Indian Ocean Island Hotels

Mozambique Tourism Information

Quick Facts: Seychelles

  • Mozambique is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west and Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest
  • Visa requirements differ for various countries and it is advisable to make enquiries well before booking 
  • Mozambique is famous for its sandy beaches and its tropical weather making it a popular holiday destination
  • Many resorts and hotels line the coastline of Mozambique
  • Mozambique was explored by Vasco da Gama in 1498 and colonized by Portugal in 1505
  • This Southern African country became independent in 1975, and became the People's Republic of Mozambique
  • Mozambique is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations
  • The wet season is from October to March and the dry season is from April to September

Introducing Seychelles

The Republic of Mozambique (Mocambique or Republica de Mocambique) is situated in the south eastern part of the African continent.  Mozambique is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west and Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest.
 

History

The area which is today Mozambique was explored by Vasco da Gama in 1498 and colonized by Portugal in 1505. Mozambique became independent in 1975, and became the People's Republic of Mozambique. This country was named Mocambique by the Portuguese after the Island of Mozambique, derived from Musa Al Big or Mossa Al Bique or Mussa Ben Mbiki, an Arab trader who first visited the island and later lived there.  Mozambique is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Community of Portuguese Language Countries and an observer of the Francophonie.
 

Economy

The country has emerged as one of the world's fastest growing economies, with foreign investors showing interest in Mozambique's untapped oil and gas reserves. Coal and titanium are a growing source of revenue.

Most of the population works the land, however, and infrastructure nationwide still suffers from colonial neglect, war and under-investment.

In terms of assets, Mozambique has excellent tourism opportunities for beach, cultural, and eco-tourism resting on the country's natural beauty, wildlife, and historic heritage.
 

Geography

Mozambique is divided into ten provinces and one capital city with provincial status. The provinces in Mozambique are subdivided into 129 districts. The districts are further divided in 405 "Postos Administrativos" (administrative posts) and then into Localidades (localities), which represents the lowest geographical level of the central state administration. Since 1998, 43 municipalities have been established in Mozambique.
 

Municipalities in Mozambique:

  • Cabo Delgado
  • Gaza
  • Inhambane
  • Manica
  • Maputo (city) / Maputo
  • Nampula
  • Niassa
  • Sofala
  • Tete
  • Zambezia
Mozambique is the world's 35th-largest country with its 801,537 km2.  It is comparable in size to Turkey. Mozambique is divided into two topographical regions by the Zambezi River. To the north of the Zambezi River, the narrow coastline moves inland to hills and low plateaus, and further west to rugged highlands, which include the Niassa highlands, Namuli or Shire highlands, Angonia highlands, Tete highlands and the Makonde plateau, covered with miombo woodlands. To the south of the Zambezi River in Mozambique, the lowlands are broader with the Mashonaland plateau and Lebomo mountains located in the deep south.

Mozambique in Southern Africa is home to five principal rivers and several smaller ones with the largest and most important one being the Zambezi. Mozambique has four lakes, Lake Niassa (or Malawi), Lake Chiuta, Lake Cahora Bassa and Lake Shirwa, all of which are situated in the north. The major cities of Mozambique are Maputo, Beira, Nampula, Tete, Quelimane, Chimoio, Pemba, Inhambane, Xai-Xai and Lichinga.
 

Climate

Mozambique has a tropical climate with two seasons.  The wet season is from October to March and the dry season is from April to September. Climatic conditions, however, vary depending on altitude. Rainfall is heavy along the coast and decreases in the north and south. Annual precipitation varies from 500 to 900 mm depending on the region with an average of 590 mm. Cyclones are also common during the wet season. Average temperature ranges in Maputo are from 13 to 24 °C in July to 22 to 31 °C in February.
 

Language

Portuguese is the official and most widely spoken language of Mozambique; but only about 40% of the population speak it. 33.5%, mostly Bantus, speak it as their second language and only 6.5%, mostly white Mozambicans speak it as their first language. Bantus speak several different languages, the most widely used being Swahili, Makhuwa, Sena, Ndau, and Shangaan. Bantu languages as spoken in Mozambique have many words of Portuguese origin. Arabs, Chinese, and Indians speak their own languages (Indians from Portuguese India speak any of the Portuguese Creoles of their origin) aside from Portuguese as their second language. Some educated Mozambicans can also speak English, as their second or third language.
 

Cuisine

Famous for its spicy seafood and fresh interesting and flavorful dishes it has a Portuguese influence. The coastline is abundant with fishing villages who collect crab, shrimp, estuary and palagic fish delights to create a varied cross section of choices all with a local flair. Peri peri is a favorite with most visitors and second a seafood stew made with clams and peanut sauce.

Visa requirements

This information is intended to guide you only. It is important to check with your nearest Mozambican consulate, embassy or Mozambican diplomatic mission for up to date information regarding visa requirements for different countries.

Immigration clearance is available at point of entry into Mozambique - e.g. airports and major border posts and visas can be issued on arrival. South Africa signed a visa waiver agreement with Mozambique on April 15th 2005 which means that citizens of both countries can stay in South Africa or Mozambique for 30 days without a visa. Please check with the consulate for full details.

For those wishing to acquire visas before travel the requirements for a visa are as follows: a passport with at least six months' validity, two passport photographs, a visa application form and (usually) a copy of your airline ticket and itinerary. Sometimes proof of permanent resident status or a valid entry visa for country of origin is required.
The cost of the visa will depend on where you are applying. Prices range from about US$20-40 for a single entry visa. It is advised that you carry certified copies of your passport and all travel documents, and always have either your passport or these copies with you.

Sports

Mozambique amongst the other islands of the Indian Ocean is home to some of Southern Africa's best angling. Spearfishing experts have spoken very highly of the game fish and reef fish which when combined with how well the anglers fare, the region makes for a prime destination. As a destination, Mozam, as it is affectionately nicknamed, surfing has gained popularity in international circles and with very little pressure and an abundance of reefs, beaches and coastline a must to visit. 

Diving on the coastline in the correct season is exceptional and when combined with well priced accommodation and the above mentioned activities a treasure trove for watermen.

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