Airline Partners Mozambique
Getting There
There are several ways to enter Mozambique. From Europe and South Africa you can fly directly into the capital Maputo or via the north of the country from Tanzania or Kenya.
LAM (Mozambique Airlines) is the national carrier, while Solenta Aviation offers hops across to the islands as well as to the Niasso Reserve in the North of the country.
With several flights a week, TAP provides easy access direct from Europe into Maputo from Lisbon.
Currency
The local currency is Metical, you may also hear the term Meticash while in Mozambique. US Dollars, South African Rand and British Pounds can also be used, especially in the south of the country. ATM’s are widespread especially in the cities and credit cards are taken in hotels, busy restaurants and shopping malls.
History
The age to understand and progress has dawn upon us…
The origin of the name “Mozambique” is not certain, but it is believed to have come from the name of a Muslim leader called “Musa al Bique” that lived in the Island of Mozambique, where Vasco da Gama in 1498 anchored his ship.
Soon the area became a trading and resting post, bringing great benefits and riches to the Portuguese through the trade of gold, ivory and slaves. The Portuguese came to colonize this land in 1505.
Mozambique became the “People’s Republic of Mozambique” with its late independence, on the 25 June 1975, which brought an end to almost five centuries of colonization. And on 3 February 1976, the capital “Lourenço Marques” (name given by the Portuguese) was renamed “Maputo” a dedication to those that fought for independence. But this land’s hardship continued through the great damage it suffered during its civil war, lasting until the end of 1992.
This prevailing land and its people continuously stand up and stand firm to all that it has to offer. Not only for its stunning beaches, excellent diving, magical islands and wild safaris into its National Parks, but also for its hosting population, which Vasco da Gama back in the 1498 recognized by calling it: Terra de Boa Gente (The Land of the Friendly People).
Weather
The Mozambique coastline stretches for almost 2,000 km, covering latitudes from about 11° to 27° South, and has a tropical ocean current running north to south along its length for the whole year.
Despite this range of latitudes, the whole country broadly follows a southern African weather pattern, with the rains falling largely between December and March.
Most of Mozambique’s rain arrives on moist southeast trade winds, but glance at a map to see that it lies in the rain shadow of Madagascar. This gives Mozambique a relatively low annual rainfall – and a great deal of protection from tropical storms.
By around April or May the rains subside and the humidity drops – better weather spreads gradually from the south to the north.
June to October is the dry season, with often perfect tropical weather: clear skies, plenty of sun and almost no rain. This is the best time for most people to visit Mozambique. Although still tropical, June, July and August are Mozambique’s coolest months; you’ll need a light duvet at night, even though the temperature reaches over 30°C by day. During September and October it remains dry as daytime temperatures climb, though it cools down a lot at night.
November is a less predictable month of transition. Sometimes the rains start, although many days remain sunny and hot. The rains generally start earlier in the north of the country.
Malaria
The National Health Services (NHS) in the UK advises that all travelers to Mozambique take antimalarial in conjunction with other precautions. These precautions include wearing long sleeves and trousers at nightfall especially, with spray on protection or cream on exposed areas.
During the wetter months malaria is more prevalent, especially in built up areas with very sparsely populated islands having very little malaria to none at all. It’s best to check with the accommodation agent for advice.
You will find that most of the luxury resorts we work with spray areas surrounding their properties with a non harmful (to humans) spray, which keeps mosquitos at bay.
In the rare event you get infected and even rarer if you contract a severe case of malaria and require hospital treatment, most are well equipped to deal with the illness.
Further information on malaria can be found here: www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
