Country Information Mozambique

 

The northern part of Mozambique features a humid tropical climate. In contrast, the south experiences a marginal tropical climate. Particularly in the north of the country, there is a monsoon climate that leads to strong winds and annual precipitation of up to 1200 mm. The middle of the country between the two regions shows characteristics of both climate zones as a transition zone. Throughout the country, the heaviest rainfall occurs from October to March. During the rainy season, it is very hot and humid in Mozambique. In the dry season, which lasts from April to September, it is cooler and drier. Accordingly, the months from April to September are also considered the best travel time for the African country.

The nature of Mozambique can be divided into two different landscapes. Along the nearly 2800-kilometer-long coast on the Indian Ocean, there is a coastal strip that is between 200 and 400 kilometers wide. The coastal area features both steep and flat coasts with beaches, lagoons, bays, and dunes. Dry savannas and bush vegetation characterize the flora of the south. In the north and west of the country, there are wooded highlands with inselbergs. Monte Binga, at a height of 2436 meters, is the highest mountain in the country. The forests and savannahs are home to numerous exotic, free-living animals. In Mozambique, various wild animals such as lions, leopards, hippos, elephants, baboons, giraffes, antelopes, and zebras live. The diverse fauna of the country attracts nature and animal lovers from all over the world every year. Large reserves, particularly located in central and southern Mozambique, provide protected habitats for the animals.

The national currency of Mozambique is called Metical. One Metical consists of 100 Centavos. There are banknotes of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 Metical. Coins are in circulation in denominations of 1, 2, 5, and 10 Metical, as well as 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 Centavos. Currently, one Euro is exchanged for approximately 65 Metical. As the exchange rate is rather unstable, it is advisable to check the current rate on the Internet before traveling.

In the larger cities of the country, there are banks and official exchange offices where it is possible to exchange Euros for the national currency. Additionally, it is possible to exchange money upon arrival at the airport. In the larger cities, there are also ATMs where amounts in the national currency can be withdrawn. However, it may occasionally happen that foreign EC and credit cards are not accepted. In large restaurants and hotels, payment in Euro, US Dollar, or South African Rand is often accepted. Credit cards are also generally accepted in the larger restaurants and hotels. Outside the cities and in smaller shops or restaurants, however, only cash payment in the national currency is accepted. Especially in rural areas, it is therefore important to carry a sufficient amount of cash in the national currency.

On a trip to the African country, sturdy footwear and sandals are especially important. To protect against the strong sun and mosquitoes, preferably light-colored and lightweight clothing with long sleeves should be worn. A head cover and sunglasses provide additional protection against the strong sun. Since it is often very cool during the evening hours and early morning hours, it is also advisable to pack a warm sweater or a jacket made of fleece or wool. Even during the dry season, occasional rainfall can occur, so a light rain jacket should also be in the luggage. Those planning trips to the beach should not forget their swimwear.

Although the security situation in Mozambique is considered stable nowadays, visitors to the country should be aware of some safety instructions. In the larger cities of the country, there is an increased occurrence of criminal assaults such as burglaries and robbery. Travelers are advised not to move alone or away from well-lit streets during darkness. Also, overland journeys after sunset are discouraged due to the increased risk of violent robberies. Additionally, there are numerous minefields in the country, some of which are not marked. Therefore, overland trips without competent tour guides should generally be avoided.

During the rainy season, special caution is advised when traveling to Mozambique. From October to March, tropical cyclones are more frequent. Moreover, most of the country's roads are considered impassable during heavy rainfall. This even affects major roads like the Beira Corridor. When there is flooding, it occasionally happens that residential areas of the locals must be evacuated temporarily. In this case, there can be significant disruptions to infrastructure and an increased risk of epidemics. For these reasons, it is recommended to avoid traveling to the African country during the rainy season.

Since Mozambique is a former colony of Portugal, Portuguese remains the official language to this day. Especially in urban areas, the language is widespread. About 80 percent of the inhabitants of the cities have stable knowledge of Portuguese. The official language enables the locals to communicate with each other regardless of ethnic affiliation. The various variants of the language used form Mozambican Portuguese, which is characterized by the accents of various African languages. Travelers can easily communicate with the locals in Portuguese. However, many younger Mozambicans also have basic knowledge of English.

Since Mozambique is home to numerous people of different ethnic groups, Portuguese is by no means the only language spoken in the country. The country belongs to the region of Bantu languages, which are widespread in the middle and southern part of the African continent. In Mozambique alone, 43 different Bantu languages are spoken, of which Makua is the most widespread. The language is spoken by about a quarter of the country's population.

The power grid within the country is partially only weakly developed, especially in rural areas. Especially during the rainy season, but also during the dry season, there can also be power outages lasting several days. Larger hotels, however, usually have a relatively stable power supply.

The mains voltage in Mozambique is 220 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. Since the mains voltage is almost identical to that in Germany (230 V), travelers can use their electrical appliances without any concerns. Since the types C, F, and M sockets are used in the African country, Germans need an adapter for type M sockets for their vacation.

Fixed-line networks are very poorly developed in Mozambique. However, the low fixed-line teledensity is offset by strong growth in mobile communications. By now, all major cities and roads in the country are covered by the mobile network. About half of Mozambicans now have their own mobile phone. The state carrier of the mobile network is mCel, the only other provider approved by the government is Vodacom Mozambique. The mCel service is considered unreliable outside the capital. In contrast, the network of the competing provider Vodacom is considered reliable. Travelers can purchase starter packages with a SIM card and prepaid credit for about 50 Metical in mobile phone shops. It is advised against purchasing starter packages from street vendors. Alternatively, there is the option to order a SIM card for various African countries online before starting the journey. This option is somewhat more expensive but much more convenient.

Mobile providers mCel and Vodacom offer internet access via mobile phones as well as USB modem. Especially in the capital, an internet connection is easily accessible. All major hotels as well as numerous restaurants and internet cafes offer a relatively stable WLAN connection. Outside the capital Maputo, however, the internet is only limitedly available. In larger cities and tourist hotspots, however, there is a good chance of getting internet access. Throughout the country, there are offices of Telecommunications de Mozambique that offer internet access. Occasionally, however, it may happen that the connection only works very limitedly or is not available at all. In very rural areas, there is usually neither an internet connection nor mobile reception.

Although the medical care in Mozambique is quite good compared to other African countries, it cannot be compared with the European health system. The hygienic, but also technical situation in the health facilities is often problematic. Especially in rural regions, medical care is often insufficient. In some very rural areas, there is no public health care at all. For this reason, in the event of an accident, the journey to the nearest clinic can take a lot of time.

In public hospitals, there are increased supply and staff shortages. There are often very long waiting times. Private hospitals, on the other hand, are significantly better equipped. They are located both in the capital, Maputo, and in other major cities of the country. In private clinics and private practices, there are numerous, very well-trained doctors. There, travelers also find competent, English-speaking doctors. However, for specialist treatment or complex medical procedures, it is sometimes recommended to travel to South Africa. In the neighboring country of South Africa, the medical care is significantly better.

The statutory health insurance does not include treatment in African countries. Therefore, travelers are advised to take out appropriate supplementary insurance before entering the country. The additional protection must be completed before the start of the trip. In most cases, this is even possible on the day of departure. Without valid insurance, it is possible that in the event of an accident or illness, very high costs may arise, which must be borne by the travelers themselves. Vacationers should make sure that the health insurance also covers costly treatments and a return transport to Germany.

The Foreign Office currently issues no travel warnings for Mozambique. However, travelers should check the current security situation and any travel advice before entering the country. The main sources of danger for trips to Mozambique are climatic conditions, infectious diseases, and street crime in the capital Maputo . Provided that some basic safety precautions are observed, travel to the African country is considered relatively safe.

Mozambique offers many sights. On tours through the African country, travelers can experience the African originality and discover pristine, exotic landscapes. The large country is hardly developed for tourism, which is why nature lovers encounter a spectacular flora and fauna. The numerous dream beaches on the Indian Ocean are among the most beautiful on earth. Due to the untouched beauty of the underwater world, a beach holiday is suitable not only for sunbathing and swimming, but also for diving.

The large country in Southeast Africa attracts travelers not only with its dreamlike coast, but also with its national parks and nature reserves. Throughout the country, there are numerous nature parks that provide a home for exotic wildlife. Particularly well-known is the Kruger National Park in the southwest of the country, which connects Mozambique with South Africa. The cities of the country are also worth a visit. Travelers encounter numerous different cultures during their holiday, which live side by side and combine old African traditions with modern life.

The cuisine of Mozambique is unique worldwide due to Portuguese and Asian influences. However, the traditional dishes of the national cuisine remain largely typical for East African countries despite the international influence. Corn is considered the staple food of the population. Corn kernels are often crushed into flour and processed into a firm porridge called Wusa. Mozambicans also consume a lot of sorghum, millet, cassava roots, and rice. In addition to these side dishes, a sauce made of vegetables or meat is often served. Local specialties include Matapa, a sauce made from cassava leaves and peanuts, and the spicy Piri-Piri chicken. In addition, Asian-inspired curries made from seafood, fish, or chicken are very common.

In Mozambique, water is usually drunk with meals. However, travelers should avoid drinking tap water for hygienic reasons. Drinking water should be bought in bottles or well boiled. In addition to water, locals drink a lot of Rooibos tea. The tea contains no caffeine and is drunk hot or cold. Beer, wine, and spirits of regional and international origin are also readily available.

Mozambique is in the Central African Time zone. During daylight saving time from the end of April to the end of October, there is no time difference between Germany and the African country. However, during winter time in Germany, there is a time difference of one hour, as Central African Time does not account for a time shift. Due to the very similar time zone, a trip to Mozambique does not require adjustment and is thus not associated with jet lag symptoms.