For almost two decades during the 1970’s and 80’s, many of its attractions were inaccessible as a result of a bloody civil war which crippled the country and halted all development. Now the dark times are very much in the past, and Mozambique is emerging as one of Africa’s rising stars, with an upbeat atmosphere, overflowing markets and a 2500km coastline waiting to be discovered. Sunshine, blue skies and temperatures averaging between 24°C and 35°C along the coast are the norm, except during the rainy summer season from about December/January through to April when everything gets soggy and sticky, and temperatures exceed 30°C in some areas.

Although forest covers nearly a quarter of the country, Mozambique has little tropical forest coverage. Nevertheless, deforestation rates are quite low—only 3.7 percent of the country's forest cover was lost between 1990 and 2005—and have not increased significantly in the past five years. Mozambique's large protected area is Limpopo National Park.

Getting there

If your project/expedition begins in Mozambique then it is best to fly to Inhambane. You may do this by flying to Johannesburg in South Africa then take a connecting flight to Inhambane. Please make sure you arrange a valid visa for Mozambique prior to flying. If you are staying longer than 30 days be sure to get a single entry (not a multiple entry) visa or a visa that allows you to stay longer than one month. On arrival at the airport we will meet and take you to Tofo using local public transport and settle you in to your accommodation before conducting your project orientation.

If for some reason your flight is delayed, please contact Karin Claesson (Bookings & Marketing Coordinator) on +268 7833 2231, or Messias Antonio (Mozambique Social Projects Coordinator) on +258 844 088 978.

Projects setting

The projects are located in the beautiful Tofo and Inhambane.

Projects staff

The following are the Mozambique projects staff who would work with you on a day to day basis:

Katie Reeve- Arnold – Marine Conservation Project Coordinator

Coming from the UK, Katie is a zoologist with an honours degree in zoology from Trinity College-Dublin. She has experience working on tropical butterfly assemblages in Indonesia, habitat mapping of the Irish Sea and designation of lakes for conservation in Ireland. She has a Masters degree in Medical Genetics and an interest in the reliable use of volunteer data collection for scientific research.

Ross Newbigging – Marine Conservation Project Assistant Coordinator

Ross is a zoologist from the UK with a passion for animals, marine life and diving. He started scuba diving at age 12 and has been hooked ever since. In addition to numerous family holidays around the world he spent 3 months travelling around Indonesia and Malaysia.

Messias Antonio – Social Projects Coordinator

Messias, from Inhambane, Mozambique, works as the Mozambique Social Projects Coordinator. He has worked with All Out Africa for the past 2.5 years. He has studied philosophy and has experience in the hospitality field.

Tours staff

Should you join an expedition venturing to Mozambique, the following are the guides who would lead you on the tours:

Bob Motsa – Senior Tour Guide for the Kruger to Coast Volunteer Adventure
Bob is a well-loved and respected tourism practitioner from Swaziland, and the lead Tour Guide for All Out Africa. His interests include backpacker travel, tours and expeditions, wildlife guiding, cultural guiding and community development. His relaxed nature puts volunteers at ease, his knowledge of wildlife and cultural facts ensures that volunteers get the most out of their tours and his patience allows for everything to run smoothly.

Psychology Mmema – Kruger and Mozambique Guide and wildlife specialist
An experienced tour guide who began his career as a game ranger in Swaziland. He has a vast knowledge of southern Africa’s wildlife and many personal stories of animal interactions. His enthusiasm and professionalism make him the perfect tour guide.

Mpho Nhlengethwa – Swazi Cultural and Swazi to Cape Tour Guide
Mpho specializes in Swazi cultural tours and is a resident in the areas he guides in so you’ll always get firsthand up-to-date information from a true local. His friendly, outgoing nature makes for fun and relaxed tour experiences.

For a list of other support staff, see http://www.alloutafrica.com/about/staff/4.

Contact details

Project Coordinator: +258 844 088 978 / +258 848 152 565

Currency

Metical (some places also accept Rands).  You can change Rands to Metical if entering from a Swaziland/South Africa border.

NOTE: There are NO ATMs or banks in Tofo.  The nearest ATM is at the petrol station which is a 10-minute mini-bus ride from Tofo. This machine only accepts VISA cards.  In Inhambane there is Millennium bank and Barclays bank – both have ATMs that accept VISA, MASTERCARD, MESTRO and CIRRUS. A bank trip is included in a tour of Inhambane on the second day of your programme. Please DO NOT bring travellers cheques or GBP £ to Mozambique as they are nearly impossible to change or use.

Visa

All nationalities require a visa for entry to Mozambique. Rules and prices for obtaining a Mozambique tourist visa change frequently, so it is imperative that you check with your local embassy regarding the length of your intended stay and if you’ll need to arrange a visa prior to arrival.

For volunteer expeditions that tour from Swaziland to Mozambique, your guide will help you organise your Mozambique visa before leaving Swaziland and it’s included in the price.

Malaria

Tofo and Mozambique in general is a malaria area. It may be advisable to take anti-malarial preventatives and you should consult a doctor prior to departure.

NOTE: Any volunteers taking Lariam/Mefloquine/Mephliam/Tropicure (or any other derivatives) and participating on dive activities will not be permitted to dive, as it causes increased risks when diving. If you plan on diving, you should advise your doctor that you are going on a dive holiday, and request another suitable anti-malarial prophylaxis.

Useful numbers

• International dialing code: +258
• Police tel: 119
• Ambulance tel: 117
• Fire Service tel: 198

Free time

Outside of the set project and expedition activities, there are a host of fun and exciting things to do in and around Tofo, including:

• horse riding
• kayaking
• surfing
• kite surfing
• snorkelling
• scuba diving
• relaxing on the beach

Please remember that should you decide to use accommodation or do activities other than what is provided as part of the project/expedition itinerary, you will be responsible for covering the costs thereby incurred.

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