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Mozambique
Summary: Located in southeastern Africa to the south of Tanzania, Mozambique is mostly coastal lowlands with uplands in the center of the country, plateaus in the northwest, mountains along much of the west, and the Zambezi River creating a fertile zone in the middle. Subsistence agriculture combined with light mining has stabilized the Mozambique economy, thanks to fiscal reforms and international forgiveness, while the country continues working with the UN to combat AIDS.
Capital: Maputo
Time Zone: UTC+2
Population: 21,284,700
Languages: Portuguese, Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena, Other Indigenous Languages
Power: 220V, 50 Hz
Currency: Metical
Climate: Mozambique has a tropical to subtropical climate, with a hot rainy season from October to February and a warm dry season from June to September.
- Currently 73º, Unknown
Recent Headlines:
Mozambique: Major Tourism Investments Planned - AllAfrica.com - Jun 27 10:08 AM
Mozambique: Guebuza Urges ISAP Graduates to Fight Obstacles to Development - AllAfrica.com - Jun 26 9:37 AM
Mozambique: Police Abort Demonstration for Zimbabwe - AllAfrica.com - Jun 28 4:52 AM
Mozambique: Country Imports Seed Potato From France - AllAfrica.com - Jun 27 10:08 AM
Tata Steel joins 'coal rush' in Mozambique - rediff.com - 2 hours, 1 minute ago
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 Maputo: Mixing colonial with African cultures, Maputo overlooks Maputo Bay near the southern tip of Mozambique and has attractive walkways and memorable views. See the Museum of the Revolution, helping to capture the earlier culture, the Catholic Cathedral and the nearby Botanical Gardens, both worth a quick visit, the train station designed by Gustave Eiffel of the Eiffel Tower, and the Municipal Market, where traditional African weavings are sold beside spices and produce. |
 Beira: A unique daytrip starts in Beira, more than 500 miles north of Maputo along the Indian Ocean coast, to see the Praça, or main square of the city, the cathedral a few blocks away and then the dark Tchunga Moyo market. Head 150 miles south to Bazaruto Archipelago for the Marine National Park, stunning above and below the water with beaches and coral reefs, and then continue another 150 miles to the beaches of Tofo and Barra, where tourist amenities make this an easy place to relax and enjoy. Maxixe and Inhambane are two towns near the beaches that can take you in for the night. |
 Mozambique Island: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mozambique Island has a collection of temples, mosques and churches, plus the Palace and Chapel of São Paulo which dates from the 1700s and now used as a local museum. Other sights are the Fort of Saint Sebastian and the Museum of Sacred Art, both worth a few hours to properly explore. About 150 miles to the north on the mainland is Pemba, the biggest town in the area with the Makonde woodworking shop, and a developing tourist region around Wimbi Beach. |
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Safety and Travel: Avoid walking around at night and overt displays of wealth, in fact, keeping minimal cash on hand or hiding a stash of bills are both good ideas. Take care when traveling off-road, as not all minefields have been marked. Women should travel in groups, and countryside exploration should be done by convoy, with multiple groups giving safety in numbers.
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Dress Codes: The local culture is a mix of Arab, African and Portuguese. Expect disruptions to restaurant and store hours during Ramadan, when Muslims fast during daylight hours, and dress casually and modestly, covering shoulders and legs to the knee.
Currency Exchange: Banks are typically open weekdays until just before noon, however, traveller’s checks have better acceptance than credit cards. The South African rand is commonly accepted, and the US dollar is easily exchanged at exchange bureaus which give better rates than the banks themselves.
When To Visit: Although birdwatchers have the best time during the rainy season, most visitors prefer the more comfortable conditions of the dry season, with August and September the best time to go on safari.
Phrases: Yes = sim, no = não, hello = olá, please = por favor, thanks = obrigado
Tipping: Tipping is not completely standardized, however, typically a 5% to 15% gratuity is appropriate depending on the quality of the restaurant and service.
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