A common question we receive with each enquiry is, ‘what does a MICE itinerary entail?’ As we always say, it really all depends on what you want to do. But if you’d like a general idea, here’s the basic framework for two four-day itineraries: 

MICE itinerary 1: 

Day 1: Arrive in Maputo 

Your first day in Mozam begins in the capital of Maputo, with a meet and greet by a Dana Tours representative. After a transfer to your chosen hotel, check-in time might allow for a half-day conference or workshop session, with a coffee break in between.  

As the sun dips below the horizon, we’ll be on hand to direct you to your dinner venue at one of our go-to Maputo restaurants. Memories Gastrobar, perhaps? 

 Day 2: Morning half-day conference 

Kick off your second day in Maputo with a morning conference or workshop session. This will free up the afternoon for delegates to spend at their leisure. Our recommendation? Add in a hearty dose of culture with our Flavours of Mozambique Food Tour (so you can also incorporate lunch).  

After that, there will be just enough time to recuperate and spruce up before sundowners and dinner at another local eatery of choice.  

Day 3: Morning half-day conference  

Today’s programme also entails a morning conferencing slot, leaving the afternoon free to dabble in activities. Here’s where we’d suggest setting aside some free time for delegates or having the option of embarking on a Mafalala Walking Tour to stretch out their legs.  

If you’re visiting with your team, how about fostering some healthy competition with a potjie cook-off followed by an evening of karaoke? There’s no reason you can’t inject a little fun into your MICE itinerary – Mozam really is the perfect place to do so! 

Day 4: Breakfast and farewell 

If time allows after breakfast, you might be able to squeeze in some souvenir shopping with your group. When everyone’s bags are packed, your friendly Dana Tours representative will be at your side to assist in transferring your group to the airport.  

MICE itinerary 2: 

Day 1: Arrive in Maputo 

Much like the first itinerary example, you’ll be greeted on arrival in Maputo by a friendly Dana Tours representative. After a transfer to your hotel and a streamlined check-in, we can lean straight into a teambuilding icebreaker: our signature potjie cook-off.  

After dinner on-site at your hotel, how about a fun-filled karaoke evening?  

Day 2: Morning half-day conference  

Depending on your needs, we could either arrange a half or full day of conferencing for your second day in Maputo. Our suggestion? Take the afternoon off for an excursion to Macenta Beach.  

Should you prefer something a little more active, we can help arrange paintball shooting or a raft-building activity to encourage team spirit. We’ll also take care of lunch while you’re there. Afterwards, it’s back to Maputo to freshen up and head off to dinner, where flavourful local fare awaits.  

Day 3: Morning half-day conference  

After a morning of workshops and conferencing, embark on our Flavours of Mozambique Food Tour, which also ticks the box for lunch plans. With happy hearts and full bellies, your delegates can return to the hotel for an afternoon siesta. The rest of the day will be theirs to enjoy at their leisure.  

Dinner will be arranged at one of our top recommended restaurants and, depending on the night. You can’t go wrong with Zambi Restaurant, tucked along the Maputo Seaboard or Sagres, for a laidback atmosphere. Treehouse Restaurant also tops the list, with its tasteful décor, outdoor seating, and delicious meaty fare.   

Day 4: Breakfast and goodbyes 

The rollout of your departure day depends on your flight. If time allows, we’d be more than happy to arrange a visit to the crafts market for some last-minute souvenir shopping. After that, we can organise your transfers straight to the airport to get you on your way.  

Remember, whether it’s a professional conference or a fun-filled team build you seek, our team’s always on hand to customise your experience. Go on, get in touch here. 

Every country has its own customs and traditions. So, when travelling to sunny Mozambique for your next business venture, keep the following guidelines in mind for sure success:

Introductions and greetings

First impressions count. So, make sure you get your greeting right. How? It is customary for both men and women to shake hands. Men commonly use both hands when greeting someone, with the left hand placed on the upper arm of the other person.

Don’t be surprised if women look down when speaking with men – this is a sign of respect.

If you’re meeting more than one person, acknowledge everyone with a nod until you are formally introduced.

If you have a title, flaunt it. Always address people in Mozambique by their professional title. Or, if you’re not sure about the title, address men as O Senhor (Mr.) and women as A Senhora (Mrs./Ms.). It is frowned upon to address someone by their first name, unless they have indicated you are allowed to do so.

Meeting Protocol

Always set up a meeting time and venue in advance, and arrive punctually. Even though meetings in Mozambique rarely begin on time, foreigners are still expected to be punctual.

Mozambicans are quite social, so try to start your meetings with small talk about families and health. Know that it is customary for the person who initiated the meeting to open business conversations, while the most senior person in the room closes discussions.

Dress

Dress for success in Mozambique. Men are expected to wear a suit or dress pants with a button-up shirt and tie. Women can opt for a dress with a blazer or a suit.

Negotiation Tips

Most business conversations are conducted in Portuguese. So, make use of translation facilities, which are readily available in Maputo. Or, if you really want to impress, get to know the language first-hand.

January is not a good month to arrange business meetings or negotiations in Mozambique. During this month, national holidays take precedence.

Also keep in mind that business decisions are not made on the fly. Negotiations tend to linger, so be prepared for ongoing back-and-forth discussions following your initial meeting. Be patient and do not try to rush a decision from your business partners in Mozambique – it could cost you the entire deal.

Social Customs

It’s all about relationships in Mozambique. Make a real effort to get to know your associates socially, as this will end up helping you professionally.

Also take note of the following:

• It is seen as a sign of respect to give and receive something using both hands
• Don’t worry if you find people hissing at each other or even at you. It is custom in Mozambican culture to make a hissing sound when someone wants to get your attention.
• Extending a fist covered by the opposite hand is an indication that someone has had enough
• Women should keep in mind that touching a member of the opposite sex during conversation indicates strong interest, and is generally considered taboo.

Want to know more about Mozambique? Read the following blogs:

Hit the road…self-drive to Maputo
Ibo Island Mozambique: A piece of paradise on Earth…
Gorongosa National Park: The Return of a Paradise Once Lost
Maputo Nightlife: Where to let loose in Maputo…
Things to do in Maputo
Four Reasons why you should visit Mozambique
Anantara Medjumbe: Barefoot luxury in the islands…
Gorongosa National Park
Discover the best of Mozambique
Mozambique Beaches: Tap your inner beach bum

Mozambican locals sure know how to let loose after a hard day’s work and on weekends. Whether you’re looking for a place to dance the night away, relax while enjoying a couple of drinks or seeing some live music, you’ll have more than enough options in Maputo.

If you ever find yourself on a Maputo adventure and looking to explore its vibrant nightlife – here are Dana Tours’ top picks on where to go…

Coconuts Live

A popular nightclub in the capital city is Coconuts Live. With very affordable drinks and a huge dance floor, this place tends to get very crowded over the weekends – definitely aimed towards the younger crowd. They also have a pool bar where you can take a swim, relax and order your drinks straight from the pool.

Dock’s

Doubling as a restaurant and late-night bar, Dock’s will cater to your eating and social needs. They host Prawn & Jazz nights on Thursday evenings and have a Happy Hour starting at 11pm on Friday evenings. Dock’s is located right next to the ocean which means that your dinner and drinks will be accompanied by a fresh sea breeze.

Africa Bar

On Avenida 24 de Julho and Karl Marx Street and a five-minute walk from the city centre you’ll find Africa Bar. This nightclub is a popular meeting place for wealthier Mozambicans dressed to the nines. Live jazz nights are held on Thursday nights which draws big expat crowds to enjoy the local bands performing live.

Sinatra’s

This one is for the night owls! If you’re interested in a Mozambican/Brazilian fusion of tastes and sounds, Sinatra’s is the place to be. They are located on Av. Martires de Inhaminga, open at 9pm and closing very late.

Mundo’s

Just want to chill out with a pizza, family or friends and a couple of 2M beers? Mundo’s has been rated as one of the most vibrant restaurants, pubs and sports bars in Maputo. If you have kids you can even bring them along to play in the designated kids play area while you enjoy your meal and drinks in the company of friends.

Chez Rango

Conveniently located in Maputo’s main train station, Chez Rango offers an intimate environment where you can enjoy Afro-Jazz during the week or see live jazz bands on Saturday nights.

Want to know more about what’s on offer in Mozambique? Read the following blogs:

Hit the road…self-drive to Maputo
Ibo Island Mozambique: A piece of paradise on Earth…
Gorongosa National Park: The Return of a Paradise Once Lost
Do’s and don’ts for business in Mozambique
Things to do in Maputo
Four Reasons why you should visit Mozambique
Anantara Medjumbe: Barefoot luxury in the islands…
Gorongosa National Park
Discover the best of Mozambique
Mozambique Beaches: Tap your inner beach bum

Planning a Maputo holiday escape? Renowned for being one of Africa’s most attractive capitals and the most developed city in Mozambique, Maputo is that wonderful mix of Latino African style and charm. Enjoy all its flavours over a weekend stay…

Explore Maputo

The best way to get the feel of a new city is by going on a guided walking tour. The Bairro Mafalala Walking Tour’s main focus is on the city’s rich cultural and historical roots, including a visit to a traditional healer or curandeiro as well as a dance performance.

Another excellent way to explore the city of Maputo is by means of the Mozambique City Tours. They run a hop-on hop-off train that loops the city in two hours with 10 scheduled stops at the city’s main sights. You can buy your tickets from the kiosk at the main entrance of the train station.

If you are interested in learning more about Maputo’s unique architecture and art you should consider going on one of the Jane Flood Specialist Walking Tours that runs through Maputo’s famous “Baixa” region.

See Maputo…

Maputo offers a whole range of sights and landmarks for the curious traveller. For those who are fascinated by architecture, the city’s train station is a must visit as one of Maputo’s most imposing landmarks.

The National Art Museum in Maputo is another must-see for art lovers and connoisseurs. The Museum has an outstanding collection of sculptures and paintings by Mozambique’s finest contemporary artists, including Alberto Chissano and Malangatana.

Another curious sight and attraction in Maputo is the Iron House. This house was designed for the governor in the 19^th century by a student of Gustav Eiffel – the same man who designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The house features a full metal exterior that unfortunately proved to be too hot for the tropical Mozambican climate.

Shop in Maputo…

What is a holiday without the occasional shopping expedition? If you’re staying at the Southern Sun Hotel you should definitely consider paying a visit to Artedif arts and crafts market about 400m south of the hotel. This cooperative for disabled people sells crafts that are slightly more expensive than at street markets, but you’ll get a much higher quality product.

Have you already finished reading the whole supply of books you brought with you on holiday? It might be time to pay a visit to Mabuku, a bookstore selling a small selection of English books and magazines. Mabuku is located across the road from the South African High Commission.

Pay a visit to Casa Elefante opposite the Municipal Market for all your fashion and accessory shopping needs. There are many tailors nearby and it’s also a good place to buy a capulana – a colourful African cloth that’s worn by women in Mozambique.

Eat in Maputo…

When you’re done with all the tours, sightseeing and shopping – you’re going to be all kinds of hungry. Check out Mundo’s if you’re in the mood for large portions of burritos, burgers or pizza. For bookings phone +258 21 494080.

For a more traditional Mozambican experience, head to the Fish Market off Avenida Marginal. Here you can buy your choosing of fresh fish and have it prepared and cooked by one of the restaurant stalls in the enclosed adjoining area. The stalls also offer side dishes like rice and chips to complete your meal.

Want to know more about Mozambique? Read the following blogs:

Hit the road…self-drive to Maputo
Ibo Island Mozambique: A piece of paradise on Earth…
Gorongosa National Park: The Return of a Paradise Once Lost
Maputo Nightlife: Where to let loose in Maputo…
Do’s and don’ts for business in Mozambique
Four Reasons why you should visit Mozambique
Anantara Medjumbe: Barefoot luxury in the islands…
Gorongosa National Park
Discover the best of Mozambique
Mozambique Beaches: Tap your inner beach bum