| Mozambique in famous mainly for its beaches and | | | | hotels. Taxi drivers expect 10 percent. |
| prawns, Mozambique also offers the visitor World | | | | TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS DESCRIPTION: |
| Heritage sites, colonial architecture and a colourful | | | | Maputo: |
| local culture. Bustling markets sell exquisite | | | | The capital city has wide avenues lined with red |
| carvings and basketware with the wood and ivory | | | | acacia and lilac jacaranda flowering trees; it offers |
| sculptures of the Makonde recognized as one of | | | | many historical, cultural and scenic spots e.g. the |
| Africa's most sophisticated art forms. | | | | Cathedral; City Council Chambers; Tunduro |
| Mozambique has also produced talented painters | | | | Gardens; Railway Station; the Fortress and Natural |
| such as Malangatana and the country's murals | | | | History Museum; beaches include Praia da |
| adorn many a wall, especially in Maputo. Traditional | | | | Macaneta; Ponta do Ouro and Ponta Malongane. |
| music is in the form of Marrabenta music as well | | | | Xai-Xai: |
| as Marimba and calabash orchestras. Keeping with | | | | 224km from Maputo; the nearby beach is a |
| the rhythm of Africa, the ritualistic Nhau and | | | | popular tourist destination with its massive reef |
| mapico initiation dances can be a frightening sight. | | | | protecting the shores from strong waves at high |
| Popular activities for travellers include diving, | | | | tide; at low tide locals gather shellfish to sell to |
| snorkelling, bird watching and fishing for marlin, | | | | tourists; in the area also visit Praia do Chongoene, |
| sailfish or kingfish. | | | | Bilene and the Banhine National Park, with its rich |
| CAPITAL: | | | | variety of wildlife. |
| Maputo | | | | Mozambique Island: |
| CLIMATE: | | | | About two-thirds of the island was declared a |
| Subtropical although droughts and low rainfall is | | | | 'World Heritage Site' by UNESCO due to the |
| common. Rainy season is Oct-Apr and dry season | | | | buildings being constructed from coral; places of |
| Apr-Sep. | | | | interest include St Paul's Palace, the Museum of |
| CURRENCY: | | | | Sacred Art and the Fortress of St Sebastian; |
| 1 Mozambican Metical = 100 centavos. USD or | | | | nearby beaches are Praia de Fernão Veloso |
| Pounds Sterling traveller's cheques are | | | | and Praia das Chocas; on the mainland, in Nampula |
| recommended. Change money at authorized | | | | city, see the Cathedral and Museum. |
| institutions. Credit cards are not widely accepted. | | | | Beira: |
| A large number of merchants prefer USD. Import | | | | The country's second city, Beira is spread along |
| and export of local currency is prohibited. | | | | the coast; see the Largo do Municipio, Casa |
| ELECTRICITY: | | | | Portugal, Casa Infante de Sagres, Casa dos Bicos |
| 220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are 2- and 3-pin round. | | | | and the Cathedral; the best beaches are found |
| HEALTH: | | | | between the Clube Nautico and the lighthouse; |
| A yellow fever vaccination is required from | | | | nearby 'Six Miles' is an inland resort with an |
| travellers over 1 year of age coming from | | | | artificial lagoon with islands where you may swim |
| infected areas. Visitors are advised to take | | | | or hire pedal boats; game viewing in the province |
| pre-arrival precautions against malaria (risk exists | | | | is at the famous Gorongosa National Park and |
| throughout the year in the whole country), | | | | Marromeu Buffalo Reserve. |
| hepatitis A, polio, typhoid and meningitis depending | | | | Bazaruto: |
| on the area visited and time of year. Other health | | | | Archipelago Very popular tourist area consisting of |
| concerns are rudimentary medical facilities, | | | | Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque and Santa |
| unavailable medicines, cholera (maintain strict food | | | | Carolina islands off the mainland with high quality |
| and water hygiene) and influenza (risk extends | | | | hotels; On Inhambane on the mainland, see the |
| throughout year). | | | | Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception; |
| LANGUAGE: | | | | conservation areas include the Zinave National |
| The official language is Portuguese, but Makua and | | | | Park and the Bazaruto National Park. |
| Tsonga are also spoken. English is not widely | | | | Pemba: |
| spoken but can be understood. | | | | The city has an unspoilt natural beauty; visit the |
| PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: | | | | Old Town, where you can visit several traditional |
| New Years' Day (1 Jan); Heroes' Day (3 Feb); | | | | markets, the beaches of Praia do Wimbe and |
| Women's Day (7 Apr); Labour Day (1 May); | | | | Praia do Farol; nearby Ibo Island is part of the |
| Independance Day (25 Jun); Victory Day (7 Sep); | | | | idyllic Quirimbas archipelago. |
| Armed Forces Day (25 Sep); Defunct's Day (2 | | | | Lake Niassa & Niassa Reserve: |
| Nov); Christmas Day (25 Dec); Boxing Day (26 | | | | Niassa province offers breathtaking views and |
| Dec) | | | | scenery; unspoilt Lake Niassa is accessible by 4x4 |
| SHOPPING:basketwork; reed mats; woodcarvings; | | | | only and gives you a 'real Africa' experience, with |
| masks; printed cloth; leather articles; prawns; wine. | | | | fishing villages where you can buy fresh fish and |
| SOCIAL CONVENTIONS: | | | | coconut milk; Niassa Reserve is famous for its |
| Religion is mainly Roman Catholic, but other faiths | | | | large quantity of elephants. |
| include Muslim, Hindu and traditional beliefs. | | | | Inhaca Island: |
| Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. | | | | 34 km from Maputo in the bay, accessible by |
| Portuguese customs e.g. modes of address | | | | boat or plane; tours of Ponta de Santa Maria and |
| (Senhor/Senhora) apply. Dress is casual and | | | | Portuguese Island are possible. |
| formal wear is seldom required. For business | | | | Maputo Elephant Reserve: |
| safari suits are acceptable in hot weather, while | | | | 79 km south of Maputo, the reserve is famous |
| lightweight suits are advised for the rest of the | | | | for its elephant herds; flamingos can also be seen |
| year. | | | | on the large inland lakes near the sea. |
| TIME DIFFERENCE: | | | | Face of the Old Man: |
| GMT +2 | | | | In the city of Chimoio, 'Cabeça do Velho' is |
| TIPPING: | | | | a spectacular natural stone formation resembling |
| Ten percent is customary, but it's discouraged in | | | | the face of an old man. |