Capital: - Maputo
Area: - 801 590 sq/km
Independence: - June 251975 (from Portugal)
Population: - 19 104 696 (July 2000 est.)
Ethnic groups: - indigenous tribal groups 99,66% (Shangaan, Chokwe, 
                           Manyika, Sena, Makua and others), 
                           Europeans 0,2%, 
                           Indians 0,08%
Religions: - indigenous beliefs 50%,
                    Christian 30%,
                    Muslim 20%,
Languages: - Portugese (official ),
                       indigenous dialects
Natural resources: coal ,titanium, natural gas, hydropower 
Currency: 1 metical (Mt) = 100 centavos

Mozambique

Introduction To Mozambique

The country of Mozambique lies the East of Swaziland, just over the Lumbomo Mountains. The history of the two countries is interwined and close links have Been maintained before  and after the changes from colonial rule to Independence. Trade flourishes through Maputo harbour, the closest seaport to Swaziland, via the railway line which entres Mozambique at Goba, east of Mlawula Station. The port of Maputo increasingly handles exports and imports From and to Swaziland and Southern Africa.

From Swaziland you can fly direct to Maputo, the flight takes 30 minutes from Matasapha and visas are necessary.

These can be obtained from the Mozambique Embassay in Mbabane, usually Within a week, although issue can be arranged in 2 days if necessary. Many People now drive to Maputo crossing at Lomahasha. (07h00-20h00), the Journey from Mbabane to Maputo currently takes about 3 hours. The road Between Namaacha and Maputo is good after major construction work.

You will need to take your vehicle’s papers with you to pay for insurance and Documentation at the border before entering Mozambique.

The major hotels offer a transfer service for guests arriving by air.

Alternatively you may rent a car from Imperial who have offices at the airport And Downtown.

The scenery is breathtaking across the Lobombo mountains and a first stop at The Libombas Hotel and Casino in Namaacha is recommended.

A combined holiday incorporating Swaziland and Maputo offers the visitors the Experience of mountain scenery, the sea and a totally different environment.

                                          Mozambique

Put simply. Mozambique is one of the most exquisite, undiscovered Destinations in Africa, as stunning scenery, exquisite beaches and a tropical Climate form the backdrop for an intriguing blend of Arabic, Portuguese and African cultures.

It is also one of Africa’s most changing countries.

Saddled with a reputation of poverty and danger, the country has shed its Painful past and for the last four years has been one of the fastest-growing Economies in the world.

However, massive flooding and a devastating cyclone of the Save floodplain Earlier this year caused untold destruction to the country’s southern reaches And leaving hundreds of thousands homeless.

Southern Mozambique is beginning the long recovery process but tours to the Region have been suspended until the end of July. Many roads and bridges are Impassable with the main north/south highway cut in many places.

Although city services are operating relatively normally in Maputo, travel Overland to the rest of the country is nearly impossible.

Despite the disaster, Mozambique is a fantastic destination. Its beaches are Exquisite, the coral reefs are among the best in the world and, given some time To heal from its wounds, will be once again one of the most exotic places you’ll Visit in africa.

Geography

Mozambique is characterised by a coastal plain which rises to mountain ranges And a plateau in the centre. Southern Africa’s two largest rivers, the Zambezi & Limpopo, flow through the country.

The dry season is from April to September, but the weather is uniformly hot (And often humid) throughout the year.

People

While Portuguese is the official tongue, there are sixteen major ethnic groups With Portuguese the official language.

Whichever ethnic group they come from, Mozambiquans are helpful, Hospitable and friendly.

Safety Tips

After this year’s catastrophe, crowded temporary housing, inferior hygiene, and Pools of standing water are all contributing to outbreakes of infectious diseases.

Malaria in particular is reported to have affected over 10,000 people. Whenever Possible, wear trousers (as opposed to shorts) and long-sleeved and apply Repellents containing DEET to remaining areas.

Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made wit boiled Water.

Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood, rare meat or dairy products.

East well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled Without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors.

Swim only in well-maintained, chlorinated pools or ocean water known to be Free from pollution; avoid freshwater lakes, streams and rivers.

There is also a landmine risk here, so never go wandering off into unmarked Bush.

It is recommended that you carry your passport at all times as there are still Impromptu police checks, but for the most part Mozambique is safe country as Long as you exercise common sense.

And don’t forget the sunscreen.

Getting Around

Air LAM services internal routes, as does a charter service, Sabin Air, which is Slightly more expensive.

Road Many of Mozambique’s roads were retarred following wartime Destruction but have now suffered serious damage. Major intercity routes are All affected.

Bus Three private operators usually connect main towns: Transportes Oliveiras, Transportes Virgina and Transporte in the North. For services to and from South Africa and Swaziland, there is a regular Pantera Azul luxury coach route.

Trains Trains aren’t super-fast but are punctual.

Regular services run between Malawi and the north-east (Nacala Line), Between Beira on the east coast and Harare (Beira Line), to Swaziland (Boane Lin) and between Maputo and Johannesburg (Ressano Garcia Line).

Cars may be hired from major car-hire companies such as Avis and Hertz. Find Out which roads are navigable before setting off.

Travelling after dark is not recommended.

Highlights

Maputo

Formerly Lourenco Marques, Maputo was likened to an African Rio de Janeiro And has rediscovered the balmy, barmy 24-hour city of its heyday.

The atmosphere is upbeat and lively, combining a distinctive Old World charm Especially in its rich mix of architectural styles, and a buzzing nightlife.

Check out the craft markets outside Café Continental, Restaurant Piri-Piri, Hotel Polana or Saturday mornings on Praca 25 do Junho. Some other sites Worth visiting are the fascinating Museum of the Revolution, the Louis Tregardt memorial and the Natural History Museum.

Always carry your passport on you as there are impromptu police checks.

For information in Maputo there is the National Tourism Organization (ENT) Found on 1179 Avenida 25de Setembro, above Lusoglobo Travel.

Northern Towns

Favourite tourist spots north of Maputo may still be extremely difficult to Reach in the coming months.

If you are not planning an immediate trip, the towns include the following

Xai-Xai Pronounced “Shy-Shy”, most visitors duck out to Praia do Xai Xai, a Small resort 8km off the main road. Visit Wenela House and Hotel Xonguene Two grand old buildings on the beach-front. At the beach campsite, local Fisherman will take you to sea to catch your dinner for about R200.

Inhambane Praia de Barra and Praia Tofo, campsites about 20km south, the old Cathedral and the colourful market, along with wonderful beaches with Watersports ranging from scuba diving and water-skiing to spear-fishing. An Arab dhow sails to Maxixe across the bay twice daily.

The bus from Maputo takes about seven hours.

Leaving at 6am.

Vilanculos The main route to get to the five islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, a pristine, gorgeous marine national park. Dhow trips (4-6 Hrs) To the islands can be arranged. There’s also diving and some cool bars. For a Cheap, clean place to stay (with a stunning sea view) ask some locals about Private rooms. Tis is a good way to get snorkelling equipment and fresh Seafood (some will even cook it for you!).

Beira A dizzying maze of roads and buildings (not even the locals seem to Know where anything is, and there are no street signs!), but boasts stunning Beaches. Most people head for Praia de Macuti, where there are a couple of Places to stay and eat.

Try Bique’s Camping or the Beira Guest Flats, based on 5 maximum per Room.

Mozambique Island A charming town of colonial relics, palaces, forts and Hindu temples declared a World Heritage site by the United Nations. For Accommodation, try the Poussada Hotel, while the nearby Complexo Indigo is Noted for its fresh seafood on the beach.

Pemba & Ibo Head for the idyllic Wimbe beach 5km south of town, where There is a hotel, restaurant and PADI dive school. A nearby reef allows safe Swimming, snorkelling and diving. The 27 islands between Pemba and Rio Rovuma are well worth exploring, Ibo, Matemo and Quirimba offer a unique And rustic charm.