Saturday, August 29, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Awesome 19 Day "LAKE OF STARS MUSIC FESTIVAL" tour including FIVE Southern African countries! http://ping.fm/7qpfG
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
25 DEGREEZ - DISCOVERING AFRICA We're planning an awesome tour including FIVE Southern African countries in just 19 days (8-26 Oct 2009) - including the 4 day "LAKE OF STARS MUSIC FESTIVAL" on the banks of beautiful Lake Malawi!!
Experience the Okavango Swamps and the Chobe Game reserve in Botswana, the Victoria Falls in Zambia, Lake Malawi, the Mozambique and finally the Kruger National Park! http://ping.fm/As1Qx
Experience the Okavango Swamps and the Chobe Game reserve in Botswana, the Victoria Falls in Zambia, Lake Malawi, the Mozambique and finally the Kruger National Park! http://ping.fm/As1Qx
19 Day "LAKE OF STARS MUSIC FESTIVAL" tour: Okavango Swamps, Victoria Falls, Lake Malawi, Bazaruto, Kruger Park http://ping.fm/tn9bm
n awesome tour including FIVE Southern African countries in just 19 days (8-26 Oct 2009) - including the 4 day "LAKE OF STARS MUSIC FESTIVAL" on the banks of beautiful Lake Malawi!!
Experience the Okavango Swamps, the Victoria Falls, Lake Malawi, Bazaruto Archipelago and finally the Kruger National Park! http://ping.fm/6eQ9o
Experience the Okavango Swamps, the Victoria Falls, Lake Malawi, Bazaruto Archipelago and finally the Kruger National Park! http://ping.fm/6eQ9o
Monday, August 3, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Cape Town, one of the world's most picturesque cities stands ready to warmly welcome the 2010 Draw! http://is.gd/1VGxi
19 Day "LAKE OF STARS MUSIC FESTIVAL" tour: Okavango Swamps, Victoria Falls, Lake Malawi, Bazaruto, Kruger Park http://ping.fm/vMc2u
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
25 DEGREEZ - DISCOVERING AFRICA We're planning an awesome tour including FIVE Southern African countries in just 19 days (8-26 Oct 2009) - including the 4 day "LAKE OF STARS MUSIC FESTIVAL" (http://ping.fm/6f8iL) on the banks of beautiful Lake Malawi!!
Experience the Okavango Swamps and the Chobe Game reserve in Botswana, the Victoria Falls in Zambia, Lake Malawi, the east coast of Mozambique and finally the Kruger National Park!
Experience the Okavango Swamps and the Chobe Game reserve in Botswana, the Victoria Falls in Zambia, Lake Malawi, the east coast of Mozambique and finally the Kruger National Park!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
"Enjoy the sights and sounds of cultures born out of African roots and European conquest" http://ping.fm/FNt28
"Enjoy the sights and sounds of cultures born out of African roots and European conquest" http://ping.fm/9QOIm
"Enjoy the sights and sounds of cultures born out of African roots and European conquest" http://ping.fm/zLJnz
Thursday, July 16, 2009
"Enjoy the sights and sounds of cultures born out of African roots and European conquest" http://ping.fm/sCtCX
"Enjoy the sights and sounds of cultures born out of African roots and European conquest" http://ping.fm/62h5F
"Enjoy the sights and sounds of cultures born out of African roots and European conquest" http://ping.fm/sjyxi
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
"Enjoy the sights and sounds of cultures born out of African roots and European conquest" http://ping.fm/px1GJ
2010 World Cup (SA) - SANPARKS bookings open now! Book now and avoid disappointment http://ping.fm/y9qTD
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
2010 World Cup (SA) - SANPARKS bookings open now! Book now and avoid disappointment http://ping.fm/tpitx
2010 World Cup (SA) - SANPARKS bookings open now! Book now and avoid disappointment http://ping.fm/R1kJH
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
2010 World Cup (SA) - SANPARKS bookings open now! Book now and avoid disappointment http://ping.fm/PHmBN
2010 FIFA World Cup - South Africa
2010 FIFA World Cup - South Africa
SANParks wish to inform its customers that the bookings for accommodation in all its National Parks including Kruger National Park for both June and July 2010 will open on the 1st July 2009. This decision was taken to facilitate a smooth booking process across all SANParks accommodation facilities during the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup period. The FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup takes place from 11 June to 11 July 2010.
The opening of reservations for two months at a time will be a once off strategy for this period and reservations for August 2010 and onwards will revert back to the usual 11 months in advance and one month at a time.
To make your booking for this period please contact 25 Degreez at +27 18 468 5092 or e-mail us at info@25degreez.com.
Yours SANParks
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Lake Malawi
To the east of the Great Rift Valley lies LAKE MALAWI (also called Lake Nyasa), making up over three-quarters of Malawi's eastern boundary. Lake Malawi is sometimes called the Calendar Lake as it is about 365 miles (587 km) long and 52 miles (84 km) wide. The Shire River flows from the south end of the lake and joins the Zambezi River 250 miles (400 km) farther south in Mozambique. The surface of Lake Malawi is located at 1,500 feet (460 m) above sea level, with a maximum depth of 2,300 feet (700 m), which means the lake floor is over 700 feet (210 m) below sea level at some points.
Lake Malawi is the first National Park to give protection to freshwater life of a deep-water Rift Valley lake. The 88 square kilometere park is located in the southern part of the loake and includes 12 islands and most of the Nankhumba Peninsula. Its crystal clear waters and myriad colorful ciclid fish darting amongst the rocky shoreline entice one to a snorkel and join the fish in their daily activities.
Lake Malawi is the first National Park to give protection to freshwater life of a deep-water Rift Valley lake. The 88 square kilometere park is located in the southern part of the loake and includes 12 islands and most of the Nankhumba Peninsula. Its crystal clear waters and myriad colorful ciclid fish darting amongst the rocky shoreline entice one to a snorkel and join the fish in their daily activities.
Wildlife that might be seen includes bushbuck, klipspringer, crocodile and hippos. Bird life includes fish eagles, trumpeter hornbill, white breasted cuckoo-shrike, crowned and black eagles, golden-backed pytilia and mocking chat.
Lake Malawi is the country's largest tourist attraction and an irresistable attraction with its beaches, resorts and watersports e.g. swimming and snorkelling. It is also a seemingly endless supplier of protein in the form of fish to the local people. The mostly clear waters of the lake make this an inviting environment for recreationla activities.
Lake Malawi is the country's largest tourist attraction and an irresistable attraction with its beaches, resorts and watersports e.g. swimming and snorkelling. It is also a seemingly endless supplier of protein in the form of fish to the local people. The mostly clear waters of the lake make this an inviting environment for recreationla activities.
The Victoria Falls
In the local language, the VICTORIA FALLS are known as Mosi-oa-tunya, "the Smoke that thunders". Created by Volcanic activity, erosion and the course of the mighty Zambezi River, the spectacular Victoria Falls has captured the hearts, minds and spirits of people everywhere. It wsas David Livingstone who named Victoria Falls after his Queen and stated in his now famous diary entry - “On sights as beautiful as this, Angels in their flight must have gazed” Zimbabwe’s national parks has maintained the Victoria Falls and the surrounding rainforest virtually as they were when Livingstone first saw them almost 140 years ago.
The Victoria Falls and the surrounding rainforest are persevered as a 23.4 kilometre National Park and form one of Zimbabwe’s four World Heritage sites. The sight of millions of gallons of turbulent water cascading over a sheer precipice into a narrow gorge, a hundred metres below is something nobody can ever forget. Considered the largest curtain of falling water in the world, the magnificent Victoria Falls draws visitors from all over the world. The total width of the Victoria Falls is more than one and a half kilometres. The height of the various falls ranges between 100 and 116 metres. The width of the gorge at its narrowest point is sixty metres.
The volume of water that flows over Victoria Falls varies considerably. At its lowest, between late October and early November, as little as 20 000 cubic metres of water a minute flow into the gorge below. But when the rains are heavy, the flow increases swiftly and dramatically. Between February and May, when the Falls are at their most spectacular, more than 500 000 cubic metres of water a minute cascade over the edge. In April and May, the peak of the flood season, the six falls - Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls, Armchair Falls and the Eastern Cataract - form the largest curtain of falling water in the world. But in the dry season, between September and November, almost no water falls over some sections.
The Falls have a continual mist above the surrounding area, creating a rainforest ecosystem for 2 kms. This unique nature sanctuary is rich in fauna and flora.
There are seven Gorges below the Victoria Falls. The first is the one into which the river falls, followed by five others and finally to the seventh (Batoko) Gorge which is about 80km away from the Falls and 120km in length.
These magnificent waterfalls can be viewed either from the Zambian or the Zimbabwean side. For more information on fly-in packages to see this wonderful phenomenon, contact us!
The Victoria Falls and the surrounding rainforest are persevered as a 23.4 kilometre National Park and form one of Zimbabwe’s four World Heritage sites. The sight of millions of gallons of turbulent water cascading over a sheer precipice into a narrow gorge, a hundred metres below is something nobody can ever forget. Considered the largest curtain of falling water in the world, the magnificent Victoria Falls draws visitors from all over the world. The total width of the Victoria Falls is more than one and a half kilometres. The height of the various falls ranges between 100 and 116 metres. The width of the gorge at its narrowest point is sixty metres.
The volume of water that flows over Victoria Falls varies considerably. At its lowest, between late October and early November, as little as 20 000 cubic metres of water a minute flow into the gorge below. But when the rains are heavy, the flow increases swiftly and dramatically. Between February and May, when the Falls are at their most spectacular, more than 500 000 cubic metres of water a minute cascade over the edge. In April and May, the peak of the flood season, the six falls - Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls, Armchair Falls and the Eastern Cataract - form the largest curtain of falling water in the world. But in the dry season, between September and November, almost no water falls over some sections.
The Falls have a continual mist above the surrounding area, creating a rainforest ecosystem for 2 kms. This unique nature sanctuary is rich in fauna and flora.
There are seven Gorges below the Victoria Falls. The first is the one into which the river falls, followed by five others and finally to the seventh (Batoko) Gorge which is about 80km away from the Falls and 120km in length.
These magnificent waterfalls can be viewed either from the Zambian or the Zimbabwean side. For more information on fly-in packages to see this wonderful phenomenon, contact us!
The Okavango Delta, Botswana
The OKAVANGO DELTA (http://www.okavango-delta.net/) is one of the world’s largest inland water systems. It's headwaters start in Angola’s western highlands, with numerous tributaries joining to form the Cubango river, which then flows through Namibia (called the Kavango) and finally enters Botswana, where it is then called the Okavango.
Millions of years ago the Okavango river use to flow into a large inland lake called Lake Makgadikgadi (now Makgadikgadi Pans). Tectonic activity and faulting interrupted the flow of the river causing it to backup and form what is now the Okavango delta. This has created a unique system of water ways that now supports a vast array of animal and plant life that would have otherwise been a dry Kalahari savanna. The delta’s floods are fed from the Angolan rains, which start in October and finish sometime in April. The floods only cross the border between Botswana and Namibia in December and will only reach the bottom end of the delta (Maun) sometime in July, Taking almost nine months from the source to the bottom. This slow meandering pace of the flood is due to the lack of drop in elevation, which drops a little more than 60 metres over a distance of 450 kilometres. The delta’s water deadends in the Kalahari – via the Botetle river, with over 95 per cent of the water eventually evaporating. During the peak of the flooding the delta’s area can expand to over 16,000 square kilometres, shrinking to less than 9,000 square kilometres in the low period. As the water travels through the delta, the wildlife starts to move back into the region. The areas surrounding the delta are beginning to try out (the rains in Botswana occur approximately the same time as in Angola) and the wildlife starts to congregate on the edge of the newly flooded areas, May through October.
The delta environment has large numbers of animal populations that are otherwise rare, such as crocodile, red lechwe, sitatunga, elephant, wild dogs, buffalo, wattled crane as well as the other more common mammals and bird life. The best time for game viewing in the delta is during the May-October period, as the animal life is concentrated along the flooded areas and the vegetation has dried out. The best time for birding and vegetation is during the rainy season (Nov.- April) as the migrant bird populations are returning and the plants are flowering and green.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
South Africa's world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa.
The Park was established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld. This natural park of nearly 2 million hectares, is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.
Truly the flagship of South African national parks, Kruger Park is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Man's interaction with the Lowveld environment over many centuries - from bushman (San) cave rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela - is very evident in the Kruger National Park. These treasures represent the cultures, persons and events that played a role in the history of the Kruger National Park and are conserved along with the park's natural assets. Accommodation is available in a variety of units in large restcamps, bushveld camps and bush lodges. Caravan and camp sites are available in most of the large restcamps. Most camps have well stocked shops where food, drinks, general necessities and curios may be purchased.
The Kruger Park forms an integral part of the majority of our tours that we conduct in Southern Africa! In addition to the abovementioned, the Kruger National Park will eventually form part of the great LIMPOPO TRANSFRONTIER PARK, a joint venture between South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. When established the tourist will be able to experience the entire Park within the confines of the Park's borders. This innovative first phase of the venture will increase the total Park area to approximately 35,000km2, eventually increasing to a staggering 100,000km2 of conservation area. This entire process will however still require a number of years to complete.
Monday, January 26, 2009
General Information on Mozambique Pt 2
Current Services
Mozambique has been going through a huge re-integration with the rest of the world after 17 years of brutal civil war. The country is developing incredibly fast and most services can be found in the major towns and cities
New restaurants and accommodations are being developed all over the country.
Markets are full with fresh fruits, vegetables are hard to miss, particularly in major cities and along the national roads
Music and arts are now allowed to be expressed and amazing carvings, paintings and crafts can be found in markets or along main roads. The Mozambican music uses traditional instruments made with fruit shells and wood, seeds and animal skins and the sounds produced by those instruments are lively and at times hypnotic. Music, dance and football are the main entertainments
Typical foods
Typical Mozambique cuisine is delicious. It basically consists of some traditional Portuguese dishes added to Arabic influences and Indian spices. Coconut milk, cashew (caju-nut) and peanuts are used on curries and vegetarian dishes. Beans and cassava leaves will never go to waste producing Matapa and Nhangana. There is a very nice cookery book called, 'Receitas de Mozambique' (Mozambique Recipes) that was put together by Brazilian missionaries. It has been translated to English.
Land Mines
Land mines do not represent a risk to tourists these days. We spoke to the authorities and land mine clearing contractors
Visa Requirements
Mozambique Consulates:
Mozambique Consulate in S.A.: +27 (0) 12 40110300/4
Mozambican Consulate in Swaziland: +268 (0) 40 41296
Mozambican Consulate in Malawi: +265 (0) 1 774100
Mozambican Consulate in Tanzania: +255 (0) 22 2116502
Mozambican Consulate in Zimbabwe: +263 (0) 4 253872
Visas can be obtained from Mozambique consular offices at the countries of origins. Consular visas can be renewed twice allowing you to visit the country for 90 uninterrupted days (a visit to an immigration office for a renewal stamp is required)
30 day visas are issued on these border posts (Kosi Bay, Naamacha, Komatipoort), this visa can only be renewed once to give you 60 days in total
Passports must be valid for 6 months
These days Visa's can be obtained directly at the borders and cost US$29. Two photographs are required when getting your visa at the Embassy or Consulate
Borders and Border Post Procedures
Border Post opening times:
Ressano Garcia (06h00-22h00 and 24hrs a
day during S.A. School holidays)
Namaacha (07h00-20h00)
Kosi Bay (07h00-17h30)
Machipanda (06h00-18h00)
Chuchamano (06h00-18h00)
Zobwe (06h00-18h00)
Milange (06h00-18h00)
Mandimba (06h00-18h00)
It is recommended that visitors arrive well before
the stipulated closing times
Do not give bribes!
Do not pay any fees without receiving an officially stamped receipt
Anti Corruption Contact Numbers:
S.A.: 080 000 1190
Maputo: 00258 21 307 437 / 324 143
Beira: 00258 23 323 293
Northern Region: 00258 26 526 834 / 526 181
Customs:
Customs S.A.: +27 (0) 82 55652470
Customs Mozambique: 00258 82 3061580
Original or certified copies of registration documents must be shown at the border in order to obtain temporary import permit valid for 30 days. Temporary import permit for vehicles is compulsory, it costs R120 per vehicle
Personal items are not subject to tax
Allowances:
200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars.
1 litre of spirits and 2.25 litres of wine.
50ml of perfume
Other articles up to the value of US$50 or equivalent (The total cost must not exceed US$200)
Insurance:
Vehicle insurance is compulsory when entering Mozambique. If coming from Nelspruit across the Komatipoort border post, it is easier to buy insurance for vehicles, boats, etc., at the service station 500 meters before the border post
Hollard - South African Insurance Company: info@hollard.co.mz
/ www.hollard.co.za
Otherwise there are insurance offices at the border:
EMOSE - Mozambique Insurance company: +58 21 422095/9
Insurance costs US$25 for 30 days and is renewable at any insurance office
Getting There
International Airlines:
LAM - Linhas Aereas de Moçambique www.lam.co.za
TAP - Air Portugal www.flytap.com
tap@teledata.mz
SAA - South African Airways www.flysaa.com
Swazi Express www.swaziexpress.com
Air France www.airfrance.com
Air Mauritius www.airmauritius.com
Metavia Airlines S.A. Airlink 00258 21 465487
Domestic Airlines:
Air Corridor
[From Maputo return to, Quelimane,
Beira, Nampula & Pemba] 00258 21 311580/2/3
00258 82 3621540
Trans Airways
[Maputo to Inhaca, Inhambane,
Vilanculos, Cuamba and Nampula] 00258 21 465108
transairways@virconn.com
STA 00258 21 491765
00258 21 492022
By Air:
A tax of US$20 is payable, at the airport, by passengers departing on international flights
The most common gateway into Mozambique is through South Africa; there are regular flights into Johannesburg from Europe, North America, South America, Australia, Middle East and Far East. From Johannesburg there are regular flights to Maputo. There are also a few charter companies flying from JB to Inhambane, Beira, Nampula and Pemba
Regional flights to Mozambique are also available from Durban and Mpumalanga in South Africa, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, and Harare in Zimbabwe. LAM's domestic service connects Maputo with the countries major cities and tourism destinations
Domestic air travel within Mozambique is safe. LAM is one of the longest running airlines in the world and has had no major accidents. Unfortunately, the airport system makes the journey twice as long as it need be, the airlines fly from one city to the next, so if you want to reach Pemba from Maputo then you will have to stop and disembark at Beira, Quelimane and Nampula first. The airports of Maputo, Inhambane, Beira, Nampula and Pemba have international status. There are talks to expand this, allowing Nacala airport to receive domestic and international flights
Visitors coming from Europe will find the most affordable flights are from Lisbon or Paris flying directly into Maputo International Airport. Judging by the fast growth of the country over the last 10 years, the prediction is that flights to Mozambique will become more and more frequent and cheaper. It is now possible to get a return flight to Maputo for around US$700
By Sea:
British, European, American, Japanese and South African cargo vessels call at Maputo and Beira, but there are no regular passenger services
By Rail:
Rail services are sometimes sporadic and unreliable.
A train runs six times a week from Johannesburg to the Mozambique border of Komatipoort (Ressano Garcia) where there is a connection to Maputo (travel time 15 hours)
An overnight train runs regularly from Durban to Maputo
There is a service from Harare to Beira
There are connections from Malawi to Nampula and Nacala Port this railway section has been worked on and cleared but services are not regular yet
By Road:
Visitors from South Africa will find the nearest crossing points are Ressano Garcia (Komatipoort) and Kosi Bay. If you wish to cross through the beautiful Swaziland the best crossing is on the Namaacha boarder post. The EN1 (Estrada Nacional 1) is the main artery through Mozambique.
Mozambique has been going through a huge re-integration with the rest of the world after 17 years of brutal civil war. The country is developing incredibly fast and most services can be found in the major towns and cities
New restaurants and accommodations are being developed all over the country.
Markets are full with fresh fruits, vegetables are hard to miss, particularly in major cities and along the national roads
Music and arts are now allowed to be expressed and amazing carvings, paintings and crafts can be found in markets or along main roads. The Mozambican music uses traditional instruments made with fruit shells and wood, seeds and animal skins and the sounds produced by those instruments are lively and at times hypnotic. Music, dance and football are the main entertainments
Typical foods
Typical Mozambique cuisine is delicious. It basically consists of some traditional Portuguese dishes added to Arabic influences and Indian spices. Coconut milk, cashew (caju-nut) and peanuts are used on curries and vegetarian dishes. Beans and cassava leaves will never go to waste producing Matapa and Nhangana. There is a very nice cookery book called, 'Receitas de Mozambique' (Mozambique Recipes) that was put together by Brazilian missionaries. It has been translated to English.
Land Mines
Land mines do not represent a risk to tourists these days. We spoke to the authorities and land mine clearing contractors
Visa Requirements
Mozambique Consulates:
Mozambique Consulate in S.A.: +27 (0) 12 40110300/4
Mozambican Consulate in Swaziland: +268 (0) 40 41296
Mozambican Consulate in Malawi: +265 (0) 1 774100
Mozambican Consulate in Tanzania: +255 (0) 22 2116502
Mozambican Consulate in Zimbabwe: +263 (0) 4 253872
Visas can be obtained from Mozambique consular offices at the countries of origins. Consular visas can be renewed twice allowing you to visit the country for 90 uninterrupted days (a visit to an immigration office for a renewal stamp is required)
30 day visas are issued on these border posts (Kosi Bay, Naamacha, Komatipoort), this visa can only be renewed once to give you 60 days in total
Passports must be valid for 6 months
These days Visa's can be obtained directly at the borders and cost US$29. Two photographs are required when getting your visa at the Embassy or Consulate
Borders and Border Post Procedures
Border Post opening times:
Ressano Garcia (06h00-22h00 and 24hrs a
day during S.A. School holidays)
Namaacha (07h00-20h00)
Kosi Bay (07h00-17h30)
Machipanda (06h00-18h00)
Chuchamano (06h00-18h00)
Zobwe (06h00-18h00)
Milange (06h00-18h00)
Mandimba (06h00-18h00)
It is recommended that visitors arrive well before
the stipulated closing times
Do not give bribes!
Do not pay any fees without receiving an officially stamped receipt
Anti Corruption Contact Numbers:
S.A.: 080 000 1190
Maputo: 00258 21 307 437 / 324 143
Beira: 00258 23 323 293
Northern Region: 00258 26 526 834 / 526 181
Customs:
Customs S.A.: +27 (0) 82 55652470
Customs Mozambique: 00258 82 3061580
Original or certified copies of registration documents must be shown at the border in order to obtain temporary import permit valid for 30 days. Temporary import permit for vehicles is compulsory, it costs R120 per vehicle
Personal items are not subject to tax
Allowances:
200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars.
1 litre of spirits and 2.25 litres of wine.
50ml of perfume
Other articles up to the value of US$50 or equivalent (The total cost must not exceed US$200)
Insurance:
Vehicle insurance is compulsory when entering Mozambique. If coming from Nelspruit across the Komatipoort border post, it is easier to buy insurance for vehicles, boats, etc., at the service station 500 meters before the border post
Hollard - South African Insurance Company: info@hollard.co.mz
/ www.hollard.co.za
Otherwise there are insurance offices at the border:
EMOSE - Mozambique Insurance company: +58 21 422095/9
Insurance costs US$25 for 30 days and is renewable at any insurance office
Getting There
International Airlines:
LAM - Linhas Aereas de Moçambique www.lam.co.za
TAP - Air Portugal www.flytap.com
tap@teledata.mz
SAA - South African Airways www.flysaa.com
Swazi Express www.swaziexpress.com
Air France www.airfrance.com
Air Mauritius www.airmauritius.com
Metavia Airlines S.A. Airlink 00258 21 465487
Domestic Airlines:
Air Corridor
[From Maputo return to, Quelimane,
Beira, Nampula & Pemba] 00258 21 311580/2/3
00258 82 3621540
Trans Airways
[Maputo to Inhaca, Inhambane,
Vilanculos, Cuamba and Nampula] 00258 21 465108
transairways@virconn.com
STA 00258 21 491765
00258 21 492022
By Air:
A tax of US$20 is payable, at the airport, by passengers departing on international flights
The most common gateway into Mozambique is through South Africa; there are regular flights into Johannesburg from Europe, North America, South America, Australia, Middle East and Far East. From Johannesburg there are regular flights to Maputo. There are also a few charter companies flying from JB to Inhambane, Beira, Nampula and Pemba
Regional flights to Mozambique are also available from Durban and Mpumalanga in South Africa, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, and Harare in Zimbabwe. LAM's domestic service connects Maputo with the countries major cities and tourism destinations
Domestic air travel within Mozambique is safe. LAM is one of the longest running airlines in the world and has had no major accidents. Unfortunately, the airport system makes the journey twice as long as it need be, the airlines fly from one city to the next, so if you want to reach Pemba from Maputo then you will have to stop and disembark at Beira, Quelimane and Nampula first. The airports of Maputo, Inhambane, Beira, Nampula and Pemba have international status. There are talks to expand this, allowing Nacala airport to receive domestic and international flights
Visitors coming from Europe will find the most affordable flights are from Lisbon or Paris flying directly into Maputo International Airport. Judging by the fast growth of the country over the last 10 years, the prediction is that flights to Mozambique will become more and more frequent and cheaper. It is now possible to get a return flight to Maputo for around US$700
By Sea:
British, European, American, Japanese and South African cargo vessels call at Maputo and Beira, but there are no regular passenger services
By Rail:
Rail services are sometimes sporadic and unreliable.
A train runs six times a week from Johannesburg to the Mozambique border of Komatipoort (Ressano Garcia) where there is a connection to Maputo (travel time 15 hours)
An overnight train runs regularly from Durban to Maputo
There is a service from Harare to Beira
There are connections from Malawi to Nampula and Nacala Port this railway section has been worked on and cleared but services are not regular yet
By Road:
Visitors from South Africa will find the nearest crossing points are Ressano Garcia (Komatipoort) and Kosi Bay. If you wish to cross through the beautiful Swaziland the best crossing is on the Namaacha boarder post. The EN1 (Estrada Nacional 1) is the main artery through Mozambique.
Friday, January 23, 2009
General Information on Mozambique
This information is applicable to the whole country. For specific information on the different sections, refer to the individual pages for that section using the sectors navigation menu located on the left hand side of every page
Location: Southern Africa. Bordered to the North by Tanzania, to the East is the Indian Ocean, to the South by South Africa and Swaziland, to the West is Zimbabwe and Malawi
Name: Republic of Mozambique
Capital: Maputo (formally Lourenço Marquez)
Time zone: GMT +2 hours
Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz
Area: 801,590km²
Currency: Metical, SA Rand, Pound Sterling, US$ and Euros are widely accepted, as well as major credit cards (Visa seems to be the most widely accepted). It is advisable to carry cash or credit cards although obtaining a cash advance on a credit card in a bank can be time consuming. ATM machines are available in the main centre's and some hotels
Religion: Christian, Muslim and Hindu as well as traditional beliefs
Population: About 19 million inhabitants of which 30% live in the urban centre's of Maputo, Beira and Nampula. The indigenous groups form 99% of the population
Languages: Portuguese is the official National language, however there are over 60 languages spoken through out the country
Over the last 1000 years Mozambique has been the focus of interest for many races. The strategic location, rich minerals, gold and ivory made Mozambique, over the centuries, an important trading point
The primitive people of Mozambique were the Bosquimanes, nomadic, hunter-gatherers. Between 200 and 300 AC the Bantu people arriving from the northern big lakes, established themselves along the Mozambique coast line. The Bantus brought in agricultural skills as well as knowledge of iron working
During the 13th Century, the Arab traders settled along the East Coast attracted by the gold mines. They, the Swahili's, introduced the Islamic culture. The Indians and Chinese were also actively trading along this coast line
In February 1497 the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrived at Ilha de Mozambique (Mozambique Island, today connected to the main land by a causeway) on his way to India. And in 1507 a permanent settlement started on the Island
During this period Portugal tried to take control of the gold trade
In the 16th Century the Dutch made failed attempts to occupy the Island
Portuguese farmers were encouraged to settle and develop further inland, expanding the occupied territory. By mid 16th century the ivory trade was competing with gold
In 1752 Mozambique was officially declared a Portuguese colony
Between 1700s and 1800s the slave trade became a major activity, over 1 million slaves were transported to Brazil, Reunion and Mauritius
The "Prazo" system was introduced as an attempt to gain more control over the colony, to promote agricultural and economic development. It consisted on a contract granting land (Prazos) to Portuguese women over three generation (as long as they were married to Portuguese men). The Prazeiros (owners of Prazos) became the elite of the country exerting great control
In 1871 slavery is abolished and Ilha de Mozambique becomes a depot for free slaves
In 1878 Portugal conceded some of the Northern territory for trading to British and German companies as a way to avoid invasion from those countries. The European companies introduced enforced labour "Chibalo" on construction of roads and farming
One year later the Lourenço Marquez treaty was signed between Britain and Portugal, resulting in the construction of the railway linking Lourenço Marquez to Johannesburg, it was officially completed in January 1895. At this time the Capital was moved from Ilha de Mozambique to Lourenço Marquez, where most political and economic activities were now being carried out
In 1926 Antonio Oliveira Salazar takes over Portugal on a fascist coup. For Mozambique this again meant forced labour to build the railways linking the main ports to the main cities as well as mines, and farming activities. Salazar also introduced a strict racist regime, where education was no longer granted to the population, and the Africans were forbidden to initiate any kind of business. The Prazos were abolished at this time
The Catholic Church came in to provide basic education to the African people but under strict conditions, which included abandoning traditional beliefs and culture, this was for many the only way to avoid forced labour (they were called the, 'Assimilados' or non-indigenous). The great majority of the African population were forced into hard labour. Cities and developed areas were reserved for white people and a few privileged, 'Assimilados'
Nationalist feelings were fast developing by the educated few and intellectuals
In June 1960, during a peaceful protest at Mueda in Northern Mozambique, the Portuguese opened fire on the crowd. This event is remembered yearly as "The massacre of Mueda". This was the start of the Mozambique liberation movement
Frelimo Party (Frente de Liberacao Mozambicana - Liberation Front) was created and had Eduardo Chivambu Mondlane as the first president. The purpose was to conquer complete independence from Portugal
In 1969 Eduardo Mondlane was assassinated by a letter bomb. Samora Michel as military commander took over with strong Marxist views. Portugal was struggling to keep hands over the colony and slowly lost control. With the overthrow of Salazar's regime, Portugal gave in, on 7th September 1974 Portugal agreed on a transition of government to Frelimo
The Independent People's republic of Mozambique was then proclaimed
There was no gradual transition, the Portuguese left in a hurry leaving the country in a trap set for disaster. Radical and unrealistic social changes were fast implemented with some external help. By 1983 the country's economy was in a shambles
Renamo (Resistência Nacional de Mozambique - Mozambique National Resistance) was created in 1970s by external forces. From 1976 onwards its main purpose was the destruction of social economical structures and destabilization of the government. Recruits were forced to join, whilst roads, bridges and railways were destroyed together with schools and hospitals. Skilled labour was targeted, many were killed. Atrocities were violently committed. Until 1992 the country was basically in a brutal civil war, that pitted brother against brother
In 1983 drought and famine forced the Frelimo movement to turn to western aid
In 1984 the Nkomaty Accord was signed between Mozambique and South Africa (S.A.) The deal was for S.A. to withdraw all support for Renamo and in exchange Mozambique would reject the ANC and allow South African Investment into the country. This Accord was not successful, as S.A. did not as promised withdraw their support for Renamo. Renamo remained in power
Two years later Samora Michel died in a plane crash and was replaced by Joaquim Chissano
The collapse of the USSR and the newly elected South African president F.W. De Klerk turned the situation against Renamo
The peace agreement came in October 1992, followed by the UN monitoring disarmament and demobilization campaign. The first National Elections was held in 1994
Since then Mozambique has greatly developed towards peace and democracy. Showing a much greater political stability with the Frelimo party winning another term in 2004
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Southern Africa Travel - Malaria
WHAT IS MALARIA?
Malaria is one of the world's most common diseases, caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans by a female mosquito's bite. The discovery of this parasite in mosquitoes earned the British scientist Ronald Ross the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1902. In 1907, Alphonse Laveran received the prize for his findings that the parasite was present in human blo
od.
od.Malaria is a potentially fatal illness of tropical and subtropical regions. The disease is caused by a parasite which is transmitted to human beings bitten by infected mosquitoes. The disease is widespread in
WHICH AREAS HARBOUR MALARIA?
Within
Within
HOW TO AVOID MALARIA
Prevention of malaria relies upon adopting personal protection measures designed to reduce the chances of attracting a mosquito bite, and the use of appropriate anti-malarial medication. Both personal protection methods and anti-malarial medication are important, and neither should be neglected at the expense of the other.
PERSONAL PROTECTION MEASURES
Personal protection measures against mosquito bites include the use of an appropriate insect repellent containing di-ethyl toluamide (also known as DEET), the wearing clothing to conceal as much of the body as practical, sleeping under mosquito nets, and the spraying of sleeping quarters at night with a suitable pyrethroid containing insecticide, or the burning of an insecticide laden coil. If at all possible avoid being outdoors at night, when malaria carrying mosquitoes are more likely to bite.
ANTI-MALARIA TABLETS (PROPHYLAXIS)
There are a number of different types of anti-malaria tablets available. Choosing one depends both upon the particular area being visited, and the traveller's own medical history.
Within
All of these drugs require a prescription.
Mefloquine is taken in adult dosage of one tablet per week. This should be commenced at least one week before entering the malarious area and continued for four weeks after leaving the malarious area. Mefloquine is best taken after a meal, and with liquids. The principal contra-indications to the use of mefloquine are a history of psychiatric problems or epilepsy, although there are a number of others.
Doxycycline is taken in an adult dosage of 100mg per day, starting a day or two before entering a malarious area. Like mefloquine it should be taken for four weeks after return. The drug should be taken after a meal, and washed down with plenty of liquid. It should be avoided in pregnancy and children.
Atovaquone-proguanil is taken daily, and can be commenced a day or two before entering the malarious area. It should be taken for seven days after leaving the malarious area.
A combination of chloroquine and proguanil can be used as prophylaxis against malaria. and is available without a doctor's prescription. This combination is more difficult to use than the simpler mefloquine, doxycycline, and atovaquone-proguanil regimes, is believed to offer less protection, and is not generally recommended by SAA-Netcare Travel Clinics.
No method of malaria prevention is one hundred per cent effective, and there is still a small chance of contracting malaria despite the taking of anti-malaria medication and the adoption of personal protection methods. This does not mean that anti-malaria medication and personal protection measures should be neglected, simply that any traveller developing possible symptoms of malaria should seek medical advice despite having taken the prescribed precautions.
WHY IS MALARIA DANGEROUS?
Most of the malaria found within
MALARIA SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of malaria may include a generalised body ache, tiredness, headache, sore throat, diarrhoea, and fever. It is worth emphasising that these symptoms may not be dramatic, and can easily be mistaken for an attack of influenza or similar non-life threatening illness. Deterioration can then be sudden and dramatic, with a rapid increase in the number of parasites in the victim's blood stream. A high swinging fever may develop, with marked shivering and dramatic perspiration. Complications of a serious nature, such as involvement of the kidneys or brain (cerebral malaria) may then follow. Cerebral malaria is extremely serious, with the victim becoming delirious and entering a coma. Cerebral malaria is frequently fatal, and it is extremely important that all suspected cases of malaria should receive urgent medical attention.
All persons possibly exposed to malaria who develop any influenza like illness or fever within seven days of entering, or six months of departing a malarious area should seek immediate medical attention, and have urgent blood tests taken to check for possible malaria infection. It may be sensible to have a second blood test taken if a first test is negative for malaria, to be certain of excluding the disease.
MALARIA SUMMARY
Malaria is a potentially fatal disease caught from biting mosquitoes. Prevention relies on measures to reduce bites, and taking anti-malaria medication appropriate both for the destination and the traveller. Any traveller developing influenza like symptoms or fever within three months of return from a malarious area should be tested for malaria, even if taking preventive measures.
PROPHYLACTIC MEASURES TO PREVENT MALARIA
It is most important to note that no preventative measures are 100% safe. Should flu-like symptoms and signs of malaria like body pain, headache and fever develop 7 to 20 days or longer after visiting a malaria area, daily testing for malaria should be performed until you are better or another definite diagnosis is made.
It is a well-known fact that malaria is one of the most serious and common tropical diseases in the world. However, there is no reason why this disease should deter you from coming to the
1. MALARIA CAN BE PREVENTED IN THE
The most important and most effective way of preventing malaria is firstly to prevent mosquito bites. The following preventative measures can be taken:
§ Remain indoors from dusk to dawn if possible as malaria mosquitoes usually feed in the early evenings and mornings.
§ Cover your arms and legs towards evenings with light coloured clothing to cover exposed skin areas and especially the ankles. Wear long sleeved shirts, long trousers, socks and closed shoes.
§ Apply insect repellents to exposed skin areas every 4-6 hours.
§ Burn insecticide coils or electrically heated insecticide tablets in the bedroom at night.
§ Spray knock-down insecticide for flying insects inside the bedroom in the early evening with windows/doors closed if there are no window screens.
§ Screened mosquito proof windows and doors and mosquito nets guard against mosquito bites.
§ Clothes and nets impregnated with Pyrethroid could be used.
Another way of preventing malaria is to take additional preventative drugs when visiting an endemic malaria area, especially in the warm and rainy months from October to May.
The preventative medication of choice for visitors to the
Chloroquin is taken on a weekly basis and Paludrine daily. The first dose of Chloroquine should be taken a week before entering a malaria area to see if there are no serious side effects. Paludrine can be taken 2 days before entering the malaria area.
It is important to continue to take the medication during your stay AND FOR FOUR WEEKS after leaving the malaria area.
It is advisable to take the medication at night with food to reduce side effects like nausea.
MEFLOQUIN is an alternative to the Chloroquin / Paludrine combination and it is the drug of choice when visiting other areas such as
If the Chloroquine/Paludrine combination or Mefloquin cannot be used, DOXYCYCLINE on a once daily basis can be taken after meals as a preventative drug.
Please contact your general practitioner or chemist for the correct dosage according to age and weight. Discuss if any of the medications are contraindicated (i.e., in infants, young children, pregnancy, patients with psoriasis, porphyria or epilepsy).
2. MALARIA IN PREGNANCY, INFANTS, SMALL CHILDREN AND OTHER SPECIAL CASES.
Despite the fact that the South African National Department of Health recommends that pregnant women should preferably not visit a malaria area, many pregnant women do visit a malaria area and even live in the
It is safe to use Chloroquin and Paludrine in pregnancy, even in the first three months of pregnancy.
Mefloquin and Doxycycline must not be used in pregnancy.
Because malaria has a faster and harsher effect in infants and small children, extra care should be taken to prevent mosquito bites.
Take chloroquin syrup weekly and paludrine tablets daily in dosages according to age and weight – the appropriate dosage can be obtained from your general practitioner or chemist.
Drug transfer in breast milk is insignificant and infants require full preventative medication.
It is important to take the medication during and for four weeks after leaving the malaria area.
The following people should, if possible avoid visiting malaria areas – or take extra care in preventing mosquito bites:
§ Cancer patients on chemotherapy
§ Persons on long term steroid therapy
§ Persons whose spleen have been removed
§ Persons with full blown aids – it is not contraindicated for an HIV positive person to visit a malaria area.
People suffering from porphyria must not use Doxycycline. In this case, the combination of Chloroquin and Paludrine is probably safe to use. The safety of Mefloquine in porphyria has not been established.
People with epilepsy should take care when using Chloroquin. Mefloquin is contraindicated in epilepsy.
Pilots and mountaineers should not take Mefloquin as it could impair balance.
3. MALARIA SYMPTOMS
If you develop influenza-like symptoms, such as body pains, headache and fever, 7 to 20 days after visiting a malaria area, you must have your doctor test you for malaria immediately.
Ensure a safe and care-free stay in the endemic Malaria area CALL THE 24 HOUR PHONE-IN LINE +27 82 234 1800 for information about the current Malaria status, prevention, prophylaxis, symptoms and signs.
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