Mozambique in well-known primarily for its seashores and prawns, Mozambique additionally affords the customer World Heritage websites, colonial structure and a vibrant native tradition. Bustling markets promote beautiful carvings and basketware with the wooden and ivory sculptures of the Makonde acknowledged as one in all Africa’s most subtle artwork kinds.
Mozambique has additionally produced gifted painters equivalent to Malangatana and the nation’s murals adorn many a wall, particularly in Maputo. Traditional music is within the type of Marrabenta music in addition to Marimba and calabash orchestras. Keeping with the rhythm of Africa, the ritualistic Nhau and mapico initiation dances could be a horrifying sight. Popular actions for travellers embody diving, snorkelling, chicken watching and fishing for marlin, sailfish or kingfish.
CAPITAL:
Maputo
CLIMATE:
Subtropical though droughts and low rainfall is frequent. Rainy season is Oct-Apr and dry season Apr-Sep.
CURRENCY:
1 Mozambican Metical = 100 centavos. USD or Pounds Sterling traveller’s cheques are beneficial. Change cash at licensed establishments. Credit playing cards will not be extensively accepted. A lot of retailers desire USD. Import and export of native forex is prohibited.
ELECTRICITY:
220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are 2- and 3-pin spherical.
HEALTH:
A yellow fever vaccination is required from travellers over 1 yr of age coming from contaminated areas. Visitors are suggested to take pre-arrival precautions towards malaria (threat exists all year long in the entire nation), hepatitis A, polio, typhoid and meningitis relying on the realm visited and time of yr. Other well being considerations are rudimentary medical services, unavailable medicines, cholera (preserve strict meals and water hygiene) and influenza (threat extends all through yr).
LANGUAGE:
The official language is Portuguese, however Makua and Tsonga are additionally spoken. English isn’t extensively spoken however will be understood.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
New Years’ Day (1 Jan); Heroes’ Day (3 Feb); Women’s Day (7 Apr); Labour Day (1 May); Independance Day (25 Jun); Victory Day (7 Sep); Armed Forces Day (25 Sep); Defunct’s Day (2 Nov); Christmas Day (25 Dec); Boxing Day (26 Dec)
SHOPPING:
basketwork; reed mats; woodcarvings; masks; printed material; leather-based articles; prawns; wine.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS:
Religion is principally Roman Catholic, however different faiths embody Muslim, Hindu and conventional beliefs. Handshaking is the customary type of greeting. Portuguese customs e.g. modes of handle (Senhor/Senhora) apply. Dress is informal and formal put on is seldom required. For enterprise safari fits are acceptable in sizzling climate, whereas light-weight fits are suggested for the remainder of the yr.
TIME DIFFERENCE:
GMT +2
TIPPING:
Ten p.c is customary, nevertheless it’s discouraged in resorts. Taxi drivers count on 10 p.c.
TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS DESCRIPTION:
Maputo:
The capital metropolis has extensive avenues lined with crimson acacia and lilac jacaranda flowering timber; it affords many historic, cultural and scenic spots e.g. the Cathedral; City Council Chambers; Tunduro Gardens; Railway Station; the Fortress and Natural History Museum; seashores embody Praia da Macaneta; Ponta do Ouro and Ponta Malongane.
Xai-Xai:
224km from Maputo; the close by seashore is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot with its large reef defending the shores from sturdy waves at excessive tide; at low tide locals collect shellfish to promote to vacationers; within the space additionally go to Praia do Chongoene, Bilene and the Banhine National Park, with its wealthy number of wildlife.
Mozambique Island:
About two-thirds of the island was declared a ‘World Heritage Site’ by UNESCO as a result of buildings being constructed from coral; locations of curiosity embody St Paul’s Palace, the Museum of Sacred Art and the Fortress of St Sebastian; close by seashores are Praia de Fernão Veloso and Praia das Chocas; on the mainland, in Nampula metropolis, see the Cathedral and Museum.
Beira:
The nation’s second metropolis, Beira is unfold alongside the coast; see the Largo do Municipio, Casa Portugal, Casa Infante de Sagres, Casa dos Bicos and the Cathedral; the very best seashores are discovered between the Clube Nautico and the lighthouse; close by ‘Six Miles’ is an inland resort with a synthetic lagoon with islands the place chances are you’ll swim or rent pedal boats; recreation viewing within the province is on the well-known Gorongosa National Park and Marromeu Buffalo Reserve.
Bazaruto:
Archipelago Very common vacationer space consisting of Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque and Santa Carolina islands off the mainland with prime quality resorts; On Inhambane on the mainland, see the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception; conservation areas embody the Zinave National Park and the Bazaruto National Park.
Pemba:
The metropolis has an unspoilt pure magnificence; go to the Old Town, the place you’ll be able to go to a number of conventional markets, the seashores of Praia do Wimbe and Praia do Farol; close by Ibo Island is a part of the idyllic Quirimbas archipelago.
Lake Niassa & Niassa Reserve:
Niassa province affords breathtaking views and surroundings; unspoilt Lake Niassa is accessible by 4×4 solely and provides you a ‘actual Africa’ expertise, with fishing villages the place you should buy recent fish and coconut milk; Niassa Reserve is known for its massive amount of elephants.
Inhaca Island:
34 km from Maputo within the bay, accessible by boat or airplane; excursions of Ponta de Santa Maria and Portuguese Island are doable.
Maputo Elephant Reserve:
79 km south of Maputo, the reserve is known for its elephant herds; flamingos can be seen on the massive inland lakes close to the ocean.
Face of the Old Man:
In the town of Chimoio, ‘Cabeça do Velho’ is a spectacular pure stone formation resembling the face of an outdated man.
