Mozambique Tourist Information:

Visitors can expect sunny blue skies and warm to hot days for most of the year.

Winter: October to April – the dry season with daytime maximums averaging 24° to 27° C on the coast and cooler inland.

Summer: November to March –the rainy season with average temperatures ranging from 27° to a high of 31°.

Cars, minibuses and 4x4 vehicles can be hired at all major towns. All major roads are tarred and are usually in reasonable condition but many secondary and park roads are dirt tracks, often requiring 4x4, especially in the rainy season. Therefore it may take longer than expected to cover important distances. Drivers in Mozambique need an international or South African drivers License

Safety belts must be used at all times and the use of hand-held cell phones when driving is prohibited. Expect police and veterinary roadblocks on the roads and we recommend you keep your drivers license and vehicle papers on hand. Vehicles are driven on the left and signposts are printed in English.

The local currency is the Metical (Mt), plural Meticais (pronounced 'Meticash'). Notes are issued in 100 000, 50 000, 10 000, 5 000, 1000, and 500. Foreign currency travelers cheques can be exchanged at most banks. Major credit cards are accepted in most lodges, hotels, restaurants, shops and airlines.

VAT is charged at 10% on many goods and commodities but non-residents exporting goods can reclaim VAT on departure at the international airports.

Much of Mozambique is a malaria area, especially during the rainy season; we therefore strongly recommend you seek medical advice before visiting these areas. Bilharzia is also endemic and swimming in untreated water is dangerous. Tick bite fever can be a problem when walking in grass and travelers should be aware that the incidence of AIDS is high throughout Southern Africa.

(www.traveldoctor.com)

Medical services in Mozambique are of a reasonable standard. However the availability of the services are restricted to the main towns and emergency evacuation from remote areas may attract high costs. An insurance service for tourists is available from rescue companies providing coverage for emergency transport.

It is generally safe to drink tap water in urban areas but boil or sterilize all drinking water elsewhere, or drink bottled water with a serrated lid.

220v to 240v, 50Hz.

Three point plugs are used, you will also find plugs with two round pins and rarely 3 square pins. Adaptors are available in Maputo.

Visas are required by all visitors and must be arranged in advance. It is important that visitors travel with passports with at least a six month validity period and ample space for stamps.

GMT + 2 hours

Mozambique ’s telephone system is fairly efficient. For international calls, most towns have Telecom offices, which are open daily. Mozambique’s international dialing code is 258.

E-mail is used extensively and there are Internet cafes in all the major towns.

Portuguese is the official language. English is spoken in some areas but rarely fluently.

Maputo:

Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago:

One of Mozambique’s most popular holiday destinations, Vilanculos is the gateway to the beautiful azure waters, sandy beaches and corral reefs of the Bazaruto Archipelago.



Highlights include:

SCUBA diving and snorkelling, marlin and other deep sea fishing, water sports, swimming and relaxing on the pristine beaches, luxurious lodges located on isolated, palm lined, desert islands.



Best time to visit:

May to November.

Querimbas Archipelago:

Offering more of an east African flavour, the Querimbas Archipelago is an idyllic collection of desert islands located off the northern coast of Mozambique.



Highlights include:

Uninhabited, coral based, malaria free islands – ideal for a honeymoon or other romantic getaway, SCUBA diving, snorkelling, deep sea fishing, canoeing and sailing.



Best time to visit:

May to November