Your gateway to Mozambique

Location and Geography
This beautiful and varied country is situated on the East coast of Africa with absolutely pristine beaches that stretch for ten or even 20 kilometres at a time sand dunes that stretch far inland lagoons that are calm and safe for swimming seas that team with all manner of fish and site after site just begging to be developed for tourists to enjoy this extravagantly beautiful coast Without exception the developers have gone the route of eco-sensitive lodges or human-size hotels that reflect the architecture and culture of the land

Climate
Mozambique has a tropical climate with January and February being the hottest and wettest months with over 1200mm falling each month and temperatures in the mid-thirties The rest of the year is pleasant with low rainfall and temperatures in the 20-30 degree celsius range

What to wear
Light cotton clothing is the most comfortable and visitors should be respectful to local culture by covering up and wearing long skirts trousers or sarongs for women and a shirt and shorts for men when away from the beaches Army camouflage uniforms or army hats are not recommended

Culture, Language and Religion
Since 1990 Mozambique has been developing as a tourist Mecca once again The most popular areas for holidaymakers is the South Coast particularly Maputo formerly known as Lourenco Marques and the islands of Inhaca Benguerra and Bazaruto Maputo is an attractive port which still retains much of its Portuguese charm Its old town is a maze of narrow streets lined with many buildings dating back to before the turn of the Century Visitors enjoy exploring the town s many colourful markets where one can pick up exotic spices nuts and nick-nacks The largest island in the Gulf of Maputo Inhaca is a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches a mangrove-lined coastline in the north and brightly coloured reefs off its West coast The Bazaruto Archipelago of islands is a string of small sandy islands lying about 20km from the mainland These islands have become an upmarket haven for visitors who come here to enjoy its unspoilt beauty and see its marine animals Bazaruto is home to among other marine life East Africa s last viable population of the endangered dugong a large and exclusively marine herbivore

Customs Regulations
Curios may be exported but not any game related trophies such as skins horns shells etc The photographing of police stations military or government installations is not allowed

Currency, Departure Taxes and Visas
The currency is the Mozambique Metical Rands and Dollars are widely accepted but probably a better option to take US travellers cheques South African passport holders do not require visas and passports must be valid 6 months after travel International Euroean passport holders do require a visa

Health
The whole of Mozambique is a malaria area and recommended prophylaxis should be taken Your doctor can advise you on the best type for the area of travel and your personal requirements However taking prophylaxis will not guarantee that you will not contract malaria The best way to avoid malaria is to avoid being bitten by the mosquitoes that carry the parasite Maputo s private hospitals are of a good standard with clean and safe facilities However serious medical cases will be evacuated by air to South Africa where further facilities are available The water is safe to drink throughout most of Mozambique and in all the major tourist areas Plenty of water must be drunk to prevent dehydration

Local Time
GMT 2 - Same as South Africa

Communication
There is good mobile phone reception at Maputo and Vilanculos and surrounds but not on the Bazaruto Archipelago