Mozambique travel guide

Over 2,500 kilometres of tropical coastline has already made Mozambique a popular spot for surfers and divers. Now it is emerging as one of Southern Africa’s top tourist destinations, offering sun-drenched island life, amazing wildlife and a culture that blends African, Arab and Portuguese influences.

Why go?

Beaches

After years of civil war and isolation, and a wave of devastating floods and droughts, Mozambique is finally basking in the glory of its natural habitat and exotic blend of cultures. The main draws for tourists are 2,500 kilometres of palm-fringed coastline along the Indian Ocean, the Bazaruto Archipelago and the Quirimbas Islands. The extensive coral reef here boasts a dazzling array of marine life that make diving, snorkelling and fishing a popular pastime with both locals and visitors.

Wildlife

The country’s national parks and game reserves are being restocked and returned to their former beauty. This has led to the establishment of on-site eco-lodges and luxury hotels that let visitors experience the amazing nature and wildlife at close quarters.

Exotic vibe

Historic settlements at Angoche, the majestic mountains of Namuli and Ugando, the natural harbour at Pemba, colonial buildings in the capital Maputo, a World Heritage Site at Mozambique Island, as well as the Afro-Latin beat that permeates the whole place mean that, if you’re looking for a tropical retreat with scope for sightseeing and adventure but minus the crowds, then this is it.

Past to present

Mozambique boasts a rich and ancient history. The expansion of the Bantu people who, it is thought, originated in West Africa before migrating south and east, eventually reached the area around 2,000 years ago. They set up trading ports along the coast and by around 900AD had forged links not only with other parts of Africa but also with India, Persia, China and the Middle East. Gold was a major lure for merchants, and it was this that attracted the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. He landed in Mozambique on his way to India in 1498 and, spotting the trading potential, quickly set about colonising the country.

The first Portuguese trading post was established in 1505. Gold deposits in the area meant traders were able to challenge the Arab monopoly of the precious metal. By the late 17th century the major export was ivory, before, some 50 years later, the slave trade began in earnest. The Portuguese governed for almost 500 years, at first from their Indian colony in Goa, then from Lisbon. The colonisers stripped Mozambique of its many natural resources while failing to establish any kind of social infrastructure to the benefit of the Mozambican people. Unrest finally exploded in the 1960s, sparking a fight for independence that lasted more than a decade. The Portuguese finally pulled out in 1975 but hostilities between their descendants and the indigenous people continued for 17 years, fomented by neighbouring Rhodesia (before it gained independence as Zimbabwe in 1980) and later by South Africa. Multi-party elections were held in 1994 at which the freedom party Frelimo emerged as victors. Mozambique joined the Commonwealth in 1995 and has been promoting stability and building on its tourism potential since then.

The legacy of this history is a diverse culture that at all levels blends African, Portuguese, Arab and Indian influences, from the people themselves to the food, music and architecture.

Lie of the land

Located on the south-east coast of Africa, Mozambique covers an area of over 800,000 square kilometres (three times the size of Great Britain) and is bordered by Tanzania, South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. It is made up mainly of coastal lowlands rising on its western border to a plateau that boast mountains as high as Binga at 2,436 metres and Namuli at 2,419 metres.

Mozambique’s main rivers are the Zambezi, Limpopo, Save and Lugenda, with the most important lake being the navigable Lake Niassa. The extensive coastline boasts superb white sandy beaches, lagoons, coral reefs and strings of islands. The population is concentrated here and along the fertile river valleys.

When to go

The climate is tropical to sub-tropical and generally sunny all year round. The most rainfall occurs in the wet season between November and April. The best time to visit is considered to be between April and September when the weather is generally cooler and drier. For nature lovers, the best time for big game is late August and September. On the downside, flooding and tropical cyclones are a real risk and visitors should consult the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s guide to Mozambique before they go at www.fco.gov.uk.

Getting there

As of February 2008 there were no direct flights to Mozambique from the UK. You can fly to the capital Maputo via Lisbon or via South Africa. For updated flight information visit www.flightmapping.com/Africa/Mozambique.

Red tape

British passport-holders require a visa. The cost is £40 for a single-entry visa available from the Mozambique High Commission, 21 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6EL. Download a form from www.mozambiquehc.org.uk/visasection.html or call 020 7383 3800 for more details.

Travel insurance for Mozambique

Crime and health risks cannot be ruled out in Mozambique, so don’t go without travel insurance. It is especially important to check the FCO website for details of ‘countries that are not recommended for travel’ as these could invalidate your Direct Line travel insurance. The site also gives helpful country-specific advice on travel health and avoiding crime.

If you think you may be taking part in activities, such as diving, while you’re abroad, it’s important you ensure you are covered by your travel insurance policy. If you have Direct Line travel insurance, please call us to make sure you can be covered for the type of activity and location. For example, Direct Line travel insurance is only able to cover diving up to an 18m limit.

Find out more

Find more holiday ideas at www.mozambiquehc.org.uk/tourism.html. Alternatively, pick up a copy of Mozambique The Bradt Travel Guide or Mozambique Lonely Planet Country Guide to take with you.

With Direct Line it’s quick and easy to sort out your travel insurance. Our Discoverer policy is perfect for student travel, backpacking holidays and longer trips to Mozambique. For shorter trips or frequent travel try our single trip or annual policies. Just apply for an online travel insurance quote today.