Mozambique

Mozambique is situated on the east coast of Southern Africa.  Mozambique has had a rough ride over the past few decades: colonial rule was followed by many years of civil war, devastating famine and natural disasters. However, since peace was agreed in 1992, the country has been piecing itself together once again and opening its doors to tourism.

Mozambique has a lot to offer the visitor.  Vast expanses of palm-fringed beach and lagoons with safe bathing, warm waters and good fishing.  The country is rich in wildlife with several excellent parks and reserves to glimpse rare birds, big game and abundant marine life. 

Mozambique has islands that are dotted with historical monuments.  There is also good hiking with little-visited mountains but advice and extreme caution should be taken due to the large amount of leftover landmines in the country.

Full Country Name: Republic of Mozambique
Area: 800,000 km
Population: 23.93 million (UN 2011)
Capital: Maputo
Borders: Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Religion: Majority Christian (mainly Roman Catholic), Muslim and Hindu.
Time Zone: Standard time is two hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time
Languages: Portuguese is the official language. Many local African languages, such as Tsonga, Sena Nyanja, Makonde and Macua, are also spoken
Country Dialling Code: +258

CLIMATE
The extensive coastal lowlands are warm to hot most of the year.  Mozambique experiences a single rainy season and in the south, most of the rain falls between December and March.  Due to

CURRENCY & BANKS
The unit of currency in Mozambique is the Metical (Mzn), pronounced meticaish, which is divided into 100 centavos.  US Dollars can be easily exchanged, although only smaller denominations are usually accepted.  In the south, the South African rand is widely used.  Credit cards are increasingly accepted in Maputo but generally not beyond the capital city.

ELECTRICITYThe general voltage in Mozambique is 220 and the frequency is 50 Hz.

As the sockets can vary a ‘Travellers Adaptor Set’ is recommended. Voltage sometimes fluctuates and whilst power cuts are rare, they are not unknown.  It is useful to carry a torch.

HEALTH
Health requirements vary from country to country.  We recommend you speak to your local Travel Doctor for up-to-date information and advice.  The following information is to be used as a guide only. 

Malaria: It is recommended that precautions against malaria are taken for travel to most regions in Africa.  We suggest you contact your doctor for advice on which prophylactic is recommended.

LOCAL DEPARTURE/ARRIVAL TAX
Local taxes are applicable when arriving or departing from a number of Mozambique’s airports – amounts are subject to change.

Pemba: Immigration tax of USD $6 per person to be paid on arrival/departure from Pemba Airport

Vilanculos: Immigration tax of USD $6 per person to be paid on arrival/departure from Pemba Airport

Inhambane: Immigration tax of R 17 per person to be paid on arrival/departure from Inhambane Airport

NATIONAL PARK FEES
When staying in southern Mozambique, National Park fees may apply depending on where you visit.  The Bazaruto National Park attracts a one off payment of USD $10 per person (paid at the first establishment visited).  There is no fee for the Quirimbas National Park.  National Park fees are subject to change.

ROAD TRAVELPlease note that road surfaces vary from tarmac, gravel, sand and occasionally vehicles may travel "off road".  Additionally, if visiting remote areas or National Parks and Reserves, the roads may well be rough, bumpy and in a poor condition and may be affected by adverse weather conditions.

VISA INFORMATION
At the time of writing, a visa for Mozambique is required for Australian Passport Holders.  The visa can be obtained on arrival at the airport and paid for in US Dollars cash.

Single Entry Visa: USD $82 per person plus an additional USD $2.50 per person Stamp Duty on an Australian Passport (subject to change).

We hope that you will find this country Information on Mozambique useful for reference when preparing for your holiday.  All the information above was correct at the time of writing and is to be used as a guide only.  Health, visa and other specific details should be double checked by your travel agent at the time of booking.

Here is a selection of the properties available in Mozambique.

Massinga Beach Lodge

A luxury lodge with 30 ocean-front or ocean-view air-conditioned suites, offering guests the opportunity to experience the splendour and romance of Mozambique in a peaceful setting. Located 80kms north of Inhambane these spacious units are ideally nestled to ensure absolute privacy with stylish bathrooms, lounge, private deck, and plunge pool. The lodge has two restaurants, a bar and pool deck with many optional activities available.

Departures	Twin	Single
Jan – Dec 12	$1,005	$1,285

Prices are per person in Australian Dollars for three-nights. Includes all meals and return road transfers from Imhambane. Supplements may apply for sole travellers on certain departures. Extra night prices are available on request. Seasonal supplements can apply.

Medjumbe Private Island

Offering barefoot luxury, privacy and unparalleled hospitality Medjumbe has earned its enviable reputation as Mozambique’s best-kept secret. With stylish simplicity, delicious seafood, and some of the world’s premier diving and fishing, the 13 secluded beach chalets with their own private plunge pool are just steps away from the azure blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Each air-conditioned chalet is luxuriously furnished, with ensuite bathroom, indoor and outdoor shower, ceiling fans, mosquito nets and all necessary amenities.

Departures	Twin	Single
Nov - Dec 11	$2,005	$2,340
Jan - Dec 12	$2,610	$3,045

Prices are per person in Australian Dollars for three-nights. Includes all meals, local drinks (except premium brands), non-motorised activities/equipment, marine reserve fee, laundry and return light aircraft flights from Pemba. Supplements may apply for sole travellers on certain departures. Extra night prices are available on request. Seasonal supplements can apply.

Ibo Island Lodge

A magical island steeped in history and rich in culture, this is the perfect place from which to explore one of the most ancient Portuguese settlements in Mozambique. With its crumbling buildings and forts from a bygone era, experience an unchanged culture. The lodge has 14 ensuite air-conditioned rooms, stylishly renovated from the original historic mansions, overlooking the waterfront and surrounded by tranquil gardens. At the end of the day relax and enjoy the unforgettable sunsets on the rooftop terrace with drinks and dinner.

Departures	Twin	Single
Nov 11 - Jul 12	$1,365	$1,690
Aug 12	$1,440	$1,830
Sep - Nov 12	$1,365	$1,690
Dec 12	$1,440	$1,830

Prices are per person in Australian Dollars for three-nights. Includes all meals, non-motorised activities/equipment, guided historical tour, daily boat transfer to the beach, return light aircraft flights from Pemba. Supplements may apply for sole travellers on certain departures. Extra night prices are available on request. Seasonal supplements can apply.