Mozambique

Climate

Mozambique is essentially a hot country as it is mostly situated at low elevations and almost entirely within the tropics. The hot rainy season is from November to March and the dry winter months are cooler, but still quite hot during the day, especially along the northern coast.

Languages

The official language is Portuguese. In general the local people understand and speak some English. Outside the urban areas, each region has its own dialect.

Public Holidays

January 1 ( New Year’s Day), February 3 (Heroes’ Day), April 7 (Women’s’ Day), May 1 (Workers’ Day) June 25 (Independence Day), September 7 (Lusaka Agreement Day), September 25 (Armed Forces Day), October 4 (Peace Day), December 25 (Family Day).

Health / Immunization

A course of anti-malaria tablets is strongly advised. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, polio tetanus and typhoid are also recommended. A yellow fever certificate is required for those arriving from infected areas. Malaria is endemic to the entire country, therefore suitable precautions and the use of Prophylactics are recommended. There are a number of excellent mosquito repellents available, which are applied directly to the skin or clothes in the evening. Most hotels and lodges have mosquito nets over the beds in their rooms. HIV/Aids is widespread in Mozambique and it is recommended that visitors do not engage in any high-risk sexual or drug-related activities, which may cause exposure to the disease. Condoms are available in the larger towns and cities however a thorough inspection before use may be prudent and it is possibly advisable to bring your own. Although local water is reasonably safe, visitors are advised to drink the good quality bottled water available.

Visitors are responsible for their own medical needs and it is advisable to carry comprehensive medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation cover. Hospital services are generally poor and often non-existent in rural or more remote regions of the country. Chemists/Pharmacies; private doctors and other medical practitioners are available in large towns and cities. Hospitals are listed under “H” and private doctors and medical practitioners under “medical practitioners” in telephone directories.

Visas & Entry Requirements

Visas are required for citizens of all countries, which can be applied for in advance – see www.mozambiquehc.org.uk (consular section – visa application forms can be downloaded) or tel: 020 7383 3800. Depending on your point of entry you may be able to get a visa on arrival but please check with the High Commission before you travel, as this policy changes from time to time. Valid passports are required by all foreign nationals to enter Mozambique & must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended stay. All air arrivals must be in possession of a valid return ticket, failing which the equivalent cost of the airfare must be deposited with customs. Visitors must be able to prove that they have sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country. It is obligatory to carry identification at all times - an authenticated photocopy of the same is allowed. 

Money

Mozambique’s local currency is the Metical, divided into 100 centavos, however US$ and SA Rand are widely accepted. It is advisable to carry cash or travellers cheques as credit cards are not widely accepted and obtaining a cash advance on a credit card in a bank can be costly and time consuming. Luxury hotels and certain shops and restaurants in Maputo accept valid, international credit cards.

Road Travel & Public Transport

The road network is poorly developed. Access to Maputo from the South African border & north up the coast as far as Vilanculos, and from Beira to the Zimbabwe border is possible with a normal two wheel drive vehicle, as these roads have been reconstructed, although there is some periodical damage to these roads caused by the flooding etc. It is advisable to use a 4X4 vehicle in all other areas of the country. It is recommended that visitors make use of established tour operators operating in Mozambique due to the poorly developed national and tourist infrastructure. Public transport is practically non-existent although taxi services are available in the larger cities which can be booked by hotel staff or at airports.

What to Take & What to Wear

Don’t forget to take a camera, camcorder and binoculars. Stock up with plenty of film and batteries. Also take some insect repellent for spraying on exposed areas of the skin at dusk. Sunglasses, suntan lotions and possibly lip-balm should also be packed. If you do forget something, most accessories can be bought in major centres. For most of the year light clothing is a must. However, during the winter (June-August), it can get chilly in the evenings so pack a sweater or jacket. In restaurants’ smart casual is the norm - short sleeved shirts and slacks for men, blouses and skirts or informal dresses for women - but not shorts and vests. Topless sunbathing is frowned upon. When visiting game reserves neutral colours are preferred because bright hues may unsettle the animals. Wear sensible walking shoes and take a hat for protection from the sun.