text:
Mozambique

Mozambique (Portuguese: Moçambique) is a country on the Indian Ocean coast of Southern Africa. From the Monte Binga peak, high, to the stunning beaches along the coast, Mozambique is a country of contrasts. As well as some of the best colonial era architecture and relics to be found on the continent, Mozambique has also preserved its African cultural heritage, which can be experienced through art, music and food. Its eastern coastline along the Indian Ocean is more than 1,000 km long, a fantastic draw for scuba divers, fishermen, sailors and beach lovers.

Regions
Mozambique has 10 provinces that can be grouped into the following three regions:

Cities

 * - the thriving capital in the far south of the country.
 * - a busy port town and capital of Sofala Province.
 * - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital under Portuguese rule.
 * - a pretty historic town on a bay.
 * - an industrial city in the north and capital of Nampula Province.
 * - in Northern Mozambique, a popular holiday destination for Mozambicans, although its isolation has kept it off the tourist route for most European visitors.
 * - in Central Mozambique, capital of Manica Province, point of departure to visit Chimanimani National Park and Mount Binga (tallest peak in Mozambique), transitional point to Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Other destinations

 * — a beautiful island resort and underwater marine park with great diving, geared to high-end tourism.
 * dam — hydro-electric dam on the Zambezi river and the second largest man-made lake in Africa.
 * — Former colonial capital with a historical heritage that's among the most well kept in Mozambique, and indeed in all of Africa. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991.
 * — a great dive spot, more easily accessible from South Africa than from Maputo.
 * — at the north of the country, a scenic and secluded holiday destination off the beaten track with lush African bush on the mainland and white sand beaches/crystal blue water in the Archipelago and on the coast. Accessible through Pemba.
 * — a backpacker haven on the coastline east of Inhambane with excellent diving. And whalesharks!!
 * /Vilankulo — a popular holiday destination and gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago.
 * — a backpacker haven on the coastline east of Inhambane with excellent diving. And whalesharks!!
 * /Vilankulo — a popular holiday destination and gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago.

Geography
Mozambique stretches for 1,535 mi (2,470 km) along Africa's southeast coast. It is nearly twice the size of California. Tanzania is to the north; Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to the west; and South Africa and Eswatini to the south. The country is generally a low-lying plateau broken up by 25 sizable rivers that flow into the Indian Ocean. The largest is the Zambezi, which provides access to central Africa. In the interior, several chains of mountains form the backbone of the country.

History
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama reached Mozambique in 1498, as a waypoint on the Cape Route to India.

In 1500, the Portuguese established a string of forts and posts up and down the coast, starting with present day Ilha de Moçambique or Mozambique Island (at that time simply known as Mozambique and where the country gets its modern name), where the Portuguese plied the spice and slave routes from Mozambique up until 1891.

After World War I, Portuguese investment in commercial, industrial, agricultural, educational, transportation, and health care infrastructure for the indigenous population started providing for better social and economic possibilities and these continued to gain pace up until independence in 1975.

In 1962, several anti-colonial political groups formed the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO), which initiated an armed campaign against Portuguese colonial rule. Mozambique became independent after ten years of sporadic warfare on June 25, 1975. FRELIMO took complete control of the territory after a transition period and within a year of independence, almost all the Portuguese colonists had left Mozambique – some expelled by the new government of Mozambique, some fleeing in fear.

Upon independence, Mozambique had less than 5 engineers in the entire country and the previous colonial infrastructure investments stopped entirely resulting in the rapid disintegration of much of Mozambique's infrastructure. FRELIMO responded to their lack of resources and the Cold War politics of the mid-1970s by moving into alignment with the Soviet Union and its allies. FRELIMO established a one-party Socialist state, and quickly received substantial international aid from Cuba and the Soviet bloc nations.

In 1975, the Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO), an anti-communist group sponsored by the Rhodesian Intelligence Service, the apartheid government in South Africa and the United States after Zimbabwe's independence, was founded and launched a series of attacks on transport routes, schools and health clinics, and the country descended into civil war; see also 20th-century South Africa.

In 1990, with apartheid crumbling in South Africa, and support for RENAMO drying up in South Africa and in the United States, the first direct talks between the FRELIMO government and Renamo were held. In November 1990, a new constitution was adopted. Mozambique was now a multiparty state, with periodic elections, and guaranteed democratic rights. With the signing of the Rome General Peace Accords, the civil war ended on October 15, 1992.

Climate
Almost all of Mozambique is within the tropics, so Mozambique features a mostly tropical climate.

Along the coast Mozambique has a warm, tropical climate. Evenings are rarely cold, except for a few nights in June and July and the rainfall isn't too high. In summer, temperatures can soar and the humidity levels rise. Temperatures are typically higher in the north, around Pemba, and around the Zambezi.

The interior plains generally have a higher temperature than that of the coast and have higher rainfall throughout the year. The mountainous regions generally remain cool throughout the year. For up-to date weather forecasts and tide tables visit http://www.climateandweather.com/weather-in-mozambique

Public holidays
The public holidays in Mozambique are:
 * 1 January New Year's Day.
 * 3 February Heroes' Day.
 * 7 April Woman's Day.
 * 1 May Workers' Day.
 * 25 June Independence Day.
 * 7 September Lusaka Agreement Day.
 * 25 September Armed Forces Day.
 * 4 October Peace Day.
 * 25 December Family Day.

Smoking
Smoking in all public places was banned in Mozambique in 2007. However, many restaurants and bars have ignored this ban as it is almost entirely unenforced.

People
The Makua is the largest ethnic group that dominate in the northern part of Mozambique. the Sena and Ndau in the Zambezi valley, and the Shangaan dominate in the southern part of Mozambique.

Get in
As it is impossible to exchange meticais outside of Mozambique it is advisable to change a small amount of currency if arriving at a land border in mid to late afternoon to cover taxis and meals for the first night, currency exchanges generally close at 18:00 and due to sporadic ATM failures access to currency is by no means guaranteed out of hours. When accepted by merchants foreign currency has an extremely poor exchange rate.

Visas and border fees
All visitors (except citizens of Angola, Eswatini, South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia and Zimbabwe) require a visa, which can now be obtained on arrival at most major entry points including Maputo Airport, the Port of Maputo, Ressano Garcia, Goba, Ponto D'ouro, Giriyondo, Vilanculos Airport, Inhambane Airport, Beira Airport, Pemba Airport and Nampula Airport. The cost of receiving the tourist visa on arrival is US$95 as of January 2024, with no additional documentation required (at least at Maputo Airport). They ask for printed Hotel booking at Eswatini border posts. South Africa's currency is accepted, the officers will not provide change though.

Land borders may also charge a stamping fee on entry, which is generally US$2, but is often waived if you buy your visa at the border. In addition, you must use the visa forms provided at the consulate or border as self-printed versions will not be accepted; at borders, these are free, but Mozambican embassies/consulates generally charge US$1 for the form.

A tourist visa is valid for 90 days after issue and permits a 30 day stay. This can be extended by a further 30 days at immigration offices in provincial capitals.

There is a US$100 a day fine for overstaying a visa.

By plane
Most international flights arrive from South Africa, although direct international routes also exist between Mozambique and Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, Portugal, Qatar, Istanbul, and Addis Ababa.

There are several flights daily from Johannesburg to Maputo, operated by South African Airways (SAA) and the Mozambican flag-carrier Linhas Aereas de Moçambique (LAM). Federal Air fly daily direct to Vilanculos International airport. Other airlines that fly to the country include Airlinkk, Qatar airways, Turkish airlines, Ethiopian airlines, Malawi airlines, Kenya Airways, and TAP Portugal.

There are also several flights during the week from Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam, and Nairobi to Pemba in the North, operated by either South African Airlink (SAA) or LAM. If you make a telephone booking with LAM and will not be paying for your flight until check-in you must reconfirm the flight 72 hours before departure or they are liable to cancel it.

After checking in you need to get a tax stamp on your boarding card. For internal flights the tax is 200 MT and for International flights 500 MT to be paid in cash.

By train
The railways in Mozambique are in poor shape and mainly used for freight; however, there are some opportunities for the intrepid traveller to travel by train. While there are no international connections per se, some border cities have rail connections. There are three train lines: one is in the far north of the country, travelling from Nampula to Cuamba near the Malawian border; another runs from Maputo to Chicualacuala at the border with Zimbabwe; and the last one connects Maputo with the border to South Africa.

From Malawi
This line connects Nampula with Cuamba (near the Malawi border). The train carries first, second and third-class passengers and is usually packed.

From Nampula, the train leaves around 5-6AM, although you should arrive earlier to buy tickets from the booking office at the station. The area is packed with people traveling towards Malawi so expect queues. Once on board the journey is long and slow but fairly efficient and will get to Cuamba mid-afternoon. From here chapas will take you to the border (Entre Lagos) as only freight trains use this bit of the line. Be warned that even hardened African travelers will likely find this stretch of road very rough - expect it to take a fair amount of time.

Once at Entre Lagos, the border formalities are located within the station building (easy to find as the town is a typical small border town). The process can take some time as this is a little used crossing. From here it is about a 1km walk to the Malawi side of the border. Notice that the Malawi border closes before the Mozambique one, although there is a guesthouse if you get trapped. The easiest way to get from here to Liwonde is by train - sweet-talk the guards and they may let you share their compartment.

From South Africa
There are daily trains to Maputo from the border town of Ressano Garcia and the Lebombo border crossing. Komatipoort, located just across the border in South Africa sees multiple trains from Johannesburg and Pretoria every week.

From Zimbabwe
A train runs from Bulawayo to the border town of Chicualacuala, where there is a connecting train to Maputo.

By car
In order to enter Mozambique by car you will need the original registration documents and if it is not your vehicle a letter from the owner granting permission to take the vehicle in to Mozambique. All foreign vehicles are required to have third party insurance, which is available at many borders for 150 South African rand, and also to pay road tax which of 26.50 MT.

From Malawi
There are a number of border crossings to/from Malawi. By far the easiest and most frequently plied is at Zóbuè. The road is in good condition. Daily chapas run to/from Tete to the border, where you will have to walk about 300 m to get to Malawian transport. Daily through buses from Chimoio and Beira also use this crossing.

There is another border crossing to the north, at Dedza, which may be more convenient for Lilongwe but the public transport on either side can be sporadic.

To leave/enter Malawi to the east, there are two crossings, Milange and Mandimba. Milange is in the south-east of Malawi, and to get there you need to catch one of the daily vehicles that run between Mocuba and Milange. At Milange there is a 2-km walk to the border, and then another 1km to where Malawian transport leaves.

Mandimba is further north, used mainly to get to Malawi from Lichinga. Several vehicles run daily between Lichinga and Mandimba, from where it is another 7 km to the border. Hitching is relatively easy, or bicycle-taxis do the trip for about US$1.

It is also possible to cross the Lake - see BY BOAT below.

From South Africa
You can take the Intercape Mainliner,, from Johannesburg to Maputo. These buses run in both directions on a regular basis, one in the morning, and another overnight, and are safe and affordable. Other carriers include Greyhound and Translux. If you intend on obtaining a visa at the border you should only purchase a ticket as far as the border, bus companies will not permit you to board with a ticket to Maputo if you are not in possession of a visa. If you ask the bus conductor they will help you obtain a visa at the border and avoid the usually extremely long wait at the Mozambique side. Once through immigration either re board the bus and pay the fare to Maputo on board or pick up a minibus taxi to Maputo from the border.

Three times per week there are bus connections to and from Durban (via Big Bend, Eswatini). There is also a service from Mbombela and Komatipoort to Maputo.

There are the "taxis" to and from any destination in South Africa at affordable prices from 04:00 to 00:00.

From Eswatini
Chapas leave from both Manzini and Mbabane to Maputo via Goba typically around 11:00. Usefully they arrive in to Baixa (and can drop you at 24 de Julho) so you are within walking distance of both Fatima's and Base. The fare is R150 as of January 2024.

From Tanzania
The border between Mozambique and Tanzania is formed by the River Rovuma. Daily pick-ups connect Moçimboa da Praia with Palma and Namiranga, the border post on the Mozambique side. The main route runs from Moçimboa da Praia (on the Mozambiquan side), via Palma (Mozambique), to Mtwara (on the Tanzanian side) and vice versa. It is recommended to take 2 days over this trip due to the low quality of the roads on the Mozambique side, and the low level of traffic. When coming from Tanzania, lifts depart from Mtwara and Kilambo to the Rovuma river. Kilambo is a small place with one road running through it, so lifts should be easy to find. Mtwara is much larger however, so ask the locals where and when lifts leave from. When coming from Mozambique, your lift to the river will normally start from either Palma (more likely), or - if you're lucky - Moçimboa da Praia and go to the border post at Namiranga. It will generally wait for you to have your passport stamped at the border post (a mud hut in Namiranga). During the wet season, your lift will then probably drive to the banks of the Rovuma. During the dry season it will drive you to the end of the road, from which there is a walk of between 1 and 2 km (depending on the water level that day) to the Rovuma river. There is an unreliable ferry that goes across the river. Typically however, the crossing is done by dugout canoes or slightly larger wooden motorboats. The trip across the river shouldn't cost more than around US$8, but can only normally be paid for using Tanzanian shillings, although if you find yourself without these, there are plenty of locals who will offer you "generous" exchange rates for your hard-earned Dollars and Meticais. If water levels are low you may have to wade to get to and from your boat on the Tanzanian side, so possessing a heavy-duty waterproof sack may be a good idea, but it is by no means essential. On the Tanzanian side you will often find yourself mobbed by people offering you transport. Pick-pocketing is common on both sides of the river, so care must be taken whilst finding transport to the nearby towns, a good method of reducing your trouble is to befriend a local on the boatride over, you will find most of your fellow travellers are willing to help you in one way or another. Transport then carries you on to the Tanzanian border post at Kilambo, and normally, further on to Mtwara, the capital of Southern Tanzania. For further information and up-to-date news on this crossing, go to "Russell's Place" (also known as Cashew Camp) in Pemba.

There are other crossings to Tanzania, but these all require long walks. Ask around for local information.

From Zambia
The main crossing is at Cassacatiza, north-west of Tete. This border is in good condition, but lightly traveled. Daily chapas run between Tete and Matema, from there the public transport is sporadic. The best way to travel from Mozambique to Zambia is to go via Malawi.

From Zimbabwe
There are two crossings - Nyamapanda (south-west of Tete), and Machipanda (west of Chimoio). Both are heavily traveled, especially Machipanda due to its location at the end of the Beira Corridor.

By boat
There is no scheduled sea travel to and from Mozambique.

Tanzania
Outside of monsoon season it may be possible to hire a dhow from Tanzania down to Mozambique but this will generally be extremely expensive. The Tanzanian ports of Mikindani, Mtwara and Msimbati are all within range of Mozambique and will be the best places to secure dhow transport. In reverse the ports of Moçimboa da Praia and Palma are the two best ports on the Mozambique side to find a dhow to Tanzania.

Malawi
The MV Ilala operates across Lake Malawi from Monkey Bay, Chilumba, Nkhata Bay to Likoma Island. From Likoma Island it is a 3-km boat ride to the Mozambique border at Cobue.

It is possible to travel across Lake Niassa (Lake Malawi), though international travelers must legally enter through a border post and have the appropriate documentation (visas, etc. depending on nationality). Once on the Mozambique side, local transport would need to be arranged.

Taking the Ilala ferry is certainly a once in a lifetime experience. Sleeping on the upper deck of this second world war ferry and watching the sunrise over far rolling hills along the Mozambican and Malawian coast is breath taking. You can enter the ferry from any of the harbors where the ferry arrives.

IF you plan to travel on to Malawi, you should get on the ferry at the harbor in Metangula.

By car
Traffic is left-handed, cars are often in poor condition and the country's traffic culture is otherwise different from that of western countries. Drivers may not know and respect traffic rules. Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is common, especially at night and on weekends. Driving after dark outside the city is not recommended. Keep car windows closed and doors locked, especially when stopping at intersections. Driving can lead to being stopped by the police for bribes. There have also been cases of carjacking. It is not a good idea to pick up strangers. The EN1 runs the length of the country generally staying close to the coast from Maputo up. Roads throughout the country are generally in poor condition, especially when compared to South Africa, although the stretch of the EN1 between Maputo and Inchope is in decent condition with the exception of the 120 km directly north of Vilankulo, which is still in decrepit condition and poses a serious challenge to any driver in a low clearance vehicle. The EN6 between the Machipanda border crossing with Zimbabwe and Inchope is in good condition, but deteriorates considerably between Inchope and Beira, becoming almost impassable at points. North of Vilankulo service stations are scarce - motorists may go 150 km between service stations so fill up at every opportunity.

Chapas and buses
Buses and chapas leave early in Mozambique - 04:00 is not unusual, particularly as you go further north. Chapas take the form of both mini & midi buses but often pick up trucks and cargo trucks will offer a ride for the same fare as a chapa. Government and privately owned buses ply the same routes as Chapas but typically stop a great deal more often so are inadvisable for anything other than short journeys.

The chapas themselves, particularly on shorter routes, are generally in shockingly poor condition. Expect seats, doors and interiors falling apart. The Mozambican government regulates prices on key routes which means chapa travel in Mozambique is extremely good value. In larger cities this translates to signs with destinations and prices in chapa stations (EG - Junta in Maputo), these prices will not come down no matter how hard you negotiate but many an enterprising chapa conductor/navigator/bouncer will try to extort you if you are silly enough to ask what a price is. If in doubt ask at your hotel, a local or as a last resort simply hand them a large note; often they will assume you know the correct fare and give you the correct change.

There are government registered chapas and unregistered chapas. While both are unsafe and are in many accidents each year, always take the government chapas. These can be recognized by being the large buses. These buses are newer and thus slightly safer. They cost slightly more (at the time this was written they were 10 MT a journey, and unregistered were 5). Unregsitered chapas though are extremely dangerous and overcrowded and should never be used if you can help it.

Taxis
Once only found in Maputo taxis can now be found in many cities throughout the country. They never have meters so you must negotiate regarding cost before your journey. Taxis are often in as perilous condition as chapas (from balding tires to someone sitting in the passenger seat holding a plastic gas can with the cars fuel line going in to it) and breakdowns should be considered likely. Never pay for your journey until you reach your destination. If you are female, never take a taxi alone, especially not one found on the side of the road. If you must, ask around for the number of a trusted taxi driver who will come pick you up and can usually be there in under half an hour depending on how far away they are. Always add ten minutes or more to how long they say they will take to collect you though.

In Maputo there is a flat rate of 200 MT for any journey in the city center. Longer journeys (EG to Junta) cost 400 MT and up. In the early morning they will often attempt to gouge you, doubling the price to 400 MT, as there are often very few taxis about at this time.

Chapas can also be rented as taxis but are typically more expensive and far less comfortable.

Air
Domestic flights are the fastest and most sane way to get around the country if you can afford it. Linhas Aereas de Moçambique flies between the major cities. The flights themselves are actually on extremely modern, clean and well maintained planes and are a stark contrast to the other transport options in the country. However, be warned that all airlines from the country including LAM are listed on the EU air safety list as of June 2015 and are therefore banned from operating in the European airspace.

LAM operate an old style booking system where you can reserve a flight over the telephone and then pay for it on check in. If you do use this facility ensure that you confirm your flight 72 hours before departure or your reservation will likely be canceled.

Alternatively all LAM offices in towns and airports can book and receive payment for flights throughout the country. It is not advisable to pay using credit card due to the level of corruption present in all state enterprises including LAM.

Rail
Trains aren't really very useful, considering there's only one and it's in the far north of the country traveling from Nampula to Cuamba near the Malawian border. See get in above for more details.

Mine clearance from the old coastal railway running the length of the country has been finished in many areas but with the costs involved and the level of corruption in the country it will be decades before any rail service with reasonable coverage arrives in the country.

Talk
The official language of Mozambique is Portuguese, though many people speak English in the capital Maputo and in touristy areas. The further north you travel the less likely you are to encounter English speakers, and as you enter more rural areas even Portuguese is limited. Mozambicans speak standard Portuguese (European Portuguese), and it is spoken as a lingua franca or second language of speakers of various native languages.

Swahili is useful in the far north of the country as you get close to Tanzania, especially along the coast, and Nyanja is spoken near the border with Malawi and Zambia. Some native words from the Shona language can be useful if you are traveling near Cabora Bassa.

See

 * Ilha de Mozambique, i.e. Mozambique Island is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mozambique. The island boasts colonial architecture including probably the oldest European building in the Southern Hemisphere and beaches.
 * The historic town of Inhambane.
 * Sites from the civil war all over the country and the Museum of Revolution in Maputo to learn more about recent events in the country's history
 * Wildlife and nature in Gorongosa National Park.

Do

 * Dive, see Diving in Mozambique for details.
 * Tours and Safaris, a number of tour operators can help you reach Mozambique's highlights. The most reputable as per guide books Lonely Planet and Bradt are Mozaic Travel and Dana Tours in the south, and Kaskazini in the north.

Money
The currency of Mozambique is the new metical (plural meticais, pronounced 'meta-caysh'), denoted by the symbol "MT" (ISO code: MZN). It may also be called Meticais Nova Família. It is notionally divided into 100 centavos.

Three zeroes were dropped from the currency in 2006. Old currency can no longer be exchanged at banks. People will occasionally still refer to the old currency, so if someone asks for "1 million", they generally mean one thousand new meticais.

Coins of Mozambique are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 centavos, 1, 2, 5 and 10 meticais. Banknotes of Mozambique are issued in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 meticais.

Many businesses in the tourist centers are run by South Africans and prices are often quoted in rand (for which the usual abbreviation is ZAR). In this guide prices are also quoted in rand when applicable.

US dollars, rand, British pounds and Euros are freely convertible at commercial rates at any bank or exchange. Other currencies such as Canadian or Australian dollars or Japanese yen, are not accepted anywhere, even at official banks and exchanges.

There is very little black market currency exchange, since the commercial exchanges offer the best market rate. You cannot exchange meticais outside Mozambique, but you can convert them back at exchanges prior to leaving the country. Also you cannot buy meticais outside Moçambique.

ATMs are present throughout the country; BCI, Standard Bank, Eco Bank, Millennium BIM are the banks you are most likely to run in to. BCI, Standard and Eco Bank accepts Visa & MasterCard, Millennium accepts all international cards including Maestro/Cirrus cards. ATMs have transaction limits on withdrawals, which vary with the bank. Millennium bank limits withdrawals to 3,000 MT, and Standard Bank and Eco Bank to 10,000 MT; you can always insert your card again to withdraw more money. BCI and Ecobank atms have no withdraw fee for overseas cards.

Shopping
Everything in Mozambique that does not have a price attached can be bargained down to whatever you consider a reasonable price to be. Remember that while laughing when they give you an insane price is perfectly OK you should not get outwardly angry or hostile, you will be unlikely to get a reasonable price if you do. If in doubt about what a fair price is ask your hotel.

No one in Mozambique, including often backpacker lodges, have change. The 1000 MT and 500 MT are almost impossible to use day to day, so change them down in to more manageable notes in any bank. The one exception to this rule is chapa drivers, if you find yourself running low on small bills pay for your 15 MT fare with a 100 MT note.

Eat
As a country the Portuguese occupation has a profound impact on local foods that has produced some of the most unique and interesting cuisine within Southern Africa. Towards the coast a great deal of seafood is used within even the most basic of dishes, however, in land the maize based partridges common throughout Africa becomes staple but with some Portuguese flair.

 * Piri-Piri, also known as the African bird's-eye chili this extremely strong chili is common in sauce form throughout the country.
 * Pãozinho , also known as Portuguese rolls or Prego(beef) no pão and bifana (fried pork) . A floury and often semi-sweet bread roll, typically served with meat in the center.
 * Matapa, a seafood (clam, crab or prawn)stew made with Casave leaves and generally served over rice. This is one of the Mozambique staples.
 * Camarão National, are Mozambican prawns marinaded in a Piri-Piri, garlic, onion, lemon and vinegar.
 * Cray fish and other seafood. These are caught off the beach throughout the country and will generally be prepared with a piri-piri marinade, served with rice and matapa.
 * Kakana This is a bitter tasting local vegetable.

Drink
All tap water in Mozambique should be assumed to be unsafe to drink, even if it is not harmful it usually has some sediment that your stomach will not be used to. Most western oriented lodgings either provide a fresh water source or sell bottled water.

Beer
In Mozambique Cervejas de Mocambique have a virtual monopoly on beer brewing. The three most popular brands are 2M (remember to pronounce it doysh-em or you will end up with an extra beer), Laurentina Clara and Manica. Other local African beers such as Castle and Windhoek are reasonably widely available but are not as popular as in neighboring countries due to the high quality of the local brews.

Liquors
Locally produced spirits such as vodka and gin are relatively common throughout the country and are relatively inexpensive. The local drink is Cashu made of the peel from the cashew nut. According to the locals it's very good for a man's libido. It has a sour taste.

Keep in mind that many chain and local supermarkets do not sell alcohol in Mozambique, you will need to find a specific liquor store close by.

Sleep
Accommodation ranges from inexpensive guesthouses and backpacker-oriented accommodation through to some of the most expensive resort accommodation in the region.

Hotels
Hotels in Mozambique are generally ungraded and, particularly in the less traveled parts of the country, have not been updated since independence. In some cases you can pay up to $50USD a night for a hotel room that should be in the US$5–10 range based on facilities. On the other end of the scale Mozambique hosts some of the most incredible, and expensive, hotels and resorts in the world.

Backpacker lodges
Maputo, Tofo Beach, Vilanculos, Chimoio and Pemba have backpacker lodges and are geared up for the budget traveler. There are some backpacker options elsewhere in the country but often the only option for a budget traveler will be transient labor guesthouses or cheap hotels.

Self catering
In most major tourist areas many self-catering options exist.

If you do bring your own gas based cooking equipment, keep in mind that the typical backpacker Lindal valve gas canisters are not available anywhere in the country.

Camping and caravaning
Dedicated camp sites with security are available in almost all coastal towns and you can often camp in rural areas with a village chief's blessing (If you do decide to use this option a small offering such as food, liquor or cigarettes can be very useful).

If taking a caravan keep in mind that a great deal of roads in Mozambique degenerate in to sandy paths that require 4WD, it is advisable to only stick to popular areas along the EN1.

Purchasing land or property
If someone offers to "sell" you land in Mozambique walk away immediately, it is a scam. Private ownership of land in Mozambique is impossible, all land is owned by the government and will only be provided for foreign use, under a 99-year lease, under very specific circumstances.

Learn

 * Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, is the oldest and largest university in the country.

Work

 * You may be able to find work teaching at a school such as The American International School of Mozambique.
 * If you're a certified divemaster or instructor you could try helping out at one of the dive shops in Tofo Beach, Vilanculos or Ponta d'Ouro.

Stay safe
Risks are much the same as many other countries in Africa (and significantly less than some, including parts of South Africa). Nevertheless muggings, robberies, rape and murder do occur, so the normal precautions should be taken. Women absolutely should never walk alone on beaches. Attacks on women have grown in tourist areas. In particular it's worth checking with local hostels and other tourists as to where dangerous areas are.

But in general the Mozambican people are extremely warm and friendly and you will encounter far less hassle than in almost all of the countries surrounding it.

Police
In Mozambique the police do not exist to help you, only to try and extort money from you. Do not trust them under any circumstances.

Insisting on being taken to a police station is unlikely to improve your situation, with the exception of in Maputo, the police have been known to rob tourists blind and throw them in a cell. Instead mention contacting your embassy or the anti-corruption hot line to verify a fine and always ask for a receipt.

If you have cause to go to a police station (e.g., filing a police report for insurance purposes after a theft), do not take any valuables or excessive currency with you and try to always go with someone else.

At Airports: While airport security personnel typically prioritize ensuring the safety of passengers and aircraft, there have been reported cases of opportunistic individuals taking advantage of their position to pilfer travelers' belongings, including cash, credit cards, and other valuables. To minimize the risk of becoming a victim of such theft, it's crucial to adopt precautionary measures.

1. Travel with a Minimum of Cash

Only carry the amount of cash you'll need for immediate expenses, such as transportation, meals, and incidentals.

2. Employ Travel Cards Instead of Cash

Travel cards, including credit cards and debit cards, offer greater protection than cash. They're linked to your bank account and can be used to make purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs. However, inform your bank of your travel itinerary beforehand to prevent your card from being flagged for suspicious activity.

3. Explore Digital Payment Methods

Mobile wallets and other digital payment methods are becoming increasingly popular and convenient for travelers. These methods allow for contactless payments without the need to carry cash or cards.

4. Stay Vigilant

Maintain constant vigilance over your belongings.

Speed limits
In Mozambique the speed limit in town is 60km/h (unless there are road signs to the contrary ) and 100km/h elsewhere. There are mobile speed traps on the EN1 which specifically target foreign visitors.

Bribery
When dealing with the Mozambican police never suggest a bribe, simply listen to whatever lecture they care to give and ask "What can we do about this?" Often they will simply let you go, if they do ask for a bribe the amount is entirely negotiable and can range from a bottle of coke (carrying no identification) through to several hundred US dollars (minor drug infractions).

Identification
By law you must carry a form of identification with you at all times and present it to the police on request. As a result you should always carry a notarized copy of your passport photo page, visa and entry stamp with you at all times. Ask your hotel where to locate a notary or contact your local embassy as soon as you enter the country. In Maputo, there is one on Av. Lenine, close to Mimmo's, and another on Av. Armando Tivane (one block west of Av. Nyerere) between Av. Mao Tse-Tung and Av. 24 de Julho. They are not particularly easy to find, ask around.

If you are asked for identification by the police and you do not have a notarized copy under no circumstances give them your passport, if you do then it will likely cost you a great deal of money to get it back; often simply talking to them a while will get them to go away.

Land mines
While most of the country has been cleared there is still an on-going risk in rural areas away from the EN1 in Sofala, Tete, Manica, Gaza, Inhambane and Maputo provinces. Only 2 or 3 incidents a year occur with landmines and they are all well outside the tourist trail.

Stay healthy

 * Malarial prophylaxis is essential in all parts of Mozambique. Chloroquine/Paludrine are now as ineffective as in other parts of east Africa, and it's worth going to see your doctor to get decent protection. If you are in country and suspect you have malaria there are clinics in every town that will administer a test for approximately 50 MT, the treatment also costs 50 MT if you have malaria.
 * Get all your vaccinations before arriving Medical facilities in Mozambique are now generally reasonably stocked, but it is always worth getting a range of vaccinations before you leave. Prevention is better than cure. It is worth considering carrying some clean needles/sterile set if you are visiting out of the way areas, purely as remote medical facilities may have problems getting hold of them.
 * Mind what you eat. As common in most countries in the world, if you are concerned about the standards of hygiene in a place, don't eat there.
 * Do not have unprotected sex. As in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, there is a very high HIV incidence, at 12%(preliminary data from National HIV Survey, 2010)
 * Do not drink tap water or use any ice. South of the Zambezi river that divides the country, Mozambique is much more developed, especially around Maputo, tourist areas such as Inhambane and the industrial city of Beira. Here, especially in built-up areas, it is safe to drink the tap water, hence water in this area is marketed as "mineral water" and not "drinking water" and is sold at an inflated price as a semi-luxury item (sometimes for as much as 50 or 60 MT in backpackers lodges and restaurants). The infrastructure in the north of the country is much less developed and, as such, caution must be exercised, especially in rural areas and the area near Palma and bordering Tanzania. The tap water is usually safe to drink in the main cities such as Nampula and Pemba, and on Mozambique Island. If you are ever unsure about the quality of the tap water, water-purifying liquids (normally chlorine-based) are widely available and very cheap, costing around 40 cents for a large bottle - the most popular brand is "Certeza" and it is easy to find. You could also consider bringing puri-tabs if you are planning on going well off the "beaten track".
 * Private clinics. There are a few private health clinics in Maputo that will also arrange repatriation in emergencies. Clinica da Sommerschield (tel: 21 493924) Clinica Suedoise (tel: 21 492922).
 * Electric showers. In any accommodation, check the shower fitting. A rather dangerous type manufactured in Brazil is popular: it contains an ungrounded 4kW electric heater. Do not touch the fitting when in use, as they have been known to give severe electric shocks.  Better still, switch the power off (there should be a nearby circuit breaker) and have a cold shower.  Be similarly cautious with any other type of electrical shower heater.

Mobile phones
Movitel is becoming the most popular carrier in the country. There is also the South-African owned Vodacom MozambiqueVodacom have 4G in many towns and GPRS Edge elsewhere. The APN is internet. Check your phone manual for setting instructions. The mCel service is not entirely reliable, especially outside Maputo. Vodacom is generally very good. Many Mozambicans think Movitel has the fastest internet, especially outside Maputo. While it is OK to buy credit from the hundreds of vendors roaming the streets wearing mCel or Vodacom shirts you should never buy SIM cards and starter packs, in many cases they sell them at hugely inflated prices and often they will be from one of the many recalled batches that no longer work. Any mobile phone store can sell you a working starter pack for around 50 MT.

Internet
Internet is widely available in Maputo, with many internet cafes and all major hotels having internet access. The cell phone providers - mCel, Vodacom, and Movitel - have introduced internet to cellphone and USB modems. See above for further information. Outside Maputo internet coverage is sporadic and mostly available in places frequented by tourists. Local Telecommunication de Mozambique (TDM) offices almost always have internet although speed and availability can be problematic.

Radio
There are many FM stations in Maputo, offering a variety of music and speech. Away from the capital, Radio Mozambique will be heard in many places and BBC World Service have their English/Portuguese service in the main cities. There are numerous small community radio stations serving smaller towns/villages.

A new radio station called LM Radio (Lifetime Music Radio), broadcasts in English on 87.8 FM in Maputo and Matola. The radio station offers a wide range of music from the 1960s, 70s and 80s together with a blend of modern day music in the same style and flavor. The radio station also provides regular travel and safety tips for visitors to Mozambique.

title: Mozambique


text:
Mozia

Mozia (Sicilian: Mozzia) is a small island with archaeological remains on the west coast of Sicily, Italy. It is in the Stagnone Lagoon, between Trapani to the north and Marsala to the south. It has been known as Motia and San Pantaleo.

Understand
The island is rich with archaeological excavations and finds from what was an island city. Many beautiful relics are well displayed in the museum.

History
400,000 m² in size, the history of Mozia is very ancient: as a shipping centre and staging post, and due to its presence near the coast of an important trade city, it was one of the most important Phoenician and Carthaginian settlements in the Mediterranean area.

The Phoenicians transformed the inhospitable island, which they called Motya, into one of the most affluent cities of its time, naturally defended by the lagoon as well as high defensive walls. Ancient windmills and salt pans were used for evaporation, salt grinding and refinement, and to maintain the condition of the lagoon and island. The mills and salt pans (called the Ettore Infersa) have been restored by the owners and opened to the public.

In the 6th century BC, due to the struggles between ancient Greece and Carthage over Sicily, Motia sided with the Phoenicians and Carthaginians against the Greeks. The ancient settlement at Motia, founded in the 8th century BC, was destroyed by the Syracuse tyrant Dionysius the Elder in 379 BC.

During the Middle Ages, Basilican monks settled on the island and renamed it San Pantaleo, and in 1888 was rediscovered by Joseph Whitaker.

Landscape
The island is about 1.6 km (1 mile) in circumference and can be walked in a number of ways between sights. There are many sites which have been excavated, and some still active, presumably in the summer months. There are areas set to the growing of vines for wine.

Climate
Sheltered from the worst of the Mediterranean winds by offshore islands, but can be breezy.

Get in
Access to the island is by one of 2 ferry companies and costs €5. The journey takes about 10 minutes.

Fees and permits
To enter the island and small museum costs a further €9.

See
The North Gate site is particularly impressive, with massive stone structures, an under-sea causeway to the mainland and even ancient ruts in the roadways.

Eat
A small cafe provides food and drink at reasonable prices.

Sleep
There is no accommodation on the island.

Go next

 * Trapani
 * Erice

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Mozia


text:
Mpumalanga

The Mpumalanga Province is in the north-east of South Africa and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

Regions

 * Highveld - From Gauteng to the Escarpment. The Highveld is of great industrial importance to South Africa with coal mining, steel mills, power stations and the Sasol oil-from-coal plants.
 * Escarpment - One of the primary tourist destinations in Mpumalanga, the escarpment of the Drakensberg running from the border with Limpopo in the north to Eswatini (Swaziland) in the south, offers dramatic scenery, trout fishing, history and nature in abundance. The escarpment forms a dramatic boundary between the Highveld at around 1800 m above sea level and the Lowveld at around 800 m above sea level.
 * Lowveld - Between the Escarpment and Mozambique includes the Kruger National Park and many private game reserves.

Cities

 * — The provincial capital, and a major stopover point for tourists travelling to Kruger National Park and to Mozambique
 * — With some of the oldest rock formations in the world at around 3.5 billion years.
 * — A popular tourist destination known for its scenery and beautiful waterfalls.
 * — A coal-mining city en route from the Gauteng province to the Kruger National Park, with a casino.
 * — 44 km from the Skukuza gate to the Kruger National Park, and renowned for its large banana and macadamia nut industries.
 * — At the foot of the Long Tom pass, it is the centre of the South African fly-fishing industry.
 * — One of the coldest towns in South Africa, it is renowned for its excellent trout fishing conditions.
 * — One of South Africa's premier flyfishing destinations.
 * — On the Paorama Route on edge of the escarpment, close to God's Window viewpoint.
 * — Halfway between Mbombela and Komatipoort at the Malalane Gate Entrance to the Kruger National Park.
 * — On the border of South Africa and Mozambique, near the Crocodile Bridge entrance to the Kruger National Park.
 * — It has a natural radioactive spring that is reputed to have powerful healing qualities.
 * — Historical town with many original buildings from the 1873 gold rush.
 * — A town built amidst the coalfields of Mpumalanga.
 * — A village popular with rock climbers, mountain bikers, fly fishermen and anybody who just wants to enjoy nature.
 * — A farming town that can be used as a base for exploring Kruger National Park, the Lowveld and the Panorama Route/Blyde River Canyon.

Other destinations

 * — the third largest canyon in the world, with geological formations.
 * — one of the main attractions of South Africa, it is considered the flagship of South African National Parks
 * — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a landscape of volcanic and sedimentary rock, and home to some of the world's oldest rock art
 * — the Schoemanskloof pass is one of the most beautiful passes in South Africa
 * — a 65,000-ha private game reserve next to the Kruger National Park
 * — a 65,000-ha private game reserve next to the Kruger National Park

Understand
Mpumalanga is a Swazi word, meaning "there where the sun rises".

Mpumalanga is important for South Africa's economy, especially tourism. Tourist going to the south of the Kruger National Park enter the park here and the National Road to Mozambique also goes through here. It is also the major gateway for tourist going to/coming from Eswatini.

History
Human history in this region starts around 46,000 years ago when red ochre was mined here. San Bushmen later inhabited the area and some of their rock art can still be found today. Some time after the bushman, the area was used by travelers from Asia for mining and trading. Between 1400 and 1700 there was an inflow of people from further north in Africa, notably the Nguni and Ndebele.

In 1836 European settlers arrived in the region and in 1871 the first of a number of gold rushes occurred with the discovery of gold on a farm near Polokwane (then Pietersburg). A number of wars followed between the boers and local tribes, as well as between the boers and Britain.

In 1926 the Kruger National Park was proclaimed and in 1948 a fisheries institute was established in Lydenburg leading to the abundance of trout farms in the area today.

Talk
As with the rest of South Africa, English is commonly used and all you need to travel.

The dominant indigenous language in the region is SiSwati. A few Siswati words you might encounter or would want to use:
 * Sawubona - Hello
 * Sala kahle - Goodbye
 * Angivisisi - I don't understand.
 * Ngiyabonga - Thank you.
 * Wamukelekile - You're welcome.

By car
For most tourist destinations in Mpumalanga, follow the N4 toll road from Pretoria. The road is in very good condition. Alternatively, follow the N12 from southern Johannesburg, it will join the N4 at Witbank.

On the N4 between Bronkhorstspruit and Witbank, be on the lookout for an overpass that has thousands of mud swallow's nests build on its underside. It has been a nesting spot for the birds for years and is quite spectacular.

If you are heading to the southern parts of Mpumalanga, follow the N17 from Johannesburg.

By plane
Kruger Mpumalanga Airport has flights to Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Vilanculos. It is situated in the north of Mbombela and 30 minutes to the next Kruger National Park gate.

By car
One of the best ways to get around is by rental car. There is a lot to see and do in this area and you might want to change your plans on short notice as you discover new places. Having your own transport gives you the freedom to do this.

By motorbike
Mpumalanga is a biker's dream with scenic winding routes and relatively little traffic. There are many motorbike rental agencies in South Africa, MotoBerlin, ph: +27 (0)11 745-1515 in Johannesburg being one.

See

 * The spectacular views from God's Window on the edge of the escarpment.

Do

 * Rock Climbing

Eat

 * Biltong made of game, like Kudu, Gemsbok or Elephant.
 * Kota(Bunny chows)

Drink
Amarula Liquor

Stay safe
Be aware of animals and traffic while driving the passes at night.

Stay healthy
Malaria may occur in the Lowveld regions. Consult a travel clinic or your doctor for the latest information and preventative measures. Also see the Mosquitoes travel topic.

title: Mpumalanga


text:
Mpumalanga Escarpment in a weekend

The Mpumalanga Escarpment offers an ideal weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of Gauteng.

Understand
Sometimes one just has to get out of the city and breathe some fresh country air. The Mpumalanga Escarpment is a popular tourist destination, close enough to Gauteng for a quick visit.

This itinerary includes quite a bit of driving, but all roads indicated are paved and no special vehicle is required. Attractions are all close to the main roads and clearly indicated with signs.

The itinerary is broken up over 3 days:
 * Friday, get to the Escarpment.
 * Saturday, a self drive tour of the most prominent attractions.
 * Sunday, return to Gauteng.

Vehicle
If you are traveling by car, rent one with an air conditioning as this area can get very hot.

Accommodation
Book accommodation for Friday and Saturday night in or around Lydenburg or Sabie. In off-peak periods it is possible to find accommodation without booking beforehand, but having your accommodation sorted before you leave gives you more time to enjoy the weekend, rather than look for a place to sleep.

If you are interested in astronomy, Malapo Country Lodge, just outside Lydenburg, is a good option as you can use evening time to view the skies using their 14-inch telescope.

Money
Have some cash on hand for toll fees. You will encounter 3 toll booths on the way, Diamond Hill costs R32, Middleburg costs R53, and Machado Plaza costs R78.

Therefore you will need R163 each way, or a total of R326. All toll booths now accept most common credit cards for payment.

You will also need cash for entry fees to most of the sights along the Panorama Route.

Bridal Veil Falls: R10 per car

Lone Creek Falls: R10 per person

Horseshoe Falls: R10 per car

Three Rondavels: R10 per car

Bourke's Luck Potholes: R30 per person + R10 per car

Berlin Falls: R10 per car

Lisbon Falls: ?

Wonderview Lookout Point: free

God's Window: R10 per car

Pinnacle: R5 per car

Mac Mac Pools: ?

Mac Mac Falls: R10 per car

Clothing
You are going to spend your time either driving or enjoying the outdoors, so take comfortable shoes and a hat. Don't forget to protect yourself from the harsh escarpment sun, a high protection-factor sunscreen is essential, even in winter. Most sleeping establishments will have a swimming pool and you might want to cool down when you return there in the evenings, so remember to pack your swim wear.

Camera
The escarpment offers some dramatic scenery and you will definitely want to take photos. Make sure the batteries are charged and you have ample recording media. Also see Travel photography.

Get in
You may get in either by car or motorbike. Getting to the Mpumalanga Escarpment by motorbike can be boring as the road is very uninteresting, but once you are off the N4 highway, you are definitely in bikers´ country.

Leave Gauteng around midday on Friday in order to avoid rush hour traffic.

From Johannesburg
Follow the N1 towards Pretoria. Make sure you stay on the left just after exit 112 (Brakfontein/Old Pretoria road) as the N1 and N14 will meet and you need to keep following the N1 through the Brakfontein Interchange.

For some unknown reason the speed limit between exit 128 (John Foster) and exit 136 (Rigel Ave) is 100km/h rather than the usual 120km/h. There are static speed cameras, so make sure you don't exceed the limit.

Continue following the N1 until it meets the N4 at the Proefplaas Interchange, shortly after exit 141 (M6 Lynwood Rd), keep to the left and follow the N4 Witbank signs. From here, follow the directions as from Pretoria.

There are numerous e-toll (open road tolling) gantries on the N1 between Johannesburg and Pretoria, to fully understand the cost and methods of payments, it is advisable to visit the tolling authority's website for full details. SANRAL - http://www.sanral.co.za/e-toll/

From Pretoria
Take the N4 east towards Witbank. This is a toll road in very good condition and average driving time will be around 1 hour. Toll cost is R32 at the Diamond Hill toll gate (about halfway between Pretoria and Witbank). Keep an eye open for an impressive swallows nest construction (thousands of nests build from mud) covering the underside of one of the overpasses on this road.

You will reach the Middelburg toll gate shortly after passing through Witbank. Toll cost is R53.

Stay on the N4 and pass by Belfast on your way to Machadodorp. If you need to take a break from driving and stretch your legs, stop at Milly's just before Machadodorp. You will also notice that the speed limit is reduced as you enter Machadodorp, so make sure you keep below the posted speeds as there are always speed traps.

Shortly after passing through Machadodorp you will reach the Machado toll gate. Toll cost is R78.

Be aware that you might encounter heavy fog between Witbank and Machadodorp during the winter months.

Within 2km from this toll gate there will be an exit to your left marked as R36 Lydenburg/(N4) Mbombela via Schoemanskloof. Take this exit and follow the R36 for about 15km until you see the old Bambi Hotel on the right. This portion of the R36 has been newly rebuilt and is in excellent condition.

At the Bambi Hotel you need to turn left onto the road marked as R36 Lydenburg and drive the last 50km to Lydenburg. The road condition on this portion of the R36 is not very good, so slow down and watch out for potholes.

Total driving time from Johannesburg to Lydenburg will be around 3 hours.

If you booked accommodation in Sabie rather than Lydenburg, turn right onto the R37 Sabie in Lydenburg and continue over the Long Tom pass towards Sabie.

You are now in the Mpumalanga Escarpment, check yourself in, have a drink and relax. Tomorrow there will be some more driving to see all the sights in this area.

If the establishment you are staying in does not serve breakfast early, ask if they can pack a take-away breakfast for you to use as padkos (road food) tomorrow; alternatively, plan to have a breakfast in Sabie.

Drive
''Total distance between 270km and 300km. Total time required depends on how long you spend at each attraction along the way, but 7 hours is generally about average.''

Set out early on Saturday morning. 7AM to 8AM will do fine.

Fill up with fuel and have some cash on hand for entrance fees (nominal at the couple of places that do require it) and curios.

You will be doing a bit of walking at the various stops, but most will not have a place to buy drinks and it can get quite hot, so buy some bottled water before you set out for the day.

Lydenburg to Sabie
Distance is around 45km

If your accommodation is around Sabie rather than Lydenburg, start at the next section

Follow the signboards R37 Sabie from Lydenburg and continue on the Long Tom pass over the Drakensberg mountains.

On your way, stop at the Long Tom on the right, a replica of one of the Guns used by the Boers against the British forces during the Boer war around 1900.

Just after the Long Tom, as you start descending the pass, you will find a viewpoint overlooking the valleys below. Photos from this location are often used in travel guides and you might want to take your own as well.

Waterfalls around Sabie
Distance is under 20km

There are a number of waterfalls on the Sabie River, Sabie Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the Lone Creek Falls. The best one to visit is probably the 68m Lone Creek.

Follow the R532 towards Graskop. Just before leaving Sabie and crossing the Sabie River, you will find signboards on your left indicating Merry Pebbles and Lone Creek. Turn left here and follow the road for about 9km. A nominal entrance fee of R10 is payable per vehicle at a gate before reaching the parking area and open air curio shops.

Once parked you will need to walk about 200m through the forest to reach the bottom of the falls.

You may be tempted to spend quite a bit of time in these tranquil surroundings, explore further and even follow the footpath all the way to the top of the falls, but don't spend too much time here, because there is a lot more to be seen and a weekend is a short time to do everything.

Trace your steps back to Sabie.

Sabie to Pilgrim's Rest
Distance is around 33km

Cross the Sabie River and follow the R532 towards Graskop.

About 13km from Sabie you will find the Mac-Mac Falls on the right-hand side of the road. The short walk (less than 100m) to the view area is not paved and can at times be very uneven, so be careful not to slip and fall.

The falls have two streams that plunge 56 m deep into a gorge and got their name from the large number of Scots that dug for gold in the area during the gold rush of the 1870s. Unfortunately the only good views of the falls are from caged steel constructions on the edge of the cliff face. This makes it rather difficult to get any good photos.

As with most tourist attractions, there are stalls selling curious, local art and handcrafts next to the parking area. Turn right out of the Mac-Mac Falls parking area and drive three hundred meters down the R532 road, you will find a tranquil picnic area under lush trees on your right.

A little further along the road, on your left, you will find a plaque commemorating Jock of the Bushveld.

23km from Sabie the R533 joins the R532 from the left, and you need to take this turn and follow the R533 for about 10km towards Pilgrim's Rest.

Pilgrim's Rest is a small town preserved and restored as a gold mining village from the late 1800s, early 1900s. There are a number of museums and interesting buildings, as well as places to eat and drink.

Pilgrim's Rest to The Panorama Route
Distance is around 18km

Follow the R533 back to where it joins the R532. Continue along the R532 and pass through Graskop. Shortly after Graskop you will find the R534 (marked Panorama Route) turn-off to the right. Turn onto the R534. You are now on the very edge of the escarpment.

The Panorama Route
Distance is around 23km

The first attraction you will find on the Panorama Route is The Pinnacle, a 30m high outcrop of quartzite rock that has eroded slower than the surrounding rock and has become detached from the cliff face. There are no facilities, but a nominal entrance fee of R10 is payable per vehicle at a boom gate before reaching the parking area.

A little further along the road you will find God's Window, a lookout point with views over the Lowveld 700m below. It is often said that on a clear day one can see all the way to Maputo from here, but you might want to take that with a grain of salt. Paved walkways provide easy access to the edge of the cliff face where dedicated lookout points has been built in stone. Toilet facilities and a craft market is located at the parking area. There is a R10 entrance fee.

Wonder View is the highest viewpoint on the R534, providing arguably better views than God's Window. You'll find its little parking area approximately 1.3km north from the God's Window parking area.

Continuing further and the R534 will rejoin the R532, take a right turn onto the R532.

The Panorama Route to Bourke's Luck Potholes
Distance is around 35km

Shortly after rejoining the R532 you will see signposts on the left indicating Lisbon Falls and Berlin Falls. Both are located quite close to the roadside and are well worth stopping to see, especially after heavy rains in the area. An entrance fee is being charged at both falls.

Bourke's Luck Potholes
These rather big, cylindrical potholes were carved from the rock by water action. Pathways have been built across the potholes for visitors to walk on and get a view from directly overhead.

A take-away shop, restaurant and toilet facilities are located in the mail building. There is also a picnic area under trees. An entrance fee of R30 per person and R10 per vehicle is charged.

On the edge of the Blyde River Canyon
Distance is around 33km

The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world and for the next couple of kilometres the R532 follows along its top edge. There are a number of places where one can stop to view the canyon below, and the two most visited are the Lowveld Viewpoint and the Three Rondawels Viewpoint.

Blyde River Canyon to Ohrigstad
Distance is around 23km

The R532 will join with the R36 some 20km after you pass the Blydepoort Dam. Turn left into the R36 towards Ohrigstad.

Ohrigstad to Lydenburg
Distance is around 40km

Continue following the R36 back to Lydenburg.

If your accommodation is in Sabie, then follow the step you skipped earlier to get from Lydenburg to Sabie.

Stay safe
Crime in the area is generally quite low, but follow common sense safety rules. Don't leave valuables exposed in your vehicle. Make sure that your car is properly locked before leaving it unattended.

Take care when approaching the edge of the escarpment or canyon, because 700m is a very long way to fall.

Go next
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, have a swim and generally relax on Sunday morning before retracing your steps to Gauteng.

On a short getaway like this there are many things one will not be able to see or do. The nearby Sudwala Caves is definitely something for which you may want to return.

title: Mpumalanga Escarpment in a weekend


text:
Mpwapwa

Mpwapwa is a town in Central_Tanzania region of Tanzania.

Get in
Buses from Dar es Salaam with the Al Shaedy bus company take about 7 or 8 hours with a stop in Morogoro. Buses in both direction leave once daily at sunrise. They cost around TSh 10,000.

Buses from Dodoma with Amani bus company take about 3 hours and cost TSh 4000-6000 one way.

You can also use Kimambo buses to travel to Dodoma the price is the same. Both companies are friendly and will send you to the other if their bus leaves at a better time. Buses run roughly every few hours.

Get around
It is small enough to walk around Mpwapwa or you can get a cab.

See
Beautiful mountains, Baobab and 'Christmas' trees.

Buy
Gemstones

Eat
Food is pretty basic in Mpwapwa but you can always get a tasty Chipsi Mayai (chip omelette)

 * Silver Restaurant serves basics like rice, ugali, fish, chicken and beef. Menu depends on what they have in.  Good value TSh 1500-2500 for chicken and rice.
 * Hafun's serves pretty much the same range as Silver.

Drink
Tap water is not safe unless boiled or filtered. Bottled water is available and costs about TSh 700 for 1.5 litres.

Soft drinks 'sodas' are available and cost TSh 400

Beer is served in most places and prices for local beers such as Safari and Tusker are around TSh 1200.

Sleep
Single room in hotel for Tsh 7000, Tsh 15,000 with own bathroom.

Connect
There is a post office in town, follow the big aerial. Closes around 4:30PM.

Mpwapwaeacher Training College provides Internet for TSh 500 for half an hour, and TSh 500 for printing per page.

title: Mpwapwa


text:
Mrauk U

Mrauk U or Myohaung (Burmese မြောက်‌ဦး) is a medieval town and archaeological site in Rakhine State, Western Myanmar.

Understand
Mrauk U may seem to be a sleepy village today but not so long ago it was the capital of a reasonable sized empire where Portuguese, Dutch and French traders rubbed shoulders with the literati of Bengal and Mughal princes on the run.

Mrauk U was declared capital of the Arakan Kingdom in 1431. At its peak, Mrauk U controlled half of Bangladesh, modern day Rakhine State and the western part of Lower Burma. As the city grew, many pagodas and temples were built. Several of them remain, and are the main attraction of the city. The Arakan Kingdom fell in 1785, when it was defeated and conquered by the Burmese Empire. It was ceded to the British at the end of the First Anglo-Burmese War in 1826.

Before Mrauk U other kingdoms existed in the area. They allow for convenient day trips from Mrauk U, like Dhanyawaddy, Sambawet, Pyinsa, Vesali, Launggret, Parein and Kirt.

Visitors will note a distinct lack of billboards, which helps make Mrauk U appear like a more traditional Burmese town. The best time to visit is from November to mid-March when it's cooler in the morning with attractive mists.

By bus
Overland travel is now possible for foreigners but can be lengthy and remote with no accommodation opportunities along the way.

From specific destinations:
 * Sittwe – 1.5 hr. Most buses leave every morning, because they have onward destinations like Mandalay and Yangon. However, there will also be smaller short distance buses and pickups/vans between Sittwe and Mrauk U. Sittwe has an airport and therefore allows for incoming travel from all over Myanmar.
 * Yangon – 24 hr, 25-30,000 kyat.
 * Mandalay – The bus from Mandalay stops at Magway near the bridge across the Irrawaddy river. Mandalay to Sittwe bus cost ~ 25,000 kyat.
 * Magway – The bus leaving from Mandalay stops at Magway around 10pm near the bridge.
 * Bagan – If you starting from Bagan, you have to take a bus to Magway and switch to the bus to Mrauk U (or Sittwe) near the bridge across the Irrawaddy river or in front of the K.H.M. Fashion store. The bus from Bagan to Magway leaves the bus station near the airport at 10:00, 12:30 and 23:30, and costs 4,000 kyat. The bus from Magway to Mrauk U is about 25,000 kyat and 16 hr. A similar trip is possible via Kyauk Padaung, best ask guesthouse.
 * Ngapali – The (mini)bus from Thandwe bus station starts at 11:30 & 13:30, takes 15 hr to Mrauk U and is about 18,000 kyat. Most buses go another 2 hr further to Sittwe. The trip beyond Taungup is quite unpleasant due to the terrible condition of the road try to sit at the front where you'll feel fewer bumps.
 * Taungup – Mostly the same buses that start in Thandwe bus station (Ngapali). They will stop at 14:30 & 16:30 in Taungup and take 12 hr for about 15,000 kyat to Mrauk U. As already mentioned, the trip is quite unpleasant due to the bad condition of the road—make sure to get a decent seat in front.
 * Pyay – Served by the Yangon buses that stop in Pyay. Make sure to book in advance to get a seat. 16 hr, 20,000 kyat. Besides the buses from Yangon and by Magway, you can also take a transport to Taungup, from where a (mini)bus leaves at 14:30 & 16:30 for Mrauk U (and Sittwe), which takes 12 hr and costs about 15,000 kyat.

By boat
The journey through the backwaters and then up the river is a wonderful trip.

There were, although the current situation is unclear, 2 large ferries running from Sittwe to Mrauk: the ex-government boat (XGov, now privatised) and the Aung Kyan Moe (AKM) double-decker boat. Prices for both are US$10 (tourists) and they take 7 hr. An express boat is US$20, which takes 3 hr. You will be met at Sittwe airport by a tout selling private boats or places on private boats (5 passengers+, US$20, 6 hr, one-way), which may be useful if it goes that afternoon, as you save a night in Sittwe.

Sittwe to Mrauk U: a ferry goes M (AKM); Tu (XGov); F (Xgov); Sa (AKM) at 07:00. Express boat W 14:00 and there one more sailing of the Aung Kyaw Moe, Th (possibly W).

Mrauk U to Sittwe: a ferry goes Tu (AKM); W (XGov); F (AKM); Sa (Xgov); Su (AKM) at 07:00. Express boat Th, 07:00.

Food is available for purchase. The ferry is not in good condition, but seems safe enough. Be warned though that the ferry has been known to skip a day or two every now and then so, if relying on it for travel, keep a reasonable buffer to avoid getting stuck. Private boats are available for rent in Sittwe and may do the trip considerably faster (4 to 6 hr) for US$80 (as of 2008) depending on your negotiating skills and the number in your party. The principal advantage of renting a private boat is that you are no longer tied to the ferry schedule. In high season 2011 there were private boats leaving Mrauk U seemingly every day, which you could join for negotiated fare. Flights from Yangon arrive in Sittwe in the afternoon and it is easy to rent a boat and be in Mrauk U in the evening, which means a travel time of one day from Yangon. With the government ferry, count on at least two days to get from Yangon to Mrauk U (including flight), longer if you arrive the day before a ferry off-day.

There are some concerns regarding the security on the boat, robberies have occurred.

Get around
The surrounding area is not restricted to foreigners anymore, except maybe for the Chin villages. Up to date information can be obtained from MTT (Myanmar Travel and Tours, governmental agency) in Yangon.

In Mrauk U you can walk, rent a bicycle (available from most hotels or along the street), hire a trishaw, tuk tuk or a horse cart. Renting a bicycle (2,000 kyat) is a good idea, especially if you want to see the sights out of town. It's also possible to rent a bike per day or per hour.

See
Foreign nationals must pay a 10,000 kyat city fee in Mrauk U. The official counter is in the Shitthaung Pagoda, but the government fee collectors will track you down sooner or later, e.g. at the royal palace, if you miss them, or you might be lucky.

For the ruins go early in the morning. This will allow for some different pictures with the palace still wrapped in morning mist.

Just walking around, especially around Shitthaung gives you a good view of many picturesque and interesting sights. Walking or riding along the more remote tracks reveals sights normally not seen by tourists.

Out of the city further sites, such as Mrauk U itself, exist. They can be explored using local transport or by rented motorbike.

Do
You will be quite busy with visiting all sights. However, just riding around with the bicycle in the nearby villages is a worthwhile experience. Around Mrauk U there are further sights and former kingdoms.

Buy
Change money before you get to Mrauk U as exchange rates are reportedly to be very bad. Likewise, withdraw money before Mrauk U, in case the ATM there is not working.

Eat
Just walk around in the area of the guesthouses and near the market, and you will see many options. Also, many of the more price intensive hotels have their restaurants open to non-guests, with the expected cleanliness standards.

Drink
This region is quite remote, and therefore the prices are somewhat higher. A bottle of Myanmar beer is about 2,500 kyat.

Sleep
Most guesthouses can be found along.

Go next
Road travel is increasingly popular. In the past it was only possible to fly into Sittwe and take a boat to Mrauk U (or the other way around) due to travel restrictions for tourists. Tickets can be bought at the bus station, the agents in the city or your guesthouse/hotel, but compare prices.

 * Sittwe – Not particularly interesting, more a transport hub for in- & outbound travel from & to Yangon. Many buses leave from the Highway Bus Station north of the city. But there are also local pickups and so available leaving starting from 07:00 until afternoon. They costs from 5000 kyats to 10,000 kyat. Also boats are available to Sittwe. One leaves in the morning at 07:00, takes 3 hr and costs 20,000 kyat. Try: 09 49660076, 09 421720296, www.mraukutraveler.com, www.mraukukyawmoe.com, (email-)mraukukyawmoe@gmail.com. For more information on boats have a look at.
 * Taungup – Is nothing special, but there exist some tourist accommodation options. It can be a convenient hub for road travel between Mrauk U, Sittwe, Pyay and Ngapali. There are at least two buses a day heading for Ngapali with a stop in Taungup. The trip is quite unpleasant due to the terrible condition of the road: expect to arrive very tired, and try to get a decent seat in front. 12 hr, 15,000 kyat.
 * Ngapali – Has the most beautiful beaches in Myanmar, but is mostly a resort place with few budget options available. There are at least two buses a day heading for Thandwe Bus Station, 6 km away from Ngapali at the highway, with a stop in Taungup. Please note the remark before about the terrible road conditions. 15 hr, 18,000 kyat.
 * Bagan – One of the most famous attractions in Myanmar. There are no direct buses available to Bagan, you will have to take a bus to Magway (09:00 & 12:00, 16 hr, 24-27,000 kyat) or Mandalay (08:00 & 10:00) and get off at Magway or (19 h, same price as Mandalay). From there it should be easy to catch onward transport, pickup/van or another bus. Make sure the bus does go there (Kyauk Padaung), especially when boarding the bus. Often the ticket seller and the bus are different companies, because passengers are shuffled around depending on availability. The Kyauk Padaung route is preferable, because Kyauk Padaung is very close to Bagan and you can visit Mount Popa on the way to enjoy the sunrise on top of the pagoda. 20 hr, 28,000 kyat.
 * Pyay – Famous for the nearby and ancient Pyu city. Mostly served by the morning buses to Yangon that start in Sittwe. 16 hr, 20,000 kyat.
 * Mandalay – Famous for the U Bein Bridge, the Buddha face washing, as well as the nearby mountains by train. 09:00, 21 hr, 25,000-30,000 kyat.
 * Yangon – Most buses to Yangon start in Sittwe and leave early morning between 06:00 & 09:00. You have to get to the bus station early, even at 05:30 to ensure you get a seat, or book sufficiently in advance. The first bus starting in Sittwe will arrive in Mrauk U around 07:00, The last bus is between 12:00 & 13:00. All buses will make a stop in Pyay after 16 h. Duration 24 hr, costs 25,000-30,000 kyat.

title: Mrauk U


text:
Mrkonjić Grad

Mrkonjić Grad (sometimes called Mrkonjić) is a just small town in the mid-west of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its located in the Republika Srpska, just north of Jajce, on the Jajce - Bihać road.

Do

 * Hike up Lisina mountain, or para-glide down Lisina
 * Visit the sources of the Sana (Health) river or go climbing at Petcka
 * Visit Zelenkovac ekovillage , approx 15km north of Mrkonjic
 * Participate in the annual bread festival
 * Participate in the mushroom festival in September

Sleep

 * Swim or stay at lake Balkana:
 *
 *

Go next

 * Banja Luka or Jajce

title: Mrkonjić Grad


text:
Mt. Angel

Mount Angel is a city in Marion County, in the Cascade Mountains region of Oregon. It is famous for its Oktoberfest, held every September.

Get in
From the north (Portland) on I-5, take the Woodburn exit #271 and follow State Highway #214 about ten miles.

From the south on I-5, take the Keizer/Chemawa exit #260B at Salem. Turn right (east) through the Hwy. 99 intersection. Continue east and follow signs about 17 miles.

title: Mt. Angel


text:
Mt. Chokai

Mt. Chokai (鳥海山; Chokai-san) is a 2236-m-high mountain in southern Akita/northern Yamagata. Hiking Mt. Chokai is a regular undertaking, particularly in the summer. The mountain can also be climbed in the winter.

Get in
The two popular trail heads for Mt. Chokai are in Yurihonjo and Nikaho, both in Akita. There are perhaps 10 different trailheads in all, including some in Yamagata, but most are hard to find and rarely used.

Climbing from Haraikawa

 * Summer. At normal speed, it takes about 4 hours to get to the summit.  Depending on the year and season, there are usually good water sources for the first 2 or 3 hours, but close to the top it is dry.  The first autumn snow is usually in October, and it doesn't fully melt until August.  But there's no problem hiking with a little snow — consider wearing hiking boots to help kick footholds in the snow.  The summit is 4.4km from the warming hut at Haraikawa.
 * Winter. In the winter, it still takes 4 hours to get to the summit — just follow the flags up the snow.  Going down is fast, since you probably will bring skis, a snowboard, or a sled.

Stay safe
Mt. Chokai is high and exposed. If it gets cold, windy, and rainy, you should put on rain gear and go down. That being said, the weather doesn't change without warning, so if you use common sense it'll be fine. In the winter, people have died on Mt. Chokai because of bad weather. Don't climb Mt. Chokai in the winter in bad weather.

title: Mt. Chokai