FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MOZAMBIQUE

WHAT ARE THE VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR MOZAMBIQUE?

Passports are required by all foreign visitors to MOZAMBIQUE and must be valid for at least 6 months after the intended length of your trip and must have at least three blank visa pages.

 

Effective February 2013, visas are required for entry into MOZAMBIQUE. Although a single entry visa may be purchased for $82 at points of entry, including airports, it is highly recommended that travelers acquire the appropriate visa prior to arrival. Please pay close attention to the period you are authorized to stay in MOZAMBIQUE on your visa (“Autorizado a permaneçer pelo período de [number of days]“). This is the maximum number of days you may stay in MOZAMBIQUE. All passports must be valid for six months upon arrival and must contain at least three clean (unstamped) visa pages each time entry is sought.

 

It is ultimately your responsibility to check the entry visa requirements with the individual embassy of each country you intend visiting prior to departure.

 

Visitors to MOZAMBIQUE who also intend visiting South Africa should be advised that It is essential to have at least two blank, consecutive visa pages for each time entry to South Africa is sought. This excludes Amendment and Endorsement pages. Otherwise, the traveler, even when in possession of a valid South African visa, may be refused entry into South Africa, fined, and returned to their point of origin at the traveler’s expense.

 

If you are a parent / guardian traveling with a minor (aged 18 or younger), you must be in possession of a certified letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent or guardian.

 

VISA STAMPS IN PASSPORTS UPON ARRIVAL IN EACH COUNTRY:

 

PLEASE CHECK THE DATES THAT THE OFFICIALS STAMP IN TO YOUR PASSPORTS TO MAKE SURE THE ALLOTTED TIME FOR YOUR STAY IS CORRECT BEFORE YOU WALK AWAY FROM THE COUNTER.

 

ON OCCASION PEOPLE HAVE BEEN GIVEN INCORRECT INCREMENTS OF TIME TO STAY IN THE COUNTRY CONCERNED CREATING A LOT OF UNNECESSARY AGGRAVATION AND INCONVENIENCE.

 

We also suggest that before you depart on any international trip that you take a photo of the information page of your passport as well as any visas on your cell phone and share with a family member or friend via text or email in case you lose your passport!

 

For more information click here : TRAVISA.COM

 

WHAT IS THE WEATHER/CLIMATE LIKE IN MOZAMBIQUE IN WINTER AND IN SUMMER?

 

The seasons in southern Africa are reversed from those in the US.

 

MOZAMBIQUE has a tropical climate with two seasons:

 

Rainy season is December through March (summer) hot and humid
Dry season is June through October (winter which is much cooler with less humidity.

 

For more information please visit :  WEATHER.COM

 

WHAT IS THE CURRENCY OF MOZAMBIQUE?

 

Currency :


 

MOZAMBIQUE’S unit of currency is the Mozambican Metical denoted by the symbol MT with 100 centavos making up MT1 (one Metical)

 

1.00 USD = 63.842683 MZN (As of Jan 1st 2022)

 

Credit Cards :

 

Credit cards are usually accepted at more upmarket hotels, but apart from this your credit card will be of little use.

 

For up to dates rates of exchange click on the following link :  WWW.XE.COM

 

WHAT IF I HAVE DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?

 

Most dietary requirements (kosher, vegetarian hindu etc) can be organized provided we request them well in advance. This is particularly important if you will be visiting game lodges.

 

You must remember that many of the game lodges you may be visiting are in isolated areas so if you are not very specific in advance you may just go hungry! You cannot just pop out to the nearest restaurant or 7-11 – you are in the African bush.

 

We need to know about allergies too – gluten -lactose – peanuts etc.

 

WHAT IS THE LANGUAGE IN MOZAMBIQUE?

 

The official language of MOZAMBIQUE is Portuguese

 

Other widely spoken languages include Swahili, Makhuwa, Sena, Ndau, and Shangaan (Tsonga).

 

WILL I BE ABLE TO DO LAUNDRY DURING MY MOZAMBIQUE TOUR?

 

Laundry service is available at most hotels, resorts and lodges throughout MOZAMBIQUE.

 

WHAT ARE THE LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS FOR A MOZAMBIQUE SAFARI?

 

RULE OF THUMB – IF YOU WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN DO NOT PACK IT IN YOUR CHECKED BAGS!

 

Medications, eye glasses, sunglasses, wallets, passports, computers, iPads, cell phones, cameras, binoculars, jewelry etc should be carried with you at all times. And why are you taking that expensive jewelry with you anyway?

 

NOT A GOOD IDEA! Do not take anything with you that is not replaceable or anything that you would be devastated to lose!

 

Most airports today do offer plastic wrapping of bags for a small fee. Luggage restrictions vary between airlines / countries and aircraft. Please check with your travel consultant with regard to weight restrictions and quantity / size of bags permitted.

 

If you will be traveling in vehicles and small aircraft with limited luggage capacity, it is a requirement that you have a SOFT BAG without WHEELS, however, our brand new “wheeled” Karell safari bags which are made exclusively for us are unique as they have wheels but no solid frame which make them ideal for light aircraft transfers to and from camps/lodges.

 

Ideal travel bag example:

 

The Karell Duffel bag pictured above has been selected specifically for use on safaris utilizing light aircraft. It measures 26” x 14” x 12”, a perfect size and dimension for this type of travel.

 

NO HARD SUITCASES WILL BE ALLOWED!

Wilderness Air Weight & Luggage Restrictions for chartered aircraft in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and SOUTH AFRICA

 

• Luggage, including camera equipment and hand luggage, is restricted to 20 kg (44 lb) per person
• Only soft bags will be accepted – no wheels, frames or rigid structures can be transported as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft!
• Maximum dimensions of the soft bags are as follows: 25 cm (10 inches) wide x 30 cm (12 inches) high and 62 cm (24 inches) long.
• If guests weigh more than 100 kg (220 lb), an additional weight allowance on the aircraft must be purchased for safety and comfort. The cost for this is calculated on request according to specific region and routing, and provides for a maximum of 70 kg (154 lb) excess weight and will be at the passenger’s expense.
• If guests need to bring luggage in excess of the stipulated allowance, they have the option of purchasing additional weight allowance allowing for a maximum of 70kg (154lb) with the proviso that the excess bags conform to the maximum dimensions listed above. The additional cost of this varies depending on the flight schedule and routing and will be at the passenger’s expense.
  These strict weight restrictions apply to any itinerary which includes light aircraft transfers for the following reasons:
• The aircraft are designed with a maximum bodyweight and luggage weight allowance.
• The aircraft have physical space restrictions. Please refer to the images below for an indication on the cargo hold compartment limitations.

SHOULD I TAKE A CAMERA? SHOULD I TAKE BINOCULARS?

 

Yes, You are going to a photographer’s paradise wherever you go in Africa so do take plenty of memory cards to record your trip. They will not always be readily available everywhere you go. So to avoid disappointment take a lot with you as well as spare batteries for flashes etc.

 

Yes, A good pair of strong binoculars is a must on safari, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A KEEN BIRDER OR “TWITCHER”. Trust us, we know.

 

For everything you need to know about buying cameras and binoculars we invite you to visit : http://www.bhphotovideo.com

 

Or if you prefer to rent before you go: http://optics4rent.com/index.html

 

Camera equipment and lenses are so heavy and are included in hand baggage allowances so for your convenience, there are certain game lodges that rent equipment for the period of your stay.

 

We have provided these websites as guidelines for further information, Karell’s African Dream Vacations  is not responsible for the content thereof.

 

WHAT IS THE ELECTRIC CURRENT IN MOZAMBIQUE?

 

The voltage in MOZAMBIQUE is 220V.

 

Although adaptors are generally available at hotels, we highly recommend taking your own. If you are taking electric hair styling tools in any shape or form flatirons, curling irons, hairdryers etc. or any other electrical appliances, you should make sure they are dual voltage and remember to change the voltage if necessary when you get to MOZAMBIQUE or you can undoubtedly kiss them goodbye!

 

Due to their remote locations, many resorts/hotels and lodges in MOZAMBIQUE may generate their own electricity by means of generators.

 

It would be best to check with each resort/hotel/lodge you will be visiting if this is or is not the case just to be sure.
Generators run for about 6-7 hours per day providing power in the rooms for lighting and possibly ceiling fans.

 

Not all resorts provide plug points in the rooms so if you have equipment that requires charging such as camera batteries the game lodges will often have charging facilities in the main areas.

 

WHAT TIME ZONE IS MOZAMBIQUE IN?

 

Local time in MOZAMBIQUE is GMT +2 which means it is always 6 or 7 hours ahead of us in the eastern United States depending on the time of year and daylight savings

 

So, it it is 900PM in MAPUTO then it is 300PM the same day in NEW YORK!

 

Hope this helps. Probably won’t – you will be more confused than ever and will more than likely call home and get it all mixed up!

 

The following link may help: WORLDCLOCK.COM

 

WHAT ARE THE TIPPING AND GRATUITY GUIDELINES FOR A MOZAMBIQUE SAFARI?

TO GIVE OR NOT TO GIVE, THAT IS THE QUESTION! AND IF SO HOW MUCH.

 

This is one of the questions we are asked most often prior to departure: How much should we tip?
Gratuities are discretionary, however in MOZAMBIQUE it is customary to tip 10% of the check at restaurants, taxis and hotels.

 

THE FOLLOWING IS A GUIDELINE:
Transfer driver : US$ 3 per person
City Touring Driver and/or Guides : US$ 5-7 per person for half day tours, US$10-12 per person for full day tour.
Porterage : US$ 1 per person per movement.

 

DO I NEED ANY VACCINATIONS FOR MOZAMBIQUE? IS MOZAMBIQUE A MALARIA FREE AREA?

 

There is no risk of YELLOW FEVER in Mozambique however The government of Mozambique requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.

 

Failure to produce an official YELLOW FEVER vaccination certificate upon arrival in MOZAMBIQUE may result in you being denied entry.

 

Additionally, other countries may deny entry or re-entry without proof of YELLOW FEVER vaccination after a visit to a YELLOW FEVER region.

 

MALARIA: We highly recommend that you take precautions against MALARIA. Your physician will be able to assist you with a prescription for prophylaxis for MALARIA prior to your arrival in the MALARIA infested area.

 

Tips on avoiding Malaria:
Take a prescription antimalarial drug.
Use insect repellent liberally and wear long pants and sleeves to prevent mosquito bites.
Sleep in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms or use bednets.

 

Please consult with your physician for recommendations regarding inoculations/immunizations.

 

For further information please click on the following link CDC.gov

CAN I DRINK TAP WATER IN MOZAMBIQUE?

 

Although tap water may be fine in most areas for bathing and brushing teeth, we recommend that you drink bottled water at all times.

 

WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR MOZAMBIQUE TOUR?

 

RULE OF THUMB – DON’T PACK TOO MUCH

 

The other most frequently asked question. As a general guideline, comfortable casual wash and wear clothes are recommended.

 

Clothing

Casual resort wearLight weight shirts/blouses with long sleeves as protection from the sun and mosquitos
T-shirts
Shorts
Jeans or safari trousers
Pajamas
Socks
Underwear
A light weight water-proof jacket
Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
Comfortable walking sandals or flip flops
Sun hat
Swimsuit

 

Equipment & OtherSunglasses
Spare prescription eye glasses/contact lenses
Binoculars
Cameras and related paraphernalia like lenses etc and plenty of memory cards and spare batteries
A small powerful flashlight and extra batteries
Travel alarm clock
Small purse size umbrella can come in handy
Small lint roller
A light packable backpack or tote to carry equipment and stuff on game vehicles
A supply of Ziploc bags in different sizes may come in handy for dust or water proofing cameras , wet bathing suits etc.
Chargers for cell phones, iPads, cameras, computers and you may want to invest in a mini travel charger surge protector with dual USB ports and five charging outlets.

 

Personal First Aid KitBand aids
Antiseptic cream
Pain tablets
Heartburn relief
Eye drops
Insect repellant
Itch spray for bug bites
Sunscreen with high SPF factor
Hand sanitizer
Purse size kleenex packets
Eye drops
Chapstick
“make you go ” pills “make you not go” pills as well as any prescription medications that you reply on on a daily basis.