There are banks in every city / large town and almost all of them will have ATMs to withdraw cash in the local currency - Meticias. You can change foreign currency in the banks or in the black market. Although it is becoming more common to pay by credit card, not everywhere is geared up for this so take enough cash with you for every eventuality. Please do not bring travellers cheques as these are not accepted. U$D notes (50 & 100) older than 2006 or damaged notes are not accepted in Mozambique so make sure when receiving foreign currency from your bank the notes are dated 2006 + and are not marked or torn. For tipping, rather change your foreign currency into Meticias as it is not easy for Mozambicans to change foreign notes. South African Rands are accepted in the south, but not in the north.
Mozambique can get very hot and humid. Generally, the best time to visit is between May and November, when the temperatures average between 25-30ºC. Although situated in the tropics, Mozambique can get cool at night during the winter months, especially in the south, so it is advisable to bring some long-sleeved clothing for warmth as well as to protect you from biting insects. Winter months are from June until August. The hottest months coincide with the rainy season, which falls between December and April. Southerly winds prevail from May to October and from October to May, there is generally a northerly wind.
Mozambique is catching up with the technology revolution and Internet is now widely available in towns and cities, with the two main cellular networks Vodacom, mCel and Movitel also offering reasonable connections. Although it is not as fast as elsewhere in the world, it is no longer finger-tappingly slow!
Reconfirmation of LAM tickets - It is very important for passengers to remember to reconfirm their LAM tickets (domestic and international) at least 72 hours before departing on the return journey.
Hand luggage - Always pack some basic essentials & medicine in your hand luggage when traveling on connecting flights to Mozambique. It does happen that checked in luggage do not arrive.
Island flights – Kaskazini can arrange seats on light aircrafts from either Vilanculos to the Bazaruto Archipelago, or from Pemba to the Quirimbas Islands. Please note that the flights from Pemba to the Quirimbas Archipelago do not run on a set schedule. Kaskazini requests and confirms seats for you based on the time of your arrival or departing flight but the the final schedules are not published until the afternoon before travel, so we will only inform you of the exact flight time late on the day before, around 17h00 - 18h00. All flights must be paid for prior to travelling. Passengers need to be at the CFA office at the appropriate airport 30 minutes prior to the island flights.
Luggage allowance on light aircraft - Passengers are allowed to take 15kgs per person in soft bags on the light aircrafts. If this allowance is exceeded, excess baggage may have to be left behind with prior arrangement (facility provided by CFA) or you can pay excess baggage costs.
Insurance – We strongly advise all travellers to take out medical & travel insurance that includes emergency evacuation. Kaskazini will not be held responsible for lost luggage or personal belongings, illness, damage, accident, fatality, or delay.
Maputo is the capital of Mozambique and is served by Mavelane International Airport (MPM). Air Mozambique (LAM) is the national carrier and operates flights to Maputo from South Africa - Johannesburg and Cape Town, from Luanda in Angola, from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, from Nairobi in Kenya, and code shares with TAP (Air Portugal) for flights to and from Lisbon in Portugal. Other airlines flying into Mozambique are South African Airways (SAA) from Johannesburg to Maputo; Airlink (SAA) from Johannesburg to Pemba International Airport and Nampula International Airport; Kenya Airways from Nairobi to Nampula; Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa to Maputo; Pelican Air from Johannesburg to Vilanculos; and soon Coastal Aviation, flying into northern Mozambique from Tanzania.
LAM’s domestic routes include flights to Beira, Inhambane, Tete, Lichinga, Chimoio and Quelimane. Mozambique shares borders with 6 neighbours which all have road access routes. There are border crossings from Mozambique into South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania.
The official language spoken in Mozambique is Portuguese. In the north, you will hear several local dialects, such as Macua, Makonde and Swahili. English is spoken in all the larger resorts and hotels (but sometimes not very well).
Malaria is prevalent in Mozambique. We advise you to consult your doctor with regard to malaria prophylaxis and vaccinations prior to departure. Please bear in mind that Doxycylcine, when taken as a prophylaxis, can make you very sensitive to the sun and we don't recommend you take this when travelling in Mozambique. Taking prophylaxis does not give you 100% immunity against malaria. The best way to avoid getting malaria is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. Apply insect repellent regularly from 3pm onwards, wear long sleeves and trousers in the evenings and sleep under a mosquito net. You may also be asked to show your Yellow Fewer Vaccination certificate upon arrival in the country.
- 1 January: New Years Day
- 3 February: Heroes Day
- 7 April: Women’s Day
- 1 May: Workers Day
- 25 June: Independence Day
- 7 September: Victory Day
- 25 September: Armed Forces Day
- 4 October: Peace Day
- 18 October: Pemba Day
- 25 December: Christmas Day
Mozambique is GMT + 2. In the summer months, the sun sets just before 18h00, and in the winter months, it is closer to 17h00.
South African passport holders do not require a visa to enter Mozambique but their passports do still get stamped. Other passport holders do need a visa and these cost up to $82 per person. Most nationalities can get tourist visas on arrival at the airport but it is recommended to get them beforehand if possible. Visas are valid for 30 days. If you overstay your visa, you will be fined, so keep an eye on this.
Airlines
Kenya Airways operates between Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya, and Maputo International Airport several times per week, and also to Nampula and Pemba International airport, code sharing with LAM.
LAM (Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique) is the only airline that operates domestically within Mozambique and flies regionally to Johannesburg, Luanda, Dar-es-salaam and Nairobi and also code shares with TAP to Lisbon.
Airlink (South African Airways) operates direct flights several times a week between OR Tambo Johannesburg International Airport and Nampula International Airport and also Pemba International Airport.