The coast of Mozambique was controlled for centuries by the Arabs, who used it as a place to trade raw materials and slaves. The Portuguese later took control, leaving Ibo Island and Ilha de Mocambique as witnesses of their rule. Mozambique finally gained independence in 1975 – and a sixteen-year civil war broke out the following year. The end of the war in 1994 and reconciliation with South Africa marked an economic upturn for Mozambique.

The country is home to some 30 million inhabitants, around a tenth of these live in the capital Maputo. Although tourism here is still in the very early stages, several excellent lodges have already sprung up along the coastline. Unfortunately the north of Mozambique is threatened by armed groups and travel to these areas is not recommended.

There is little rain during the so-called dry season from May to October. Guests are faced with cooler nights in June/July and advised to pack warm clothes. Billowing clouds begin to form over the mainland from November/December; the islands, however, continue to offer perfect conditions. Heavy storms are possible in the south of the country from January to March. Cyclones are known to form off the coast in February, leaving behind heavy flooding, which can become particularly bad when combined with the flooding of rivers (most particularly the Zambezi) after heavy rainfall in the catchment areas (Angola and Zambia etc.). Travel in Mozambique during these months is restricted. The north of Mozambique is unaffected by cyclones and thus less dangerous.

The south of Mozambique, from the South African border (Punto do Ouro), and the region around Inhambane (Tofo) are popular with South African holidaymakers, particularly at Christmas and New Year. The cheaper accommodation facilities become quite cramped during these times, so heading for the islands is a better option.

Both Swiss and EU citizens require a passport which is valid at least 6 months beyond the date of your departure from Mozambique, and must contain at least two blank pages. A visa is required. The visa can be obtained at the border on arrival (USD 50). Exact details must be clarified before travelling.

Mozambique is usually accessed via Johannesburg (Swiss / Airlink). Flight time is approximately 13 hours in total. There are no direct flights to Maputo from Zurich.

The lodges are accessed by light aircraft or helicopter. There is a luggage restriction of 15-20 kg per person. Do not bring hard suitcases, but only soft sports bags.

There is a high risk of malaria - even throughout the dry season. Please seek advice from your doctor. Make sure that you are adequately insured, particularly for a medical evacuation from a remote area and repatriation. All necessary medication must be brought from home. Do not rely on getting the required medication in Mozambique. All medication must be kept in your hand luggage.

The national currency is called the Metical. South Mozambique also recognizes the South African Rand as currency. Major credit cards are accepted, but please make sure that your PIN code works, as transactions via the automated teller machines (ATM) are faster and much more reliable. Most lodges accept credit cards. Tips to guides and camp staff can be given in cash in US Dollars. The local staff can't change any other currency into local currency due to bank restrictions. Please note that your dollar bills should not be older than 2010 as the local banks do not accept older dollar bills.

Barefoot luxury' is the motto at the beach lodges in Mozambique - causal, comfortable and barefoot. Evenings and nights in June/July can become really quite cool so remember to pack a warm pullover and long trousers.

The official language is Portuguese, but more than 20 African languages are also spoken in Mozambique. Mobile connection is usually good, unless you are far away from urban centres. However, most camps provide Internet / Wifi access nowadays.

Food at the lodges is of good quality. We recommend you to drink only bottled drinking water. Only bottled mineral water and filtered ice are available at the lodges.

The power supply is 220 - 230 volts. Adapters for all countries are present at all good lodges. Computers, cameras and iPods can then be recharged. The power supply is available 24 hrs a day at most lodges. Swiss three-pronged plugs cannot be used anywhere; make sure your appliances are fitted with the two-pronged variety.

Clothes can be washed at all lodges. Please note that clothes are washed by hand and then sun dried at most lodges. Due to cultural differences, guests must wash their own underwear. Do not take too many clothes, instead make use of the laundry service wherever possible.

Traffic in Mozambique drives on the left-hand side. The Chinese asphalted the main road along the coast and brought it up to scratch. Bus drivers drive like maniacs and visitors are advised to take care. Drive on back roads and off-road tracks at your own peril, landmines pose a real risk.

In summer (March - September), there is no time difference. The time is plus one hour in winter.