Mozambique is a popular holiday destination for South African travelers looking for an affordable beach getaway during the festive season.
With the country facing weeks of post-election protests, many travelers are left confused about how to make travel arrangements to visit the country ahead of the festive season.
On October 30, before the protests began, SATSA, the representative body for domestic tourism in South Africa, and Eden Tourism of Africa issued a statement encouraging travelers to postpone rather than cancel travel arrangements.
On 15 November, following the escalation of protest action in the country, the SADC Tourism Alliance also issued a statement saying it was closely monitoring the situation of those traveling to the country in December.
“We acknowledge the concerns that the recent disruptions in some areas of Mozambique may increase for travelers.
“The safety and security of our visitors is our top priority. As such, tourism sector stakeholders are working hand-in-hand to proactively respond, ensuring minimal disruption to the travel experience.
He also said that many of Mozambique's most popular tourist areas are located away from the affected areas and are continuing to operate smoothly, particularly with regard to fly-in destinations such as Vilanculos.
“To keep passengers fully informed, we are providing clear, timely updates on the situation on the ground so they can make the best decisions for their upcoming trips.
“For those planning to visit in December, we are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide necessary guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip,” it added.
If you are planning to travel on this festival, the following is general travel advice and guidance:
Make sure you are only getting grounded and accurate information from reliable sources.
Make a list of emergency contact numbers and keep them handy.
Check with your accommodation provider what the ground conditions are.
Avoid canceling your travel plans. If you decide to change your travel plans, try to postpone or postpone them instead of canceling.
Avoid discussing political topics in public and obey the laws of the country.
It is advisable to monitor official updates and consult your travel provider closer to your departure date to make an informed decision.