 Mozambique : Profile
The People's Republic of Mozambique has some 1400 miles of coastline on the Indian Ocean, between South Africa and Tanzania. The island area of Basaruto and the area around Maputo provide some of the best cruising. Although not particularly welcoming cruising yachts in the past, those yachts which have stopped in one of Mozambique's ports have been treated courteously by the officials. Stopovers without clearing in are generally tolerated by the authorities who accept this as long as you are just sheltering from the weather. Stopping at other places between major ports is not allowed, although in the case of those who have arrived with visas obtained beforehand, some freedom of movement was permitted. Recently the country does appear to be opening up to yachts and South African yachts have cruised there. Repair facilities are available in Beira and Maputo, where there are dockyards dealing with repairs on fishing vessels.
Caution is advised if travelling inland as the presence of landmines laid during the war is a continuing hazard in spite of de-mining efforts.
Street crime, sometimes involving knives and firearms, is common in Maputo and is increasing in other cities and tourist destinations. Bag-snatching, pick-pocketing and car-jacking are also problems.
Remain vigilant on beaches or off shore islands as they are not policed.
Last updated September 2011.
The climate is tropical and mostly hot and humid. The country is plagued by irregular rainfall, the rainy season being from November to March. The prevailing winds are SE to SW. Much of the coast is under the influence of sea breezes with stronger onshore winds in the afternoons. In the northern part of the coast, the SE trade winds blow during the winter months, February to June, while NE winds prevail in summer, from July to January.
Mozambique Weather Forecast
Beira
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, Maputo
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, Nacala
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*Indicates a port of entry.
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Related ReportsClearing into Mozambique (02 Nov 2006) Website for Cape of Good Hope cruising route (31 Dec 2001) Juan de Nova Update (26 Oct 2001) Related NewsMozambique: Durban Sailors Vicitims of Armed Robbery at Anchor (16 Jul 2010)
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