Mozambique in well-known primarily for its seashores and prawns, Mozambique additionally provides the customer World Heritage websites, colonial structure and a vibrant native tradition. Bustling markets promote beautiful carvings and basketware with the wooden and ivory sculptures of the Makonde acknowledged as certainly one of Africa’s most refined artwork kinds.
Mozambique has additionally produced proficient painters equivalent to Malangatana and the nation’s murals adorn many a wall, particularly in Maputo. Conventional music is within the type of Marrabenta music in addition to Marimba and calabash orchestras. Preserving with the rhythm of Africa, the ritualistic Nhau and mapico initiation dances is usually a horrifying sight. Standard actions for travellers embrace diving, snorkelling, hen watching and fishing for marlin, sailfish or kingfish.
CAPITAL:
Maputo
CLIMATE:
Subtropical though droughts and low rainfall is frequent. Wet season is Oct-Apr and dry season Apr-Sep.
CURRENCY:
1 Mozambican Metical = 100 centavos. USD or Kilos Sterling traveller’s cheques are advisable. Change cash at licensed establishments. Bank cards will not be broadly accepted. Numerous retailers desire USD. Import and export of native forex is prohibited.
ELECTRICITY:
220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are 2- and 3-pin spherical.
HEALTH:
A yellow fever vaccination is required from travellers over 1 yr of age coming from contaminated areas. Guests are suggested to take pre-arrival precautions in opposition to malaria (danger exists all year long in the entire nation), hepatitis A, polio, typhoid and meningitis relying on the world visited and time of yr. Different well being considerations are rudimentary medical amenities, unavailable medicines, cholera (preserve strict meals and water hygiene) and influenza (danger extends all through yr).
LANGUAGE:
The official language is Portuguese, however Makua and Tsonga are additionally spoken. English will not be broadly spoken however will be understood.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
New Years’ Day (1 Jan); Heroes’ Day (3 Feb); Ladies’s Day (7 Apr); Labour Day (1 Might); Independance Day (25 Jun); Victory Day (7 Sep); Armed Forces Day (25 Sep); Defunct’s Day (2 Nov); Christmas Day (25 Dec); Boxing Day (26 Dec)
SHOPPING:
basketwork; reed mats; woodcarvings; masks; printed fabric; leather-based articles; prawns; wine.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS:
Faith is principally Roman Catholic, however different faiths embrace Muslim, Hindu and conventional beliefs. Handshaking is the customary type of greeting. Portuguese customs e.g. modes of deal with (Senhor/Senhora) apply. Gown is informal and formal put on is seldom required. For enterprise safari fits are acceptable in sizzling climate, whereas light-weight fits are suggested for the remainder of the yr.
TIME DIFFERENCE:
GMT +2
TIPPING:
Ten % is customary, but it surely’s discouraged in motels. Taxi drivers anticipate 10 %.
TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS DESCRIPTION:
Maputo:
The capital metropolis has broad avenues lined with pink acacia and lilac jacaranda flowering bushes; it provides many historic, cultural and scenic spots e.g. the Cathedral; Metropolis Council Chambers; Tunduro Gardens; Railway Station; the Fortress and Pure Historical past Museum; seashores embrace Praia da Macaneta; Ponta do Ouro and Ponta Malongane.
Xai-Xai:
224km from Maputo; the close by seashore is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot with its large reef defending the shores from sturdy waves at excessive tide; at low tide locals collect shellfish to promote to vacationers; within the space additionally go to Praia do Chongoene, Bilene and the Banhine Nationwide Park, with its wealthy number of wildlife.
Mozambique Island:
About two-thirds of the island was declared a ‘World Heritage Website’ by UNESCO because of the buildings being constructed from coral; locations of curiosity embrace St Paul’s Palace, the Museum of Sacred Artwork and the Fortress of St Sebastian; close by seashores are Praia de Fernão Veloso and Praia das Chocas; on the mainland, in Nampula metropolis, see the Cathedral and Museum.
Beira:
The nation’s second metropolis, Beira is unfold alongside the coast; see the Largo do Municipio, Casa Portugal, Casa Infante de Sagres, Casa dos Bicos and the Cathedral; the perfect seashores are discovered between the Clube Nautico and the lighthouse; close by ‘Six Miles’ is an inland resort with a man-made lagoon with islands the place you could swim or rent pedal boats; sport viewing within the province is on the well-known Gorongosa Nationwide Park and Marromeu Buffalo Reserve.
Bazaruto:
Archipelago Very fashionable vacationer space consisting of Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque and Santa Carolina islands off the mainland with top quality motels; On Inhambane on the mainland, see the Cathedral of Our Woman of the Conception; conservation areas embrace the Zinave Nationwide Park and the Bazaruto Nationwide Park.
Pemba:
Town has an unspoilt pure magnificence; go to the Previous City, the place you’ll be able to go to a number of conventional markets, the seashores of Praia do Wimbe and Praia do Farol; close by Ibo Island is a part of the idyllic Quirimbas archipelago.
Lake Niassa & Niassa Reserve:
Niassa province provides breathtaking views and surroundings; unspoilt Lake Niassa is accessible by 4×4 solely and offers you a ‘actual Africa’ expertise, with fishing villages the place you should buy recent fish and coconut milk; Niassa Reserve is legendary for its giant amount of elephants.
Inhaca Island:
34 km from Maputo within the bay, accessible by boat or airplane; excursions of Ponta de Santa Maria and Portuguese Island are doable.
Maputo Elephant Reserve:
79 km south of Maputo, the reserve is legendary for its elephant herds; flamingos may also be seen on the massive inland lakes close to the ocean.
Face of the Previous Man:
Within the metropolis of Chimoio, ‘Cabeça do Velho’ is a spectacular pure stone formation resembling the face of an previous man.