Mozambique is a land of great natural beauties, historical interests and cultural significance. This southern African country is blessed with rich wildlife and is also noted amongst explorers for its ancient sites. However, the most popular attractions here include its wonderful archipelagos and great sandy beaches. With a warm climate, it attracts people from around the country and beyond. Visit Mozambique and take a tour of its picturesque landscape. Indulge in relishing luscious seafood. Explore centuries-old architecture. Absorb its scenic environment at urban centres like Maputo and learn about the unknown values and traditions of African culture. Mozambique tourism has a lot to offer and hence, every explorer must plan a vacation to this age-old civilization.
Airports in Mozambique : Maputo International Airport
All the major cities and towns in the country have good network and internet connectivity. Hence, tourists don't find much difficulty while exploring around. However, the communications aren't too strong when it comes to remote and uninhabited areas deep into the country. Upon arrival, you can buy a local SIM card at the airport and use it for call and internet services.
Make sure you are not using your hotel phone to make international calls as they might charge a hefty price. Try to always use the web-based service to make calls. Several cafes, restaurants and hotels provide free internet access to their guests.
The major network providers in Mozambique are : mCel | Vodacom | Movitel
Though throughout most of Mozambique's history, it has remained a Portuguese colony and has been a member state of Portugal, it has its history that spans centuries. As per archaeological evidence, humans have been present in the lands of Mozambique since the Stone Age. The Limestone Caves near Lake Niassa have proved it.
However, it was in the late Medieval Period when the country started witnessing a great rise in the fields of education, infrastructure, trade, politics, art and more. Until then, it was home to local tribes such as Bantu-speaking people that solely survived on hunting and agriculture.
During the 15th century after the voyage of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese entered the region and started taking control of places gradually. The country remained in the hands of the Portuguese Empire until the late 20th century.
During this period, Mozambique developed swiftly and became a significant power in Southern Africa. However, by 1961, the people of Mozambique had revolted against the rule. As a result of several revolts during the Mozambican War of Independence that lasted for about 10 years between 1964 and 1974, the country gained independence in 1975.
However, the country became democratic only in the year 1994 after a series of civil wars. Today, Mozambique has beautiful cities and towns and is known across the world for great tourism opportunities. People come here to enjoy diverse wildlife, beautiful shores and also ancient places.
Mozambique is one of the important countries in southern parts of Africa and is a beautiful nation that is surrounded by the Indian Ocean in the east, Tanzania in the north, Malawi and Zambia in the northwest and South Africa in the south. The country has a diverse landscape and is blessed with the natural beauties of forests, hills, plains, beaches, streams, lakes and more.
The country is spread over an area of about 801,590 sq km, out of which about 1.63% makes the water region and the remaining 98.37% forms the land region. The lowest and the highest points in the country stand at the Indian Ocean at 0 m and Monte Binga at 2436 m respectively. That's why tourists from around the world come to Mozambique to relish the great expanses it is patched with.
The country borders the Indian Ocean and hence, it has a coastline that stretches for about 2500 km. This beautiful coastline is home to some of the great beaches in Southern Africa. Mozambique also has some extensive lakes and streams. The list includes Lake Malawi, Lake Chilwa, Zambezi River, Limpopo River, Maputo River and Komati River.
As Mozambique has been ruled majorly by the Portuguese Empire, its art and music are heavily derived from their culture and lifestyle. However, the Bantu-speaking people that have thrived for centuries in Mozambique have also contributed to the music and art of the country to some extent. Wood carvings and masks have been a great form of art in the country for centuries and today too it is equally relevant and significant. The art achieved greater heights only after the Portuguese entered the region and started ruling it.
Today, the country is home to several famous artists and musicians who perform across the globe. Malangatana Ngwenya and Albert Chissano have been two of the most popular contemporary artists in the country. Today, Mozambique hosts a variety of art and music festivals where one can witness a huge crowd savouring great performances. People have developed their taste and have evolved to also love the global scene in recent times.
Food and DrinkMozambican cuisine doesn't have a very long history as the art of cooking was introduced only after the Portuguese colonized the country. Hence, it can be said that the history of food and drink in Mozambique is about 500 years old. The basic Mozambican cuisine has derived different styles of cookery and kitchen practices from the Portuguese. However, over a while, it has been greatly influenced by global cuisine.
That's why one can enjoy different types of delicacies and drinks from around the world here. The major restaurants and cafes in the cities and towns of Mozambique serve local as well as international dishes. Cassava and rice are the staple food here that is often served with meat, fish and vegetables. Chi-mah/Xima is the national dish of Mozambique and is loved in every city and town. Drinks are also savoured with great interest in Mozambique. Rum and beer are the two most popular drinks here.
Must-Try DelicaciesXima, Piri-piri, Feijoada, Mucapata, Matapa and Galinha Asada
Must-try DrinksLaurentina liquor, rum, beer, Kabisa, sparletta
HospitalityPeople in Mozambique are often helpful and kind. They wouldn't mind helping you whenever and wherever possible. They respect tourists and perfectly know how to cater to their needs and desires. Hence, no tourist finds difficulty while exploring the country. However, you need to be a bit careful while exploring the outskirts of cities and towns, especially unexplored places.
Mozambique experiences a tropical climate and hence, it has got two seasons with a wet season starting from October and ending in March and a dry season starting from April and ending in September. The average temperature in the country ranges between 12° C and 25° C at different places. Mozambique also receives heavy rainfall in coastal regions with annual precipitation of about 600 mm.
The best time to visit Mozambique is from June until the end of October as this is the time when you can relish the best of the country. This is the time when the skies are clear, days are quite sunny with almost no rain. This is the period when you can explore around in a comfortable environment as the climate is quite favourable and witness the best of wildlife. The climatic conditions throughout the country are enjoyable from June to October.
One of the best places to spot giraffes and elephants and other diverse wildlife in Mozambique, Maputo Elephant Reserve features a magnificent landscape that is home to some of the rarest species in the country. Visit it to relish rich greenery and capture wonderful frames of animals like zebra, hippos and more. You can spot some birds chirping around here. Do take a close up of these little beauties.
Entry fee: $15 per person
Ideal Timings: 06:00 am to 05:00 pm
You cannot just miss out on this great beauty that is often noted by tourists for its spectacular architecture if you love art and craft. Maputo Central Train Station is a well-known tourist attraction in Mozambique for being an amazing instance of the Beaux-arts style of architecture. It is also the first train station in the country. The building was constructed in 1908 and is standing strong with pride to date. Visit it and capture its contrasting colours.
Entry fee: Free
Ideal Timings: Anytime
Take a break from the urban centres of Maputo and wildlife reserves and spare some time for yourself and your family amid great nature. Niassa Reserve is one such place where one can easily get transported to a calm world for the place is filled with all the natural magic. The great lake, soothing waters, fresh air, unpolluted environment and rich greenery â all together make Niassa Reserve a place worth remembering for a lifetime.
Entry fee: No entry fee
Ideal Timings: 06:00 am to 06:00 pm
The Island of Mozambique is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hence, it attracts a global audience. As the place offers a significant amount of history as well as nature, it is loved equally by family as well as explorers. The island was once a trading port during the Portuguese Empire and hence, it has architecture dating back to several centuries. However today, the island has been urbanised and houses wonderful places to explore. Visit its museum and learn about great history.
PembaPemba is a beautiful port city in Mozambique with a tropical savanna climate and is home to several natural wonders that include beaches. It is a great escape as the city serves as a great holiday destination with wonderful restaurants and cafes, hotels, local markets, shopping complexes, lounge beaches and the great waters! So, how about a vacation here?
Entry fee: No entry fee
Ideal Timings: Anytime
Quirimbas Archipelago is a group of serene and calm islands that nurture wonderfully in the great waters of the Indian Ocean. These islands make for great beach holidays as it is here one can soak up the ultimate coastal charm and revel in the undisturbed environment of Mozambique. Break free and crash into its lap to savour what isn't found anywhere else in the country. Great vegetation and peaceful shores are the major attractions here.
Entry fee: No entry fee ($50 - $100 for exploring the islands)
Ideal Timings: 05:00 am to 06:00 pm
Other important places to visit in Mozambique
One of the best ways to witness the mesmerising art scene in Mozambique, AZGO Festival is a beautiful event that lasts for three days and is all about beautiful performances from great artists from around the world. AZGO in the local slang means Let's Go and there comes the motto of the festival. Come, let's go and attend this carnival full of thrilling vibes. Listen to great music and witness wonderful stage shows. The festival makes for a great escape for all the art lovers in the country.
Time: May
Place: Maputo
One of the most popular festivals in Mozambique, STRAB Festival attracts music lovers from all across the country. Started as a small party, it has become one of the largest events in the country today that attract thousands of people from different places. Witness bands giving live performances and throwing the best of rock & roll, blues and fusions. STRAB Festival too lasts for three days and also features a great beach party.
Time: May
Place: Ponta Malongane
It is the day when entire Mozambique celebrates their freedom from the foreign powers of the Portuguese. The country got its complete independence in the year 1975 and since then, this day has been one of the most loved and awaited events in the country. On this day, festivities include stage concerts related to music, dance, poetry and more. It is a national celebration and hence, people can be seen high on pride and happiness today.
Time: 25 June
Place: Across the country
If art is all you look forward to, then Tambo International Art Festival is one event you must try attending while in Mozambique. The festival not only celebrates the rhythmic culture and diverse art scene of the country but also motivates young talents to come forward and showcase their skills. Several workshops are held where people come and learn about different kinds of art and their importance in the culture of Mozambique. The festival lasts for a week and witnesses great hype!
Time: July
Place: Pemba
Other Major Festivals celebrated in Mozambique
To enter the boundaries of Mozambique, a tourist needs to have a valid visa unless he/she belongs to a visa-exempt nation. As per the visa policy of Mozambique, the following given is the list of all the nationalities that have a right to stay within the country for a maximum period of three months without a visa. It includes:
Citizens of all the other countries that are not on the list of visa-exempt nations can obtain a visa on arrival to enter Mozambique. With this, they can stay within the country for a maximum of 30 days. However, the countries that do not include in this visa on arrival list include:
If you desire ultimate comfort while exploring the beauties of Mozambique, then you must use taxis/cabs for getting around. They are available at all the tourist destinations in the country. However, make sure to decide on the final fare before getting into the vehicle to avoid arguments later on.
Ride a busBuses in Mozambique make for the most used form of transport. It is used by locals as well as tourists to a large extent for being the cheapest mode of commutation. Buses are available at all the major locations in all the cities and towns of the country and hence, travelling has become quite easy and comfortable on account of the presence of these bus services.
Several private air-conditioned buses also run in between Maputo and other major cities and can be used for safer and more comfortable journeys.
Train ToursAll the major cities in Mozambique are connected through rail services. Hence, you can also use these to commute between two cities. However, make sure you have your journey planned as there aren't many trains available between the two stations. Apart from being convenient, it is also one of the cheapest means of transportation in Mozambique.
Mozambique has quite a decent road network and hence, all the major cities and towns in the country
are greatly connected to other parts of Africa by road. Hence, you can easily access it via the road
route.
You can either hire a car or drive your vehicle to reach Mozambique from neighbouring
countries like South Africa, Zambia and Malawi. However, you would either need a Mozambique driving
license or the international driving license to ride on your own. You can also use international bus
services from nearby countries of South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania and more.
Located in the capital city of Maputo, Mavalane International Airport is the major airport in the country that is connected to all the other major countries of Africa and the world. You can take direct flights from Qatar, Johannesburg, Ethiopia, France, Portugal and a lot of other places. Once you have reached the airport, you can use public transport to reach your desired destination in the country.
Via Water RouteYou can use ferry and cruise services to reach Mozambique from nearby nations like Tanzania, Madagascar and South Africa. As of now, no major sea routes are connecting Mozambique to other parts of the world
Via Rail RouteThough the rail services in Mozambique aren't too advanced, certain trains link Maputo to the principal cities of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Malawi. If you are coming from one of these countries, you can also opt to reach Mozambique via the rail route.
Another country that deserves to be on your bucket list while visiting the southern parts of Africa, Tanzania is a landlocked nation and is generally recognised for its extensive landscapes and beautiful national parks, wildlife safaris, and sanctuaries. The country hosts many waterfalls, streams, forests and a lot more to admire and enjoy.
South AfricaOne of the few nations sharing borders with Mozambique, South Africa is a wonderful place for a weekend getaway. The country has incredible cities, beautiful natural sites and dozens of historical places where one can live in the past. Visit it and explore the wilderness of Kruger National Park or take a look at the busyness of Johannesburg.
ZambiaAnother place in the proximity of Mozambique is the landlocked nation of Zambia that is extensively known for its rich and diverse wildlife. And hence, it could make for a great weekend getaway to go on safaris and game reserves. Do not forget to visit the stupendous Victoria Falls here, which is one of the biggest in the world with a width of more than 1700 m. Kafue National Park, Livingstone Museum and Kabwata Cultural Village are other significant places in Zambia.
CALLING CODE : 197
Ambulance : 117
Fire : 198
Police : 199
Mozambique metical is the official currency of Mozambique and has been in use for more than 40
years. It was introduced in the year 1980 after it replaced escudo as the official tender in the
country. However, the present form of metical, often called the second metical, was launched in the
year 2006 and since then it has been used extensively for the exchange of goods and services.
Though it is the major currency used during transactions in Mozambique, the US dollars, the British
pound sterling and the South African rand are also widely accepted in different cities here.
Code â MZN
Symbol â MT
1 Mozambique metical = 100 centavos
A few Mozambique currency exchange rates for your reference as of May 2021:
1 USD = 59 MZN
1 AED = 16.07 MZN
Mozambique metical bank notes can be found in the denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 meticals
Mozambique metical bank coins can be found in the denominations of 50 centavos, 1, 2, 5 and 10 meticals
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