General Information on Moçambique

The information found below is applicable to the whole country. For specific information on the different sections, refer to the individual pages for that section using the sectors navigation menu located on the left hand side of every page

Location: Southern Africa. Bordered to the North by Tanzania, to the East is the Indian Ocean, to the South by South Africa and Swaziland, to the West is Zimbabwe and Malawi
Name: Republic of Moçambique
Capital: Maputo (formally Lourenço Marquez)
Time zone: GMT +2 hours
Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz
Area: 801,590km²
Currency: Metical (see Exchange Rate), SA Rand, Pound Sterling, US$ and Euros are widely accepted, as well as major credit cards (Visa seems to be the most widely accepted). It is advisable to carry cash or credit cards although obtaining a cash advance on a credit card in a bank can be time consuming. ATM machines are available in the main centre's and some hotels
Religion: Christian, Muslim and Hindu as well as traditional beliefs
Population: About 19 million inhabitants of which 30% live in the urban centre's of Maputo, Beira and Nampula. The indigenous groups form 99% of the population
Languages: Portuguese is the official National language, however there are over 60 languages spoken through out the country

History in brief

Over the last 1000 years Moçambique has been the focus of interest for many races. The strategic location, rich minerals, gold and ivory made Moçambique, over the centuries, an important trading point

The primitive people of Mozambique were the Bosquimanes, nomadic, hunter-gatherers. Between 200 and 300 AC the Bantu people arriving from the northern big lakes, established themselves along the Moçambique coast line. The Bantus brought in agricultural skills as well as knowledge of iron working

During the 13th Century, the Arab traders settled along the East Coast attracted by the gold mines. They, the Swahili's, introduced the Islamic culture. The Indians and Chinese were also actively trading along this coast line

In February 1497 the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrived at Ilha de Moçambique (Moçambique Island, today connected to the main land by a causeway) on his way to India. And in 1507 a permanent settlement started on the Island

During this period Portugal tried to take control of the gold trade

In the 16th Century the Dutch made failed attempts to occupy the Island

Portuguese farmers were encouraged to settle and develop further inland, expanding the occupied territory. By mid 16th century the ivory trade was competing with gold

In 1752 Moçambique was officially declared a Portuguese colony

Between 1700s and 1800s the slave trade became a major activity, over 1 million slaves were transported to Brazil, Reunion and Mauritius

The "Prazo" system was introduced as an attempt to gain more control over the colony, to promote agricultural and economic development. It consisted on a contract granting land (Prazos) to Portuguese women over three generation (as long as they were married to Portuguese men). The Prazeiros (owners of Prazos) became the elite of the country exerting great control

In 1871 slavery is abolished and Ilha de Moçambique becomes a depot for free slaves

In 1878 Portugal conceded some of the Northern territory for trading to British and German companies as a way to avoid invasion from those countries. The European companies introduced enforced labour "Chibalo" on construction of roads and farming

One year later the Lourenço Marquez treaty was signed between Britain and Portugal, resulting in the construction of the railway linking Lourenço Marquez to Johannesburg, it was officially completed in January 1895. At this time the Capital was moved from Ilha de Moçambique to Lourenço Marquez, where most political and economic activities were now being carried out

In 1926 Antonio Oliveira Salazar takes over Portugal on a fascist coup. For Moçambique this again meant forced labour to build the railways linking the main ports to the main cities as well as mines, and farming activities. Salazar also introduced a strict racist regime, where education was no longer granted to the population, and the Africans were forbidden to initiate any kind of business. The Prazos were abolished at this time

The Catholic Church came in to provide basic education to the African people but under strict conditions, which included abandoning traditional beliefs and culture, this was for many the only way to avoid forced labour (they were called the, 'Assimilados' or non-indigenous). The great majority of the African population were forced into hard labour. Cities and developed areas were reserved for white people and a few privileged, 'Assimilados'

Nationalist feelings were fast developing by the educated few and intellectuals

In June 1960, during a peaceful protest at Mueda in Northern Moçambique, the Portuguese opened fire on the crowd. This event is remembered yearly as "The massacre of Mueda". This was the start of the Moçambique liberation movement

Frelimo Party (Frente de Liberacao Moçambicana - Liberation Front) was created and had Eduardo Chivambu Mondlane as the first president. The purpose was to conquer complete independence from Portugal

In 1969 Eduardo Mondlane was assassinated by a letter bomb. Samora Michel as military commander took over with strong Marxist views. Portugal was struggling to keep hands over the colony and slowly lost control. With the overthrow of Salazar's regime, Portugal gave in, on 7th September 1974 Portugal agreed on a transition of government to Frelimo

The Independent People's republic of Moçambique was then proclaimed

There was no gradual transition, the Portuguese left in a hurry leaving the country in a trap set for disaster. Radical and unrealistic social changes were fast implemented with some external help. By 1983 the country's economy was in a shambles

Renamo (Resistência Nacional de Moçambique - Moçambique National Resistance) was created in 1970s by external forces. From 1976 onwards its main purpose was the destruction of social economical structures and destabilization of the government. Recruits were forced to join, whilst roads, bridges and railways were destroyed together with schools and hospitals. Skilled labour was targeted, many were killed. Atrocities were violently committed. Until 1992 the country was basically in a brutal civil war, that pitted brother against brother

In 1983 drought and famine forced the Frelimo movement to turn to western aid

In 1984 the Nkomaty Accord was signed between Mozambique and South Africa (S.A.) The deal was for S.A. to withdraw all support for Renamo and in exchange Moçambique would reject the ANC and allow South African Investment into the country. This Accord was not successful, as S.A. did not as promised withdraw their support for Renamo. Renamo remained in power

Two years later Samora Michel died in a plane crash and was replaced by Joaquim Chissano

The collapse of the USSR and the newly elected South African president F.W. DeClerk turned the situation against Renamo

The peace agreement came in October 1992, followed by the UN monitoring disarmament and demobilization campaign. The first National Elections was held in 1994

Since then Mozambique has greatly developed towards peace and democracy. Showing a much greater political stability with the Frelimo party winning another term in 2004

Services

Mozambique has been going through a huge re-integration with the rest of the world after 17 years of brutal civil war. The country is developing incredibly fast and most services can be found in the major towns and cities

New restaurants and accommodations are being developed all over the country (see accommodation sectors 1 to 7)

Markets are full with fresh fruits, vegetables are hard to miss, particularly in major cities and along the national roads

Music and arts are now allowed to be expressed and amazing carvings, paintings and crafts can be found in markets or along main roads. The Mozambican music uses traditional instruments made with fruit shells and wood, seeds and animal skins and the sounds produced by those instruments are lively and at times hypnotic. Music, dance and football are the main entertainments

Typical foods

Typical Moçambique cuisine is delicious. It basically consists of some traditional Portuguese dishes added to Arabic influences and Indian spices. Coconut milk, cashew (caju-nut) and peanuts are used on curries and vegetarian dishes. Beans and cassava leaves will never go to waste producing Matapa and Nhangana. There is a very nice cookery book called, 'Receitas de Moçambique' (Mozambique Recipes) that was put together by Brazilian missionaries. It has been translated to English. Edited by Paulinas - paulinas@virconn.com

Land Mines

Land mines do not represent a risk to tourists these days. We spoke to the authorities and land mine clearing contractors

Visa Requirements

Borders and Border Post Procedures

Getting There

By Road:

Visitors from South Africa will find the nearest crossing points are Ressano Garcia (Komatipoort) and Kosi Bay. If you wish to cross through the beautiful Swaziland the best crossing is on the Namaacha boarder post. The EN1 (Estrada Nacional 1) is the main artery through Moçambique (see Roads and Services sector 1)

Getting Around

Public transport:

From the Kosi bay border most lodges will organise your transfer to Ponta d'Ouro up to Ponta Mamoli. There is a charge of R20 per day for leaving your vehicle parked at the border. National public transport is not available in this region

(See Roads and Services sectors 1 to 7)

Car Rental Companies:

There are a number of car rental companies with offices at the International Airport of Maputo, Beira and Pemba. We also strongly advise you to download all the GPS Marks for the sector you are travelling along. These are available to, Of road and Sea members. Contact us for more details

Driving in Moçambique

Photocopy of all documents for police inspection: This may upset some officials but will avoid holding of original documents until payment is done

Notary office +258 (0) 1 428422
Do not pay unless you were in the wrong and demand receipt upon payment!

Local indicator use: Moçambique drivers tend to use indicators in a peculiar way. This may be confusing and even dangerous if you don't know the meaning. When driving behind another vehicle, the indicator on the right means it is clear to overtake. The indicator on the left means it is not clear to overtake. Vehicles coming from the opposite direction at nightime: The indicator on their right (road side) does not usually mean they will turn right. It indicates the width of the vehicle, as their main lights are not functional.
We are not suggesting that you should adopt this system or stop using your indicators correctly. When a turn is approaching the driver may well make the turn without any form of signal. Be aware of these practices and give other vehicles plenty of room!

Bushes and trees on the road: Brokendown vehicle ahead!!

Speed Limit: 100km/h on major roads. There are speed control officers along the EN1 and EN6. It is important to reduce at the 80km/h and 60km/h signs. Villages are very crowded and fines for speeding are steep

Do not cross the continuous white line whether you are in town or on the national road

It is compulsory for transit vehicles to carry 2 triangles that are to be displayed at the front and back of the vehicle

Banks

Banks, currency exchange and ATMs are available in all provincal capitals and most district capitals. (See general information sectors 1 to 7)

Communication

Do's and Don'ts

• Do not drive on the beach. It is illegal and it is destroying natural habitats
• Don't buy shells, corals, juvenile or reef fish, (it promotes the destruction and exploitation of the marine world). See our marine life piece on the environment page. Find out where the fish you eat is coming from. Fish stocks are being rapidly depleted and the oceans destroyed by long liner trawling and illegal fishing
• Don't throw litter out of the window of your car or on the beaches. If camping bring bin bags, dispose of it properly, your local operator can advise, if they aren't concerned stay with someone who is
• If driving off road or on quad bikes stick to the main tracks, don't disturb the local villages, don't make anymore tracks than there already are! Whole dunes have been destroyed in the southern region due to irresponsible driving
• If you are a diver don't harass the marine life by trying to grab or touch them. Some species are very friendly and want to interact don't interpret this as 'touch me' or 'feed me' these practices will harm the natural behavior of the animal and will lead to their demise. Holding onto the reef, hitting it or swiping our fins over it kills the coral. It won't just grow back! Gloves do not give you a license to touch!
• If you want to ride Jet Skis, stay out of the range of swimmers bathing on the shore. There have been horrible accidents and deaths from Jet Skis hitting people

Think about what the children will inherit when you are old. Be a responsible tourist; you can make a difference!

Environmental Issues (See The Environment page for more details

Fishing and Diving Regulations:

It is forbidden to launch a boat without a Maritime Authority permit
It is forbidden to fish while on S.C.U.B.A.
Independent S.C.U.B.A diving requires a Maritime permit
Dive operations must have permits
No fishing or launching allowed in bathing designated areas
No selling of fish allowed without a permit
Loaded or ready-to-shoot spear fishing weapons are strictly prohibited on the beach

Illegal Fishing/Diving Fines:

`
• Illegal diving or fishing (without a permit) R1500
• Illegal sport fishing with pleasure craft R3000
• Non-authorized beach driving R1500

Illegal Commercial Fishing Vessels:

These are slaughtering the marine life. If you spot one during a boat trip, in the Maputo Bay, please report it to A.N.A.I.I. (Associacao dos Naturais e Amigos de Ilha da Inhaca)
+258 82 3532870,
beluga@teledata.mz
Anywhere else in the country report it to the local maritime office or a WWF office if they have one in your area

(See the environment page for more environmetal issues)

Camping Legislation:

Camping is only permitted in licensed establishments. There are heavy fines for illegal camping. Non-authorized beach camping carreis a fine of R1000

Public Holidays

• Jan 1 - New Year's Day
• Feb 3 - Heroes' Day
• Apr 7 - Day of the Moçambican Woman
• May 1 - Workers' Day
• Jun 25 - Independence Day
• Sep 7 - Lusaka Agreement Day
• Sep 25 - Armed Forces Day
• Dec 25 - National Family Day / Christmas Day

Healthcare and Immunisation

Health Insurance:

Full health insurance is essential. For diving and travel insurance DAN, Divers Alert Network, is very good. Or Columbus Travel Insurance have a good track record

Medical Supplies:

Medical facilities are scarse in rural areas. It is advisable to carry a basic medical supply
This could include:

Iodine, Betadine, Antibiotic Powder, Plasters, Bandages, Zambuk (Camphor based rub), Headache Tablets, Re-Hydration Sachets, Water Purifiers, Surgical Gloves,

Water:

Bottled drinking water can be found in many places. All the main centres have plenty of outlets. Most bars that you will come across will have bottled water, even outside the main centres
Water purification drops can also be bought in most pharmacies, a common one is Certeza

Malaria:

A course of anti-Malarial tablets is recommended by most doctors to be carried with you on your travels, especially if you are moving away from the cities to spend time in the bush. Saying that, there are now some good treatments for Malaria available from most pharmacies or hospitals in Mozambique should you contract this parasite. Coartem is widely used amongst expats and locals (as it is subsidised), but this must be purchased in a hospital and usually with a doctors note (it can depend on how persuasive you are). It is a very effective treatment (killing the parasite in the liver) without the nasty side effects experienced by those using Quinine based treatments. Other treatments in Moçambique include Aranate which should be taken with Farzidan. Artecom is effective, but can cause some nausea, Retonil can be taken to reduce the nausea
The key to a quick recovery from Malaria is to recognise your symptoms early (tests are available in the main hospitals and clinics througout the country) and too start the course right away. If tests aren't available and you suspect Malaria, don't wait to be tested, go ahead and administer the treatment
In our experience prophylactics (anti-Malarial tablets for prevention) tend to disguise symptoms of Malaria as well as having some nasty side effects. e.g. A person administering themselves, 'Larium', should refrain from Scuba diving due too the depression that can manifest itself
There is a new homeopathic drug produced by the Blue Turtle Group that is distributed under the name Demal 200. This company make some very impressive claims. They say it can be used as a preventative, test and treatment! We have found expats living in Moçambique who are using it too good effect. See the Blue Turtle Group, a company selling homeopathic remedies for Malaria, Typhoid, Hepatitis, Depression, etc. You can order online with them

Cholera:

We have heard of recent Cholera outbreaks (mid 2006). You should not be to concerned for your own health, so long as you are using bottled water or purification treatment. When you see the conditions that many of the local people live under, especially in the built up centre's, then it is easy to understand why Cholera might be a problem. The rural areas do not suffer so much with regards to this disease

Stomach Complaints:

When traveling to new places a stomach upset is invariably going to be part of the experience. You can reduce your chances of catching such problems or at least reducing the period your are affected for. It can be as minimal as a few loose movements if you take the right precautions. Here are just a few:

Use bottled water and check that the lid has not been tampered with
Use water purification tablets or drops if you don't have bottled water
Wash all vegetables that you eat or cook with in an iodine/ betadine solution (a few drops per bowl of water)
Wash your hands regularly especially before a meal
Check that the restaurant you are eating at has a good level of hygiene. A quick peak into the kitchen will tell you a lot
If you are taking antibiotics orally then replenish your natural bacteria with natural yoghurt
Keep your body hydrated, it's recommended to drink around 4 litres of water per day! Use re-hydration sachets if you have diarrhea or are feeling unwell

Vaccinations:

Vaccinations against Hepatitis A, Polio, Tetanus and Typhoid are also recommended. A Yellow Fever certificate is required for those arriving from infected areas

N.B. We are not medical professionals and do not take any responsibility for how this advise is utilised. If your are in any doubt as to your condition then always consult with a doctor

Foreign Embassies in Mozambique

Aid Organisations (NGO's)

Other Contacts

Emergency Contacts (Maputo)

• Airport +258 21 465829
• Fire Department 197 / 198
• Police Ambulance +258 21 422002/428708
• Police +258 21 422002/428708
• Emergency 119
• Police Station +258 21 422002/425031
• Provincial Crime Room +258 21 780613
• Criminal Investigation +258 21 422914/6/8
• Taxi Service +258 21 493255
• Central Hospital:
  • Casualty +258 21 420448
  • General Admissions +258 21 420448/425002/6
  • Special Clinic +258 21 429522
  • Red Cross Clinic +258 21 425297
  • 'Cruz Azul' Clinic +258 21 305146/7 / 305151/3
  • Phoenix Clinic +258 21 491639
  • Medical Consultants MIDÚ +258 21 416047
  • Associated Doctors +258 21 300120/1
  • Sommerschield Clinic +258 21 493924/5/6

Regional and Provincial Numbers:

(See general information sectors 1 to 7)

Useful Contacts:

• Ministry of Tourism +258 21 310755
• FUTUR - National Tourism Fund +258 21 307320, future@futur.org.mz