Mozambique - Tourist Information |
Statistics
Statistics
Population: 19.7 million
Area: 801 590 sq. kms.
GDP per capita: US$ 1 300
Languages: Portuguese |
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...
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Currency and Credit Cards
The unit of currency in Mozambique is the Meticais. Bank notes are in very high denominations.
Luxury hotels and certain shops and restaurants in Maputo accept valid, international credit cards...
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Electricity
The Mozambique power grid uses 220/240 volts AC 50 Hertz. Wall sockets (round 3 pin) are rated to carry a maximum of 15 amps. It is important to carry a 3 pin round and square adapter, as this is...
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Public Holidays
01 January - New Year's Day
03 February - Heroes Day
07 April - Women’s Day
01 May - Workers Day
25 May - Africa Day
25 June - Independence Day
07 September - Victory Day
25 September - Armed...
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Visas and Entry Requirements
Valid passports are required by all foreign nationals to enter Mozambique. All air arrivals must be in possession of a valid return ticket, failing which the equivalent cost of the airfare must be...
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Economy
Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world with an economy almost completely eliminated by years of mismanagement and civil war. In recent years however the Frelimo Government has adopted...
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Geography
Mozambique’s neighbours include Tanzania and Malawi to the north, Zambia and Zimbabwe to the west and north-west and South Africa and Swaziland in the south and south-west. |
General
Mozambique is a large country dominated by 3.000 kilometer coastal shore along the Indian Ocean, reaching from Tanzania to the border with South Africa. Mozambique's beaches are famous - endless...
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History
Mozambique’s recorded history goes back many centuries and the country has been subject to conquest and exploitation since time immemorial. As early as AD600 Arab traders had established contact with...
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Physical Features
Mozambique is dominated by its three thousand-kilometre coastline. Savannah and dense woodlands and forests largely cover the interior of the country.
The western border with Zimbabwe is...
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Political Features
Mozambique is divided into ten provinces and Portuguese is the official language, with English increasingly important especially in Maputo. The capital city and most populous urban centre is Maputo,...
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Accommodation
The variety of accommodation in Mozambique is fairly limited including luxury hotels in Maputo and luxury lodges on the offshore islands and along the southern coast. Accommodation in most other areas...
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Religion
Christian, African Indigenous Beliefs, Jewish (very few), Muslim and Hindu. |
Banks and Foreign Exchange
Banking hours in most centres are 08h15 to 11h00 Mondays to Fridays. Banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
The United States Dollar and the South African Rand are the most acceptable foreign...
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Business Hours
Most businesses and shops are open between 14h00 and 18h00 on Mondays and 08h30 and 13h00 and 15h00 and 18h30 on other weekdays and Saturday. Shops and businesses are closed on Sundays. Curios can be...
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Dining and Drinking
Mozambican food reflects the agricultural products of the country. Superb seafood products feature prominently. Maputo boasts a wide variety of restaurants featuring most of the prominent cuisine...
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Media and Television
Local newspapers are published in Portuguese and a limited national radio network broadcasts in Portuguese and in local languages. DSTV satellite television with approx. 100 regional and international...
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Medical Care
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...
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Postal Services
Opening hours of the Post Offices is Monday to Friday from 07h30 to 12h30 & from 14h30 to 16h30.
The Post Offices are closed on Saturday and Sunday. |
Telephones
A modern and efficient telephone service is available in towns and cities across the country. Direct national and international dialling is possible. |
Tipping
Tipping for service is standard practice in Mozambique and is usually 10% in restaurants and about US$1 for hotel porters, cleaners and maids in hotels and Lodges usually get between US$1 and US$2 per...
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Air Travel
Direct flights from Johannesburg and Harare and a service from Lisbon, Portugal are the only effective links to the outside world. The internal airline links Maputo with Beira, Nampula, Pemba and...
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Road Travel and Public Transport
The road network is poorly developed. Access to Maputo from the South African border, north up the coast as far as Vilankulo and from Beira to the Zimbabwe border is possible with a normal two wheel...
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Security
Although Mozambique has a relatively low level of crime with most offences involving petty thieving, the poor economy in the country is resulting in an escalation of more serious crime and it is...
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