Mozambique

Mozambicans are putting their shattering past behind them and rebuilding their country at a remarkable pace. There's plenty to see, including stunning beaches and islands, a World Heritage site, charming colonial architecture and colourful local cultures, but get here soon before the tourist masses arrive.

When To Go

The best times to visit are between May and November, when both rainfall and temperatures are at their lowest. It's also possible to travel during the early part of the warmer, rainy season from November to January (though be prepared for high temperatures, especially in January). If possible, avoid the height of the rains - from about February to March/April - as many roads become impassable and flooding is common in the south and centre. Around Easter, Christmas/New Year's and in August, Mozambique's southern coastal resorts become overrun with the vacationing neighbours and advance bookings are highly advisable.

Climate

The climate varies according to area.  Inland is cooler than the coast and rainfall becomes higher as the land rises, with most rain between December and March.  From April to September the coast has warm, mainly dry weather tempered by sea breezes. November to February are the hottest months with temperatures ranging from 28 to 38 degrees C.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Metical (plural Meticais).   1000 Meticais is often called a Conto.  Banco de Mocambique is the central bank and has branches throughout the country.  Please remember that you can only change money at border posts and in the three major cities at banks and bureau de changes.

Banking hours are Monday – Friday 07:30 – 15:00

Major hotels have foreign currency facilities.  Most shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept traveler’s cheques. Visa and MasterCard are accepted at most places, with Diners and American Express less often taken. In many cases, although your bill may be in US$, if you pay by credit card the figure will be converted to metical; this is as a result of foreign exchange regulations.  For cash, small US$ denominations are recommended.

Dress

In the hot season light, tropical clothing, (preferably pure cotton) will suffice; in the evenings you will need a sweater.  A lightweight raincoat will also be needed.  In the cool season wear lightweight clothing and jersey, especially inland.

Sundresses and shorts are permissible, though scanty clothing should not be worn in public in the larger towns.  Always take precautions against the sun (even in winter).  Sun block, sunglasses and a sun hat are essential items as is insect repellent and comfortable footwear.

Mozambique is home to a rather beautiful but very sharp shell, the razor clam. We suggest you take with you some beach/swimming shoes to protect your feet when swimming or walking in the sea at low tide.

Health

No vaccinations are currently required for entry into Mozambique if arrival is directly from North America or Europe.  We recommend that boosters of tetanus for children and adults are up to date.

Courses or boosters that are usually advised are diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A and typhoid.  Consult your doctor or specialist travel clinic for advice as there may be additional recommendations depending on individual circumstances.

A Yellow fever certificate is required if the visitor is over one year old and entering from or been in transit through an infected area or a country where yellow fever is endemic (such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda or Zaire).  Yellow fever vaccination must be administered at least ten days before arrival (or re-entry) into Mozambique.

Malaria precautions are essential in all areas, all year round. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset. You are advised to use insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleep under a mosquito net. Prompt investigation of fever or flu like symptoms anytime within six weeks of travel is essential.

As with all travel to remote places in developing countries, it is worth spending a little time to make sure you are well-prepared, and have a small supply of any medicines you might need to treat minor ailments and to carry a course of emergency ‘standby’ treatment for malaria.

As a precaution boil or sterilise drinking water outside main towns, or buy bottled water.

Languages

Portuguese, English and Swahili. Dialects of English are very widely spoken. All staff at coastal lodges/resorts are English speaking.

Charter Aircraft

Please note that all charter transfers are in light aircraft that carry between five and seven passengers. These planes are limited with regards to the weight that they can safely carry. It is therefore vital that all passengers adhere to the luggage restriction of twelve (12) kilogram's per person in a soft bag. This excludes a reasonable amount of camera equipment and carry on luggage (15 kilogram's in total). In addition, please let us know if you are over 1.82 meters (6’2”) tall or weigh over 100kg (220lbs).

Tickets are generally not issued tickets for charter flights; you will however, receive a voucher.

Local time

GMT + 2 hours

Visas/Passports

South African passport holders do not require a visa. Most other countries do require visas and these can be obtained upon arrival although you may have to stand in a queue for a bit.  Alternatively, they can be obtained prior to arrival from a Mozambique consulate. The approximate cost is US$50.
Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after the date of your holiday, with plenty of blank pages.

FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, WE SUGGEST THAT YOU CARRY A PHOTOCOPY OF THE RELEVANT PAGES OF YOUR PASSPORT AND ANY OTHER IMPORTANT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WITH YOU. WE ALSO RECOMMEND THAT IN ADDITION, YOU LEAVE COPIES WITH SOMEONE AT HOME.

Water

Tap water should not be drunk; bottled water can be purchased at supermarkets or in the hotels.