Visas: most people need visas. Organise them well in advance. If travelling from
South Africa, check if you need visas for South Africa, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
Petrol: petrol is available at most larger villages/towns. Quality can be
questionable, and prices are high.
Water: It is advised to purify water with iodine and/or clorine before drinking.
Vaccinations: Definitely needed, check with your travel clinic well in advance
of your trip.Mozambique is in a high risk Malaria area. Besides this, vaccs for
cholera, typhoid, tetanus and Hep b are advisable.
Hospitals: Good hospitals are few and far between. Make sure you have Fly Out
Insurance to get you into South Africa where you can get the best medical care.
Extensive 1st aid kit recommended.
Telephones: are a luxury, the towns might have a public phone at the post
office. Usually very bad line quality.
Roads: Generally sand roads in poor condition. The roads up north were not
affected by the floods. We found the condition of the roads depends on the
province one is in.
Food: Basic food supplies are available in the towns, like: bread, eggs,
chickens, pigs, dried fish, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, beans,
Casava(mandiokar), beer, banana schnapps. So if you want a variety to your diet
bring additional supplies. Nearest good shops are available in Blantyre, Malawi.
Language: Portuguese is the main language after Makua, the local
language. A Phrase Book is highly recommended.
Bribery: Most of the time we did not have to bribe, but a cigarette or a packet
of cigarettes helped to uplift the road patrol officer's mood. Be alert and
friendly when dealing with officials. Keep bribery as a last option; it can work
wonders.