Mozambique

about mozambique

Mozambique – Land of Contrasts

Who likes sun, sea, hot temperatures, enjoys adventure and privileges luxury and comfort this is the right place. Mozambique offers an extensive coastline, with romantic islands, paradisaical white sand beaches, warm and blue waters . But there are still tourist attractions such as safaris in parks and reserves in the interior of the country, the possibility to visit places untouched and full of history and local culture.

Each Mozambican region has specific characteristics, from environmental and cultural aspects, forming an interesting mosaic based on African, Arab, Indian and Portuguese influences. The country is known for its contrasts , and there are many, just visit the modern capital Maputo and the other districts to understand perfectly.

But, what is common in all territory is the hospitality of the Mozambican people, whether in the tourist areas or in remote communities, the smile on the face is always present. In addition to the joy of serving, even at a more leisurely pace.

Mozambican cuisine is a separate chapter, the strong union of cultural values ​​gives a special flavor to a mixed and curious cuisine. The famous tiger prawns and lobsters make anyone in love with jaw-dropping seafood and spicy foods are the country’s trademark.

geography

Located on the southeastern coast of Africa, Mozambique has a territorial area of ​​799,380 km² and its coastline (north to south) covers 2,700 km. The country is bordered by Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia (to the north), Indian Ocean (east), Zimbabwe and South Africa (west) and Swaziland and also South Africa (south).

The Mozambican relief varies according to each region, and in the south there is a predominance of plains, but also in the south and north the plateaus and mountains are present. The orographic layout associated with a tropical climate originates numerous rivers that run in parallel to the Indian Ocean. The giant Zambezi River runs 819 km across the country and drains more than 225,000 km² from the central region.

Mozambique is divided into 10 Provinces distributed in three regions, they are: Maputo (capital), Gaza and Inhambane in the South region; Sofala, Manica, Zambézia and Tete in the Central region and Niassa, Nampula and Cabo Delgado in the North region . Tete is one of the richest provinces, since Niassa has the lowest population density, in addition part of its area is coasted by Lake Niassa, the third largest in Africa.

The Mozambican population is comprised of 23 million inhabitants, of whom about 30% live in the main urban centers, including Maputo (the capital), Matola, Beira and Nampula.

vegetation

Mozambique has three types of vegetation: dense forest in the highlands of the North and Center of the country; open forest and savannah in the South and, already in the coastal zone are mangroves (plants with specific adaptations to survive in conditions of submersion in brackish waters).

This diversity provides beautiful landscapes, both in the highlands and coastal areas. These ecosystems are also the habitat of wild species such as elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hippos, antelopes, turtles, monkeys and a wide variety of birds.

climate and best season to travel

In general, the climate is humid tropical due to the monsoons of the Indian Ocean and the warm current of the Mozambique Channel. In addition to having a dry season, in the Center / North it varies from four to six months; in the South, with a dry tropical climate, it lasts for six to nine months . In the mountains, the climate becomes tropical in altitude and in the interior of Gaza the climate is arid tropical.

Humidity and rainfall vary widely across the country, the contrast is more pronounced between north and south. The coast of Mozambique usually offers sunshine, blue skies and temperatures between 24 and 27 ° C.

In the rainy season, from October to April, heavy rains cause flooding and in that period, the thermometers measure 30 ° C in some areas . The warmest regions are in the north, in the Pemba area, in the dry western part of Tete and along the Zambezi valley.

Despite being a destination that can be visited in any month of the year, the best time is between May and September, in the dry season and with temperatures between 18 and 20 ° C. In addition, it is easier to see wildlife in national parks. At the height of the rainy months (February and March), roads are inaccessible in remote and flooded areas in southern and central parts of the country.

language

Mozambique has a wide range of languages. The official language is Portuguese, but it is widely spoken only in Maputo and urban areas . However, there are about 43 Bantu languages ​​of origin, 10 of which are considered national languages. Among them, the most talked about by the population are: emakhuwa (26.3%), xichangana (11.4%) and elomwe (7.9%).

English is also widely used for business, especially in urban or tourist areas.

visa

Visitors to Mozambique unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries can obtain a visa on arrival at all border posts or from one of the Mozambican diplomatic missions.

Mozambique is part of SADC meaning that members of other SADC countries do not require a tourist visa if visiting Mozambique for tourism purposes.

You can find more at www.portaldogoverno.gov.mz/por/Cidadao/Cidadao-Nao-Residente/Migracao#

history

In the 3rd century, Bantu-speaking tribes moved to western and central areas of Africa. In the 11th century, the Shona empire developed between the Limpopo and Zambezi rivers. In 1498, the expedition led by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrived on the Mozambican coast . During the 16th and 12th centuries, the Portuguese began to explore the interior of the region and, after military campaigns, the colonists established trading posts and mining companies and the land was divided among the European colonists. In the following two centuries, Mozambique became an important center for the sale of slaves.

In 1842, Portugal prohibits the slave trade, but it remains clandestine for many decades. Large extensions of the territory began to be leased by the Portuguese to commercial companies, which used African labor to promote their interests and build infrastructure. In 1891, Portugal and Great Britain delimit the borders in the west and south of the Mozambican territory. The colonial capital became Lourenço Marques in 1902. Only in 1932 did Portugal break with commercial companies and directly impose the rules on the colony.

Due to the colony’s great economic prosperity, thousands of new Portuguese settlers settled in Mozambique between the 1950s and 1960s. Exiled activists who were against Portuguese rule met in Tanzania in 1962 with the aim of forming the Frente de Liberação party of Mozambique (Frelimo), led by Eduardo Mondlane . In 1964, Frelimo forces started the war of independence, their guerrilla tactics frustrated the Portuguese, and Frelimo took control of much of the north of the country.

In 1974, with the military coup in Portugal, the new government supported the autonomy of the Portuguese colonies, in that period about 250 thousand Portuguese returned to their country of origin. It was then that Portugal and Frelimo signed the Lusaka Agreement and a transitional government was established in Mozambique. In 1975, the country gains independence and Frelimo governs under the one-party system with its leader, Samora Machel, as president .

The following year, Lourenço Marques was renamed Maputo. In addition, Renamo, an anti-Frelimo resistance group, was created by whites from Rhodesia to fight Frelimo forces . As of that episode, Mozambique imposes economic sanctions on Rhodesia. In 1977, Frelimo adopted Marxist-Leninist doctrine and, in 1980, Remano received support from South Africa after the collapse of the Rhodesian regime. Only later, in 1984, under a Nkomati agreement, was a non-aggression pact to prevent Mozambique from giving support to the African National Congress (ANC) in exchange for withdrawing South African support for Remano. However, the agreement that attempted a ceasefire did not work, was short-lived and Remano continued its offensives.

President Machel was killed in a plane crash in South Africa in 1986 and Joaquim Chissano became president of the Republic of Mozambique . In 1989, Frelimo renounces Marxist-Leninist doctrine and the following year the government changes the constitution to allow for a multi-party political system and initial talks, in an attempt to reach an agreement, take place between the government and Renamo. The civil war and drought in the 1990s devastated the country. However, it was not until 1992 that President Chissano and Renamo leader Afonso Dhaklama finally signed a peace agreement in Rome . In 1994, Chissano was elected president and the following year Mozambique became a member of the Commonwealth . In December 1999, Chissano defeated the Remano leader in the presidential election.

Major floods in February 2000 left the country devastated again, especially southern Mozambique, where tens of thousands of people had to flee and the trail of destruction was enormous. In November of the same year, more than 40 people died during the riots in Renamo’s protests against the 1999 elections. Renamo claimed that the vote was rigged, but international observers said the election was free and fair.

In June 2002, Frelimo chose his veteran leader in the struggle for independence, Armando Guebuza, as a candidate for the 2004 presidential elections. Chissano did not accept the request to run for the third term. Guebuza defeated his great Remano rival, Afonso Dhlakama, in the elections and took power in February 2005. Then, in 2010, he won re-election with more than 75% of the votes and Renamo again alleges widespread fraud, while the monitors accuse the electoral commission for lack of independence.

In June 2012, tension between government officials and Remano left the population in fear of a new civil war. In November 2013, protesters in Maputo, Beira and Quelimane were opposed to the kidnappings and also confrontation between government troops and members of Remano.

national parks

The Mozambican government is increasingly concerned with the preservation and conservation of the country’s fauna and flora. There are 6 national parks, 6 wildlife reserves, 14 forest reserves and 12 hunting grounds, areas where hunting of wild animals is permitted. All together, they cover a total area of ​​about 128,749 km², equivalent to 16% of the national territory.

In addition, three Transfrontier Conservation Areas (ACTF) are found in Mozambique. Southern African countries have adopted the principle of creating cross-border conservation areas as a way to promote regional cooperation in the management and sustainable use of ecosystems that transcend national borders.

Gorongosa National Park is the country’s great treasure, although it is not the biggest. Its richness consists of the diversity of soils that create distinct ecosystems. Tourists can see the prairies with acacias, savanna, dry forest in sandy areas, seasonal lagoons that depend on rain, plateaus with miombo forests, humid forest near limestone canyons. Because of this combination, the park is home to one of the densest populations of wild animals in Africa and in addition to being one of the most scenic with spectacular scenery. Located in the Gorongosa district of Sofala, on the southern end of the Great Rift Valley, its 4,067 km² is a natural habitat for lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, palapas. In addition to phaco, wild pig, serval cat, civet, genet, monkey-dog, black-faced monkey, several species of antelope.

The Limpopo National Park is located in the district of Massingir, in the province of Gaza, and covers an area of ​​10,000 km², being the largest in the country. Tourists are given 10 types of landscapes, from sandy plains, calcitic plains with savannah to mopane shrubs; mopane forests; wooded savannah to floodplains. Its fauna is composed of 505 species of birds, 147 of mammals, 116 of reptiles, two endemic (sand lizard with blue tail and Spatula nose Coaster lizard; 49 species of fish of which three deserve special conservation status, being two inhabitants of the seasonal ponds and lung fish and 34 species of frogs.

With an area of ​​7,500 km², the Quirimbas National Park is in the Quirimbas archipelago, in the province of Cabo Delgado. In it, there are several marine and terrestrial species: turtle, dugong, whale, shark, elephants and other large species.The area of ​​the park is crossed by three migratory routes of elephants, and there are also lions, leopards, wild buffalo, pala -pals, elandes, birds of prey (eagles and flamingos), mangrove fish, sea turtles, among others. The coral reef provides conditions for diving and snorkelling .

The 
Bazaruto Nature Reserve , with 1,600 km², is the only one entirely marine and established to protect species of marine fauna, among them: dugongs, sea turtles and dolphins. About 150 dugongs – an endangered species – that are in this area, constitute the only viable population on the east coast of Africa. The reserve is located in the Bazaruto archipelago, in the province of Inhambane, and tourists will still see many exotic birds and coral reefs.

why mozambique ?

The country has many famous beaches and great structures for visitors, including : Vilanculos, Pemba, Tofo, Quirimbas, Ilha de Moçambique, Fernão Veloso, Chocas, Morrungulo, Inhassoro, Inhambane, Bazaruto, Zongoene, Xai-Xai, Bilene, Marracuene, Inhaca, Ponta de Ouro and Ponta de Malongane. The boat trip along the Mozambican coast is unforgettable.

Coral reefs in Mozambique are estimated to occupy an area between 1,290 km² and 2,500 km². They are one of the main attractions in the tourism industry and their biodiversity is the basis of tropical fisheries and marine ecotourism.

The island of Mozambique, in the province of Nampula, is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO . It is an important witness to the emergence and development of the Portuguese maritime routes between western Europe and India and later to all of Asia. The architecture of the city and the fortifications on the island, and on the smaller island of St. Laurent , are an excellent example of the mixture of local traditions, Portuguese, Indian and Arab influences.

The Quirimbas Archipelago consists of 32 islands . There are resorts of the highest luxury and that leaves any tourist feeling in paradise. Untouched landscapes, natural reserves of turtles, dolphins, dugongs, various species of birds and fish. Coral reefs are intact with their original colors. It is possible to snorkel in these calm waters and to be very close to colorful fish.

The island of Ibo has been isolated from the world for more than a century, so it is considered one of Mozambique’s great secrets . Its beauty goes beyond the turquoise waters and animals around, it is a great chance to get to know the history of the country: the steps of the pirates, the slave trade, gold and ivory, which were very present there.

On the coast of Mozambique, the traveler will have the unique opportunity to get to know a Dudongo , a marine species threatened with extinction. It is a plump animal that moves slowly and tends to live in bays protected by coral reef or islands with depths of up to 5 meters. They also like the mangrove channels, probably because it is the only mammal that feeds primarily on plants, especially sargasso. They can be found on the Save River and in the Vilanculo district.

There are many options for photographic safaris in preservation areas, among them: in Gorongosa National Park, in Limpopo National Park or in Niassa Reserve, where animals still live in a true wild state and around breathtaking landscapes .

Gorongosa National Park had the highest number of fauna biodiversity per km² of any park in Africa . Photographic safaris are carried out in jeeps and cover 150 km inside the park, where you can see the old lions’ house, the hippopotamus viewpoint, the limestone cliffs of Cheringoma , Lake Urema and alluvial plains (tandos). Be sure to also visit the waterfalls of the Murombodzi River in the heart of the Serra da Gorongosa and enjoy the beautiful sunset with the beautiful African landscapes.

But anyone who likes agitation should visit the capital Maputo, which is already quite different from the rest of the country. Its wide avenues, full of acacias and jacarandas, are very busy, the city is surrounded by cafeterias, art galleries, museums, street markets, craft fairs. In addition, it has a very lively nightlife, great restaurants and accommodation options. Among the attractions are also the Maputo special reserve, the small Libombos dam, the idyllic village of Namaacha, Maputo Bay and Inhaca.

The Mozambican is hospitable by nature, always with a smile on his face and welcomes tourists very well . From the most luxurious resorts to the simplest accommodations, the service is well executed. In the most isolated cities, in the poorest communities, tourists are received with a party and are surrounded especially by children.

Mozambican cuisine is sure to make anyone in love with seafood go crazy. Lobster or giant tiger prawns, famous in the country, are served fresh because they are caught off the coast . In addition, those who enjoy spicy foods cannot fail to taste the peri-peri sauce, the national passion.

The country’s cultural wealth is unparalleled, the diversity of ethnic groups has given rise to more than 43 languages, many traditions, cuisines and different beliefs. Each province has its peculiarities and many of them are worth knowing.

what to wear ?

On the Mozambican coast, costumes should be light, be sure to bring swimsuits, slippers, shorts and T-shirts. But don’t forget to protect your skin with sunscreen, wear a hat or cap, sunglasses and lip balm.

In the central and northern areas of the country, local habits and customs are more conservative due to Muslim influence. It is advisable to cover the body more and women should wear knee-length clothes or long skirts.

In the interior, which covers nature conservation areas, prefer to wear cotton clothes in light and neutral tones and comfortable shoes. The essential items for a safari are: binoculars, insect repellent, hat with brim or cap, lip balm, sunscreen, camera and sunglasses. A light coat will also help protect against insects at the end of the day.

transport

The road network in Mozambique is improving and almost all coastal areas between Maputo and Vilanculo allow small vehicles to circulate, with the exception of some access roads that are often covered with sand. Simple cars can also travel smoothly on the roads between Nampula, Nacala, Ilha de Moçambique and Pemba, on the Beira and Tete route. Outside these areas, driving or traveling in larger, more powerful cars is recommended, as there are many holes and road conditions are not good.

The popular transport is known as “ plates ”, they are vans or open mini trucks of private owners that guarantee about 70% of the transport of passengers in the cities of Maputo and Matola. The driver is called a “chapista”. But, it is advisable to opt for buses whenever possible instead of plates .

On some routes, the only transportation option is the truck, many are convertible and long trips in the sun, with passengers exposed to dust are not pleasant, unless you can get a seat inside the cabin. Regarding the train, the only one used regularly by tourists is the line between Nampula and Cuamba. The country’s air network is very good, Maputo’s international airport is the main airport in the country. Regional flights also cover Vilanculo (VNX), Beira (BEW), Nampula (APL) and Pemba (POL) airports.

currency

The official currency is the metical (meticais, in the plural), represented by MZN or MTn. One metical is equivalent to 100 cents (ct).

Payments can always be made in meticais. US dollars and Euros are also generally accepted, especially in medium and high-priced places, and the South African rand in southern Mozambique. It is easy to exchange dollars anywhere and also the rand, being the best currencies to take to the country. Euro is also easy to exchange in big cities, but elsewhere it is difficult.

In Maputo and other major cities there are exchange offices, which generally offer values ​​equivalent to or slightly higher than those of banks, and remain open for longer. People on the streets can offer help with currency exchange, this is considered illegal, it is not safe and avoid this type of transaction . Banks are usually open from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 3 pm and on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.

All major cities and many small ones have ATMs for withdrawing money. Most accept Visa, only a few accept MasterCard, AMEX. Credit cards can be used for payments at more sophisticated hotels and in some mid-priced tourist locations, but sometimes a commission is charged for the transaction.

Outside Maputo, it is best to bring both meticais and US dollars with low-value notes to facilitate change . In addition, Visa card for withdrawing cash in ATMs and some travelers checks for any emergency, although they are difficult to change.

vat (value-added tax)

The Value Added Tax (VAT) in Mozambique is 17%.

important to know

It is advisable to drink bottled water, good quality brands are available in all urban and tourist centers.

The country’s voltage is 220 / 240V – 50 hz.

The tourist must take some precautions in the consumption of food, in order to minimize the risks of frequent intestinal disorders in tropical areas. Prefer well cooked food and avoid raw, exposed and still reheated.

Especially in the north of the country, it is difficult to find gas stations off the main roads. It is advisable to take reserve fuel to the most remote areas. Sometimes the lack of energy also hinders the fuel supply.

The tree branches on the road are the local version of the emergency lights or triangles and mean that there is a stop, as big as a crater hole or some similar calamity.

It is normal to tip and this is the expectation of hotel and restaurant employees. A 10% tip will be gladly accepted.

malaria

Until the last decade, Malaria was the main cause of mortality in the country and admissions to national hospitals. The risk has been somewhat mitigated, but it is still great to contract the disease in Mozambique.

In addition, some measures are indicated to prevent mosquito bites, such as covering the body well in the late afternoon, using insect repellent and musketeer when sleeping.

A vaccine against cholera, tetanus, hepatitis, typhoid fever is also recommended, in addition to the mandatory yellow fever vaccine . So plan ahead because many vaccines need weeks to start taking effect in the body.

travel insurance

Our recommendation is to purchase reliable international insurance before boarding. It must cover sickness, accident, theft, air evacuation and hospital expenses.

curiosities

The name Mozambique is derived from the wrong pronunciation of the name of its ruler “Mussa Bin Bique” , in the 16th century. The Portuguese did not know how to correctly pronounce the name of the sultan that gave rise to the name of Ilha de Moçambique and then to the nation.

The Cahora Bassa dam in Mozambique is the fifth largest in the world. Its grandeur is mixed with deep valleys of the Zambezi River and its tributaries, forming beautiful landscapes.

The timbila, a percussion musical instrument used by the ethnic draft beer, was considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Mia Couto is a Mozambican writer of great international prominence, has won many literature awards and has published more than 30 books.

On the streets of Maputo, scenes from the film Blood Diamonds were recorded.

The hallmark of local cuisine is the peri-peri sauce , made with the smallest fruits of chili peppers. It is used in almost all recipes, whether in chicken, fish, stew.

Cafrial or Zambezi chicken, which is marinated in coconut milk, is the highlight of the cuisine of the Zambezi province. Matapa is also traditional, a dish prepared with cassava leaves and cashew nuts.

The preferred national beer is 2M and the typical Cashu drink, which is prepared with cashew nut peel.

Baobab is a secular, imposing tree, but there is an African legend that says that it was punished by the gods and turned upside down for being envious of the other trees. It is very different, its crown is buried and its roots are upwards, it can be found in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Inhambane and Tete. It was even mentioned by the French author Saint-Exupéry in his well-known book “The Little Prince”.