Geographical situation:

Mozambique is located in southern Africa and bordered on its eastern side by the Indian ocean. The neighbouring countries are Swaziland and South Africa south side, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi west side and Tanzania north side. It is crossed by the tropic of Capricorn. Its surface is approximately once and half France and the coast stretches on 2.600 km.

Climate :

The climate is warm all the year but consists in two seasons : the dry season, from April to November and the rainy season from December to March.

- Temperatures vary from 24 to 27° during the dry season and from 27 to 31° during the rainy season. Precipitations are approximately 800 mm/year. However, even during the rain season, the days remain sunny. Thunderstorms blow over quite quickly, but strong winds might occur in December and January.

- Water temperature : January 29º, April 27º, July 20 - 22º, October 26º.

Please enquire more info from us prior to departure.

Population :

18 million inhabitants of 16 ethnic groups.

Languages :

Portuguese is the official language. There are many local dialects. French (learnt at school) and English are rarely spoken.

Religion :

40 % Christians (mostly in the south)

20 % Muslims (on the northern coast)

40 % traditional religion

Food :

The food is varied. Many tropical fruits, vegetables, coconuts and, of course, all the sea products : crayfish, crabs, prawns, calamari, fishes.

Not to be missed: chicken grilled in coconut milk.

Good Manners :

As any African country, hospitality is part of the culture and Mozambican people do not depart from this tradition.
The proximity of the ocean takes part in the softness of a life rhythmed by the wind and the tides.

Currency :

The official currency is Metical (1 euro = 30 mts.). The Dollar, South African Rand and also the Euro are changed in all banks and in a few shops.

The use of the credit cards is no more a problem. There are three banks in Inhambane. Maestro, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Different cards are of an advantage and will ensure the easy withdrawal action. 100 € maximum per withdrawal action. Recommended to bring some cash money.

Photo / Video :

It is better to foresee everything before leaving Europe. In case of emergency, it is however possible to find colour photo films.
Power : 220V/50Hz. The plugs are the same as in Europe.

Telephone :

Mobile phone reception throughout the Regions of Tofo and Vilankulos/Bazaruto with roaming for international customers. You can also buy a mozambican 'Prepaid' SIM-Card and make international calls at about 0,5 €/minute.

Passports :

Valid at least 6 months before expiration date.

Visas and taxes :

Visa is compulsory and costs approximately 30 US$. Possibility of getting it from the Mozambican Embassy of your country or directly on the border at your arrival. Recommended to apply for the Visa beforehand, because it can come to long waiting times at the Int. airport of Maputo.

Departure airport tax:

20 US$ from Inhambane to Johannesburg.

5 + 10 US$ from Inhambane to Joburg via Maputo.

Sanitary Information :

Risk of malaria all year round. Precautions: anti-malaria treatment and mosquito repellent. ( Malarone is recommended, cause no side effects. Cheaper available in the Netherlands). Recommended to sleep in a mosquito net. Water is not drinkable in all places, so it is recommended to drink bottled mineral water (available everywhere). See a tropical doctor before departure.

Clothing :

Light clothes all year around. From June to August it is advised to carry trousers, polar and a wind-cutter for the freshness of the nights. Temperatures can go down to 15 degrees at night. All year some warmer cloth for fresh, windy nights. Bathing clothes and big beach towel.

Guides :

Lonely Planet

Hupe Publishers - Complete Guidebok in German

For more information on Mozambique consult the webpage of the French Cultural Centre in Maputo: www.ccfmoz.com