Beira

Understand

Beira is the second largest city in Mozambique and capital of the Sofala Province. During the 1950s and 60s, before the independence of Mozambique, Beira was a playground for white and rich Rhodesians as the country was a colony of Portugal, which did not participate in the UN embargo against Rhodesia. Still an important port city, few tourists find their way here today. Those who do will discover a beautiful, but crumbling, city by the sea with great food and hospitality.

Beira took a direct hit from Cyclone Idai in 2019, and 90% of the city was damaged or destroyed. As of 2025, the city in now mainly rebuilt, even if some areas are not in a really good shape.

Get around

Minibuses, so called chapas, are easily available for local transport and for connections to neighboring cities like Chimoio.

See

Savanna Beach (20–30 km out of town) ask around if someone is going. You could venture and take a chapa heading in the direction. You have to take a little boat across to the beach, worth the effort. Water is cleaner than Beira and waves are better. Good fishing. Simple restaurant with nice atmosphere. Rio Maria (10–15 km). When traveling from Macuti to Airport, turn right at Monte Verde and take the sandy road. At Rio Maria is a nice river and sea. No facilities there. Don't get car stuck in mud close to beach. Very relaxing.

Buy

Mercado Central(The central market) offers some craftworks, spices, fish and fruits.

Eat

Beira Sol Opposite Hotel Tivoli. 2mais1 Center. Kanimambo Chinese restaurant with excellent food in the city center. Average atmosphere, aircon. Nautico Nice views of the sea, swimming pool. Need to pay small entrance fee of 20Mtn if non-member.

Stay safe

Don't walk in the Baixa area at night alone. If you walk around during day time just keep your precious stuff at the hotel. Don't walk around with a fat wallet or your expensive cellphone. Most crime is on a "give me your phone and/or wallet because I have a big knife" basis. If driving at night just keep doors locked and windows almost closed to avoid issues.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday night people party and can get very drunk, if you run over someone as a foreigner it's gonna cause you a big headache so drive slowly. Kids also run across the road often without looking out for cars. Avoid driving at night.

The city was 90% destroyed by Cyclone Idai, in March 2019.

Go next

Gorongosa National Park (200–300 km) in Sofala Province. A once well-known park that is recovering. Good chalets and food.