About Mozambique
Below is a list of Mozambique's top destinations, click on the link to view all details and tours.
Bazaruto, Benguerra Islands, Inhambane, Maputo, Praia do Tofo
Fast Facts
Currency
Mozambican Metical (MZN)
Dialing Code
258
Airports
Mozambique international airports include:
Beira International Airport
Maputo International Airport
Nampula International Airport
Birdlife
With a wide diversity of habitats including highly threatened lowlands and miombo woodlands, and an array of beautiful Southern African bird species which total 740, Mozambique birdlife offers birdwatchers a thrilling experience in a tropical paradise. There are about 15 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Mozambique, spanning from coastal regions to forests, wetlands and mountain areas.
Conservation
Mozambique conservation is vital to prevent further damage to the countrys already threatened wildlife and plant species. One of the most critically endangered species in Mozambique includes the dugong, of which there are only 150 left worldwide, most of them in Mozambique. A number of plants also face extinction if conservation efforts are not improved and enforced by Mozambique authorities.
Culture
Mozambique cultures are influenced by the following:
Music and dance is influenced by the Portuguese roots of the country
Cuisine and food play a key role in social events and festivals
Art is a key part of tribal cultures
Architecture and buildings are heavily influenced by colonial eras
Customs and traditions are a blend of African and Portuguese influences
Health
Mozambique health is typical of any African country, with health facilities ranging from average to poor. Malaria is rife in many areas, and other health risks include untreated water, cholera, Rift Valley Fever and plague. Take a first aid kit and vitamins, and follow basic health precautions to ensure that you stay healthy on your Mozambique travels.
AIDS
Mozambique HIV/AIDS is a serious epidemic, with an extremely high rate of 12.5% in adults of 15 years and older. This amounts to an estimated 1,400,000 people living with HIV or AIDS, with a death rate of 81,000 by the end of 2007. About 58% of HIV/AIDS cases occurs in women, while the child AIDS numbers show a shocking 100,000 children of 15 years or younger.
Vaccinations
Mozambique inoculations include:
Diphtheria
Hepatitis A
Malaria
Rabies
Tetanus
Typhoid
Yellow Fever (if coming from an infected area)
Languages
Mozambique languages include the following:
Portuguese (official language)
Makua-Longwe
Tsonga
Shona
Swahili
Money
Mozambique money & banking information includes:
US Dollars and South African Rands are widely accepted
Travellers cheques can be exchanged at most banks, major hotels or airports
There are a number of ATMs in major cities, however these are not always safe so be cautious about withdrawing cash
Credit cards are accepted at some major hotels or restaurants but not all
Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 07h30 to 15h30
Phrase
Mozambique local phrases in Portuguese include:
Hello - Hola
Goodbye - At logo
How much? - Cuanto custa?
Thank-you - Obrigado
How are you? - Como esta?
I am fine - Muito bem obrigado
Plants
With about 5, 500 species of plant in the country, Mozambique plant life is rich and diverse. Ecosystems range from wetlands and mangroves to lush forests and woodlands, with a wide array of vegetation to be found. Mozambique has a high density of closed canopy forest, including dry forest, scrub forest, Brachystegia forest, riverine forest, groundwater forest, swamp forest, and coastal forest.
People
Mozambique people include the following groups:
Makua-Lomw 37%
Tsonga 23%
Shona 9%
Other tribal groups 30%
Euro-Africans 0.2%
Europeans 0.06%
Indians 0.08%
Safety Tips
Mozambique safety tips include the following:
The crime rate is generally low, however Maputo and busier cities are becoming increasing targets for tourist pick-pocketing or muggings
Tropical cyclone seasons run from November to April and coastal areas should be avoided ' flooding may also occur during these months
Avoid using ATMs on the streets and keep valuables out of sight and secure
Avoid large crowds or demonstrations which may turn violent
Roads are often in very bad condition so be cautious when driving
Religion
Mozambique religion groups include the following:
Roman Catholic 21.8%
Muslim 22.8%
Zionist Christian 17.5%
Other 16.8%
None 21.1%
Transport
Mozambique local transport options include:
Car
Bus
Taxi
Plane
Travel Books
Mozambique travel books include the following:
Mozambique: The Bradt Travel Guide 4th Edition by Philip Briggs and Mark Whittington
Mozambique Travel Pack by New Holland Publishers
Mozambique Travel Guide by Globetrotter
Kalashnikovs and Zombie Cucumbers: Travels in Mozambique by Nick
Middleton
Mozambique 2008 Travel Map by Globetrotter
Visa Requirements
Mozambique visa information is as follows:
Most nationals require a visa except for South Africans and certain other African country citizens
Passports must be valid for six months minimum
Return tickets plus proof of income during your stay is required
Visas are generally valid for a maximum of 3 months
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter the country
Wildlife
Mozambique wildlife includes an impressive array of mammals, marine species, reptiles and amphibians. There are about 232 species of mammal, which include the extremely rare and endangered dugong plus dolphins, whales and manatees. Marine life is rich and abundant, with species ranging from whale shark to manta ray, and scuba diving and snorkeling offer a thrilling glimpse into underwater wonderlands with a huge diversity of fish to be seen.
What To Pack
What to pack for Mozambique safaris:
Sunglasses, sunhat and high factor sunscreen
Swimming costume and snorkeling set, plus extra beach towels
Loose, lightweight clothing with long sleeves
Camera with spare batteries, extra film or memory cards
Warm jacket for cooler seasons plus comfortable walking shoes and sandals
What To Buy
What to buy for Mozambique safaris:
Mozambique travel book and Portuguese phrase book
Sturdy backpack plus decent moneybag for valuables and travel documents
First aid box filled with basic supplies and equipment
Sleeping bag and camping mattress if you are on an overlanding tour
Disposable underwater camera
When To Go
When to go to Mozambique:
The best time to visit Mozambique is from March to September
The coolest months are from May to November
Cyclone season runs from November to April and weather is very bad during these months, with frequent flooding
November to March are the hottest months of the year
During Christmas, Easter and August the country is filled with tourists, often from neighbouring South Africa
2010 World Cup
Mozambique 2010 statistics are as follows:
The Mozambique national team are known as the Mambas
Their FIFA World Cup records are fairly dismal, with no qualifications to date
The team have achieved a few Round 1 standings in Africa Cup of Nations games
The team's head coach is Mozambique's Martin Nooij
Their biggest win was 6 - 1 against Lesotho in 1980
