Mozambique People & Culture

If you are moving to Pemba, Mozambique, here are some tips on things to bring that you will not be able to find over there: An electric water pitcher (the ones that boil water in less than a minute), a strainer (for noodles, etc.), silverware, solar shower, mosquito net(s), deodorant, a hand-held mirror, first-aid items, pens, paper, and any sources of protein that do not include meat (ie: peanut butter, protein bars, etc.). You can get many things in this city through two more "western" shops, although the prices are exorbitant due to import costs and the like; but by all means, if you have a need, bring enough money and buy what you need while there.
Don't, as "westerners", go walking outside past sunset unless you are in a LARGE group. The banditos (thieves/gang members) are very prominent in Pemba, and have a lot of control over the city. Violence towards tourists is not uncommon, so just be aware of your surroundings. Usually the natives are wonderful, hospitable people. Interact with them, try to learn some Portuguese, or Makua, Pemba Delgado's most widely spoken tribal language. The locals enjoy interacting with foreigners, and I think we enjoy our time spent with them as well, so make some effort to be kind and receive the kindness back two-fold. Don't be fooled by the Mozambicans' cunning way of manipulating though, and make sure to bargain when buying souvenirs groceries, or it ruins the experience for the rest of the visitors coming, whom the natives will think are all then just as capable of paying the highest price they could possibly think to ask.
To women travelers: Be careful, stay in groups while in public, hold tight to your purses/any valuables, and try not to look the male Mozambicans directly in the eye, they find it attractive and intriguing...unless you are looking to attract attention.

If you want to contribute to charity work, help the Missionaries of Charity, also based in Nampula. Six sisters working there take care of at least 100 stay-in women and children, and cook for many more people who come knock at their door for food. Nampula is very different from Maputo. Don't expect to have high-tech, high-end, etc. and NY style bars and cafes.

Amazing City during the night, lots of clubs and people are very friendly. in every spot there is a hotel ranging from 1 star to 5 star Hotels

Zambi is an excellent restaurant for both food and people watching. When we ate on the patio, there was an entire table of the Mozambican famous people as well as many beautiful women and people who were obviously Maputo's financial elite. Steaks are melt in your mouth.

Women to not wear tops. Prepare for hot humid days and hot humid nights with Mozzies. Malaria is rapid here so bring your bug spray. The people live in huts and hospitality is out of this world!

Head to the fish market just outside of town on the weekends. You can buy freshly caught fish, prawns or other seafood at the market stalls and carry them to the restaurant next door where they will charge you by the kilo to cook it. Then you can sit in the sun and enjoy a beer and heaps of mouth-watering seafood!

Beautiful and unspoiled beach and fishing village in sofala province Mozambique - Hotel Dona Anna is probably by now renovated by either local politicians or project makers for SA

The origin of Inhambane dates back to the 15th century when Vasco da Gama first landed there. It is a beautiful, picturesque town with many sights to visit, many delightful restaurants, the museum and of course the Mercado (town market). Accommodation is mainly just off Inhambane at the town of Tofu which is a favourite holiday spot for backpackers and surfers, as well as on the famous Barra Reef with its unique holiday resorts. Here you find the well known Barra Lodge. The area offers much in terms of activities such as scuba diving / snorkelling, horse and quadbike riding, dhowtrips and many others.

Praia do Tofo is a delighful little holiday village about 20+ kilometres from Inhambane. the beautiful bay offers much opportunity for swimming, sunbathing or long strolls on the beach. It is a very popular resort for backpackers and surfers with ample suitable accommodation, including a hotel. More upmarket accommodation is also available.
The village has a little market, but also has various diving operators for scuba or snorkelling trips. There are interesting restaurants to visit for delicious seafood and local cuisine.

The thing that I liked the most in Maputo was the incredible fish market.

You go there, buy your fish and the cool thing is that all around the market, you have restaurant where you bring your food, and they cook it for you fro very cheap...

It's been the best fish I've eaten in my entire life so far

One of the most surreal experiences one can have, go and sit at the Barlavento, enjoy the Deuce M beer and listen to the locals telling you about their history, a stop gap until most can get back into Zim was my conclusion

you can easily get there prom Maputo, take any bus (from Xiapamane) in a direction to Maxixe or Bilene. Lonely Planet travel book does not explain that very well, Bilene is 35km from the lagoon unlike what the guide book says. The bus (chapas is travelling in this direction more ferquently and it's only 200mz)will take you only to Bilene then you have to find something to Praia do Bilene. It's quite easy, you may also ask for help with this at the place you're staying. I recommend Praia do Sol - http://www.pdsol.co.za/ - they are bit aside from the main road but really great place, with fantastic food and atmposphere.

If you are moving to Pemba, Mozambique, here are some tips on things to bring that you will not be able to find over there: An electric water pitcher (the ones that boil water in less than a minute), a strainer (for noodles, etc.), silverware, solar shower, mosquito net(s), deodorant, a hand-held mirror, first-aid items, pens, paper, and any sources of protein that do not include meat (ie: peanut butter, protein bars, etc.). You can get many things in this city through two more "western" shops, although the prices are exorbitant due to import costs and the like; but by all means, if you have a need, bring enough money and buy what you need while there.
Don't, as "westerners", go walking outside past sunset unless you are in a LARGE group. The banditos (thieves/gang members) are very prominent in Pemba, and have a lot of control over the city. Violence towards tourists is not uncommon, so just be aware of your surroundings. Usually the natives are wonderful, hospitable people. Interact with them, try to learn some Portuguese, or Makua, Pemba Delgado's most widely spoken tribal language. The locals enjoy interacting with foreigners, and I think we enjoy our time spent with them as well, so make some effort to be kind and receive the kindness back two-fold. Don't be fooled by the Mozambicans' cunning way of manipulating though, and make sure to bargain when buying souvenirs groceries, or it ruins the experience for the rest of the visitors coming, whom the natives will think are all then just as capable of paying the highest price they could possibly think to ask.
To women travelers: Be careful, stay in groups while in public, hold tight to your purses/any valuables, and try not to look the male Mozambicans directly in the eye, they find it attractive and intriguing...unless you are looking to attract attention.

Take a boat ride over to one of the islands. cheapest is Benguerra island and definately worth it!

A small nest as point to start a trip to the Querimba Islands north. Most beautiful beaches in Mocambique can be found there. Getting here/away direct to Johannesburg, Dar Es Salam or Maputo!