General

Mozambique is a beautiful country with some of the best beaches, coral reefs and turquoise waters in the whole of Africa and although it is at this very moment still being re-developed, tourism is starting to increase again. Beach resorts spring up around the marvellous coastline and some islands, like Bazaruto, have very good, although expensive lodges with postcard quality island surroundings of crystal clear water, palm trees and secluded white beaches. The country is still pretty much a travel destination for the independent seasoned traveller, who wants to explore areas where few Europeans have ever ventured.

Service standards are generally low in Mozambique, compared to South Africa. Waiters in restaurants and even in some hotels often speak little English and take their time bringing the orders to the tables. People are however very friendly which makes up for the wait. Enjoy the fact that you are on holiday and experience another culture!

Practical Information

Money:

Mozambique’s currency is the metical (plural – meticais). As of mid-2006, the ‘metical nova família’ (new family metical) was introduced, at a rate of 1000 old meticais to one new metical.

All major towns have ATMs, often operated by Banco Internacional de Moçambique (BIM), and all accepting Visa, but not MasterCard. You can change US dollars cash at most banks (though not at most BIM branches) without paying commission, and South African rands are widely accepted in southern Mozambique. Travelers cheques can be changed only at Standard Bank (minimum US$35 commission per transaction, original purchase receipt required).

Visas:

Visas are required by everyone except citizens of South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Botswana, and can be bought at most borders (but not the Tanzania border) for US$25. For busy borders such as Komatipoort it is recommended to arrange it in Advance, however at Giriyondo it is no problem to get a visa at the border post.

When to go

Sunshine, blue skies and temperatures averaging between 24°C and 27°C along the coast are the norm, except during the rainy summer season from about December/January through to April when everything gets soggy and sticky, and temperatures exceed 30°C in some areas.

The best time to visit is from May/June to November, during the cooler dry season. During the Christmas/New Year’s holidays, around Easter and in August, the southern resorts fill up with the vacationing South African neighbours.