Mozambique

Introduction

Ilha de Moçambique

© enrikx

Situated along Africa's southeastern coast, opposite Madagascar, Mozambique's prominence along the coast makes it an ideal tourist destination. Dozens of beaches are the country's best attractions, not only because of the excellent coral reefs that mark the coast, but also because many of the other attractions the country could offer are off-limits, due to the presence of land mines.

Indeed, the civil war which tore the nation to shreds has left a dirty stain on Mozambique's canvas, one the reformed government is finding very hard to remove. Maputo was once Mozambique's beautiful capital. Now, many buildings are collapsing or collapsed, with the city's former glory a mere shimmer.
Safaris are possible but don't count on seeing as much as in neighbouring Tanzania or South Africa for example. Thankfully, local culture compensates somewhat: the art produced by Mozambicans is some of the finest and most refined in Africa. And the indelible mark of Portuguese colonialism has its bright sides, with crumbling forts turning into crowd-drawers by the day.

Warning: As a result of insurgency by a group linked to ISIS/ISIL in Muidumbe District, and the entire province of Cabo Delgado, a humanitarian crisis has developed. Terrorists also seized the city of Palma in March 2021. Travel to the northeast districts and offshore islands is not safe.

Brief History

Between the first and fifth centuries AD, waves of Bantu-speaking people migrated from the west and north through the Zambezi River valley and then gradually into the plateau and coastal areas. When Portuguese explorers reached East Africa in 1498, Swahili and Arabic commercial settlements had existed along the coast and outlying islands for several centuries. From about 1500, Portuguese trading posts and forts displaced the Arabic commercial and military hegemony becoming regular ports of call on the new European sea route to the east. The Portuguese gained control of the Island of Mozambique and the port city of Sofala in the early 16th century, and by the 1530s small groups of Portuguese traders and prospectors penetrated the interior regions seeking gold, where they set up garrisons and trading posts at Sena and Tete on the Zambezi River and tried to gain exclusive control over the gold trade. During the 18th and 19th centuries the Mazrui and Omani Arabs reclaimed much of the Indian Ocean trade, forcing the Portuguese to retreat south. Many prazos had declined by the mid-19th century, but several of them survived. During the 19th century other European powers, particularly the British (British South Africa Company) and the French (Madagascar), became increasingly involved in the trade and politics of the region around the Portuguese East African territories.

As communist and anti-colonial ideologies spread out across Africa, many clandestine political movements were established in support of Mozambican independence. The Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO), initiated a guerrilla campaign against Portuguese rule in September 1964. This conflict, along with the two others already initiated in the other Portuguese colonies of Angola and Portuguese Guinea, became part of the so-called Portuguese Colonial War (1961–1974). Mozambique became independent from Portugal on June 25, 1975. Within a few years, almost the entire ethnic Portuguese population which had remained at independence had also departed. Starting shortly after the independence, the country was plagued from 1977 to 1992 by a long and violent civil war between the opposition forces of anti-Communist RENAMO rebel militias and the Marxist FRELIMO regime - the Mozambican Civil War. By mid-1995 more than 1.7 million Mozambican refugees who had sought asylum in neighbouring Malawi, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Zambia, Tanzania, and South Africa as a result of war and drought had returned, as part of the largest repatriation witnessed in sub-Saharan Africa.

Geography

At 801,537 km2, Mozambique is the world's 35th-largest country. Mozambique is located on the southeast coast of Africa. It is bordered by Swaziland to the south, South Africa to the southwest, Zimbabwe to the west, Zambia and Malawi to the northwest, Tanzania to the north and the Indian Ocean to the east. Mozambique lies between latitudes 10° and 27°S, and longitudes 30° and 41°E. The country is divided into two topographical regions by the Zambezi River. To the north of the Zambezi River, the narrow coastline moves inland to hills and low plateaus, and further west to rugged highlands, which include the Niassa highlands, Namuli or Shire highlands, Angonia highlands, Tete highlands and the Makonde plateau, covered with miombo woodlands. To the south of the Zambezi River, the lowlands are broader with the Mashonaland plateau and Lebombo Mountains located in the deep south. The country is drained by five principal rivers and several smaller ones with the largest and most important the Zambezi. The country has four notable lakes: Lake Niassa (or Malawi), Lake Chiuta, Lake Cahora Bassa and Lake Shirwa, all in the north. The major cities are Maputo, Beira, Nampula, Tete, Quelimane, Chimoio, Pemba, Inhambane, Xai-Xai and Lichinga.

Regions/Provinces

• Northern Mozambique - Cabo Delgado, Nampula and Niassa provinces.
• Central Mozambique - Manica, Sofala, Tete and Zambézia provinces.
• Southern Mozambique - Gaza, Inhambane Vilankulo and the Bazaruto National Sea Park, and Maputo provinces.

Cities and Towns

• Maputo - the nation's capital, in the far south
• Xai-Xai
• Beira - a busy port town and capital of Sofala Province.
• Inhambane - a pretty historic town on a bay.
• Tete - central north, gateway to Malawi
• Quelimane
• Nampula - an industrial city in the north and capital of Nampula Province.
• Matola
• Pemba - in Northern Mozambique, a popular holiday destination for Mozambicans, although its isolation has kept it off the tourist route for most Western visitors.
• Vilanculos

Sights and Activities

Limpopo National Park

The Limpopo National Park is part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which also contains the Kruger National Park in South Africa and the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe. Since many of the animals here were killed during the civilian war in Mozambique, there has been a huge translocation of animals from the adjacent Kruger National Park and a border between the two countries has been opened up recently as well. This way, it is possible to visit some more remote parts of the Transfrontier Park, but you will need the proper visa and vehicle (4wd) to get to the Mozambique parts, as infrastructure as well as accommodation is still basic. That said, there is no doubt about it that this national park is a good opportunity to see the wildlife (including the big five) in its natural setting, still without too much visitors and vehicles.

Gorongosa National Park

Gorongosa National Park is at the southern end of the Great African Rift Valley in the heart of central Mozambique. The over 4,000 square kilometre big park includes the valley floor and parts of surrounding plateaus. Rivers originating on nearby 1863-m Mount Gorongosa water the plain. Seasonal flooding and waterlogging of the valley, which is composed of a mosaic of different soil types, creates a variety of distinct ecosystems. Grasslands are dotted with patches of acacia trees, savannah, dry forest on sands and seasonally rain-filled pans and termite hill thickets. The plateaus contain miombo and montane forests and a spectacular rain forest at the base of a series of limestone gorges. This combination of unique features at one time supported some of the densest wildlife populations in all of Africa, including charismatic carnivores, herbivores and over 500 bird species. But large mammal numbers were reduced by as much as 95% and ecosystems stressed during Mozambique's long civil conflict at the end of the 20th century.

Bazaruto Archipelago

The Bazaruto Archipelago is located along the central coastal part of the country near the city of Vilanculos and consists of five islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaraque, Banque and Santa Carolina. There are great beaches to explore and the forest and wetland habitat houses a surprisingly high number of birds and many species of flora and fauna. The diving and snorkelling here is fantastic and you will definitely see numerous colourful fish, turtles. One of the best ways to explore the islands is to book a three day dhow trip. The trip will include a visit to Margaraque and Bazaruto, with snorkelling at 2 Mile Reef. You will see more see life there than at the Red Sea. This is one of the best places on the archipelago.

Ilha de Moçambique

Ilha de Moçambique

© enrikx

Ilha de Moçambique (Island of Mozambique) is located in the north of the country along the coast near Nampula. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and not without reason. The Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, built in 1522, is considered to be the oldest European building in the southern hemisphere and this places has been a port since the 15th century. The Fort of Sao Sebastiao (now called Stone Town) became the capital of Portuguese East Africa until 1898, when present day Maputo became the capital. Also the port function has been taken over by Nacala, but history remains in this fantastic place. In the later part of the Portuguese era, Ilha de Mocambique was a popular tourism destination for the rich and famous. Cruise ships regularly visited the port, sea planes and water taxis ferried people back and forth and the town enjoyed theatre, cinema and lots of cafe's and bars. Echos of this time linger still and visiting Mozambicans and foreigners come to Ilha in search of lazy days followed by lively nights.

Maputo

The capital Maputo is vibrant and colourful place with many historical and cultural significant buildings, many of them dating back to the Portuguese colonial period.

Niassa Reserve

Covering over 42,000 square kilometres, the Niassa nature reserve is the biggest protected area in Mozambique. It is located in the north west of the country in the Niassa province, the most sparsely populated area of the country. The park's remoteness has been a hindrance to it's development for tourism, but also largely protected it from being spoiled, and if you do make the journey it is a spectacular and truly wild nature reserve.

Events and Festivals

New Year

One of the most-loved festivals in Mozambique is New Year's Eve, welcomed with sparkling lights, decorated buildings, street parties, and fireworks at midnight. It’s a great time to be here, with everyone joining in the fun.

International Labor Day

International Labor Day, a national holiday celebrated around the world and across Mozambique takes place on May 1 with marches, parades and a great deal of enthusiasm.

AZGO Festival

This annual open-air music festival is held in Maputo over three days in May, bringing together local and international bands performing for a number of attendees. Workshops, musical documentaries and craft and fashion shows take place against a background of street food and drink stalls.

STRAB Festival

The popular Subterranean Rhythm and Blues festival kicks off in Ponta Malongane along the border with South Africa every May, having grown from humble beginnings as a birthday bash eight years ago to a huge event featuring 20 live bands. Rock and roll, blues and fusions of the two are a highlight of the three-day event. Love, harmony, respect and a great beach party the day before kicks off the celebration.

Independence Day

Celebrated in Mozambique on June 25, Independence Day is the favorite of all national festivals. Maputo stages a fabulous concert at the stadium featuring celebrated Mozambican bands and cultural events involving the visual arts, music, dance and the iconic traditional poetry common to all African countries take place all over the country during the preceding week.

Tambo International Art Festival

July sees Pemba’s Tambo International Art Festival celebrate cultural diversity through a raft of music, dance and theater performances and art exhibitions. The Mozambique event lasts for a week and includes workshops for visitors as well as locals given by Pemba’s traditional craftsmen, women and international artists.

Chopi Music Festival

Held in Inhambane Province’s town of Quissico, this unique festival kicks off the end of July and continues into August with concerts of traditional, local Chopi music recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural property. Groups of players of the mbila (a form of xylophone) drums, rattles, pan pipes, and animal-horn trumpets give concerts to preserve the unique musical form.

Christmas

The festive season in Mozambique is enjoyed by both Christians and those of other faiths with concerts, parties, music, and songs at large family get-togethers. The Catholic churches hold midnight masses and choirs fill the air with carols rich in glorious acapela African harmonies.

Weather

Mozambique enjoys a tropical climate with generally warm to hot and humid weather. There are two seasons, a dry and cool season from April to October and a warm and wet season from November to March. Temperatures usually vary from around 25 °C during the day from June to September and around 30 °C from December to March, at night dropping to around 23 °C and 17 °C respectively. Highest rainfalls are recorded from January to March and these are probably the months to avoid if you can, because hurricanes can strike the country, especially coastline.

Getting There

By Plane

LAM Mozambique Airways is the national airline of Mozambique and has its base at Maputo International Airport (MPM) near the capital. International destinations include flights to and from Durban, Johannesburg and Nairobi. Other airlines serving the country are South African Airways (Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town), TAP Portugal (Lisbon, Johannesburg), Air Zimbabwe (Harare) and Kenya Airways (Nairobi). Swaziland is served as well.

By Train

There are trains between South Africa and Mozambique though it's much faster by buses or minivans.
The Komati Line serves Johannesburg and the Komatipoort border post daily (13 hours), from where you can continue to Maputo by rail.

The train journey from Malawi to Nampula is one of the few remaining great train journeys in Africa. The scenery is stunning, the track passes between towering inselbergs and in 2nd class its comfortable enough with waiter service, reserved seating and the option to reach out the window to buy from people with baskets of food at the many stations. It runs in each direction on alternate days except Monday: Nampula to Cuamba on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and Cuamba to Nampula on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. 3rd class costs M175, second class M331, and there's no first class. The train departs at 05:00 every day (except Monday) and takes 10-12 hours. You need to book the day before. The journey is from Cuamba to Nampula (all within Mozambique) meaning that you have to make the border crossing to/from Malawi by local chappa and bicycle and thats lengthy.

By Car

There is a well maintained road between Johannesburg and Maputo and it takes around 7 to 8 hours including border formalities. Other borders with Swaziland, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania are open and possible to cross with your own vehicle.
Note that you are mostly not allowed to cross borders with Mozambique with your South African rental car!

By Bus

The capital Maputo is easily reached by frequent daily buses to and from Johannesburg in South Africa, taking about 8 to 9 hours via the busy Komatipoort/Ressano Garcia border crossing. Pretoria and Nelspruit (the latter is close to Kruger National Park) can be reached as well from Maputo. Check Greyhound, InterCape Mainliner, Panthera Azul and Translux to check and compare schedules and prices. Panthera has buses to Durban via Swaziland, originating in Maputo.

Minibuses travel between Maputo and Manzini and Mbabane in Swaziland, taking about 3.5 hours including border formalities.

There are many border crossings with Malawi. To and from Blantyre use the Zóbuè crossing between Blantyre and Harare (Zimbabwe), where vehicles depart Blantyre for the border via Mwanza connecting in Mozambique with minibuses to Tete. The Milange border crossing is convenient for Quelimane and Island of Mozambique, with regular buses from Blantyre via Mulanje to the border. In Mozambique, there are daily services to Mocuba, Quelimane and Nampula. The service to Mocuba from Milange leaves at 4:00am and costs M200 (Aug 2009) so, to avoid spending a night in Milange, you will need to hitch. It should take 4-5 hours.
The crossing at Mandimba is convenient for Cuamba and northern Mozambique, though note that you can not get a visa on arrival here (Aug 2009). There’s frequent transport on the Malawi side to Mangochi, where you can get minibuses to Namwera and Chiponde. Once in Mozambique, vehicles go daily from Mandimba to Cuamba and Lichinga.
To and from Lilongwe, you can use the Dedza border post, 85 kilometres southeast of Lilongwe, where minibuses run along the sealed route to Tete via Ulongwé. Otherwise, you can travel in stages via Moatize.

From Tanzania, pickups depart Mtwara daily at 6:30am to the Kilambo border post, and on to the Rovuma River, crossed via dugout canoe. Once across, two pick-ups daily go to the Mozambique border post (4 kilometres further away) and on to Moçimboa da Praia (four hours).

For Zambia, the main crossing is at Cassacatiza, northwest of Tete. Chapas go daily from Tete to Matema, from where there’s onward transport to the border, and vehicles to Katete (Zambia), and on to Lusaka or Chipata.
To Zimbabwe, the main crossings are at Nyamapanda (which lies on the route linking Harare with Blantyre via Tete), and at Machipanda on the Harare to Beira route. Minibuses go from Tete to Changara and on to Nyamapanda, where there are vehicles to Harare. You can also travel directly via Blantyre and on by bus to Harare, again crossing the border with Mozambique through Tete. From Chimoio minibuses go to Manica and the border. From here, onward transport is available to Mutare and here you can take a night train to Harare.

By Boat

There are ferries between southwestern Tanzania and Mozambique via Malawi on the MV Songea between Mbamba Bay and Nkhata Bay. From here it goes on to Likoma Island (Malawi), Cóbuè and Metangula (both in Mozambique) on the MV Ilala. The MV Ilala departs from Monkey Bay (Malawi) at 10:00am Friday, arriving in Metangula (via Chipoka and Nkhotakota in Malawi) at 6:00am Saturday, reaching Cóbuè (Mozambique) around midday, Likoma Island at 1:30pm and Nkhata Bay at 1:00am Sunday morning. In southern direction departures are at 8:00pm Monday from Nkhata Bay and at 6:30am Tuesday from Likoma Island, reaching Cóbuè at 7:00am and Metangula at midday.

Getting Around

By Plane

LAM Mozambique Airways flies between Beira, Chimoio, Inhambane, Nampula, Pemba, Quelimane, Tete and Vilanculos. Air Corridor has flights between Beira, Nampula, Quelimane and Tete, but these tend to be very expensive.

By Train

The Companhia dos Caminhos de Ferro da Beira has more information about train travel in the country. Trains run from the towns of Moçambique and Nacala, via the junction at Monapo, to Nampula and Lichinga. Trains also run from Maputo to Goba and Ressano Garcia, and northwards on the line to Zimbabwe. A rail connection between Maputo and Beira is closed since 2005 but is expected to reopen in the near future.

By Car

The road network in Mozambique is far from complete and many roads are in a bad condition. Inland roads are mostly gravel roads. Tarred roads connect Maputo with Beira and Beira with Tete and are usually in a good condition, safe the few potholes. Many roads can be impassable after heavy rains and a 4wd vehicle is recommended. You can rent cars in Maputo, Beira and Nampula and a few other places, including the international airports. Traffic drives on the right and you need an international driving permit to rent a car. Also note that the people in Mozambique tend to drive fast and ignore any road rules; pay attention when driving.

By Bus

Buses connect all major cities and towns at least daily. To more remote places, you can also use the so-called chapas, which basically are converted trucks. Buses are relatively affordable, comfortable and reliable and there are many bus companies to choose from. Getting around can be painful as the roads are in bad condition, and buses break down frequently. Even short distances can take the whole day, and travelling the length of the country can easily take a week. Also note that unlike most of Africa, buses actually leave on time, and the long-distance ones usually depart in the early hours of the morning.

By Boat

There are no regular passenger services within the country, but you can go on organised trips or charter a local fishing boat to go out on the Indian Ocean for fishing, diving and snorkelling. The exception would be the ferry across from Inhambane to Maxixe, which departs whenever full.

Red Tape

All visitors (except citizens of Angola, Eswatini, South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia and Zimbabwe) require a visa, which can now be obtained on arrival at most major entry points including Maputo Airport, the Port of Maputo, Ressano Garcia, Goba, Ponto D'ouro, Giriyondo, Vilanculos Airport, Inhambane Airport, Beira Airport, Pemba Airport and Nampula Airport. The cost of receiving the tourist visa on arrival is US$50, with no additional documentation required (at least at Maputo Airport).

Land borders may also charge a stamping fee on entry, which is generally US$2, but is often waived if you buy your visa at the border. In addition, you must use the visa forms provided at the consulate or border as self-printed versions will not be accepted; at borders, these are free, but Mozambican embassies/consulates generally charge US$1 for the form.

A tourist visa is valid for 90 days after issue and permits a 30 day stay. This can be extended by a further 30 days at immigration offices in provincial capitals.

There is a US$100 a day fine for overstaying a visa.

Money

See also Money Matters

Note that the metical (plural meticais) is a restricted currency, so try to use up your meticais before you leave the country.
It is nominally divided into 100 centavos. Coins come in denominations of 50 centavos, 1, 2, 5, 10 meticais; banknotes in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 meticais (and rarely used 1,000 meticais).

Work

You may be able to find work teaching at a school such as The American International School of Mozambique.

If you're a certified divemaster or instructor you could try helping out at one of the dive shops in Tofo Beach, Vilanculos or Ponta d'Ouro.

Study

Universidade Eduardo Mondlane is the oldest and largest university in the country.

Language

See also: Portuguese phrasebook

The official language of Mozambique is Portuguese, though many people speak English in the capital Maputo and in touristy areas. The further north you travel the less likely you are to encounter English speakers, and as you enter more rural areas even Portuguese is limited.

Swahili is useful in the far north of the country as you get close to Tanzania, especially along the coast, and Nyanja is spoken near the border with Malawi and Zambia. Some native words from the Shona language can be useful if you are traveling near Cabora Bassa.

Eat

As a country the Portuguese occupation has a profound impact on local foods that has produced some of the most unique and interesting cuisine within Southern Africa. Towards the coast a great deal of seafood is used within even the most basic of dishes, however, in land the maize based partridges common throughout Africa becomes staple but with some Portuguese flair.

• Piri-Piri, also known as the African bird's-eye chili, this extremely strong chili is common is sauce form throughout the country.
• Pãozinho, also known as Portuguese rolls or Prego (beef) no pãu and bifana (pork). A floury and often semi-sweet bread roll, typically served with meat in the center.
• Matapa - a seafood (clam, crab or prawn) stew made with Casave leaves and generally served over rice. This is one of the Mozambique staples.
• Camarão National are Mozambican prawns marinaded in a Piri-Piri, garlic, onion, lemon and vinegar.
• Cray fish and other seafood - These are caught off the beach throughout the country and will generally be prepared with a piri-piri marinade, served with rice and matapa.
• Kakana - This is a bitter tasting local vegetable.

Sleep

Accommodation ranges from inexpensive guesthouses and backpacker orientated accommodation through to some of the most expensive resort accommodation in the region.

Maputo, Tofo Beach, Vilanculos and Pemba have several backpacker lodges each and are geared up for the budget traveler. There are some backpacker options elsewhere in the country but often the only option for a budget traveler will be transient labor guesthouses or cheap hotels.

Dedicated camp sites with security are available in almost all coastal towns and you can often camp in rural areas with a village chief's blessing (If you do decide to use this option a small offering such as food, liquor or cigarettes can be very useful). If taking a caravan keep in mind that a great deal of roads in Mozambique degenerate in to sandy paths that require 4WD, it is advisable to only stick to popular areas along the EN1.

Hotels in Mozambique are generally ungraded and, particularly in the less traveled parts of the country, have not been updated since independence. In some cases you can pay up to $50USD a night for a hotel room that should be in the $5 - $10 range based on facilities. On the other end of the scale Mozambique hosts some of the most incredible, and expensive, hotels and resorts in the world.

Drink

All tap water in Mozambique should be assumed to be unsafe to drink, even if it is not harmful it usually has some sediment that your stomach will not be used to. Most western oriented lodgings either provide a fresh water source or sell bottled water.

Cervejas de Mocambique which are owned by SABMiller have a virtual monopoly on beer brewing. The three most popular brands are 2M (remember to pronounce it doysh-em or you will end up with an extra beer), Laurentina Clara and Manica. Other local African beers such as Castle and Windhoek are reasonably widely available but are not as popular as in neighboring countries due to the high quality of the local brews.

The local drink is Cashu made of the peel from the cashew nut. According to the locals it's very good for a man's libido. It has a sour taste.

Health

See also Travel Health

There are no vaccinations legally required to travel to Mozambique. There are two exceptions though: you need a yellow fever vaccination if you have travelled to a country (7 days or less before entering Mozambique) where that disease is widely prevalent. Also, a cholera stamp is required when entering the country overland.

Still, it's a good thing to get your vaccinations in order before travelling to Mozambique. The general vaccination against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP) is recommended. Also both hepatitis A as well as typhoid would be recommended.

If you are staying longer than 3 months or have a particular risk (travelling by bike, handling of animals, visits to caves) you might consider a rabies vaccination. Vaccination against Tuberculosis as well as hepatitis B are also sometimes recommended for stays longer than 3 months. When staying longer than 6 months, vaccination against meningitis might be recommended, depending on your contact with other people.

Malaria is prevalent in the country. Don't underestimate this tropical disease and take precautions. Buy repellent (preferably with 50% DEET), and sleep under a net.

Finally, other possible health issues include diarrhea and other general travellers' diseases like motion sickness. Watch what you eat and drink and in case you get it, drink plenty of fluids (to prevent dehydration) and bring ORS. Also note that Southern Africa and thus Mozambique as well has a high percentage of people with AIDS.

Safety

See also Travel Safety

Risks are much the same as many other countries in Africa (and significantly less than some, including parts of South Africa). Nevertheless muggings, robberies, rape and murder do occur, so the normal precautions should be taken. Women absolutely should never walk alone on beaches. Attacks on women have grown in tourist areas. In particular it's worth checking with local hostels and other tourists as to where dangerous areas are.

But in general the Mozambican people are extremely warm and friendly and you will encounter far less hassle than in almost all of the countries surrounding it.

In Mozambique the police do not exist to help you, only to try and extort money from you. Do not trust them under any circumstances.

Insisting on being taken to a police station is unlikely to improve your situation, with the exception of in Maputo, the police have been known to rob tourists blind and throw them in a cell. Instead mention contacting your embassy or the anti-corruption hot line to verify a fine and always ask for a receipt.

If you have cause to go to a police station (e.g., filing a police report for insurance purposes after a theft), do not take any valuables or excessive currency with you and try to always go with someone else.

In Mozambique the speed limit in town is 60km/h (unless there are road signs to the contrary ) and 100km/h elsewhere. There are mobile speed traps on the EN1 which specifically target foreign visitors.

When dealing with the Mozambican police never suggest a bribe, simply listen to whatever lecture they care to give and ask "What can we do about this?" Often they will simply let you go, if they do ask for a bribe the amount is entirely negotiable and can range from a bottle of coke (carrying no identification) through to several hundred US dollars (minor drug infractions).

By law you must carry a form of identification with you at all times and present it to the police on request. As a result you should always carry a notarized copy of your passport photo page, visa and entry stamp with you at all times. Ask your hotel where to locate a notary or contact your local embassy as soon as you enter the country. In Maputo, there is one on Av. Lenine, close to Mimmo's, and another on Av. Armando Tivane (one block west of Av. Nyerere) between Av. Mao Tse-Tung and Av. 24 de Julho. They are not particularly easy to find, ask around.

If you are asked for identification by the police and you do not have a notarized copy under no circumstances give them your passport, if you do then it will likely cost you a great deal of money to get it back; often simply talking to them a while will get them to go away.

While most of the country has been cleared there is still an on-going risk in rural areas away from the EN1 in Sofala, Tete, Manica, Gaza, Inhambane and Maputo provinces. Only 2 or 3 incidents a year occur with landmines and they are all well outside the tourist trail.

Keep Connected

Internet

Internet is widely available in Maputo, with many internet cafes and all major hotels having internet access. Outside Maputo internet coverage is sporadic and mostly available in places frequented by tourists. Local Telecommunication de Mozambique (TDM) offices almost always have internet although speed and availability can be problematic.

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Mozambique's international telephone code is 258.

mCel is the state-owned provider, and as of yet the government has only licensed one other company, the South-African owned Vodacom Mozambique. Apparently a third is arriving shortly. GPRS (data and internet) are available on mCel, with 3G in Maputo and other main cities. Vodacom have 3G in many towns and GPRS Edge elsewhere. The APN is internet. Check your phone manual for setting instructions. The mCel service is not entirely reliable, especially outside Maputo. Vodacom is generally very good. While it is OK to buy credit from the hundreds of vendors roaming the streets wearing mCel or Vodacom shirts you should never buy SIM cards / starter packs, in many cases they sell them at hugely inflated prices and often they will be from one of the many recalled batches that no longer work. Any mobile phone store can sell you a working starter pack for around 50Mts.

Post

Correios de Moçambique offers postal services in the country, but they are slow and unreliable at times. For parcels you should definitely contact companies like FedEx, DHL, UPS or TNT, as they offer far better services.

External Links

• Official Governmental Website