Mozambique General Information

Mozambique (Mocambique) is a country on the Indian Ocean coast of Southern Africa. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Tanzania to the north and has inland borders with Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Swaziland. Mozambique's eastern coastline along the Indian Ocean is more than 1000 km long, making it an ideal travel destination for scuba divers, fishermen, sailors and beach lovers.

Mozambique has 10 provinces that can be grouped into the following three regions:

• Northern Mozambique, that encompasses Cabo Delgado, Nampula and Niassa provinces.

• Central Mozambique, that is home to Manica, Sofala, Tete and Zambezia provinces.

• Southern Mozambique, which is made up of Gaza, Inhambane and Maputo provinces.

Major cities in Mozambique include:

•  Maputo, which is the thriving capital in the far south of the country.

• Beira, a busy port town and capital of Sofala Province.

• Inhambane, a pretty historic town on the Inhambane Bay.

• Nampula, an industrial city in the north and capital of Nampula Province.

Popular Holiday and Travel destinations in Mozambique include

• Bazaruto Archipelago - a beautiful island resort and underwater marine park with great diving, geared to high-end tourism.

• Cahora Bassa dam - Hydro-electric dam on the Zambezi river and the second largest man-made lake in Africa.
  

• Gorongosa National Park.

• Quirimbas Archipelago & Quirimbas National Park - at the North of the country, a scenic and secluded holiday destination off the beaten track with lush African bush on the mainland and white sand beaches/crustal blue water in the Archipelago and on the coast. Accessible through Pemba.

• Ilha de Mozambique - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital under Portuguese rule.

• Pemba - in Northern Mozambique, a popular holiday destination for Mozambicans, although its isolation has kept it off the tourist route for most Western visitors.

• Ponta d'Ouro - a great dive spot, more easily accessible from South Africa than from Maputo.

• Tofo Beach - a backpacker haven on the coastline east of Inhambane with excellent diving.

• Vilanculos - a popular beach town and the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago.

 

Ponta d'Ouro

The quaint little town of Ponta d'Ouro is situated in Southern Mozambique, a mere ten kilometers away from the South African border. Ponto do Ouro or "Point of Gold" gets its name from the fact that early Portuguese explorers were misled by unreliable maps, thinking that gold might be found there. Upon arrival they found that the dunes were rich in black titanium, and the only gold in the area was the colour of the setting sun shining over the long white beaches. Essentially this area is an extension of South Africa's Maputaland, but far more pristine.

Ponta d'Ouro is best accessed through the Kosi Bay border post in KwaZulu Natal. The border is approximately six hundred and thirty kilometers from Johannesburg and four hundred and sixty kilometers from Durban. It is open 7 days a week (08h00 to 17h00). Between the border and the hotel a 4x4 vehicle is required due to the soft sandy roads. Should you not have one; a border transfer can be arranged, and your vehicle can be left at the parking lot just before the border at a charge of twenty five rand per day. The parking lot is privately operated, and is secure.

The town of Ponta d'Ouro is surrounded by sea, sand, dunes and casuarinas trees, and is rated as one of the top ten attractions in Africa, and the best resort town in Mozambique. There is a very traditional open air market, several "cantinas" (little shops) and eager curio sellers, who will quench your thirst for shopping before you make your way to one of the rustic restaurants in town.

Scuba diving enthuisiasts can make their way to any of the many magnificent and world renowned reefs in the area. Various vibrantly coloured species of coral, and large marine animals which include the likes of Whale Sharks, Manta Rays and Humpback Whales are regularly sighted in the area. Bread Loaf is the easiest of the sites to dive, and is recommened for new comers to the diving scene, offering chances of spotting reef sharks, Red Fang Triggers, Angel Fish, Chocolate Dips, Hermit Crabs, Snappers and Moray Eels. Aquarium which is situated at Malongane Bay, a short distance from Ponta d'Ouro, has often been described as an underwater fish tank boasting a wide variety of tropical species.

Ponta d'Ouro Nearby Attractions

Ponta d'Ouro

Towns listed closest to farthest.

Kosi Bay, Rocktail Bay, Mabibi, Lake Sibaya, Ndumo Reserve, Santa Maria Peninsula, Ponta Malongane Bay, Sodwana Bay, Big Bend, Nsoko, Sommerschield, Maputo.

Essential Mozambique Tourism Facts and Information

Jetski Safari would like to assist you in making your Mozambique accommodation and travelling experience as memorable as possible. We provide you with some helpful Mozambique tourism facts and tips below.

Useful Facts / Information - Before You Leave

•     Ensure that all passports are valid for at least six months (visas are not required for      South African citizens).

•     Pack your vehicle registration papers; Border letter from bank.

•     If your car is being financed, you will have to get a letter from the bank stating that you have permission to take the car across the border.

•     Ensure that licence discs are current and visible.

•     Make sure that two red triangles are packed in your vehicle’s boot.

•     For the driver of the vehicle, it is compulsory to have a reflective jacket/vest.

•     It you are towing, it is compulsory for standard yellow / blue triangle stickers (see example of sticker below) on the front and back of vehicles and trailers / boats.

•     A ZA-sticker is also compulsory. All these stickers are available from AA Auto Shops, camping / outdoor shops and license plate suppliers.

•     All trailers must have reflective tape on the sides and back.

Mozambique Tourism - Compulsory Triangle Sticker for Towing of Boats / TrailersCompulsory AA ZA Sticker for All VehiclesPassports

            

Border Formalities

•     Please note that all prices are approximate and to be used as a guideline only.

•     A Compulsory Third Party Insurance that can be obtained from border posts for R150,00 and is valid for thirty days.

•     On entering Mozambique a levy on passports of R15,00 per person and a road levy of R20,00 per vehicle need to be paid.

•     If travelling through the SANParks - Kruger National Park: if you have a Wild Card, take it with you as the park fees for a day pass are R60,00 per adult and R60,00 per vehicle. Children under the age of twelve may enter for free.

•     There are also entrance fees for the Transfrontier Park of 200 Meticas per person as well as 200 Meticas per vehicle. This amount can be paid in Rands but change will be given in Meticas.

•     Check the exchange rate before you leave as it does fluctuate. At present (January 2009), the exchange rate is 2,50 Meticas to the Rand.

Driving Tips

•     It is imperative to adhere to the speed limits in Mozambique. Speed limits are generally 100 to 120 kilometres per hour on the open roads (100 kilometres if you are towing a boat or trailer) and 60 to 80 kilometres per hour in built up areas (50 kilometres if you are towing). Always be on the lookout for the road signs.

•     There are regular traffic police checks and a speed fine could cost you between 1000 and 3000 Meticas. This would have to be paid on the spot and it is certainly not a pleasant way to start your holiday. So buckle up and drive safely and slowly where necessary.

•     Always be on the lookout for pedestrians, goats, cattle and un-roadworthy vehicles.

Malaria:

•     As Mozambique is a malaria area, you are advised to take the necessary precautions. The decision whether to take prophylactics or not is personal. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

•     Our units are regularly sprayed for mosquitoes.

•     Mosquito repellents like creams, sprays, sticks and a few citronella candles are recommended.

•     For more malaria info please see http://www.malaria.org.za/Malaria_Risk/riskadv/riskadv.htm

Groceries

•     It is necessary to plan and do comprehensive grocery shopping beforehand. There are a few fairly well-stocked shops for supplies if you run out or leave anything behind.

•     There is a R350,00 allowance for groceries per person and a limit of a bottle of spirits or two bottles of wine per adult. It is necessary to keep your shopping receipts in case your vehicle is checked at the border.

•     As a safety precaution, have your meat, chicken, cheese, etc. vacuum packed.

•     Do not forget to pack eggs, long-life milk, butter, fresh fruit and vegetables (see note below regarding what is available in the area), pasta, rice, cereal, tinned items, a few spices for peri-peri chicken or a prawn curry, a few condiments, coffee, tea, sugar and rusks.

•     We recommend that you drink only bottled water. The tap water is suitable for tea, coffee, cooking, etc.

Items You Can Get in Mozambique

•     Fresh produce like tomatoes, onions, lettuce, cucumbers, green peppers, lemons, coconuts, bananas and paw paws are available at the local markets.

•     Pineapples, mangos, avocados and oranges are available in season.

•     Cashew nuts are almost always on sale from the roadside vendors.

•     Fresh fish, prawns, crayfish and oysters are available from the local fishermen.

•     Fresh pau (the fantastic Portuguese bread) from the bakeries in town.

•     The beer is excellent and well priced.

•     There are a few restaurants that serve breakfast, fish, prawns, chicken, Prego rolls, hamburgers, toasted sandwiches and chips.

When packing remember

•     Costumes & beach towels (beach towels are not supplied by us).

•     Shorts, T-shirts, sarongs and summer dresses.

•     Long-sleeved shirts & pants are recommended for evenings. It is advisable to cover up as much as possible to protect yourself against mosquitoes in the evenings.

•     Hats & sunglasses.

•     Sandals & rock-shoes.

•     A light windbreaker or sweatshirt for the occasional chilly evenings.

•     Snorkel, mask & fins.

•     Small but comprehensive medical kit.

•     Camera.

•     Torch.

•     Optional items: a beach umbrella / gazebo & a few camping chairs.

•     Suntan lotion with a high SPF a MUST!!!

Medical

•     Notify your medical aid that you will be going to Mozambique and what dates.

•     Emergency evacuations can be arranged via MozAssist Lda.

•     Email: james@mozassist.co.mz

•     Mozassist 24HOUR EMERGENCY ACCESS NUMBER: +258 82 012 3455