and sundresses should be no problem at all. Bring comfortable shoes for walking through markets or outdoor activities and don't forget a light jacket or rain gear for occasional showers or chilly nights. Laundromats can be hard to find outside major cities, so bring enough clothing for your trip or focus on casual items in neutral colors that you can combine differently during your visit.
As always when traveling to a foreign destination, you'll need your passport and health insurance information. In addition to the originals, it's a good idea to make some photocopies to carry with you while the originals are stored safely in your hotel. While most travelers visit Mozambique without incident, the U.S. Department of State recommends being cautious with your valuables. Don't take ostentatious jewelry and clothing and -- although electronics like cameras and smartphones can be useful -- avoid taking them out in crowded cities and bring understated covers for expensive items.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends visiting your doctor before a trip to Mozambique to discuss any concerns with your specific health situation. Make sure you are up-to-date on your routine vaccines and most travelers should receive boosters for typhoid and hepatitis A, as well as bring malaria medication. Especially in the north, well-equipped hospitals and pharmacies are rare, so bring any medical items, such as contact lenses and prescription medications, you take at home. A basic first-aid kit is always a smart idea, especially if you plan on visiting rural areas or participating in a safari or other outdoor activities.
The odds and ends of your packing list will depend on your personal itinerary or travel style. Books and music players can be life-savers on long bus trips or for sitting on the beach, while simple items like a flashlight can come in handy for finding hotel room light switches or during night hikes. If you're going on a safari, don't assume the guides have enough to go around and bring your own binoculars. Even if you're planning on staying in urban areas, bring insect repellent and, whatever you do, don't forget a bathing suit, towel and sunscreen.
