General
Information
Mozambique has a coastline of more than 2500km
and is located on the southeastern coast of Africa
and is bordered by Tanzania to the North, South
Africa and Swaziland to the South, Zimbabwe to the
West and Zambia and Malawi to the northwest.
Diving is good all year in Mozambique, in the clear,
warm waters of the Indian  Ocean.
Both land based and liveaboard adventures are possible.
The reefs are varied with a profusion of colorful
soft corals which are host to some of the most amazing
marine life the world has to offer. Colorful tropical
fish such as angel, butterfly, surgeonfish and graceful
Moorish Idols are found in abundance. Large yellow
trumpet fish and trigger fish are found in many
sites.
Excellent dive sites are within short range of most
dive operators. You can spend the extra time lounging
on the beautiful beaches or if your in for some
excitement, head inland and discover the above water
big animals Mozambique has.
For the non-diver or when you are above water, there
are many other excellent  activities
to occupy your time. Above water sports, beautiful
beaches, hiking, cultural and historical sights.
Safaris are available inland where you can experience
the real wilds of the african continent.
The tourist industry is still very small, therefore
the infrastructure is not that of many, more popular
destinations. But if you prefer smaller crowds and
pristine diving, Mozambique has much to offer.
Average Climate (Maputo): 55 to 75 F (13 to 24 C)
in July 72 to 88 F (22 to 31C) in February.
Water Temp: October to April (Summer) 81F (27C)
May to September (Winter) 71F (22 C)
Visibility: 16 - 100ft (5 - 31m)
Dive
Centers & Accommodations
Getting
There
Airports
Maputo International (MPM) (Maputo) is 3km (1.8 miles)
northwest of the city. Bus and taxi services run to
the centre (travel time - 15 minutes). Airport facilities
include bank, restaurant, bar, snack bar, car hire
(Avis, Hertz and Imperial) and post office.
Beira (BEW) is 13km (8 miles) from the city (travel
time - 15 minutes). Beira receives flights from Continental
Europe, other African countries and America. Airport
facilities include restaurant, shops and a post office.
International Air Travel
Mozambique’s national airline is LAM-Linhas
Aéreas de Moçambique (TM). Other
airlines serving Mozambique include Air
France, Air Mauritius, Ethiopian
Airlines, South African Airways
and TAP
Air Portugal.
Flight Times
Approximate flight times
From Maputo to London is 14 hours, including stopover
in Johannesburg.
Domestic Air Travel
There are flights linking Maputo with Beira, Blantyre
(Malawi), Inhambane, Lichinga, Nampula, Pemba, Quelimane
and Tete. Flights depart from Maputo between 0500
and 0730 and are subject to seasonal alterations.
Flights are frequently delayed or cancelled and baggage
is often lost or tampered with. Air-taxi services
are also available, and are the safest means of transport
outside the main cities.
Many of the local charter flight companies now have
scheduled flights around the country and to the islands.
Visa Requirements
All visitors must have a valid passport and visa.
Tourist Visas are issued on arrival in Pemba or Maputo.
If entering the country with more than $US5000( or
equivalent) , a "Declaration of entry of foreign
currency" must be completed at the customs desk.
The Declaration must be shown if leaving with more
than $US( or equivalent).
The gift allowance is $US 100, import duty must be
paid on gifts above $US100 in value.
Note: No drugs, firearms, or explosive materials can
be brought into Mozambique.
Departure tax
US$20 if destination is outside Africa; US$10 if destination
is within Africa. Infants under two years of age and
transit passengers are exempt.
Travel Tips
Travelling by Rail
A train runs six times a week from Johannesburg to
the Mozambique border at Komatipoort where there is
a connection to Maputo (travel time – 15 hours). An
overnight train runs regularly from Durban to Maputo.
There is a service from Harare to Beira. There are
connections from Malawi to Beira (although the border
still has to be crossed on foot).
Note: Rail services are sometimes sporadic and unreliable.
Travelling by Road
There are good road links with all neighbouring countries
except Tanzania. However, road travel can be dangerous
and should only be undertaken in daylight. Highjacking
and robberies do occur. Bus: There is a daily
bus service from Maputo to Johannesburg, and there
are good bus links to other South African cities.
Minibuses run between Maputo and towns in Swaziland,
crossing the border at Namaacha.
Medical Services
Maputo and Beira have medical facilities. Pemba has
a private clinic: Clinica de Cabo Delgado. Otherwise,
medical facilities are scarce and medicines are not
easily available. It is recommended you carry a good
supply of medicines you may need, as well as a first
aid kit. Doctors expect cash payment, so ensure your
medical insurance covers your trip to Moçambique.
Language
Portuguese (official), indigenous dialects
Religion
Indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 30%, Muslim 20%
Climate
There are two main seasons - one wet and the other
dry. The wet season, from November to March, has a
monthly average temperature of between 26.6°C
and 29.4°C (80°F and 85°F), with cooler
temperatures in the interior uplands. The dry season
lasts from April to October and has June and July
temperatures averaging 18.4° to 20°C (65°
- 68°F). The average annual rainfall is greatest
(about 56 inches) over the western hills and the central
areas, and lowest in the Zambezi lowlands averaging
16 to 32 inches.
Local Time
Mozambique is two hours ahead of GMT
Electricity
220V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used are :
Round pin attachment plug
"Schuko" plug and receptacle with side grounding
contacts
"South African" Plug (found especially near
the border with South Africa, Maputo)
Car Hire
Most major towns have both international and national
Car rental companies including: Avis Rent-A-Car, Hertz,
Imperial, Interfranca and Ibérica Rent-A-Car.
Moti rent a car is the only car rental in Pemba, but
many taxis roam the streets. Current driver‘s license
or International driver’s license is required. (a
Mozambican driver’s license is required if staying
for more than 6 months)
Currency
Mozambique´s local currency is the Metical,
however US dollars are widely accepted. Visa and Mastercard
are accepted throughout Mozambique, but Traveller's
Cheques are not accepted. Obtaining a cash advance
on a credit card in a bank can be a costly and time
consuming process.
Business Hours
Banking: Monday to Friday: 0730-1115 and 1500-1630
Shops: Monday to Friday: 0900-1300 and 1500-1830.
Saturday: 0900-1300
Governmental offices: Monday to Friday: 0900-1200
and 1400-1730
Banks
Mozambique´s commercial banks - Bank Standard
Totta de Moçambique, Banco de Fomento e Exterior,
Banco Popular de Desenvolvimento, Banco Internacional
de Moçambique and Banco Comercial de Moçambique
- offer exchange services in their main Maputo branches.
Banks in Pemba are Banco Austral (linked to ABSA)
Standard Bank (Linked Standard in SA) BCI and BIM.
Postal Services
The post offices are open Monday to Friday, 7h45 -
12h00 and 14h00 - 17h00 and Saturday mornings.
Telephones
Most major towns are served by a satellite telephone
system. Direct dialling is available to South Africa
and Swaziland.
Water
Tap water is usually safe to drink, but bottled water
is available should you prefer this. Avoid eating
food which has not been cooked or peeled.
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