This beautiful country, formerly a Portuguese colony, gained its independence in 1975.
The 2,500 km long coastline enjoys superb white beaches fringed by lagoons, coral reefs and strings of small islands. Extensive coral reefs host a dazzling array of unique marine life and offer unbelievable diving and fishing opportunities.

A vast, low, grassland plateau, which rises from the coast towards the mountains in the north and west, covers nearly half the country’s land area. The population is concentrated along the coast and the fertile river valleys. The Zambezi is the largest of the country’s 25 rivers. Mozambique, rich in mineral resources such as gold, emeralds, copper iron ore and bauxite is currently engaged in oil exploration.

Mozambique is a perfect destination for honeymooners, families, anniversaries, incentive groups, fishing, snorkelling, diving, whale watching, birding, superb cuisine, unforgettable sunsets, and awesome beaches.

Why visit Mozambique?

• Incredible tropical coastline that has endless white beaches fringed with coconut palms and warm blue seas for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving.
• The fascinating island of Ilha de Mozambique which in spite of years of civil war, has retained its numerous 16th to 19th century buildings.
• The charming site of the old wooden dhows bringing in the days catch onto white beaches from crystal clear waters.
• Colourful and bustling local markets
• Deep-sea game fishing
• Vibrant ambience which as a heady mixture of African, Portuguese and Arab influence, giving a feel of European and tropical flavour.
• Bird watching on the Bazaruto Archipelago and spotting the rare crab plover and green coucal, which are two examples of the abundant birdlife on these islands.
• The beautiful islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, which are accessed by sea or air.
• One of the richest marine biodiversities in the warm Indian Ocean.

Fact File:

Mozambique covers an area of over 800,000 sq km – three times the size of Great Britain. Situated on the south east of the African continent, it shares borders with 6 other Commonwealth countries. Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia to the north; Zimbabwe to the west; and South Africa and Swaziland to the south.

Currency / Credit Cards The Mozambican currency is the Metical (MT), divided into 100 centavos. US Dollar and South African Rand notes and travellers cheques are widely accepted. Payments made by Visa, American Express and Master Card are widely accepted. You may experience difficulties in obtaining cash drawn on a credit card. Climate Tropical to sub-tropical with coastal temperatures high for much of the year while the interior is warm to mild, even in the cooler, dry season from April to September.

In the south the hot, humid and rainy season is from December to March, father north this period lengthens by a few weeks. The coast of northern Mozambique is occasionally affected by tropical cyclones. It is usually sunny throughout the year.

Passports and Visas

All visitors must have Passports (valid for a minimum of 6 months). Visas are required to enter Mozambique which can be obtained from your nearest Mozambican Embassy or at most land borders and airports into Mozambique. Visa formalities are subject to change without notice. It is therefore recommended that you pre-arrange your visa prior to your departure from your home country. 2 Passport size photographs are required to be submitted with your visa application form.

Getting There

Mozambique has its own national airline, Linhas Aereas de Mocambique (LAM). Several other international and regional airlines, the most frequent being Air Portugal and South African Airways, service the country. There are international airports namely, Maputo, Beira, Nampula and Pemba. Other airports servicing light aircraft are Vilanculos, Quelimane, Tete, Inhambane and Lichinga.

Most international flights are via Johannesburg with connecting services into Maputo being operated by South African Airways and LAM. There are other smaller airlines offering scheduled services into other areas by light aircraft. Note that baggage restriction is limited to 10kg maximum per person on all light aircraft.

Travel Insurance

All visitors are responsible for their own international travel and medical insurance. You are strongly recommended to obtain the necessary travel insurance prior to your departure, which must include cover in respect of emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses and repatriation expenses.

Departure Tax

USD20 International Departure Tax per person is payable at the airport upon departure from Mozambique.

Health

Anti-malarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, and typhoid are also recommended. A Yellow Fever certificate is required for those arriving from infected areas.

What to Pack

Lightweight clothing is suitable all year round, although jerseys and jackets are advised for the evenings when it can get chilly. Rainwear is needed for the rainy season.

Where to Stay

We have featured 2 of the finest properties in Mozambique, although there are a number of very good properties available which we would be delighted to discuss with you when we are arranging your itinerary.

Indigo Bay Hotel

Just two hours by air from Johannesburg, the diverse ecosystem of the Bazaruto Archipelago in the Mozambique Channel is an island paradise that offers everything Eden should be and caters for a wide range of interests - protected reefs offer up to 16 dive sites that tender unusual sea life including the protected dugong; powdery white beaches; snorkelling in shallow crystal clear waters with an abundant and a dazzling array of beautiful sea-life; a fisherman’s paradise with big game fishing for Marlin and Kingfish; flamingo’s on the tidal flats; large Nile crocodiles in the freshwater lakes on the island and enormous sand dunes on the eastern shore.

Indigo Bay Island Resort Hotel is located on Bazaruto Island, the largest of 5 islands comprising the Archipelago. The hotel, complete with softly fringed thatched roofs and island-friendly architecture, ideal for the tropics, offers tranquil harmony, beauty, gracious service, scrumptious seafood and a myriad of activities including horse riding, nature drives, sunset cruises, island-hopping, diving and fishing. For those who wish to simply relax: swim in the warm, calm and protected Indian Ocean, stroll on the powdery white beach or float on the infinitive salt-water swimming pool.

Indigo Bay Island Resort Hotel lures guests with comfort and luxury unbeknown to this part of the world. Beach chalets and Bay View Rooms are air-conditioned with ceiling fans, fully mosquito screened, with en-suite facilities, mini-bar, 24- hour power, satellite television and telephone access. Two opulent Suites with private pools offer the ultimate island experience.

Indigo Bay’s Rani Airvan –a sturdy seven-seat Australian aircraft - that has you landing in paradise in 15 minutes, smoothly handles transfers from Vilanculos on the mainland.

Benguerra Lodge

Nestling in a natural milkwood forest encircled by pristine white beaches and turquoise sea, Benguerra Lodge consists of thirteen rooms which are all secluded built on stilts overlooking the ocean. Eleven double room chalets have en-suite facilities whilst the villa has two double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a private plunge pool and all accommodation have immediate access to the beach. This property offers exclusivity in a tranquil and remote setting. A little known option on top of fishing, scuba diving and other beach activities is bird watching. The island is home to over 115 varieties of birds, including the rare Crab Plover and the elusive Narina Trogon.

Pemba Beach Hotel

Situated on one of the world’s largest natural deepwater harbours in the far northern Mozambique province of Cabo Delgado, The Pemba Beach Hotel, on the northern reach of the stunning Wimbe Beach, is aesthetically unique with Arabian-influenced architecture. The restaurant, cocktail bar and infinitive pool, face the ocean beyond the expansive rolling green lawns and swaying palm trees. The historical lure of the city, seafood at its’ best, especially the Mozambican prawns at the Quirimbas Restaurant, and service with a smile make this a new sought-after destination for honeymooners and explorers who seek the still “undiscovered”.

This long forgotten sleepy town, formerly known as Porto Amelia, is steeped in colonial and trader history, with the islands of Ibo and Ilha de Mozambique, in the Quirimbas Archipelago, nearby. Only 240km from the border of Tanzania, Pemba is an ideal exploration destination, with prime fishing waters of the St Lazarus Banks about 100 nautical miles away.

The Pemba Beach Hotel has 60 rooms, including two Suites, that are all sea-facing with individual balconies, fully air conditioned, en suite bath/shower, mini-bar, satellite TV, direct dial telephone, coffee & tea making facilities, electronic safe, international plug points and a hair dryer.

Activities by arrangement include fishing charters, scuba diving, sunset cruises, visiting the Lurio waterfalls and the baobab forest across the bay, where elephants have roamed for generations.