Mozambique has one of the longest coastlines in Africa making for hundreds of kilometers of unspoiled beaches with numerous resorts and beautiful tropical islands off the coast. Mozambique has some of the most incredible diving sites in Africa. The reefs of Bazaruto archipelago are home to hundreds of species of incredible marine creatures.

Traveling info

All tourists traveling to Mozambique are required to have a valid passport. Citizens of several countries in the close vicinity of Mozambique namely: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Mauritius, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe may enter Mozambique without the requirement of a visa. All other countries in the world may get a visa on arrival. Tourists who wish to drive in Mozambique must have their valid driving permit and an international driving permit. Tourists arriving from South Africa and the UK may use their national driving permits without the requirement of an IDP. Beware that both English and RSA permits along with IDPs are only valid for 90 days of driving in Mozambique. After that time tourists need to obtain a Mozambican driving permit. Beware that the international driving permit is only a translation of the original document and does not substitute for it. Both documents must be with the driver at all times.

Traveling hazards

The road network connecting provincial capitals is in fair condition but can be riddled with potholes and other obstacles. Secondary roads are generally in worse conditions than main roads between large cities. The main north-south thoroughfare is passable north of Maputo until the city of Caia, where vehicle passengers must disembark and cross the Zambezi River by ferry boat. On the north side of the river, the road continues to the Northern provinces. Serious traffic accidents, one of the greatest threats to tourists in Mozambique, occur regularly throughout the country. Accidents involving drivers and pedestrians are common, sometimes resulting in pedestrian casualty. Pedestrians often walk in the road and may not be visible to motorists, especially at night. If a serious accident occurs, or if a driver hits a pedestrian, crowds quickly gather. Some drivers involved in accidents of this nature have felt threatened by the crowds and fled the accident scene.

Environmental hazards

Mozambique is a large country and the big African five can be found within its borders. The African bush elephants are the largest land creature on earth. These animals do not generally attack people however if angered or startled these giants can easily flip over a car, nevermind trampling a person. Lions are the apex predators of Africa. These giant felines are responsible for over 250 human deaths a year. Scavengers such as spotted hyenas inhabit Mozambique, although they generally avoid humans, they will attack a lone person if they sense their superiority. Hippopotamuses can be found in the rivers and lakes of Mozambique. These docile looking creatures are actually extremely territorial and fierce in attack. They are known for attacking kayakers and swimmers. Freshwaters can also be infested with crocodiles. Those reptilians reach huge sizes and are not afraid to attack. They are also considered apex predators in their biosphere. There are numerous lethally venomous snake species including the black mamba, cobras, puff adders and many other. Due to a large number of venomous snakes, visitors are advised to avoid all snakes as an untrained eye won’t be able to tell venomous and non-venomous apart. There are numerous shark attack reports in Mozambique however the vast majority of these were reported in the 70s. Tourists are advised to avoid unguarded beaches.
Mozambique is among the most disaster-prone countries in the world. The occurrence of natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, drought, and earthquakes has consistently had a significant impact on people and the economy.

Health hazards

There is no risk of yellow fever in Mozambique. The government of Mozambique requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Apart from the yellow fever vaccination, there are no other vaccination requirements. There are however several vaccinations which are strongly recommended to ensure a disease-free trip. These are the routine vaccines aka MMR vaccines, cholera, hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies vaccines. Unfortunately, there is no vaccination against malaria however there are alternative ways to protect against the disease. Malaria is contracted through mosquito bites, therefore, using mosquito nets and repellants is strongly advised. There is also medicine on prescription available after contacting your local GP. The public healthcare system in Mozambique is basic and limited. Expats are not entitled to public healthcare so are forced to rely on a handful of private healthcare facilities, most of which are found in Maputo. Most expats, as well as wealthier local people, opt to travel to South Africa for elective procedures. Visitors should also prepare some of the most basic medical supplies as they may not be readily available on the spot.
In case of an emergency dial 10177.

Crime

The number of violent crimes is comparable to most other African countries. Assailants occasionally use forceful tactics, operate in organized groups, and carry weapons that increase the possibility of physical harm. Expatriates are frequent targets due to their perceived wealth. The majority of crimes against expatriates are non-violent crimes of opportunity such as pickpocketing, theft of unattended possessions, vehicular break-ins, bag snatching. Thieves often attempt to distract a victim by asking questions, begging for money, bumping, jostling the individual, or offering to sell items. While the victim is distracted, an accomplice may take a piece of luggage or pick the victim’s pocket or purse. People walking the streets alone, especially at night, with purses, bags, or backpacks are frequently targeted, especially for electronics that are easily sold on the black market. Considering this Mozambique is considerably safer than currently the most dangerous country in Africa the RSA. There is no risk of terrorism in Mozambique. Possession, distribution or cultivation of any sort of narcotics is illegal and considered a criminal offense punishable by jail time. This, however, does not stop traffickers from smuggling drugs across the vast and vulnerable borders of Mozambique.

Summary

Mozambique is an excellent destination for those who love outdoors activities. The long coast provides hundreds of kilometers of pristine beaches. Tourists may also search for the big African five out in the wild. There is this and much more to be explored in Mozambique. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/africa/mozambique/passport-visa/
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/mozambique
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever#5291