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Mozambique Overview

INTRODUCTION

Mozambique 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.

Mozambique is made up mainly of coastal lowlands, rising toward the west to a plateau ranging from 500 to 2,000 ft above sea level and on the western border to a higher plateau (6,000 to 8,000 ft), with mountains in the north reaching a height of over 8,000 ft. The highest mountains are Namuli (7,936 ft), Binga (7,992 ft) on the Zimbabwean border, and Serra Zuira (7,306 ft) in Sofala Province.

The most important rivers are the Zambezi flowing southeast across the centre of Mozambique into the Indian Ocean, the Limpopo in the south, the Save in the middle and the Lugfenda in the north. The most important lake is the navigable Lake Niassa. In the river valleys and deltas, the soil is rich and fertile, but southern and central Mozambique have poor and sandy soil, and parts of the interior are dry.

VISITOR INFORMATION

CLIMATE

Two main seasons, one wet and the other dry, divide the climatic year. 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.

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Visas are required by all nationals and passports must be valid for at least 6 months and is valid for a stay of 1 month , which can be extended in the Maputo.

Mozambican visa regulations (December 08, 2004) The Mozambican government has advised that ALL persons travelling to the country are to obtain visas prior to their departure as entry visas will no longer be issued upon arrival at any border post or airport, effective immediately.

MONEY

Official Currency: Metical (MT)=100 centqavos

There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currency but the import and export of local currency is not allowed. Travellers cheques are widely accepted and readily exchanged but to avoid commission they are best taken in IS Dollars. The South African Rand is widely accepted as a form of currency and accommodation prices are often quoted in Rand. Many up-market hotels insists on payment in foreign currency so have a reasonable amount of cash.

Major hotels and some bank accept credit card transactions but you will be charged a commission.

LOCAL TIME

Mozambique is two hours ahead of GMT

ELECTRICAL POWER

Electric Power is 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)

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Mozambique, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad

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