Africa - Mozambique
Welcome to Mozambique

It is an exciting time to be involved in Mozambique, where much potential exists for both investors and private entrepreneurs. The country is making great strides toward peace, development and recovery after a long civil war and years of famine. Due to its history, Mozambique's natural resource base remains largely untapped, and the country is quickly becoming a post-conflict success story, with a largely transparent government that is attracting much foreign investment. Many new international hotels and award-winning luxury lodges have been opened while the country's national parks and game reserves, some under private management, are being re-stocked and returned to their former glory. The establishment, along with neighbouring countries, of cross-border wildlife reserves being a vital factor in this resurgence. Mozambique's 2,500km of white, palm-fringed beaches - and the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago in particular - are a major attraction for tourists. The extensive coral reefs host a dazzling array of unique marine life and other superlative diving and fishing opportunities.

However, Mozambique offers much more. The Quirimbas Islands, in the north of the country, are now a prime attraction. The first lodge to open there was recently rated one of the top 100 hotels in the world by an international magazine. Other exotic destinations include the mysterious mountains of Namuli and Ugando; the historical settlements of Angoche; the World Heritage Site of Ilha de Mozambique and the magnificent natural harbour of Pemba from which one can take a boat to the nearby Ibo Island.

Culturally, Mozambique provides a contrast to other countries in Southern and East Africa, with its blend of African, Arab and Portuguese influences. The Mediterranean charm lives on within a fun-loving African setting, creating an atmosphere that is unique within the region. This mix is especially noticeable in the Afro-Portuguese cuisine and the Latin beat of the music in the clubs and discos.

Visitors will warm to the liveliness and exuberance of Mozambique - a land of contrasts and a country of smiles. Get here soon before the masses arrive.

The Facts

• Flying Times Most flights into Mozambique are via Johannesburg, South Africa, although there are direct flights from Lisbon to Maputo. Flight time from continental Europe is 12 hours plus.
• Language Portuguese is the country's official language. It is widely spoken in larger towns, less so in rural areas where Swahili and Bantu dialects are common. The exact number of dialects spoken has not been established, although it is estimated there are at least nine and perhaps as many as sixteen. English is not widely spoken or understood outside the southern resorts and areas bordering Zimbabwe and Malawi.
• Climate  Mozambique's southern coast enjoys an agreeable period between April and November with consistently little rainfall and pleasant daytime temperatures ranging between 20° and 29°C (68° - 85°F). Temperatures tend to rise as you travel northwards.
• Currency  The currency is the Metical (Mtc) Mtc1.00 = 100centavos The current exchange rate is approx.  US$1.00 = Mtc24.
• Cost of Living  Mozambique has the unfortunate, but well-deserved reputation, of being expensive in comparison with its neighbours.
• Essential Services: 
• Medical  The capital Maputo, formerly Lourenço Marques, is the only place in the country with good emergency medical services. Elsewhere, facilities are limited, in smaller towns the only medical services will often be just a modest local heath centre. Most people who have the financial means will travel to South Africa for Medical treatment.
• Communications  The country's telephone system is efficient and mobile telephones are widely used. Internet access in Maputo is straightforward. Elsewhere, there are Internet Cafés in most provincial capitals and some larger towns.
• Electricity  The electricity supply is variable, subject to surges and troughs and power cuts are common. 

Holiday Facilities  Facilities range from the most basic rooms to 5-star luxury lodges. Most major cities offer a wide choice of accommodation, although elsewhere, selection is limited. Throughout the country accommodation tends to be more expensive than elsewhere in the southern African region. Mozambique is a prime destination for diving, snorkeling, birding, fishing and surfing. Facilities are being developed in several areas and in a number of locations they are already well established.  We have arrangements in place with several of the country's major hotels and resorts and will be happy to assist visiting clients or travellers in making the necessary accommodation and travel arrangements.  

The Property Market  Southern Mozambique is very attractive and offers particularly easy access to South Africans. Popular areas are Ponta d'Ouro, Ponta Malongane, XaiXai, Inhambane, Tofo, Tofino, Vilankulo and the Archipelago de Bazaruto. The central part of the country is less accessible and less popular now than during previous centuries. It is a major transit zone and is also home to the wonderful Gorongosa National Park. Northern Mozambique is considered to be one of Africa's last frontiers, wildly beautiful, untamed and with an endless succession of unspoiled beaches. Top attractions are the Ilha de Moçambique, Nampula, Pemba and Lichinga. It is worth bearing in mind that after 11 years of fierce fighting, Mozambique eventually gained its independence from Portugal in 1975, immediately embarking on a bloody civil war that lasted until 1992. Much of the modest progress made since then has been negated by droughts, famine and floods, as a consequence of which, a truly organized and regulated property market has yet to develop. Naturally existing properties change hands, and new villas, apartments and condominiums are being built, but all on a fairly ad-hoc basis. Even then, such activity does tend to be limited to the areas around the capital Maputo and other major cities. For this reason, in the first instance we would strongly recommend anyone interested in purchasing or investing in the country, to complete one of our Questionnaires and contact us personally. Then, depending on your exact requirements, we will put you in direct contact with one of our agents on the spot. 

Property Prices   Prices vary considerably. However, as an example, in Inhambane, (fast becoming a world renowned tourist hot spot), prices range from US$200,000 for a simple four bedroom property to US$900,000+  for a villa or lodge. Project development and construction is time consuming and involves significant bureaucratic processes.      

                                                                     info@villabranca.com