What’s happening in Mozambique?
While there is hardly ever a dull moment in Mozambique, 2017 has been a truly extraordinary year!
So, if you’re getting ready to pack your suitcase and head to sunny Mozambique for the June/July school holidays, we thought you’d want to know what’s been happening:
Visas have become so much easier…
If you’re a South African passport holder, you never need to worry about visas for Mozambique. But, if you are the holder of any other passport, you’ll be happy to know it has become a lot easier to get to Mozambique!
The government has decided to issue visas on arrival for all tourists, regardless of whether or not there is an embassy in their country of origin.
Citizens from countries that require visas to enter Mozambique are now be able to get visas on arrival at 44 border posts in Mozambique, including Maputo International Airport, and the Port of Maputo, as well as such border posts as Ressano Garcia, Goba, Ponto D’ouro, Giriyondo, Vilanculos Airport, Inhambane Airport, Beira Airport, Pemba Airport and Nampula Airport, among others.
International visitors arriving in Mozambique will pay US$50 (or equivalent in Meticais or ZAR) for their dual-entry visa which will be valid for 30 days.
If you have Mozambique representation in your country it is a good idea to apply for your visa before you travel- It’s always a good idea to get as much admin as possible out of the way before you travel.
You’ll have more choices in flights
In addition to a simplified visa process, it is now also easier to get to Mozambique thanks to the fact that South African based airline Airlink has added more flights to Vilanculos from Nelspruit and Johannesburg.
On March 26, the airline increased frequencies from Nelspruit to Vilanculos with two additional frequencies operating on Tuesdays and Fridays. Just in time for the school holidays on July 4, the airline is adding two more frequencies on Mondays and Saturdays. From August 7, there will be a flight on Wednesdays – making it a daily service between Nelspruit and Vilanculos.
Effective April 13, Airlink also introduced a daily flight between Johannesburg and Vilanculos with the additional flights operating on Thursdays and Sundays.
Vilanculos is a hive of activity
Vilanculos has always catered for all budgets and preferences.
Dana Tours recommends that travellers heading to Vilanculos stay on the mainland, as there is a great choice of accommodation options. The mainland also serves as a great gateway for a visit to the Bazaruto Archipelago on a day trip. Travellers can visit the island by taking a scenic dhow trip which often includes snorkelling and a seafood lunch. Those wanting a more luxurious experience can choose to stay on either Bazaruto or Benguerra islands.
Vilanculos has become a true hive of activity and hosts the annual Vilanculos Downwind and Music Festival.
Here’s some of the other activities you can expect to experience on a trip to Vilanculos:
Diving and snorkelling
Dust off your diving goggles and grab your air tank or snorkel to get ready for an underwater adventure as Vilanculos offers some of the best diving experiences in the world.
The clear water, offering great visibility of over 40 metres will give you an unprecedented view of the most wonderful marine life such as Hump back whales, whale sharks, turtles, manta rays, spotted Eagle rays and dolphins – to name but a few.
Also be on the lookout for the rare Dugong as this area is one of the few sites where they live.
Wet those lines
Anglers get ready to smile for the camera as you hold up your latest winning catch for bragging rights!
The waters surrounding Vilanculos is ideal for salt water fishing, as it is home to several species of tuna, and of course Black Marlin. A word of caution though, be ready to put up a fight, as these mighty giants do not make for an easy catch…legend has it that the Black Marlin found within the Bazaruto Archipelago can reach up to 450kg.
Shop, shop and shop
From arts, crafts and curios to clothing and fresh fruits and vegetables, the markets in Vilanculos will make you think twice about saving. If all the shopping has left you a bit hungry and thirsty – no problem. You will be able to tantalise your taste buds at the many eateries and restaurants as you dig in to Mozambique’s famous prawns and beers.
