Anantara Bazaruto (ITT)

Situated on the east coast of Africa, this tropical paradise is blessed with 2500km of spectacular coastline. With its idyllic beaches fringed with palm trees and lapped by crystal-clear waters brimming with a dazzling array of marine life, this enchanting African nation is an ideal adventure holiday destination, with an abundance of activities on offer such as snorkelling, sunset cruises, horse-riding, dolphin tours and world-renowned scuba diving.

Mozambique’s two major centres, Maputo and Inhambane, offer an exotic kaleidoscope of art, music and delicious local food as well as a lively nightlife scene. Spend your days immersing yourself in the fascinating local culture, marvelling at the impressive colonial architecture and interacting with the fabulously friendly local inhabitants.

Those seeking a more remote getaway can head for the isolated beaches of Bazaruto and Benguerra Island; the historic Portuguese and Muslim architecture of Mozambique Island; the areas furthest north such as the Quirimbas Island Archipelago; or the outstanding wildlife of Gorongosa National Park. However you choose to spend your time in this exceptionally scenic destination you are likely to leave with a heavy heart and a burning desire to return time and time again. (ITT)

A valid passport and visa are required to enter Mozambique. The visa can be purchased at the borders, but for countries that have a Mozambique Embassy it is advisable to obtain the visa in advance. 

Currency

The unit of currency in Mozambique is the Metical (M) which is divided into 100 centavos. South African Rand and US$ are also widely accepted. 

Banking

Local banks have branches in cities that are generally open on weekdays from 07h45 to 12h00. ATMs are spreading across the country, but travellers cheques are difficult and expensive to exchange. 

Public transport is not recommended within Mozambique, but there are reliable bus shuttles to the north and international/local planes. 

There are scheduled flights into Maputo and Vilankulos. Flights are generally routed via Johannesburg in South Africa. There are a variety of smaller airstrips for smaller charter flights (to the islands, etc). 

Driving is on the left hand side in Mozambique. You need to make sure that you are carrying ID, your drivers licence, the car registration papers and your insurance details. It is also obligatory to carry a warning triangle and I would also recommend a high viz vest. The wearing of seat belts is compulsory.

The roads are generally not in good repair. Many of the main roads have an awful lot of potholes and some are very deep.  Another hazard for self-drive guests are the frequent stops at police roadblocks, where foreign visitors are expected to pay a bribe to be able to continue.

There are a few basic health matters that require care and attention. Please consult your doctor if in doubt and check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Malaria, including celebral malaria, is common during the summer months in north eastern South Africa, northern Namibia, northern Botswana (year round), northern Zimbabwe and Mozambique. This is particularly the case during the rainy season and just thereafter. As the strains of malaria as well as the drugs used to combat them, change frequently, it is advisable to seek medical advice before departure. Wearing long sleeves and trousers, closed shoes, sleeping under a mosquito net, using repellants and mosquito coils are some of the precautions that can be taken to avoid being bitten. The following website www.malaria.org.za gives up-to-date information regarding Malaria and precautions to be taken.

Visitors are advised to take necessary precautions against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Bilharzia is a treatable, but unpleasant disease brought about by parasites found in fresh water in Southern Africa, particularly water that is stagnant or does not move. Swimming in such water is not recommended. Enquiries should be made at the accommodation establishment of the area for up to date information about the prevalence of bilharzia there.

The intensity and effects of the sun and heat are often underestimated. It is essential to take preventative measures to avoid problems related to this, such as drinking sufficient water, using sunscreen, wearing a wide brimmed hat, avoiding excessive exposure to the sun and limiting the intake of alcohol, as this causes dehydration.

Mozambique offers some of the best cuisine in Africa, providing a popular blend of Portuguese, Indian and African influences. The country is well known for its seafood which includes excellent prawns and crayfish, and the wildly popular grilled catch of the day, locally known as peixe grelhade. Local dishes, mainly along the coastal areas, have a certain flair which makes them unique from the foods found in neighbouring countries. Mozambicans believe in the liberal use of coconut milk and their favourite local hot pepper, peri peri to add a zesty burn to their meals. For more carnivorous visitors, there is a decent variety of high quality meats, usually, bought into Mozambique from neighbouring South Africa.

In Mozambique all towns treat their drinking water, travellers are however advised to boil the tap water before drinking it, alternatively to buy mineral water. Tap water can safely be used for showering and brushing of teeth.

The Mozambique coastline stretches for almost 2,000km, covering latitudes from about 11° to 27° South, and has a tropical ocean current running north to south along its length for the whole year.

Despite this range of latitudes, the whole country broadly follows a southern African weather pattern, with the rains falling largely between December and March.

Rainfall patterns vary a little between the north and south of the country, with the rains lasting a few weeks longer in the north than the south, but the pattern is the same. Humidity can be uncomfortably high during this period.

Most of Mozambique's rain arrives on moist southeast trade winds, but glance at a map to see that it lies in the rainshadow of Madagascar. This gives Mozambique a relatively low annual rainfall – and a great deal of protection from the tropical storms and the occasional cyclone which head towards it during this period.

By April or May the rains subside, the sun comes out and the humidity drops – better weather spreads gradually from the south to the north.

June to October is the dry season, with often perfect tropical weather: clear skies, plenty of sun and almost no rain. This is the best time for most people to visit Mozambique. Although still tropical, June, July and August are Mozambique's coolest months; you'll need a light duvet at night, even though the temperature reaches over 30°C by day. During September and October it remains dry as daytime temperatures climb, though it cools down a lot at night.

November is a less predictable month of transition. Sometimes the rains start, although many days remain sunny and hot. The rains generally start earlier in the north of the country.

Light clothing is a must for most of the year (do not forget your swimwear and sunscreen!). However, during winter (June-August) it can be chilly in the evenings, so pack something warm. When visiting game reserves, remember to pack sensible walking shoes, a hat and colour appropriate clothing (browns, greens, etc). In the evenings, it is advisable to wear long sleeved shirts to protect from the mosquitoes. 

Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes, in major cities and tourist areas 
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities 
Cafes: Yes, in major cities 
Shopping malls: Yes, in major cities 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Yes, in major cities 

Current is 220/240 volts at 50 cycles per second. A three-point round-pin adapter plug should be brought for your electrical appliances. Such adapters are also available at the major airports.