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Safari Destinations – Mozambique
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Introduction
Mozambique’s sandy palm-fringed beaches and coral reefs of the Bazaruto Archipelago still qualify as one of the most beautiful places in Africa.
Mozambique has persevered, despite the brutal civil war and the dramatic floods which ravaged this poor country.
After almost a decade of peace and international effort to restore the flood ravaged country Mozambique is returning to its rightful place as one of the jewels of Africa.
Mozambique 's capital Maputo boasts interesting colonial architecture and is the best place to enjoy Mozambique 's famous LM prawns!
Full Name: Republic of Mozambique
Capital: Maputo (previously Lourenco Marques)
Population: 19,124,335 (estimated July 1999)
Time Zone: GMT + 2 hours
Currency: Meticais (Mt)
International Dialing Code: 09258+
Visas and Entry Requirements
Visas are required by all nationals and passports must be valid for at least 6 months and is valid for a stay of 1 month, which can be extended in the Maputo. This is a guide only - please check with your nearest Mozambican consulate, embassy or Mozambican diplomatic mission for up to date information. All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. All nationalities, apart from Malawians, require a visa to enter Mozambique. A single entry visa is valid for 30 days, a multiple entry visa is valid for six months, though each entry is only valid for a ten-day stay. Requirements for a visa are: two passport photographs, a visa application form, itinerary stating intended destination and in the case of a business visa, a business letter. The cost of the visa will depend on how urgently it is required. Visas usually take six days to process.
It is advised that you carry certified copies your passport and all travel documents, and always have either your passport or these copies with you.
Getting Around / Border Posts
Malawi: Zobue Milange Mandimba Nsanje
South Africa: Ressano Garcia / Komatipoort
Swaziland: Namaacha
Tanzania: Rovuma River (may be impassable during the rainy season - October to March)
Zambia: Cassacatiza / Chaninda (not a very safe border crossing)
Zimbabwe: Nyamapanda Machipanda
Roads
There are 30,400km of highways in Mozambique, of which only 5,685km are tarred. Roads tend to be in poor condition, with gravel roads usually only being passable with four-wheel drive vehicles. Roads are gradually being improved and the roads south of Beira tend to be in good condition. Many vehicles do not have lights, making travel at night extremely dangerous. Beware of livestock on all roads. Car hire is possible in most major towns, and should be booked in advance. Driving is on the left side of the road. There is a good network of petrol stations, though not in game reserves.
Language
Portuguese is the official language and English is only spoken in the southern tourist regions. The major ethnic groups each have their own languages.
Culture
The indigenous tribal groups of Mozambique make up about 99% of the population. There are 16 major ethnic groups, the largest of which is the Makua of the northern region. The Makonde, another northern group, are famous for their traditional and contemporary carved figures and also their lupembe (wind instruments). Other major groups include the Sena, found in the centre of Mozambique, and the Shangaan of the south. Europeans including native Portuguese, and Asian residents make up less than 1% of the population. The traditions, stories and arts of Mozambique´s ethnic groups have survived colonial corruption and years of civil war. Since Mozambique gained independence, these are emerging and Mozambican sculptors, painters and writers are becoming known worldwide.
Money / Currency
Metical (MT)=100 Centqavos
There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currency but the import and export of local currency is not allowed.
Traveler & acute's cheques are widely accepted and readily exchanged but to avoid commission they are best taken in US Dollars.
The South African Rand is widely accepted as a form of currency and accommodation prices are often quoted in Rand.
Many up-market hotels insist on payment in foreign currency so have a reasonable amount of cash. Major hotels and some bank accept credit card transactions but you will be charged a commission.
Banks
Banking hours: Monday to Friday: 0730-1115 and 1500-1630 Local banks have branches in most cities which are open from Monday to Friday from 07:45 to 11:00 or 12:00.
The main banks include Banco Commercial de Mozambique (BCM) and Banco Popular de Desenvolvimento (BPD), which both have branches throughout the country, as well as Banco Standard Totta.
Exchange Rate
The exchange rate is in your favour.
Generally you will find that fine cuisine, wine and entertainment cost a fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent establishments elsewhere in the world.
Private exchange bureaus in Maputo usually offer better exchange rates than banks. Changing money on the black market is strongly discouraged.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are usually accepted at more up market hotels, but apart from this your credit card will be of little use.
Tipping
Tipping is not usually expected, or even accepted, though in tourist areas, locals are becoming used to this and a tip of 5-15% is often appreciated.
Bargaining for local handicrafts is commonplace.
Health
It is imperative that you obtain malaria prophylactics before entering Mozambique. When purchasing these, please tell your doctor or pharmacist that you intend visiting Mozambique. Start your course at least 24 hours before entering the country and continue taking the pills for 6 weeks after leaving the country. If you suffer from side effects, try taking your malaria prophylactics at night after dinner.
Take precautionary measures to prevent contact with mosquitoes, like: sleeping under a bed net or in a room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to keep the flaps zipped at all times); spraying your accommodation with insecticide; making use of a mosquito repelling lotion or stick; and wearing long sleeve clothing, trousers and socks when outside at night. No inoculations for smallpox, cholera or yellow fever are required unless you are coming from an infected area.
This could change and you should check with the Mozambique Embassy when you obtain your visa. However, travel clinics generally recommend that visitors should take precautions against yellow fever, cholera, typhoid, smallpox, malaria and hepatitis, particularly if you will be in the country for more than three weeks. If you are staying in lodges which have a good supply of water you should not encounter these problems.
Medical Services
Outside of Maputo and Beira medical facilities are scarce and medicines are not easily available. It is recommended you carry a good supply of medicines you may need, as well as a first aid kit. Doctors expect cash payment, so ensure your medical insurance covers your trip to Mozambique.
When to Go?
The best time to visit Mozambique is during the winter months from April to September. The southern parts of the country are generally dryer and less tropical than the north. The best months for game viewing are August and September, towards the end of the dry season. The best time for bird watching is usually November and December, which is the hot, rainy season. A wide variety of fish are attracted to the warm waters of Mozambique, with larger fish populating the waters in summer, and small to medium sized fish in winter, making the coast a good fishing and diving destination.
Weather, Seasons & Climate
Summer: October to March
Winter: April to September
The average temperature for Mozambique is around 30°C all year round. The climate varies slightly according to the regions of the country. The coast experiences a sub-tropical climate while the northern parts of the county are tropical. Generally, the hot rainy season is from October to March. The average temperature along the coast is 31° C (88° F). Inland, temperatures are slightly cooler, but conditions are more humid.
In the dry season, April to September, temperatures along the coast average 27°C (80°F). Two main seasons, one wet and the other dry, divide the climatic year. The wet season, from November to March, has a monthly average temperature of between 26.6°C and 29.4°C (80°F and 85°F), with cooler temperatures in the interior uplands. The dry season lasts from April to October and has June and July temperatures averaging 18.4°C to 20°C (65° - 68°F).
The average annual rainfall is greatest (about 56 inches) over the western hills and the central areas, and lowest in the Zambezi lowlands averaging 16 to 32 inches.
General Accommodation Information
Mozambique's best hotels, including major international hotels, are found in the cities and along the coasts, particularly on the islands.
The tourist industry is growing in Mozambique and more private lodges of high standards are to be found in tourist areas. Very basic, cheap hotels, pensaos, or slightly better pousados are found in the cities and bigger towns. A range of campsites is found along the coast too.
Clothes / What to Pack?
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year.
Electricity
Electric Power is 220V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used are:
- Round pin attachment plug
- "Schuko" plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts
- "South African" Plug (found especially near the border with South Africa, Maputo)
Shopping
Local crafts and indigenous art can be purchased from markets in the cities and tourist areas. These include masks, carvings and ornaments made of wood, soapstone, malachite and wire, as well as pottery, paintings and basket ware. A lot of what you will see will be tacky souvenirs, but quite often you will find unique works of art.
Avoid purchasing natural items like ivory as it is illegal to export these without a license.
Travel Tips / Safety
A terrible civil war, lasting 17 years and ending in 1992, numerous floods and droughts have left Mozambique a poor and scarred country. It is estimated that a million landmines remain unexploded throughout the country. Never wander off main roads and tracks. Known minefields are usually marked PEREGO, or with red and white tape, but if in doubt, seek local advice first.
Mozambicans tend to be very friendly. However, years of war and economic conditions have led to an increase in crime, particularly in cities. Tourists are advised to avoid traveling alone or at night. Keep your possessions concealed and with you at all times, and be vigilant.
If you are visiting the Bazaruto Archipelago, the only real dangers are razor clams which are exposed at low tides. It is recommended you wear sandals to avoid cutting your feet on these.
Water
Tap water is usually safe to drink, but bottled water is available should you prefer this. Avoid eating food which has not been cooked or peeled.
Public Holidays
- New Year´s Day - 1st of January
- Heroes Day - 3rd of February
- women´s Day - 7th of April
- Workers Day- 1st of May
- Independence Day - 25th of June
- Victory Day - 7th of September
- Armed Forces Day - 25th of September
- Samora Machel Day - 19th of October
- Maputo Day - 10th of November
- Family Day - 25th of December
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