The Basics
Country: Mozambique
Where is it?: Mozambique sits in south eastern Africa across from Madagascar on the Indian Ocean
Why do people go here?: A fter a long civil war, Mozambique is taking a step forward and starting to promote tourism and democracy, which in return means foreign investment. Like other Indian Ocean countries in Africa, Mozambique is known to have unspoiled beaches, a welcoming community, and the potential to be a great travel destination – once the roads are better and the landmines in the north are removed
What are the main entry points?: The main airline flights go into Maputo and some continue on to Beira. From Malawi, the major crossing is at Zobue, which also runs through to Zimbabwe. South Africa’s entrance into Mozambique is at Ressano Garcia/Komatipoort.
Currency used: Metica
Country Code for Phones: 258
Area codes for Major Cities: Maputo 01, Beira 03, Mozambique Island 06
Religion: Tribal Religions 60 %, Roman Catholic and Christian 30%
Population: 23 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Makua, Lomwe, Thonga, Others
Government: Republic
Languages: Portuguese and Bantu Language
Travel Information
Major Cities: Maputo, Beira
Attractions: Maputo, Tofu & Barra Beache, Mozambique Island
Accommodation: Mozambique Hostels, Mozambique Hotels
Tourism Office locations and links: Empresa Nacional de Turismo (ENT) (Mozambique National Tourism Company), CP 2446 Avda 25 de Setembro,1203 Maputo, Mozambique, +258-421-794
Tips for Visiting
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Bazaruto Archipelago (Marine National Park), Pemba
Health Issues: Like elsewhere in subsaharan Africa, you should be vacinated against Meningococcal Meningitis, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever. Take precautions against Malaria
When to go: The dry season runs from April to October, with June to August is when temperatures are best
Common Phrases: Yes = Sim, No = Nao, How are you = Come esta? What’s your name = Como se chama?, Thank = Obrigado, Please = Por favor, Goodbye = Adeus/Ciao
Specific Events/Holidays: New Year’s Day: January 1, Heroes’ Day: February 3, Women’s Day: April 7, Workers’ Day: May 1, Independence Day: June 25, Victory Day: September 7, Revolution Day: September 25, Revolution Day: December 25
Getting Around: The main towns are serviced by buses, but within much of Mozambique, hitching is one of the only available transportation option
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airports to fly into Mozambique are the Maputo International Airport and Beira Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Mozambique travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
