Mozambique General Safety

PLEASE NOTE THAT CHANGES ARE MADE ALMOST ON A DAILY BASIS, PLEASE CONTACT YOU NEAREST MOZAMBIQUE EMBASSY FOR MORE ACCURATE VISA POSTING AND UPDATES

UYAPHI SAFARIS CANNOT AND WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR CHANGES IN GOVERNMENT POLICY, SHOULD CHANGES TO THE BELOW OCCUR!

Despite high economic growth rates in recent years, Mozambique remains among the world's poorest countries. Facilities for tourism in Maputo, the capital city, are steadily improving but remain limited in other areas, as most of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available.

Travel after dark is extremely dangerous due to poor road conditions, lack of emergency services, and the increased potential for vehicle hijacking. Visitors should be particularly vigilant when driving near the Mozambique-South Africa border. When forced to travel after dark it is encouraged to travel in convoys of two or more vehicles.

If you're on a mobile, packaged safari and/ or tour, encountering safety risks are minimal - tour operators make it their business to know the areas they travel to so risk is kept to a minimum.

Try not to travel alone, always keep to small groups, never hitch hike or get a lift from a stranger when you are on your own. Always read the local news and keep up to date on current happenings around the world and in Africa.

Websites like www.news24.com, www.iafrica.com, www.africanews.org and www.iol.co.za are updated with top stories almost hourly.

Street and petty crimes, including muggings, purse snatching, and pick-pocketing, are common, both in Maputo and secondary cities. Visitors must be vigilant when out in public areas and should not display jewellery or other expensive items. Do not carry more cash than required. Keep a photocopy of the first few pages of your passport, visas and air tickets, separately from the original documents.

Mozambican law requires that all persons carry an identity document, such as a passport, when out in public and produce it if requested by police. A notarized copy of the biographic page and the Mozambican visa are acceptable.

Medical facilities are basic to say the least and medicines are not always available. Clinics can provide general and basic emergency services and accepts major credit cards. Doctors and hospitals outside Lilongwe and Blantyre generally expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Urban road conditions/maintenance: Poor
Rural road conditions/maintenance: Poor
Availability of roadside assistance: Poor

Reconstruction of most roads damaged during the flooding of 2000 has been successful, and travel on the roads north of Maputo is once again possible. Additionally, a new toll road has improved travel between Maputo and South Africa.

Travel outside Maputo often requires a four-wheel drive vehicle. Public transportation is extremely limited.

When driving in Africa there are a few simple rules, drive carefully and slowly (speed kills), remember animals and humans can cross the road at any time (quite often just in front of you), try never to drive at night, stay alert as roads are often poorly maintained and pot holes are to be found, always wear you seat belts.

Stay aware of what's going on around you, you have a good chance of enjoying a problem-free safari!

Safety on Safari:
Always listen to your guide!
When visiting wildlife areas do not walk into the bush without your guide!
Do not approach any wild animals: It is dangerous!
Do not swim in any rivers (presence of crocodiles and hippo's)!
Never feed any animals, however inquisitive they may appear to be!

Public Holidays:
1 January - New Year's Day
3 February - Heroes' Day
7 April - Women's Day
1 May - Workers' Day
25 June - Independence Day
7 September - Victory Day
25 September - Revolution Day
25 December - Christmas Day