Mozambique - the fastest growing tourist destination in Africa!
Welcome to the Republic of Mozambique, or in Portuguese, “Moçambique or República de Moçambique,” named after the sultan, “Muça Alebique.”
If you are travelling in Mozambique, there are certain document you will require
All visitors, except South Africans and Malawians, require visas to travel
During the civil war in Mozambique almost all big game was killed........
CURRENCY
Metical is the local currency in Mozambique, but the the American dollar and the South African Rand are also widley accepted. Most of the big hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, but not all so it is advisable to always have some cash with you; we also found the Visa was more widley accepted than Mastercard.
DRIVING
When driving in Mozambique you will probably be stopped at a police checkpoint at some time or another – we were stopped 7 times within our first 24 hours in the country – at first it is worrying but by time number 3 we were pretty laid back!! Following these basic guidelines, the stops should not be problematic:
Wear safety belts all the time – this is important, MZ is strict on this.
Obey the speed limit –40 / 50 km per hour in towns and 120 km per hour on the open road
If you do get stopped the police will normally want to see your driver’s license, 3rd party insurance and road tax which can all be purchased at the border. Make sure you get all of these documents back from the officials.
Blue and yellow signs are required to be displayed on the front of the vehicle and back of trailer if you are towing.
No guns / firearms are to be brought into Mozambique, if the authorities find you with one; you will be in trouble.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Driver’s license
ID Books – if applicable
Vehicle Registration papers – if applicable
Registration papers for trailers – if applicable
If you are not driving your vehicle you need a signed letter of consent from the owner, and a copy of their ID
MOZAMBIQUE BORDERS
Ressano Garcia to South Africa - 120 kms from Maputo
Namaacha to Swaziland - 80 kms from Maputo
Machipanga to Zimbawe - Beira via Mutare
Nyamponda to Zimbawe - Tete to Harare
Chanida to Zambia
GREETINGS AND ATTIRE
Shaking hands is the normal greeting used in Mozambique. Formal dress is not often required for venues, and casual wear is acceptable in most places.
PHOTOGRAPHS
When traveling in Mozambique you should not take photographs of any armed forces, airports, bridges or government buildings, as it is illegal to do so. However in all tourist attractions, beaches and bars you can be as snap happy as you want.
BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS
Banks: Monday to Friday: 0730-1115 and 1500-1630
Shops: Monday to Friday: 0900-1300 and 1500-1830. Saturday: 0900-1300
Government offices: Monday to Friday: 0900-1200 and 1400-1730
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1st January - New Year's Day
3rd February - Heroes' Day
7th April - Women's Day
1st May - Workers Day
25 June - Independence Day
7th September - Victory Day
25th September - Armed Forces Day
25th December - Family Day
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
The best time to visit Mozambique is between May and November, when rainfall and temperatures are at a minimum. If possible, avoid the height of the rains - from about February to March/April – many of the non tarred roads do become completely impassable and severe flooding is regular in the south and centre. In the holiday seasons, Mozambique's beach side resorts fill up with South Africans, as the close proximity and lack of need of a visa make it a very attractive holiday destination; if you are planning to travel at these times you should definitely book well in advance.
LANDMINES
Remnants of the civil war in the form of landmines are still found in Mozambique, largely in the central parts of the country, so it is best to stay on well used roads and paths, as the chances of emergency facilities coming to you are slim.
CRIME
Travel in Mozambique is safe, but as in most African countries, crime does happen, but crimes such as car-jacking and armed robbery are not unusual in the larger towns and cities. As with all Africa travel, you must just use your common sense, don’t carry around lots of valuables, and do not flaunt wealth with lots of jewellery, cameras etc. Always let someone know where you are going and try to avoid isolating situations, especially in urban areas such as side roads and on beaches.
LOCAL TIME
G.M.T plus 2 hours
ELECTRICITY
220 / 230 V AC 50 Hz. Round pin wall sockets are used - it is recommend to bring adaptors which suit your plugs.