About Bilene

Bilene is a small, sleepy town situated on Mozambique’s coast. With a beautiful lagoon backdrop and a warm tropical climate, Bilene budget travel offers the ultimate tropical island paradise for travellers.

Bilene Budget Travel

Bilene budget travel is very easy with great value for money backpacking tours and fantastic highlights. Below is useful information on Bilene to help you plan your budget holiday in Bilene. We offer a variety of budget tours and backpacking advice in Bilene.

Airports

Nearest Bilene airports include:
• Maputo International Airport

Birdlife

The beautiful lush vegetation surrounding the lagoon and the village provide a haven for a large range of Bilene birds including loerie, rain bird and Burchells coucal as well as large flocks of flamingo and other water birds. Bird watching is a popular pastime in the village, and offers some of Africa's most beautiful habitats in a relaxed island setting.

Conservation

The protected and sheltered waters of the lagoon offer the ideal Bilene conservation area, and a large number of species thrive in this protected habitat. Whales and dolphins can also be found in the Indian Ocean nearby, and large numbers of water birds rely on the lagoon as a water source.

Culture

Bilene 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
• Fishing plays key role in community trade and sustenance
• Architecture and buildings are heavily influenced by colonial eras
• Customs and traditions are a blend of African and Portuguese influences

Customs

Bilene customs includes free import of the following, irrespective of age:
• 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco
• Reasonable quantity of perfume (opened bottle)
• 3/4 liter spirits
• Other articles not exceeding US$50

Health

Bilene health is typical of any African village, 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 Bilene travels.

AIDS

Bilene HIV/AIDS precautions include the following:
• Don’t ever share needles or syringes
• Practice safe sex at all times
• Equipment should be sterilized
• If you require self-administered injections, take an adequate supply of your own needles
• Avoid tattoos, acupuncture treatment or body piercing

Vaccinations

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

Languages

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

Malaria

Bilene malaria medication includes the following:
• Mefloquine (Lariam)
• Doxycycline
• Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone)

Money

Bilene money and banking information is as follows:
• US Dollars and South African Rands are only accepted in major cities such as nearby Maputo, and seldom within the village
• Travellers cheques can be exchanged at some camps or in Maputo
• There are a number of ATMs in Maputo ' be careful when drawing cash
• Credit cards are accepted at some camps but not all
• Banking hours in Maputo are Monday to Friday from 07h30 to 15h30

People

Bilene people include the following groups:
• Makua-Lomwé
• Tsonga
• Shona
• Euro-Africans
• Europeans
• Indians

Phrase

Bilene 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

Vaccinations

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

Plants

Bilene plants are lush and abundant, with thick vegetation and miombo woodlands lining the lagoon, which offers a rich habitat for an array of birdlife and insects. Palm trees are also common around the village and the lagoon.

Religion

Bilene religion groups include the following:
• Roman Catholic
• Muslim
• Zionist Christian

Safety Tips

• Bilene is a safe and peaceful destination offering a safe swimming and sailing area
• The crime rate is very low in the village, however it is always best to keep valuables safe and out of sight to avoid temptation
• Roads leading to the village are un-tarred and often full of potholes, especially in rainy season, so drive carefully
• Crime in nearby Maputo is increasing, so be careful when travelling between these two areas
• It is best not to walk around alone after dark, and travellers are not permitted to camp on the beach so make sure you follow these guidelines

Transport

Bilene local transport options include the following:
• Walking
• 4x4 vehicle
• Boat

Travel Books

Bilene 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

Visa Requirements

Get more information on visas in Mozambique

What To Buy

• 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

What To Pack

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

When To Go

• 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 holidays the village is filled with tourists, often from neighbouring South Africa

Wildlife

Like most of Mozambique, Bilene wildlife is not as prolific or large as other African countries; however the beautiful oceans contain a rich and abundant marine life. Bilene is ideal for whale and dolphin spotting, and the lagoon is home to a large number of colourful tropical fish which can be seen when diving or snorkelling in the clear waters.