Mozambique
Magical, mysterious, moving and seductive, Mozambique’s fortunes are on the up. Now stable and at peace for more than two decades, the economy has started to grow and visitors are returning to discover the attractions of this corner of Africa. Despite the improvements and modernisations that have followed, a traditional heart beats in much of the country. A fusion of African, Arabic, Indian and Portuguese influences, Mozambique is very much its own country.
What to see
Maputo
Mozambique’s sprawling waterside capital boasts lively markets, a pulsating nightlife scene and relaxed hideaways as well as an 18th-century Portuguese fortress, Nossa Senhora De Conceiao, and the Cassa Do Ferro, built by Gustave Eiffel.
Inhambane
Sleepy seaside town set in a beautiful bay with dhows and flamingos along the shore, as well as access to some great beaches.
Limpopo National Park
Connected to the Kruger in South Africa, Limpopo is home to large herds of elephants and a wide variety of animal and bird species. Big game moves freely across the border whilst the mighty Limpopo and Zambezi rivers flow through it.
Bazaruto National Park
Coastal reserve and archipelago with excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities that allow visitors the chance to see shoals of colourful fish, whales, turtles and dugong.
Chimanimani Mountains
Traditional cultures thrive in the cool, dense forests that cling to the slopes and secluded valleys of this region.
Top experiences / sites of particular interest
Mozambique Island
The northern half of the island has been declared a World Heritage Site because of the structures here and the connection with the country’s colonial past. Look out for the Palace and Chapel of Sao Paulo and the Church of Senhora Baluarte in particular.
Quirimbas Archipelago
Stunning island group that has a number of beautiful, unspoiled beaches as well as dramatic coral structures. Drift around on a dhow to see them at their best. Laid back and easy going they are also good for birdwatchers. The island of Ibo, with its silversmiths, crumbling fort and old mansions is the pick of places to visit.
Gurue
Verdant hill country with good trekking amidst tea plantations and jacaranda groves.
Lake Niassa
Head here for remote and rugged scenery and lakeside tranquillity in one of the country’s quietest provinces.
Lake Cahora Bassa
Backed up behind one of the world’s largest dams and surrounded by magnificent hill panoramas, the lake is a great spot to get away from the traditional rail.
Gorongosa National Park
Recently revived reserve in a scenic setting that now has good birdwatching and wildlife, best seen from game walks.
When to go
Weather & Seasons: Mozambique’s climate is varied. The driest months are May to November, when temperatures are lowest as well. October to April is hotter and wetter, with February to April especially wet, meaning that roads can be impassable at these times.
Important Dates and Festivals: There are a number of festivals and celebrations throughout the year including Independence Day on 25 June.
Getting there / around
Flights: There are international airports in Maputo (MPM), Beira (BEW) and Nampula (APL). Internal flights connect most major cities.
Rail: There is a limited rail network – take the Nampula to Cuamba train to see an attractive stretch of the country.
Road: Roads are reasonable in the dry and often treacherous in the wet. Bus and coach services run between the large towns and chapa-cems, converted trucks, connect smaller towns.Car hire is available in the capital and elsewhere but self-drive visitors may find driving hazardous.
Potential itineraries
Beach Holiday: Mozambique is too big to get round in one go unless you have lots of spare time. Head to the south for a beach break and tackle the centre and north if you fancy a bit more adventure or pampered island indulgence.
2 Weeks: In two weeks you can immerse yourself in Maputo before heading north to Inhambane in order to relax on the beaches. Push on to the Bazaruto National Park before returning to the capital. If you’re arriving overland, enter the country from South Africa via the Kruger and Limpopo National Parks before heading to Maputo.
Longer Trips: For a grand overland tour that takes in all that the country has to offer, and allowing for the off-the-beaten track nature of much of the country, take two to three months to travel end to end, detouring inland and stopping frequently.
Our Recommendations
Guides
Overall Country Guides: There are just a couple of comprehensive guidebooks available for Mozambique, pick up either the Bradt or Lonely Planet guide.
Maps
Reise Know-How produces a map of Mozambique and Malawi, whilst ITMB publishes Malawi and Mozambique.
Read More
Mia Couto is Mozambique’s foremost novelist. Try The Last Flight of the Flamingo, Sleepwalking Land or Under the Frangipani to gain lyrical insights into and a flavour of the country.
Neighbours, The Story of a Murder by Lilia Momple is the dramatic tale of an attempt to destabilise Mozambique that creates tragedy for ordinary people living in Maputo.
Local Dishes
Snack on excellent camaroes, prawns, and lagosta, crayfish. Wash them down with Dois M (2M), the national lager, or spirits made from the fruit of the cashew.
Sight & Sound
Music: Listen out for the upbeat rhythms of marrabenta, Mozambique’s national music. Traditional instruments include xylophones, panpipes and pankwe, a small guitar-like instrument.
Pre-Trip Practicalities
Language
Portuguese is Mozambique’s official language although a wide variety, including Emakhuwa, are spoken.
Currency
Mozambique Metical (MT) made up of 100 centavos.
Visas
UK and US citizens require a visa before entering the country.
Health issues
Inoculations for cholera, hep A, hep B, typhoid, meningitis, rabies and yellow fever are recommended. Malaria is also present in parts of the country.
Safety, FO travel advice
Essentially safe although there is a risk of petty crime in major cities and there are a number of landmines still scattered around contested areas.
Useful Telephone Numbers
Mozambican country representatives can be found
in the UK at
21 Fitzroy Square, London, W1T 6EL. Tel:- 020 7383 3800.and in the US at
1525 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20036. Tel:- 202 293 7146.There are no tourist boards in either country.
For more information visit: www.mozambiquetourism.co.za or www.visitmozambique.net.
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