Mozambique Safaris & Tours

All visitors to Mozambique must possess a passport that is valid for at least six months after their departure from the country.

Visas are required by everyone (except citizens of South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Swaziland) and can be purchased at most borders for between US $35 and US $80 depending on your nationality.

However, due to recent reports of visitors being refused this service it is advisable to obtain your visas in advance from your nearest Mozambican Embassy.

Visitors can travel to Mozamibique via any of its international airports, including Maputo, Vilanculos and Inhambane.

Portuguese is the most widely spoken language in Mozambique and is used for business, education and state business. A basic knowledge of Portuguese can help to facilitate communication. Many indigenous languages are also spoken and English is widely spoken in Maputo and other tourist destinations. Swahili is spoken in the northern areas of the country.

Mozambique has a diverse and rich cultural heritage. The cultures and traditions of Islam, Swahili and Bantu speakers co-exist harmoniously. Ethnic groups makes up a large percentage of the population, and include Shangaan, Chokwe, Manyoka, Sena and Makua.

Other cultures include Europeans, Euro-Africans and Indians. Even through the country boasts a variety of languages, social relationships, artistic traditions, Mozambicans share a common culture in their love and expression of song, poetry, dynamic dance and performance.

Another common interest is their love or soccer (football), which is this nation’s favourite sport. The Mozambique soccer team competes regularly with other African countries and within the Portuguese speaking Soccer League, including Angola, Portugal and Brazil.

Most Mozambicans are easy-going towards foreigners, but adhering to some basics will help smooth your interactions.

• Greetings – Always greet others and inquire about their well-being prior to launching into questions or conversation. It is also normal to greet people when entering or leaving a room.
• Photography – Ask permission before photographing people, especially in remote areas. Do not take photographs of police or army officials or of government buildings.
• Elders – In traditional Mozambican culture, elders and those in positions of authority are treated with deference. It is beneficial to positive interactions to follow suit.
• Gifts – When receiving a gift, it’s polite in many areas to accept it with both hands, sometimes with a slight bow, or with the right hand while touching the left hand to the right elbow. When only one hand is used to give or receive, make it the right.
• Thanks – Spoken thanks are not as common as in the West, so don’t be upset if you aren’t verbally thanked for a gift.