Mozambique
A little bit of history…
In the grand scheme of things, Mozambique was a relatively late starter with its first settlers dating back just 10,000 years. These nomadic settlers remained as Mozabique's only inhabitants right up until 300AD when the great Bantu Migration reached the country. As well as the Bantu-speaking settlers arriving from the north, Arabic settlers also begun to arrive on the coast, creating the unique culture that can be found in the country today.
In 1498 the Portuguese arrived in the form of Vasco da Gama and began to take control. They continued to govern the country until 1975 but it must be confessed that their rule was not as successful as they had hoped. The late 16th Century saw Portuguese power beginning to diminish and coastal settlements being left to ruin, while the 19th Century brought the introduction of the prazos system which divided the country's land between rich European settlers. By the 20th Century strict labour laws were driving away native workers and native Mozambican's began to leave the country in droves.
Unease was soon rife in Mozambican communities and the struggle for independence was not long in coming. The Mozambican Liberation Front (Frelimo) came into being and was soon putting pressure on the Portuguese government to surrender power back to the Mozambicans. After eleven years of trying, Frelimo succeeded in driving out the Portuguese but at a serious cost to the country.
The Portuguese left suddenly and without warning, leaving the country to fend for itself with practically no infrastructure. Chaos followed but Frelimo soon set about a policy of social reform which would later prove to be both unrealistic and impractical. By 1983 Frelimo had run the treasury dry and the country was facing bankruptcy. But worse was to follow.
The Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO) was formed by the Rhodesian Intelligence Service, with aid from South Africa. This military group had no interest in ruling Mozambique, instead their aim was to bring the country to a standstill. For the next ten years chaos ruled with violence and destruction becoming a part of daily life in the country.
Though efforts were made to secure peace and guarantee an end to the financial support which RENAMO was receiving from both Rhodesia and South Africa, they were continually unsuccessful. The Mozambican government adhered to their end of the deal, while their neighbours failed to do the same. In 1992, after years of turmoil, peace was returned to the country and the renegade Ranamo group took its place as an official opposition party.
Efforts to rebuild the country have since been extremely successful. While Frelimo remains in power, the Ranamo party have been working hard to build a reputation for themselves as a forward-thinking government party. They have yet to win the trust of the country but it seems possible that they will. As the economy continues to grow and tourism becomes increasingly popular it seems certain that this once troubled country can look forward to a much brighter future.
Best time to go…
The best time to go is between May and December when you'll benefit from lower temperatures and a lot less rain. If you travel in March or April you can expect heavy, almost constant rainfall. This can cause major complications as many of the country's roads become waterlogged and impassable. Between November and January accessibility is better but rain is still common and temperatures are extremely high.
If you're travelling during peak times (August and Christmas/New Year) you will want to book everything in advance.
Getting around…
If you're travelling longer distances the chances are you'll want to fly. This is undoubtedly the most comfortable mode of transport but it is also the most expensive. Buses are the best alternative and routes are available to all major cities. They run regularly and are available as express or stopover.
If you're travelling to rural destinations you'll find yourself faced with a chapa-cem (a truck that has been converted to carry passengers). This might be a little unnerving the first time you try it but you'll soon get used to it.
Driving yourself about can be a little risky. The police in Mozambique are notoriously picky and they can find problems where there are none at all. Make sure that your car is in good repair, your papers are in order and you remain calm and polite at all times… even if you take these precautions you could face a hefty fine but this does at least minimise the risk. Cars can be hired in Maputo, Beira and Nampula.
Useful links…
www.lonelyplanet.comLonely Planet are leaders in the travel guide sector and their website is a great source of travel information.
www.fco.gov.uk
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s website provides up-to-date political news, travel advice and information on visas.
www.places.co.za/mozambique/
Handy travel guide.
