MOZAMBIQUE TRAVEL INFO

GENERAL INFORMATION - MOZAMBIQUE

Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration by whites, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development. The ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo) party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy.

A UN-negotiated peace agreement between Frelimo and rebel Mozambique National Resistance (Renamo) forces ended the fighting in 1992. In December 2004, Mozambique underwent a delicate transition as Joaquim Chissano stepped down after 18 years in office. His newly elected successor, Armando Emilio Guebuza, has promised to continue the sound economic policies that have encouraged foreign investment. Mozambique has an area of approximately 800,000sq km and borders with Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the Indian Ocean.

While Mozambique has had more than its share of difficulties, it is also one of Africa's most fascinating countries, with an intriguing history, friendly and resilient people, an exotic and vibrant cultural blend and a spectacular 2500km-long coastline.

Population

Mozambique's population is approximately 16 million, of which about 53% are concentrated in the north, and about 80% in rural areas. Settlement in the south of the country is primarily along the coastal belt.

Language

Portuguese, the official language, is widely spoken in larger towns, less so in rural areas. Mozambique's numerous African languages, all of which belong to the Bantu family can be divided into three groups: Makua-Lomwe languages, spoken by more than 33% of the population in the north, Sena-Nyanja languages in the centre and near Lake Niassa, and Tsonga languages in the south.

Tours will be conducted either in English or Italian.

Currency

Mozambique's unit of currency is the metical (plural meticais) which is divided into 100 centavos.

Security

Serious crime is less of a problem than in neighbouring South Africa, but petty theft, a direct result of the extreme poverty of the local inhabitants, is something which one has to guard against. Be particularly careful in crowded places and don't leave valuable items or money lying around. Avoid ostentatious displays of wealth.

Electricity

The power supply is 220/240 volts AC but as fluctuations can occur it is advisable to ensure appliances are surge-protected. Two pin international plugs are generally used. Many resorts have their own generators that operate from 07h00-21h00 daily. Check with them what electrical appliances they accept.

Time

Mozambique is two hours ahead of GMT. Because the country is so large, and parts of it so far east in relation to other countries in this time zone, it gets light very early in many areas. This is particularly noticeable in Cabo Delgado province, where daybreak is at about 4am.

Bicycle Tours

Partecipants are required to bring their own bicycles and spares

Local Operators

We are an African company. We were born here and work here. We have the local knowledge.