Xai-Xai (formerly João Belo) is the capital of Gaza Province. It is located near the coast of the Mozambique Channel (Indian Ocean), on the Limpopo River, 210 km northeast of Maputo. It is a long-time vacation destination and offers most amenities. The main beach is about 15 minutes from the city and forms a long sweep of sand with safe swimming. Xai-Xai has, indeed, a reef parallel to the beach where the snorkeling is excellent.
Bilene is on the way from Maputo to Inhambane. It is a popular holiday village, located on the shores of a beautiful lagoon. It is about 160 km north of Maputo. The lagoon is separated from the Indian Ocean by a wide sandbank offering a protected area for all kinds of water sports and beach activities with good stretches of white sand and calm, shallow waters. Fans of 4x4 and boats can access the mouth of the lagoon and the beach facing the sea.
Chidenguele: The coastline between Xai Xai and Inharrime in Mozambique is very picturesque, with amazing freshwater lakes and salt water. The beautiful white sand beaches are around the lagoons. Inhambavale Lake is ideal for water sports but there are only basic supplies in this remote and wild region of Mozambique. Chidenguele includes the Boa Paz lighthouse (on a walking route or on a 4x4 track) an accessible village cathedral, a wreck on the beach near Kings Pools and the small village of Quissico. The latter offers a breathtaking view of the lakes and is famous for its music and dances, the festival of Timbila, at the end of June each year.
Inharrime is another small village surrounded by lakes. More beautiful deserted beaches along this coast often offer a beautiful view of the dolphins in waves and humpback whales in season. Inhambane is 105 km further north.
In tourism, the southern coast of Mozambique is the most developed area. This popularity is amply justified. From the spectacular Ponta d'Ouro to the peaceful lagoons and coastal lakes between Bilene and Zavora, and the legendary beaches of Tofo and Barra, the region has some of the most beautiful stretches of sand in Africa. The South also has a myriad of cultural treasures, including the famous timbila (xylophone) orchestras of the chopi people, and a rich folkloric fabric mostly from the ancient kingdom of Gaza.
- The south of Mozambique pairs well with a stay in Mpumalanga (and Kruger National Park in particular) but also with a stay in Kwazulu-Natal "Coastal" via Kosi Bay for example
- It's the South of Mozambique that will allow you to have your best encounters with dolphins ... to program absolutely!
- The Mozambican food is recognized especially for marrying seafood, fish with the Portuguese flavors ... it is in Maputo that we can certainly enjoy it!
A former Portuguese colony, Mozambique is a country in southern Africa with over 2000 km of coastline bordered by the Indian Ocean. Unknown and still preserved from major tourist flows, Mozambique is a paradise of white sand, turquoise water and small islands well preserved, especially in the archipelagos of Bazaruto and Quirimbas. It is an ideal destination for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts as well as for a relaxing beach holiday after a safari.
When to go?
Mozambique benefits from a tropical climate. The seasons are the opposite to those in Europe since it is located in the southern hemisphere.
The best time to go to Mozambique is between May and November: temperatures are not too high and the climate is dry. Avoid the rainy season, which lasts between December and March, during which the roads can collapse and some areas become flooded.
The peak tourism season is summer (winter in Europe) between the Christmas holidays and the new year. If you have a limited budget avoid this period because availability is low and prices are rising considerably.
Formalities
The visa is compulsory for any type of passport (even diplomatic or service) and must be requested from the diplomatic or consular representative of Mozambique competent for your country of residence. The visa upon arrival at the airport is possible but is not guaranteed so it is safer to ask for it at the embassy.
Your passport must also be valid 3 months after the end of your stay in Mozambique.
The visa is subject to a fee and can be single entry or multiple entries.
Health
Yellow fever vaccine is compulsory only if you have been in a country where it is rampant. To see the list, visit the Institute Pasteur website. https://www.pasteur-lille.fr/sante/informations-maladies-voyageurs/
The following vaccines are recommended: DTP (update), typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, bacterial meningitis A + C + Y + W135.
Dengue and malaria are diseases transmitted by mosquito bites, protect yourself with sprays for skin and clothing and consult your Doctor to find out about your treatment.
Cholera is present in Mozambique, so do not drink tap water but only bottled water. Also avoid eating raw or uncooked foods. Finally wash your hands thoroughly before each meal.
Currency
The currency is the Mozambican metical.
Banks: they are generally open continuously from 8 am to 3:30 pm and Saturday from 7am to noon. Be careful at the end of the month, endless queues are forming in front of the distributors and you could find yourself in front of an empty machine. Cash can be withdrawn from all distributors in the country. Maputo has dozens of them and other major cities are provided with them. Make sure you have cash, especially dollars, widely accepted.
Credit cards: Make sure you have a Visa card; few banks accept the MasterCard. Outside Maputo, credits cards and traveller’s cheques are virtually unusable. Make sure you have cash, especially dollars, widely accepted.
Best rates are in "foreign exchange offices" if you wish to change cash.
Traveller's checks are virtually impossible to change.
In some parts of the country, including the south, in the most touristic places, the metical is competed by the rand. If you are coming from South Africa, you do not need to change your rands. They will be accepted in many hotels and restaurants.
The dollar is also easily exchanged at any bureau de change.