MOZAMBIQUE has some of the best beaches on the East African coast, offering azure waters, coral reefs and subtropical islands, while her people are known for their openness and friendliness.

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The People
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 one percent of the population. The traditions, stories and arts of Mozambique’s ethnic groups have survived the colonial era and years of civil war. Since Mozambique gained independence, her sculptors, painters and writers have been coming into their own and some are even becoming known worldwide. Portuguese is the official language and English is only spoken in the southern tourist regions. The major ethnic groups each have their own languages.

The Climate

• The average temperature for Mozambique is around 30’C (86’F) all year round. The climate varies slightly according to the regions of the country. The coast experiences a subtropical climate with temperatures around 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’C).
• The hot rainy season is generally in Summer (October to March).
• Winter months are April to September.

Entry Formalities
All foreign visitors to Mozambique must have a valid passport and visa. A visa can be obtained at any Mozambican consulate or embassy, with cost depending on the type required and the speed at which you require it. You will need to produce your passport (and a copy of your passport if this is your first application) plus two passport size photographs.

Customs Concession
The following may be imported into Mozambique without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco; 1 bottle of spirits; a reasonable quantity of opened perfume.

Currency
The unit of currency is the meticais (M), which is divided into 100 centavos. If you are travelling in the southern parts of the country, South African Rands, US Dollars and Pound Sterling are also accepted. North of Beira, US Dollars and Sterling are widely accepted.

Health Requirements

• A yellow fever vaccination is required of travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas.
• Malaria is prevalent in Mozambique and it is recommended that visitors to the country take anti-malarial prophylactics, especially those travelling outside Maputo. The best precaution is to avoid being bitten by using Mosquito nets and repellent spray and wearing protective clothing, especially in the evenings.
• All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Bottled drinking water may be purchased anywhere in Maputo and the larger cities. In rural areas it may be more difficult to obtain supplies of safe drinking water and we recommend that you boil and filter all water or carry a supply of water purification tablets.

Bank Hours
Local banks have branches in most cities which are open from Monday to Friday from 07h45 to 11h00 or 12h00. The main banks include Banco Commercial de Mozambique (BCM) or Banco Popular de Desenvolvimente (BPD), which both have branches throughout the country, as well as Banco Standard Totta.

Fire-Arms
Firearms require a permit.

Public Transport
Rail and Bus
Mozambique does not have a very good network of public transport. There are limited train services, linking its neighbouring countries to the Indian Ocean. A service operates from Johannesburg to Maputo via Komatipoort, Nelspruit and Pretoria, three times a week.
Airports
Domestic air services operate between the major airports:
Maputo (MPM)
Beira (BEW)
There are a total of 174 runways in Mozambique, of which 22 are paved. Charter airlines have scheduled services between minor airports and these offer a better service than local carriers. It is recommended you book these in advance through a Tour Operator such as KOKANYA TOURS. A tax of US$ 7 per person is payable on departure for international flights.
Roads
There are 30400 km of highways in Moxzambique, of which 5685 km are paved (about 19%). Roads are being improved and those south of Beira tend to be in a fairly good condition.

The Weather
The best time to visit Mozambque is during the Winter (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 fish in Winter, making the coast a good fishing and diving destination.

What to Pack
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. Camera film and battyeries are not easily found in Mozambique.

Electrical Appliances
Electricity is supplied at 240/220 volts, 50Hz electricity with 15 amp, three-pronged, round pinh plugs used.

Shopping in Mozambique
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 see will be tacky souvenirs, but quite often you will find unique works of art. Avoid purchasing natural materials such as ivory as it is illegal to export these without a licence.

THE BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO
The Bazaruto Archipelago is on the spectacular southern coast and is also a national park and the number one destination in Mozambique. The main islands making up the archipelago are Santa Carolina, Bazaruto, Benguerra and Mararuque. Accommodation is predominantly in lodges, ranging from basic to semi-luxury, with many offering activities such as diving, surfing, fishing and other watersports in the clear blue waters.

MAPUTO
The capital city is situated on the south coast. It is gradually being rebuilt after years of war. Both Maputo and Beira – Mozambique’s second-largest town, also located on the coast – are built up and have historic Mediterranean-style buildings, forts and shipwrecks that make for interesting exploring.

E&OE

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