Mozambique Travel Guide

Full Name

Republic of Mozambique

Former Name

Portuguese East Africa

Capital City

Maputo

Government Type

republic

Area Size

At 309,475 square miles (801,590 km²), Mozambique is the world's 36th-largest country.

Time Zone

UTC/GMT +2 hours

Climate

The climate varies in the different regions of the country, but generally the inland areas are slightly cooler, although more humid than along the coast in the rainy season. Winter is the dry season lasting from April to September, and is the best time to visit the country. The southern parts of the country are generally drier and less tropical than the north, with temperatures along the coast averaging 80ºF (27ºC). The rainy season coincides with the heat and humidity from October to March, with average coastal temperatures of 88ºF (31ºC).

Geography

Mozambique borders Tanzania to the north, Zambia and Malawi to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, and South Africa and Swaziland to the southwest. To the east lies the Indian Ocean and a coastline of nearly 2,500km (1,550 miles) with beaches bordered by lagoons, coral reefs and strings of islands

Languages

Emakhuwa 26.1%, Xichangana 11.3%, Portuguese 8.8% (official; spoken by 27% of population as a second language), Elomwe 7.6%, Cisena 6.8%, Echuwabo 5.8%, other Mozambican languages 32%, other foreign languages 0.3%, unspecified 1.3% (1997 census)

Culture

Mozambique enjoys a great range of cultural and linguistic diversity. Islamic culture, Swahili language, and matrilineal Bantu-speaking groups coexist in northern and central regions, reflecting prevailing patterns in neighbouring Tanzania and Malawi. The great variety of people of the Zambezi valley overlap culturally and linguistically with neighbouring Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, and patrilineal, cattle-keeping people who share a heritage with neighbouring Nguni-speaking groups in South Africa and Zimbabwe are common in the south. Amid the variety of languages, social relationships, artistic traditions, clothing, and ornamentation patterns is a common theme of dynamic and creative cultural expression in song, oral poetry, dance, and performance.

History

Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration by whites, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development. The ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement between FRELIMO and rebel Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) forces ended the fighting in 1992. In December 2004, Mozambique underwent a delicate transition as Joaquim CHISSANO stepped down after 18 years in office. His newly elected successor, Armando Emilio GUEBUZA, has promised to continue the sound economic policies that have encouraged foreign investment.

Travel Information

The national airline is LAM-Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (TM). Maputo International (MPM) Airport is 3km (1.8 miles) northwest of the city. Bus and taxi services run to the centre (journey time – 15 minutes). Facilities at airport consist of Bank, restaurant, bar, snack bar, car hire and post office. Beira (BEW) Airport is 13km (8 miles) from the city (journey time – 15 minutes). Beira receives flights from continental Europe, other African countries and America. Facilities at airport consist of Restaurant, shops and a post office. Departure Tax; US$20 if destination is outside Africa; US$10 if destination is within Africa. A train runs from Johannesburg to the Mozambique border at Komatipoort where there is a connection to Maputo (journey time – 15 hours). An overnight train runs regularly from Durban to Maputo. There is a service from Harare to Beira. There are connections from Malawi to Beira (although the border still has to be crossed on foot).Rail services are sometimes sporadic and unreliable. There are good road links with all neighbouring countries except Tanzania. However, road travel can be dangerous and should only be undertaken in daylight. Highjacking and robberies are rife and travellers should be aware of the possiblilty of unexploded landmines on the lesser-used roads. There is a daily bus service from Maputo to Johannesburg, and there are good bus links to other South African cities. Minibuses run between Maputo and towns in Swaziland, crossing the border at Namaacha.

Accommodation

Hotels of international standard are found mainly in the cities of Maputo and Beira. Accommodation in smaller towns is generally of a lower standard.

Visa Requirements

To travel to Mozambique you will need a valid passport and an entry visa. Visas can be obtained from Mozambican embassies and consulates, as well as from Mozambique border posts. To obtain a visa, you will require your passport and two passport-size photographs.

Getting Around

There are flights linking Maputo with Beira, Blantyre (Malawi), Inhambane, Lichinga, Nampula, Pemba, Quelimane and Tete. Flights depart from Maputo between 0500 and 0730 and are subject to seasonal alterations. Flights are frequently delayed or cancelled and baggage is often lost or tampered with. Air-taxi services are also available, and are the safest means of transport outside the main cities.Departure Tax US$7. There are an estimated 29,810km (18,631 miles) of roads in Mozambique. Tarred roads connect Maputo with Beira and Beira with Tete. It is now possible to travel by road in southern Mozambique though flood damage can still cause serious delays. Traffic drives on the left. There are regular bus services covering most of the country. In more rural areas, road passage can only be undertaken by converted passenger trucks known as chapas. It is advisable to carry food and water on long journeys. There are occasional controls on the roads to check papers, especially in the north and near the border with Zimbabwe. Bus travel is the cheapest form of transport in the country and is, on the whole, fairly reliable.Taxis are Rarely available outside large towns. Cars can be hired from international and national agencies in Maputo and Beira. Only hard currency is accepted. Bus services in Maputo have been improved with the introduction of new vehicles, and there are now fairly extensive services. Taxis are metered. Taxi drivers expect a tip.

Health & Safety

Visitors require a yellow fever certificate if travelling from infected areas. Malaria is a risk throughout the year in the whole country and is reported to be resistant to chloroquine. It is recommended that visitors take precautions against typhoid, bilharzia, hepatitis A and cholera in particular. AIDS/HIV is prevalent. Diseases caused by unsanitary conditions are common throughout the country, and untreated water should be considered unsafe to drink. The government has declared tuberculosis (TB) a national emergency and is expected to be a problem for the next 15 years. Hospital facilities are generally poor and outside the major cities of Maputo and Beira medical facilities are limited. Comprehensive medical insurance is essential and it is recommended that visitors carry personal medical supplies with them. Many unexploded landmines lie scattered about the country, and visitors are advised that it is extremely risky to wander off well-travelled paths and roads; local information should be sought before going off-road outside provincial capitals. Violent crime is on the increase, including car hijackings and armed robbery. In the cities, particularly Maputo, muggings, bag snatching and pick-pocketing is common, and visitors are advised to be alert in public places, to keep valuables out of sight, and to avoid walking anywhere at night. Identity documents should be carried at all times. All visitors, especially women, should not walk alone on any beach in Mozambique, as there have been several severe attacks (and rapes) on tourists. Overland travel after dark is not recommended, and travellers should be especially alert when driving near the Mozambique-South African border. Police checkpoints are common and foreigners are at risk of frequent harassment.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 3 Feb - Heroes’ Day. 7 Apr - Women's Day. 1 May - Workers’ Day. 25 Jun - Independence Day. 7 Sep - Lusaka Agreement Day. 25 Sep - Armed Forces Day. 4 Oct - Peace Day. 25 Dec - Family Day.

Currency

Mozambican Metical (MZN)

Electricity

220V AC

Working Hours

In general, public opening times are 7.30am or 8am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 5.30pm Monday to Friday. Some shops in cities and tourist towns are open until 21.30pm.

Emergency Numbers

117 (Ambulance) 198 (Fire) 119 (Police)