E: 31/07 Win a trip to Maputo in Mozambique

MaineBlue

MTS
To celebrate the launch of our company Managed Travel Services we are giving you the opportunity to win a trip to Maputo here in Mozambique.
The prize

Direct return flights to Maputo, 2nights' accommodation at the Raddison Blu Hotel

Win a Romantic Break for Two To Mozambique

Maputo, the capital and largest city of Mozambique, sits on the shore of the Indian Ocean. The city is often bypasses by tourist, as they flock to the famous Mozambican beaches. Maputo, however, has a lot to offer and is definitely worth a visit!


Entrants must be 18 years old or over. No purchase necessary. Only fully completed registrations will be eligible. Only one entry per household. One winner will be automatically selected by Managed Travel Services. The prize can be claimed subject to availability of the hotel. The prize must be claimed by 10th August 2015. The prize is nontransferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or an alternative prize or combined with any other offer, promotions or discount. The prize includes a 2 night stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel for 2 adults including breakfast and a three course dinner for 2 (including 1 bottle of house wine) on the night of your arrival Drinks (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) and food in addition to the provided meal menu ("Extras") are excluded from the prize.

Money_Man_Steve

Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN all required to enter.

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https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mozambique/safety-and-security


Safety and security

Crime

Most visits to Mozambique are trouble-free, but street crime, sometimes involving knives and firearms, is common in Maputo and increasing in other cities and tourist destinations. Bag-snatching and pick-pocketing also occur.
Be vigilant at all times. Beaches or offshore islands are not policed. Avoid walking alone at night and don’t display valuables or money. Use a hotel safe if possible. Avoid withdrawing cash from ATMs at night.
There has been an increase in reports of carjacking, particularly in Maputo. Keep your car doors locked while driving. Be particularly vigilant when arriving at or leaving residential properties after dark. Avoid driving alone at night.
There have been several reported incidents of car-jackings between Boane and the Swaziland border crossing points of Namaacha and Goba. Be extra vigilant if you’re travelling by road to Swaziland.
Be extra vigilant and avoid travelling around after dark.
Don’t pick up strangers or stop to help distressed motorists or pedestrians. Hijackers sometimes use these techniques to trick motorists into stopping their vehicle. If in doubt, drive directly to a police station.
Some visitors to Mozambique report being victims of police harassment, including robbery, or requests for bribes. If a police officer threatens you or asks for a bribe, report the incident to the British High Commission so that we can lodge a complaint with the authorities
If you are a victim of any form of crime, contact the local police immediately and get a police report. If your passport is stolen you should also contact the British High Commission and inform the local immigration authorities.
Criminal kidnaps

There have been kidnappings reported in Mozambique, mainly in Maputo. While most victims have been Mozambican nationals, there has been a significant recent increase in threats, including to foreigners.
The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage-taking.
Local travel

All known minefields have been cleared in Mozambique’s northern provinces (Nampula, Cabo Delgado, Zambezia, Niassa). In the central and southern provinces (Sofala, Tete, Manica, Gaza, Inhambane, Maputo) mines still exist in remote areas, away from main routes. Seek advice from district authorities if you’re travelling in these areas.
Road travel

Traffic accidents are common due to the condition of the roads and poor driving and vehicle standards. Always drive carefully and be aware of pedestrians using the roads.
Overland travel on public transport can be hazardous due to poor vehicle and road conditions. If you doubt a vehicle’s condition, make alternative arrangements.
Low lying areas around major rivers flood regularly during the rainy season (November - April) making many roads impassable. Check local conditions before travelling. Make sure you have emergency supplies, including a first aid kit.
Only travel by road outside Maputo and other major cities during daylight. Where possible, keep to major roads and travel in convoy in rural areas. Fuel is often only available in larger towns.
UK driving licences are valid for up to 90 days. If you intend to stay longer you should get an International Driving Permit or apply for a Mozambican licence. It is an offence not to carry your driving licence with you when driving. Be ready to present original car documentation when requested by the police.
Third party insurance cover is compulsory. You can buy this at most land borders. You should carry two reflective triangles and a reflective vest in your vehicle at all times. You must wear the reflective vest when repairing, loading or unloading a vehicle. Police officers sometimes attempt to extract bribes from tourists. Don’t pay a bribe to anyone. If you are stopped by the police, ask for a clear explanation of the offence and a written fine that can be paid at a police station.
Air travel

All Mozambican airlines have been refused permission to operate services to the EU. The EU ban was imposed because the Mozambican regulatory authority was unable to verify that these airlines comply with international safety standards.
You should avoid flying with Mozambican certified carriers subject to the EU operating ban. British government employees are advised to use carriers that are not subject to the operating ban.
River and Sea travel

Piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean and has occurred as far as 1000 nautical miles from the coast of Somalia.
See our Piracy in the Indian Ocean page.
Political situation

Monitor local media for latest information and avoid all demonstrations and protests.

zoqy71

Maputo is a grim city and not safe, or at least it was when I was there last. It is not a city to on a "Romantic Break" to.

ghostsforge

zoqy71 wrote: »

Maputo is a grim city and not safe, or at least it was when I was there last. It is not a city to on a "Romantic Break" to.

I know we can't go into discussions about competitions, but thank you both, because I knew nothing of the backstory and it's going to keep me from entering.