has to be considered one of the world’s best tropical holiday destinations, with miles
of unspoiled coastline and untouched natural areas. You will be pleasantly surprised
at how friendly and open the people are, they have truly put the war behind them.
However, Mozambique is a third world African country and time is generally on a
different wavelength to what most westerners are accustomed.
If you approach the country for what it is, you will love …..the land of smiles!
Mozambique (Moçambique) was named after MuçaAlebique, a sultan, and is a
country in southeastern Africa. Mozambique is bordered to the:
- North by Tanzania - East by the Indan Ocean
- Southwest by Swaziland and South Africa
- West by Zimbabwe
- Northwest by Zimbabwe and Zambia
It is a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries and the Commonwealth of Nations, and an observer of the Francophonie.
The capital city is Maputo (formerly Lourenco Marques).
Mozambique has many beautiful, pristine beaches along its 2.700Km coastline.
Top Cities in Mozambique are
- Maputo
- Quelimane
- Beira
- XaiXai
- Lumbo
- Inhaminga
- Nangade
- Naçala
- Tete
- Pemba
About Maputo (formerly known as Lourenco Marques)
In Maputo you are never far from the coast. Visitors to the citycan enjoy the many restaurants serving locally caught seafood,
or visit the fish market, along the marginal, where you will
find fresh fish for the barbeque without all the effort of catching it. Only a day trip away is the beaches of Macaneta and Island of Inhaca, a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.
Hop-on-hop-off City Tours are available to explore the architecture, history, culture and cuisine. (Railway station, Steel House, Natural History Museum,Municipal Building, Natural History, Wooden Arts, Central Market, Seafood –
About Bilene
To the North of Maputo, in the province of Gaza, are the famous beaches of Bilene and Xai- Xai. They offer you a choice of water sports, fishing and relaxation in the luxurious setting that will entice you to stay longer and return
time and time again. They are bustling towns with markets, very basic shops, restaurants, bars, petrol stations, banks and a post office in Xai-Xai.
/
Mozambique was once a premier tourist destination before the country's 16-year
civil war ending in 1992, and is regaining its reputation as one of Southern
Africa's beautiful spots.
It is truly blessed with a stunning rugged coastline - waiting to be enjoyed and
explored by you. Nearly 2 million tourists visit Mozambique yearly, mostly from
neighbouring South Africa.
It was explored by Vasco da Gama in 1498 and colonized by Portugal in 1505.
By 1510, the Portuguese had control of all of the former Arab sultanates on the
east African coast. From about 1500, Portuguese trading posts and forts became
regular ports of call on the new route to the east.
Mozambique is an undiscovered gem, offering an island paradise with endless
beaches, wonderful weather, pristine coral reefs and friendly people:
Birding: November to February
Mozambique has 600-odd bird species. Due to Mozambique's ecosystem, there
is a range of habitats from forest, woodlands, rivers, marshland and wetland.
For the avid bird watcher being there at the right time is very important. Late
November to February is the best time to see the various bird types. Special types
of Cuckoo can be seen in November and December. February is best for rare
migratory warblers that could appear.
Botany: January to December
Mozambique has a wonderful climate allowing various plants to flourish throughout
the year. Mozambique has pristine coral reefs, clear blue waters, white sand
beaches, dune forests and freshwater lakes, creating an ecological fortress.
The vegetation along Mozambique mainly includes a variation of exotic flowers,
woodland; wetlands open savannah, small forest areas, 21 vegetation types and
191 tree and shrub types.
Marine Life
Over 1200 species of fish have been recognised along the coast of Mozambique,
most of which live along the coral reefs, mainly off Maputaland, around Inhaca
Island, in the area of Inhambane and Pebane and along the Quirimbas Archipelago
is the far north. The reefs of Mozambique are on a par with the Great Barrier Reef
of Australia. Marine life to be seen include: kingfish, mackerel, marlin, barracuda,
dolphin, the infamous dugong, sharks and much more. Five species of turtle use
Mozambique as a breeding ground; it's a unique experience to see a sea turtle.
Islands
Mozambique is also a popular tourist destination due to its islands:
• Bazaruto Archipelago
• Inhaca Island
• Vilankulo
• Ibo Island
• Mozambique Island
• Quirimbas Archipelago
In far northern Mozambique you will find Niassa Reserve, one of the biggest
protected Miombo Woodland Ecosystems. Niassa Reserve has some amazing features
and lovely concentration of wildlife. Niassa is surrounded by many rivers and it's
wice the size of Kruger National Park of South Africa.
Wildlife includes: 12 000 Elephant, 9000 Sable antelope, Cape Buffalo, Hartebeest,
Eland, Zebra, Kudu, Bushbuck, Impala, Wildebeest, Waterbuck, Reedbuck, Hippo,
Duiker and Warthog. Lion, Leopard and Spotted Hyena can also be seen. Up to 200
endangered African Wild Dog can be found in Niassa.
The north-central provinces of Zambezia and Nampula are the most populous, with
about 45% of the population. The estimated four million Macua are the dominant
group in the northern part of the country. The Sena and Shona (mostly Ndau) are
prominent in the Zambezi valley, and the Shangaan (Tsonga) dominate in southern
Mozambique.
Other groups include Makonde, Yao, Swahili, Tonga, Chopi, and Nguni (including Zulu),
Portuguese, Indians, Pakistan, Portuguese India, Arab countries and Chinese.
BORDER CROSSING
Please note that the following information is only to be used as a guideline to assist with planning
your visit to Mozambique. Kindly check the immigration and medical requirements directly with authorities. Villa Espanhola, its management and staff cannot be held responsible for the information below. Amounts and costs could change, and the exchange rate fluctuates.
Border posts Border post are open seven days a week during the following hours:
Lebombo - Komatipoort – South Africa
Ressano Garcia(*) - Mozambique / 06:00 – 24:00 / Tel: +27 (0)13 - 793 7311
Giriyando
Kruger National Park – South Africa / 08:00 – 15:00
KosiBay - South Africa
PontadoOuro/Faranzela - Mozambique / 08:00 – 17:00 / Tel: +27 (0)35 - 592 9181
Oshoek - South Africa
Ngwenya - Swaziland / 07:00 – 22:00 / Tel: +27 (0)17 – 882 0138
Goba - Swaziland
Mhlumeni - Mozambique / 08:00 – 18:00
Namaacha - Swaziland
Lomahasha - Mozambique / 08:00 – 17:00
Lavumisa - Swaziland
Golela - South Africa / 07:00 – 22:00 / Tel: +27 (0)34 – 435 1070
(*) During the busy December period (+/- 20 Dec to 3 Jan) this border stays open 24-hours.
The following documentation will be required when crossing the border:
•Passport (see more info below)
•Visa (not needed for SA residence only – see more info below)
•Certified copy (or original) of vehicle registration papers – for vehicles, trailers and quads
•If you are not the owner, you will need a letter of permission from the owner or bank (lease
agreements) to take the vehicle across the border (remember to stipulate dates, registration
and VIN numbers).
•International drivers license (a Mozambican driver’s license is only required if staying for
more than 6months).
•Cash to pay for border fees (R 25 per vehicle)
•Cash to pay for 3rd party insurance (R150 per vehicle) – this is compulsory, please ensure
you obtain this
and keep it in your possession at all times.
•Temporary Vehicle import permits (DA 341) to be obtained and completed at border.
• “Declaration of entry of foreign currency” must be collected and completed at the customs
desk, if entering the country with more than $US 5,000 (or equivalent).
•Certified letter of consent for children, should one parent traveling with children, WITHOUT
the other parent.
The absent parent should certify the letter at a police station before entering Mozambique.
•A pen to complete forms.
•Should you NOT have any export goods to declare, but are taking some food provisions with,
keep the original invoice close by. This could make the inspection process by Custom officials
easier, in order to proof the goods taken across the border’s value. It is recommended that
this/these invoices should not be more than R 1,000 and the date be close to the date you enter
Mozambique.
Regarding passports
Kindly ensure that your passport is traveling with you at all times.
All visitors must present a passport, with minimum six months validity.
Please note that anyone traveling to South Africa must have two consecutive blank pages in their passport which lie side by side when the passport is open (i.e. a left and a right hand page).
Kindly ensure your passport adheres to these rules to avoid deportation or being stopped
from boarding aircrafts.
Regarding visas
The following nationals do not need a visa for Mozambique if the stay is less than 30 days,
but DO need a visa for business purposes: South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius,
Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Other passport holders do need visas for business and holiday, which should be obtained
prior to your visit. If the period issued on your visa is exceeded, a fine of R500.00 per day
will be charged for every day overstayed.
Holiday Visas
Single entry - valid for 2 months, with a 30-day stay
Double entry - valid for 2 months, 2 x entries with a 30-day stay on each entry
Business Visas
Multiple entry 3 months - valid for 3 months, with a 30-day stay at the time
Multiple entry 6 months - valid for 6 months, with a 10-day stay at the time
Visas are obtainable from Mozambique embassies or consulates, on presentation of two
passport size photographs and the necessary visa fee, but they may also be acquired at
international airports and border posts.
It is highly recommended to obtain visas prior to your departure, as certain entry visas will
not be issued upon arrival at any border post or airport. These mostly relate to visitors from countries that have Embassy representation, and therefore visas can and should be obtained in advance.
Contact info of Mozambique Consulate:
Johannesburg: Tel +27 11 336 1819/1810 and Fax +27 11 336 9921
Cape town: Tel + 27 21 426 2944/5 and Fax + 27 21 426 2946
Keep in mind that traveling via Swaziland to Mozambique requires a visa for certain
nationalities for Swaziland as well
Contact info of Swaziland Consulate:
Johannesburg: Tel + 27 11 403 2050/36 Fax +27 11 403 7473
Foreign currency
If entering the country with more than $US 5,000 (or equivalent), a “Declaration of entry of
foreign currency” must be completed at the customs desk. The Declaration must be shown
if leaving with more than $US 5,000 (or equivalent).
The gift allowance is $US 100, import duty must be paid on gifts above $US100 in value.
Duty Free allowance
The gift allowance is $US 100, import duty must be paid on gifts above $US100 in value.
Individual duty free fiscal allowances are granted monthly in respect of goods imported by
travelers, which are intended for personal or family use:
• Tobacco products: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of smoking
tobacco
• Alcoholic drinks: 1 liter of spirits and 2.25 liters of wine This allowance do not apply to
persons under
18 years of age
• Perfumes: 50ml of perfume or 250 ml of eau de toilette
• Pharmaceutical products: Quantity considered reasonable for personal consumption
• Other goods: Up to the value of 50 USD (or equivalent)
Note: no drugs, firearms, or explosive materials can be brought into the country.
Custom duties on alcohol are 115% and a lot of paperwork.
Mozambique Consulate contact details
Address: 18 Hurlingham Road, Illovo, Johannesburg, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)11 - 327 2942 or +27 (0)21 426 2944/5
Mozambique Consulate General: +27 (0) 11 336 1819/1810
Swaziland Consulate contact details
Tel: +27 (0) 11 – 403 2050/36
Citizens of the United Kingdom and most British Commonwealth countries, including
African states do not require visas. It is advisable to rather establish your countries status.
We recommend that the locals in Mozambique do not help you. Rather consult an official or the Customer Service Help Desk. Also note that change is not always available.
South Africa side:
• PARK: Park in designated area. All passengers should disembark.
• CUSTOMS DESK: If you have any export goods to declare, go to Customs Desk where original
invoices must be stamped.
• VEHICLE REGISTRATION DESK: The driver will collect and complete a DA341 (temporary
vehicle export form) and submit it at this desk with the vehicle registration papers, permission
letter (if not owner) and gate pass.
The official should stamp the form and gate pass.
• IMMIGRATION: Proceed to immigration with gate pass and passports to get your passport
stamped (each person must submit own passport). Remember to take passports back and keep
secure. Obtain a gate pass that stipulates the car registration and number of people.
• VAT COUNTER: If you are not a South African citizen and want to reclaim VAT, present the
foods and original invoices at the VAT counter for a VAT refund.
• EXIT GATE: Embark your vehicle and drive to the gate where you will hand in your gate
pass and drive to the Mozambique side.
Mozambique side:
• PARK: Park in designated area. All passengers should disembark.
• 2nd MIGRAÇấO DESK: Only if you do not have a visa and have to apply for one.
(South Africans do not need a visa).
• IMMIGRATION/1st DESK: Get your passport stamped immigration & pay. Some border post or
automated, but if not, or systems are down, you will need to complete a form which you will receive
from the immigration officer. Obtain a gate pass that stipulates the car registration and number
of people
• CUSTOMS DESK: If you have any import goods to declare, go to Customs Desk for the
necessary declaration
and present the original invoices (stamped on SA side).
• VEHICLE REGISTRATION DESK: The driver reports to the desk with the vehicle registration
papers, permission letter (if not owner), DA341 (temporary vehicle export form) and gate pass.
The official should stamp the form and gate pass. Pay 28 Mts (+/-R 7, but Rands not accepted).
Note the stamped form is your receipt.
• INSURANCE: Buy 3rd party insurance (R 150 per vehicle and R 70 per trailer) at the
Insurance desk. This is very important!
• PARKING CUSTOMS OFFICIAL: Find a customs official, usually dressed in a blue uniform,
with orange pull-over, he will check your vehicle and sign your gate pass. If you cannot find one,
proceed to the gate.
• EXIT GATE: Embark your vehicle and drive to the gate where you will hand in your gate pass.
Drive safely and keep to the speed limits. .
• A copy of your vehicles original registration document will be needed at the border crossing.
This counts for
trailers as well, and we recommend for 4-wheelers as well.
• An international driver’s license should be obtained at the nearest AA travel agency before entering
Mozambique.
• If you are not the owner, you will need a letter of permission from the owner or bank (lease
agreements) to take the vehicle across the border (remember to stipulate dates, registration
and VIN numbers).
• Mozambican law requires that if you are towing a trailer, a boat, another vehicle or are being
towed, thetowing vehicle must display a blue and yellow triangle on the front and the vehicle being
towed must display such a triangle at the back. The triangles are available in durable plastic and can
be applied to the front and the back of the vehicles by using the double sided "mirror tape" provided.
Self adhesive vinyl triangles are also available.
• All South African registered vehicles must display a black and white ZA sticker.
• All vehicles must have two emergency triangles, trailers as well.
• All vehicles must have two reflector vest in vehicle (should be used if stranded next to road)
• Mozambique third party insurance (“serguro”) to be purchased at border posts.
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