TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR MOZAMBIQUE

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MOZAMBIQUE
This information is intended as a guideline only. It is accurate to the best of our knowledge.
Please note that we are providing links to external websites as guidelines for more information
only. Karell Africa is not responsible for the content thereof.
If you are traveling to South Africa and would like to print this information please follow
MOZAMBIQUE PRE-TOUR INFORMATION (PDF) link
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS 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.
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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. TRAVISA.COM
CLIMATE IN MOZAMBIQUE
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.
Please visit WEATHER.COM
CURRENCY & CREDIT CARDS IN 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 = 68.56301 MZN (As of Aug 1st 2016)
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
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR TRIP TO MOZAMBIQUE – MORE
IMPORTANT THAN YOU MAY REALIZE – SO LET US KNOW IN ADVANCE
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 places 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 middle of
Africa!
We need to know about allergies too – gluten -lactose – peanuts etc.
Please also let us know if anyone in your party will be celebrating a birthday or
anniversary!
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FLASHLIGHT! DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT ONE!
Remember this when you are stumbling around in your tent/room when there is a
power outage!
Do not be the one who is saying ” I should have listened to KARELL and brought
a flashlight and extra batteries”.
Take a small powerful flashlight (and extra batteries) with you – it will come in
handy. In fact it is the one essential item we tell every passenger to take with no
matter where you are traveling to.
LANGUAGE IN MOZAMBIQUE
The official language of MOZAMBIQUE is Portuguese
Other widely spoken languages include Swahili, Makhuwa, Sena, Ndau,
and Shangaan (Tsonga).
LAUNDRY IN MOZAMBIQUE
Laundry service is available at most hotels, resorts and lodges throughout
MOZAMBIQUE
LUGGAGE IN MOZAMBIQUE
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
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unique as they have wheels but no solid frame which make them ideal for light
aircraft transfers to and from camps/lodges.
NO HARD SUITCASES WILL BE ALLOWED!
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.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND BINOCULARS IN MOZAMBIQUE
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.
Please contact one of our safari specialists for further information.
We have provided these websites as guidelines for further information, Karell’s
African Dream Vacations is not responsible for the content thereof.
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POWER AND ELECTRICITY 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.
The following link may help: ELECTRIC PLUG EXAMPLE
TIME ZONE IN MOZAMBIQUE
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
TIPPING/GRATUITY GUIDELINES FOR MOZAMBIQUE – 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
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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.
VACCINATIONS REQUIRED FOR MOZAMBIQUE – OUCH!
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
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 TO PACK FOR MOZAMBIQUE (OR NOT) – 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.
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CLOTHING
Casual resort wear
Light 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 / OTHER
Sunglasses
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.
PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT
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Band 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 rely on on a daily basis.
ENJOY MOZAMBIQUE !
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE LINK FOR MOZAMBIQUE
YOU MAY LEAVE AFRICA FOREVER BUT YOUR MEMORIES OF AFRICA
WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU!
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