 Mozambique has considerably lower numbers of wildlife if compared to other Southern African countries. This is due to Mozambique’s civil overturn, when great amount of organized poaching systematically removed almost all big game from the bush. Mozambicans were reduced to hunter-gatherer status and in some areas people harvested even locusts and ants almost to extinction. To some extent birdlife has recovered but only in the most remote areas you may encounter African wildlife, including the Big Five, but such trips must be on foot and with experienced guides.
Maputo Elephant Reserve is hover to about 400 elephants migrating between South Africa and Mozambique. The birdlife is diverse and plentiful, but infrastructure is underdeveloped and roads are poor. Camping is an option at either Ponta Milibangalala or Ponta Dobela, but do not forget to purify the water in the wells before drinking here.
Reserva do Niassa is a remote area that is a sanctuary to around 12,000 elephants and the last of Mozambique's buffalo, sable and roan herds. If you are an independent visitor, it is possible to go into the area with a game guard ranger, as visits are not encouraged, while this area being redeveloped. The nearby Jurege River offers excellent game viewing (though it is dry from June to December).
Mozambique is the ideal for beach, island and diving escape. From April to October the temperatures are cool and the weather is dry, the summers months are from November to March are hot and with afternoon rain showers. One of the world’s best kept secrets is that Mozambique is ideal place for diving. You can observe humpbacked whales from April to October, whale sharks from October to April and Manta Rays and turtles all the year round. The best time to view game in the Mozambique parks is from April to October.
Vaccinations, Customs and Visas
There is no compulsory vaccine. The recommended ones are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus. Malaria precautions are indicated for the whole country throughout the year. Beware of risk of Bilharzia in lakes and still waters.
As for the goods, which may be imported into Mozambique, by persons irrespective of age, without incurring customs duty, they are as follows: 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco; 0.75l of spirits; a reasonable quantity of perfume (opened). Narcotics are prohibited. Firearms require a permit.
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