HISTORY:
The first African people settled in Mozambique about 2000 years ago and then in about 900 AD the trading links with Asia and the Arab world had been established. In 1498, Vasco da Gama landed here on his way to India. The Portuguese established their first trading post in 1505, exporting gold from the coastal bays, which was later replaced with ivory exports in the 17 th century. The Portuguese remained as dominate rulers and governors with India being a major trading partner. In 1962, Frelimo was established as a freedom organization, to oppress the exploitation of rural black workers and white supremacy. This led to a civil war in 1975, which lasted 17 years until the multi-party elections in 1994. Since then, Mozambique has been building on its stability by promoting tourism and foreign investment
GEOGRAPHY:
Mozambique covers more than 800 000 sq.km, which is about 3 times the size of Great Britain! On the east, lies the warm Indian Ocean and then along its other borders lie the countries of South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania . The coastline is more than 2500 kms long, with many bays, lagoons, coral reefs, small islands and stunning white palm-fringed beaches. From the coast, the low grassland plateau rises into mountains in the north and west. The Zambezi River is the largest of Mozambique’s 25 rivers. The country does have many mineral resources such as gold, emeralds, copper, iron ore and bauxite, and oil is being explored as well.
CLIMATE:
Mozambique has a tropical to sub-tropical climate, where the coastal temperatures are high for much of the year and the interior has a warm to mild climate, even becoming cool in the dry season from April to September. From December to March, it is hot and humid in the south, as this is the rainy season with typically hot sunny days and an afternoon rain shower for some days of the week. The northern parts of the country will experience similar summer climate, though it will last through into April. The cyclone season in the Indian Ocean occasionally affects northern Mozambique in the months from February to April. However, the weather is generally sunny throughout the year – hence the many smiles on everyone’s faces!!
REGULATIONS:
Visas: All visitors to Mozambique require a valid passport that must NOT expire within 6 months of their arrival, and there must be at least 2 blank pages remaining in the passport. Everyone except South Africans, require Visa’s, which may be obtained from Mozambican embassies and consulates. (We cannot assist you with visa’s – sorry.)
SPECIAL INTERESTS:
There are more than 900 species of birds recorded in Mozambique. There are some unique flora species in the country. Swimming with the dolphins is an attraction at Ponta does Ouro. Whale watching is exciting during their breeding season in certain stretches of the coast and rock paintings can be found in certain remote parts of the country. Cultural traditions are maintained in many parts of Mozambique and the artwork of many craftsmen is sought after.
TRANSPORT:
The best form of transport for any visitor to this beautiful country is by plane. The main International airport is in Maputo, though it is normally cheaper and quicker to fly to Johannesburg – and then from there, most lodges have light aircraft shuttle flights to their closest smaller International airport, such as Pemba , Vilanculos or Inhambane. We book your flight in conjunction with your lodge stay, thus making a package that includes the transfers from airport to the lodge. Alternative transport for visitors would be an organised and pre-booked overland safari – normally starting and ending in Johannesburg , South Africa . We have a selection of these to offer you. Popular with the South African tourist is the self-drive in their fancy 4x4 and trailer – to camping spots.
TELEPHONES:
The communication infrastructure is being improved in Mozambique – and mobile phones work in the major cities and certain tourist areas. Landline phone calls are possible on the mainland, and then satellite phones are used for urgent communications on the islands.
CURRENCY:
Mozambique’s currency is the Metical, though US$ and South African Rand are widely accepted throughout. The Euro and Pound Sterling are not accepted generally.
ACCOMMODATION:
There is a nice selection of establishments throughout the country, mainly along the coast. We offer the establishments that are from Mozambique 3 star to 5 star statuses. We do not offer the camping nor self-catering establishments. My personal belief is that you work hard during the year to earn a well-deserved holiday, where meals and comfortable accommodation must be supplied. Some establishments include some or all activities in their tariffs; others leave the choice and payment to you on arrival. Activities to choose from include deep-sea, rock, surf and fly fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling, yachting, surfing, water skiing and windsurfing. So, if you enjoy sun, water and great accommodation & food, Mozambique is the country of destination. Please realize, I do not personally own all these lodges, we represent them by marketing & making reservations for them.
