Country
Portuguese is the official language of the Republic of Mozambique, with around 19,000,000 inhabitants. English is only spoken in the southern tourist regions. The major ethnic groups each have their own languages: Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena, and numerous others.
Mozambique has around 801,590 km2 (784,090 km2 land; 17,500 km2 water
Voltage 220 V"
Time Zone
GMT +2 hours
Weather
Summer: October - March
Winter: April - September
The average temperature for Mozambique is around 28ºC all year round. The climate varies slightly according to the regions of the country. The coast experiences a sub-tropical climate while the northern parts of the county are tropical. Generally, the hot rainy season is from October to March. The average temperature along the coast is 31º C (88º F). Inland, temperatures are slightly cooler, but conditions are more humid. In the dry season, April to September, temperatures along the coast average 27ºC (80ºF).
When to go
The best time to visit Mozambique is during the winter months from April to September. The southern parts of the country are generally dryer and less tropical than the north. The best months for game viewing are August and September, towards the end of the dry season. The best time for bird-watching is usually November and December, which is the hot, rainy season. A wide variety of fish are attracted to the warm waters of Mozambique, with larger fish populating the waters in summer, and small to medium sized fish in winter, making the coast a good fishing and diving destination.
What to pack
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. The most practical items to pack are:
o Khaki, brown, white and beige colours
o Light cotton tops and cotton trousers/shorts in summer
o Long-sleeved blouses/shirts for game drives, which will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes
o Safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
o Fleece or sweater and a warm jacket for game drives
o Swimwear
o A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
o Sandals, especially to protect feet against razor clams on Bazaruto Archipelago
o Comfortable walking shoes
o Plenty of camera film and batteries
Health (Vaccinations)
We recommend that you obtain malaria prophylactics before entering Mozambique. When purchasing these, please tell your doctor or pharmacist that you intend visiting Mozambique. Whatever prophylactics you use, remember to complete the course as directed after leaving the malaria area. If you suffer from side effects, try taking your malaria prophylactics at night after dinner. Resistance to prophylactics is widespread so the best way to avoid getting malaria is to avoid being bitten. Take precautionary measures to prevent contact with mosquitoes, like: sleeping under a bed net or in a room/tent with mosquito proofing; making use of a mosquito repelling lotion or stick at sunset time is recommended.
No inoculations for smallpox, cholera or yellow fever are required unless you are coming from an infected area. This could change and you should check with the Mozambique Embassy when you obtain your visa. However, travel clinics generally recommend that visitors should take precautions against yellow fever, cholera, tetanus, diphtheria, polio, typhoid, smallpox, malaria and hepatitis A, particularly if you will be in the country for more than 1 month.
Visa
Important Note: This is a guide only - please check with your nearest Mozambican consulate, embassy or Mozambican diplomatic mission for up to date information.
All nationalities, apart from Malawians, require a visa to enter Mozambique. Visas can be obtained prior to departure or can be issued upon arrival at Maputo Airport or border post. This applies to all passport holders.
A single entry visa is valid for up to 30 days, although with Consul's approval this may be extended to 90 days. A multiple entry visa is valid for six months, though each entry is only valid for a ten day stay.
Requirements for a visa are: a passport with at least six months' validity, two passport photographs, a visa application form, and (usually) a copy of your airline ticket / itinerary. Sometimes proof of permanent resident status or valid entry visa for country of origin is required.
The cost of the visa when arriving to Mozambique is US$25.
It is advised that you carry certified copies your passport and all travel documents, and always have either your passport or these copies with you.
Currency
Metical
Flights
Domestic air services operate between Beira, Maputo, Nampula, Pemba, Quelimane, Tete and Vilanculos
Roads
Driving in Mozambique is not always as easy as it could be. In many parts of the country a 4x4 is essential. Roads are gradually being improved, however, and the roads south of Beira tend to be in good condition. Potholes are actually the biggest road hazard in Mozambique. Other hazards to be aware of are roadblocks (make sure you have your driving license, vehicle registration, temporary import papers and traffic triangles, and that you are wearing your seatbelt), vehicles without lights at night and livestock on the roads. Car hire is possible in most major towns, but should be booked in advance. There is a good network of petrol stations, though not in game reserves. For ecological reasons, we urge you not to drive on dunes and beaches. Driving in Mozambique is on the left side of the road.