Americans are being advised to steer clear of certain areas in Mozambique, an African safari destination, particularly where terrorists are targeting upscale lodges popular with big-game hunters from abroad.
The U.S. State Department released an updated warning on August 21, designating Mozambique as “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.” Additionally, some regions have been marked as “Level 4: Do Not Travel” due to increased threats of terrorism.
Mozambique is nestled in southeastern Africa, opposite Madagascar, and shares borders with Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Eswatini. It’s recognized for its beautiful Indian Ocean coastline and wildlife reserves, although it isn’t exactly a bustling tourist hotspot. Yet, it did attract over 757,400 international visitors in 2024, as per government records.
Among the “Do Not Travel” zones is Cabo Delgado Province, which features safari and wildlife attractions like Quirimbas National Park.
The State Department highlights that terrorist groups in northern Mozambique remain active, increasing the potential for violence and attacks.
According to the advisory, “Attackers may strike public areas and tourist destinations with little or no warning, sometimes taking hostages.”
Alex Perry, an author from England and a former foreign correspondent with TIME, shared insights with Fox News Digital about the nature of the terrorist threat. He noted that while the militant presence is relatively small—around 500 members—it is particularly ruthless.
Perry, who wrote “Blood Will Flow” regarding the violent Islamist insurgency in Mozambique, reported cases of mass beheadings committed by militants in Cabo Delgado, affecting the tourism sector there.
He mentioned that Cabo Delgado historically draws a more affluent crowd, with fewer wealthy visitors willing to pay premium prices for hunting safaris compared to larger, more popular safari locations in Africa.
“This is almost exclusively hunting safaris—people going to shoot animals,” Perry remarked, emphasizing the exclusivity of this kind of tourism in the region.
The State Department encourages any Americans considering travel to Mozambique to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Those requiring travel to the impacted areas in Cabo Delgado, Niassa, and Nampula provinces should think about hiring a security company. They also recommend avoiding non-emergency travel at night and maintaining a low profile.
Travelers should prepare effective evacuation plans that don’t depend on U.S. government help and ensure their travel documents are current and accessible.
Perry did acknowledge the serious risks outlined in the advisory but noted that much of Mozambique remains a lovely destination. “On the whole, it’s a pretty safe and secure and, as I say, beautiful and enjoyable place to visit,” he reflected. “The far north is a dramatic exception.”
In recent months, the U.S. State Department has issued several travel advisories, emphasizing safety concerns for Americans abroad. For example, a Level 2 advisory was also released for Ecuador this month, warning about violent crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Earlier in the summer, the Bahamas received a renewed Level 2 advisory.
