Mozambique

Mozambique is Southern Africa’s version of a tropical island; white sandy beaches and turquoise water make this a scuba diving and game fishing hot-spot and the crumbling cities give visitors a glimpse into Mozambique’s colonial past.

Geography: Mozambique lies on the south-east African coast with the Indian Ocean lapping at its shores. Geographically Mozambique is divided into two topographical areas by the Zambezi River. To the north of the river the country is dominated by low-lying hills and highlands. To the south the country widens to the Mashonaland plateau and the Lebombo mountains. Mozambique borders South Africa and Swaziland to the south and Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Tanzania to the north.

Climate: Mozambique has a tropical climate with the steamy wet season from October to March and a dry season from April to September.

Culture:The majority of the population from the north are from the Macua ethnic group, followed by the Sena and Shona ethnic groups, while the Shangaan people dominate southern Mozambique. There are small communities of Portuguese and Indian descent.  Portuguese is the most widely spoken language, followed by the local dialects of Swahili, Makhuwa, Sena, Ndau, and Shangaan. English is also spoken in major towns and cities.

Fast facts

Currency: is the metical (plural: meticais) and the South African rand is widely accepted in southern Mozambique. ATMs are found in all major towns and cities and all banks cash traveller’s cheques.

Electricity voltage:  220/240V, 50Hz

Time difference: GMT+2

Tipping: 10% is customary