Travel Information Mozambique
Mozambique covers an area of over 800 000 square kilometres (three times the size
of Great Britain), and its capital is Maputo. Situated to the south-east of the African
continent, it shares borders with six other Commonwealth countries: Tanzania, Malawi
and Zambia in the north; Zimbabwe to the west; and South Africa and Swaziland to the
south. The 2 500 kilometre-long coastline boasts superb beaches fringed by lagoons,
coral reefs and strings of small islands with the Bazaruto and Quirimbas Archipelagos
being some of the more well-known ones. The country’s national parks and game
reserves, some under private management, are being re-stocked and returned to their
former glory while the establishment, with neighboring countries, of cross-border
wildlife reserves is a vital factor in this resurgence. Culturally, Mozambique provides a
contrast to other countries in southern and East Africa, with its blend of African, Arab
and Portuguese influences.
Currency
The official currency is the Metical (MT), however, US Dollars and South African
Rands are more widely used for tourism and many hotels/resorts insist on payment in
these foreign currencies. The Metical is made up of 100 Centavos (plural: Meticais,
pronounced “Meticash”).
Language
The official language of Mozambique is Portuguese, though many people speak
English in the capital, Maputo, and in tourist areas. The further north you travel, the
less likely you are to encounter English speakers and in the more remote areas you
are equally unlikely to encounter Portuguese speakers. On the northern coast, towards
Tanzania, Swahili may be helpful.
Time
Mozambique is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time – (GMT) + 2 hours.
Climate
Two main seasons, one wet and the other dry, divide the climatic year:
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The wet season, from November to March, has a monthly average temperature
of between 26°C (79°F) and 29°C (84°F) with cooler temperatures in the interior
uplands.
The dry season lasts from April to October and has June and July temperatures
averaging 18°C (64°F) to 20°C (68°F). The average annual rainfall is greatest
(approximately 1422mm/56 inches) over the western hills and the central areas,
and lowest in the Zambezi lowlands averaging 406 to 813mm (16 to 32 inches).
The Bazaruto and Quirimbas Archipelagos seldom gets cold, however, on some
evenings during the winter months of June and July, a light jacket or pullover
will be necessary.
Public Holidays
01 January New Year’s Day
03 February Heroes Day
07 April Women’s Day
01 May Workers Day
25 June Independence Day 0
7 September Lusaka Agreement Day
25 September Armed Forces Day
04 October Peace Day
19 October Samora Machel Day
25 December Christmas Day
Visas
Visas are your responsibility. Please check with your nearest Mozambican consulate,
embassy or Mozambican diplomatic mission for up to date information as visa
requirements can change with little or no notice. Those nationalities that are required
to have visas to enter Mozambique may have to apply for these in advance while
others can obtain these on arrival at the port of entry. Costs can also vary.
Payment
Metical, US Dollars and South African Rands are widely used for tourism and many
hotels/resorts insist on payment in these foreign currencies. Travellers Cheques are
widely accepted and readily exchanged, however, to avoid commission they are best
taken in US Dollars. If you use Dollars or Rands in the markets or local shops and
petrol stations then please watch the exchange rate used. There are no restrictions on
the import of foreign currency, however, the import and export of local currency is not
allowed.
Credit Cards
Major hotels and some banks accept credit card transactions, however, you will be
charged a commission. MasterCard, Visa and American Express credit cards are
accepted in many places.
Banks
Monday to Friday: 07:30 – 15:30
Shopping
Mozambique sells unique souvenirs such as basketwork, reed mats, woodcarvings,
masks, printed cloth and leather articles.
Value Added Tax
There is a 17% tax levied on all products.
Arrival Tax
On arrival at Vilanculos Airport a minimum fee, paid in US Dollars, is applicable. All
other taxes such as Air Passenger Taxes, Safety Tax, Passenger Service Charge and
Departure Taxes are included in the price of the air ticket. Please note: Taxes, levies
and fees are subject to increase without any prior notification.
Power
The Mozambique power grid uses 220V/240V running at AC 50Hz. Wall sockets
(round 3 pin) are rated to carry a maximum of 15 amps. While some camps can supply
adaptors (3-prong round, 3-prong square, 2-prong round, 2-prong flat) it is advisable
that you carry your own.
Please contact for any questions:
Roho Ya Chui
Ute Sonnenberg
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +27-76-5085850
Fax: +27-86-5461154
Skype: utesonnenberg and rohoyachui
Website: www.rohoyachui.com