About Mozambique

Mozambique backpacking tours offer a tropical paradise ideal for budget travel experiences. Endless white beaches and clear blue seas with a multitude of marine life, go hand in hand with a vibrant culture and friendly nation.

Mozambique Budget Travel

Below is a list of Mozambique's top destinations, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Bazaruto, Benguerra Islands, Inhambane, Maputo, Praia do Tofo, Vilanculos

Fast Facts

Currency

Mozambican Metical (MZN)

Dialing Code

258

Airports

Mozambique international airports include: - Beira International Airport - Maputo International Airport - Nampula International Airport

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Birdlife

With a wide diversity of habitats including highly threatened lowlands and miombo woodlands, and an array of beautiful Southern African bird species which total 740, Mozambique birdlife offers birdwatchers a thrilling experience in a tropical paradise. There are about 15 Important Bird Areas (IBA's) in Mozambique, spanning from coastal regions to forests, wetlands and mountain areas.

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Conservation

Mozambique conservation is vital to prevent further damage to the country's already threatened wildlife and plant species. One of the most critically endangered species in Mozambique includes the dugong, of which there are only 150 left worldwide, most of them in Mozambique. A number of plants also face extinction if conservation efforts are not improved and enforced by Mozambique authorities.

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Culture

Mozambique cultures are influenced by the following: - Music and dance is influenced by the Portuguese roots of the country - Cuisine and food play a key role in social events and festivals - Art is a key part of tribal cultures - Architecture and buildings are heavily influenced by colonial eras - Customs and traditions are a blend of African and Portuguese influences

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Health

Mozambique health is typical of any African country, with health facilities ranging from average to poor. Malaria is rife in many areas, and other health risks include untreated water, cholera, Rift Valley Fever and plague. Take a first aid kit and vitamins, and follow basic health precautions to ensure that you stay healthy on your Mozambique travels.

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AIDS

Mozambique HIV/AIDS is a serious epidemic, with an extremely high rate of 12.5% in adults of 15 years and older. This amounts to an estimated 1,400,000 people living with HIV or AIDS, with a death rate of 81,000 by the end of 2007. About 58% of HIV/AIDS cases occurs in women, while the child AIDS numbers show a shocking 100,000 children of 15 years or younger.

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Vaccinations

Mozambique inoculations include: - Diphtheria - Hepatitis A - Malaria - Rabies - Tetanus - Typhoid - Yellow Fever (if coming from an infected area)

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Languages

Mozambique languages include the following: - Portuguese (official language) - Makua-Longwe - Tsonga - Shona - Swahili

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Money

Mozambique money & banking information includes: - US Dollars and South African Rands are widely accepted - Travellers cheques can be exchanged at most banks, major hotels or airports - There are a number of ATMs in major cities, however these are not always safe so be cautious about withdrawing cash - Credit cards are accepted at some major hotels or restaurants but not all - Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 07h30 to 15h30

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Phrase

Mozambique local phrases in Portuguese include: - Hello - Hola - Goodbye - Até logo - How much? - Cuanto custa? - Thank-you - Obrigado - How are you? - Como esta? - I am fine - Muito bem obrigado

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Plants

With about 5, 500 species of plant in the country, Mozambique plant life is rich and diverse. Ecosystems range from wetlands and mangroves to lush forests and woodlands, with a wide array of vegetation to be found. Mozambique has a high density of closed canopy forest, including dry forest, scrub forest, Brachystegia forest, riverine forest, groundwater forest, swamp forest, and coastal forest.

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People

Mozambique people include the following groups: - Makua-Lomwe 37% - Tsonga 23% - Shona 9% - Other tribal groups 30% - Euro-Africans 0.2% - Europeans 0.06% - Indians 0.08%

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Safety Tips

Mozambique safety tips include the following: - The crime rate is generally low, however Maputo and busier cities are becoming increasing targets for tourist pick-pocketing or muggings - Tropical cyclone seasons run from November to April and coastal areas should be avoided - flooding may also occur during these months - Avoid using ATM's on the streets and keep valuables out of sight and secure - Avoid large crowds or demonstrations which may turn violent - Roads are often in very bad condition so be cautious when driving

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Religion

Mozambique religion groups include the following: - Roman Catholic 21.8% - Muslim 22.8% - Zionist Christian 17.5% - Other 16.8% - None 21.1%

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Transport

Mozambique local transport options include: - Car - Bus - Taxi - Plane

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Travel Books

Mozambique travel books include the following: - Mozambique: The Bradt Travel Guide 4th Edition by Philip Briggs and Mark Whittington - Mozambique Travel Pack by New Holland Publishers - Mozambique Travel Guide by Globetrotter - Kalashnikovs and Zombie Cucumbers: Travels in Mozambique by Nick Middleton - Mozambique 2008 Travel Map by Globetrotter

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Visa Requirements

Mozambique visa information is as follows: - Most nationals require a visa except for South Africans and certain other African country citizens - Passports must be valid for six months minimum - Return tickets plus proof of income during your stay is required - Visas are generally valid for a maximum of 3 months - A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter the country

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Wildlife

Mozambique wildlife includes an impressive array of mammals, marine species, reptiles and amphibians. There are about 232 species of mammal, which include the extremely rare and endangered dugong plus dolphins, whales and manatees. Marine life is rich and abundant, with species ranging from whale shark to manta ray, and scuba diving and snorkeling offer a thrilling glimpse into underwater wonderlands with a huge diversity of fish to be seen.

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What To Pack

What to pack for Mozambique safaris: - Sunglasses, sunhat and high factor sunscreen - Swimming costume and snorkeling set, plus extra beach towels - Loose, lightweight clothing with long sleeves - Camera with spare batteries, extra film or memory cards - Warm jacket for cooler seasons plus comfortable walking shoes and sandals

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What To Buy

What to buy for Mozambique safaris: - Mozambique travel book and Portuguese phrase book - Sturdy backpack plus decent moneybag for valuables and travel documents - First aid box filled with basic supplies and equipment - Sleeping bag and camping mattress if you are on an overlanding tour - Disposable underwater camera

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When To Go

When to go to Mozambique: - The best time to visit Mozambique is from March to September - The coolest months are from May to November - Cyclone season runs from November to April and weather is very bad during these months, with frequent flooding - November to March are the hottest months of the year - During Christmas, Easter and August the country is filled with tourists, often from neighbouring South Africa

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