Beira is an ancient and diverse city located on a coastal plain of Mozambique. It is an important port and commercial centre, home to a variety of cultures and religions, and one of the oldest cities in East Africa. The city is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and vibrant nightlife. In this text, we will explore the many aspects that make Beira an intriguing and captivating city. From its culture, to its cuisine, and its unique beaches, Beira is an unforgettable and captivating travel destination. Along the way, we will take a look at the city's colorful past and its critical role as an important port and trading hub in East Africa.
Getting to Know Beira
Beira is the second largest city in Mozambique. The population of Beira is estimated to be around 590,000 people as of 2019. It is a multicultural city home to people from several ethnic groups and cultures.
Beira is located in the Central African Time Zone (CAT). This time zone is two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2).
The official language spoken by most people in Beira is Portuguese. However, there are also minority languages such as Ndau, Chopi and Makonde being spoken in the city.
The official currency of Mozambique is the Mozambican metical (MZN). Most shops, restaurants and hotels will accept credit or debit cards as payment.
Climate and Weather
Beira is a city located in Mozambique, along the Indian Ocean coastline. The city has a climate that is tropical savanna and generally hot and humid all year round. The city experiences very hot and dry summers that extend from November to March, while in the peak summer months, the temperature can reach up to 35°C (95°F). Wintertime, during the months of May to October, has much cooler temperatures and see average temperatures of 28°C (82°F). There is some rain that falls during the winter months but generally, the summer is the rainiest season as this is when the city experiences most of its rainfall. Additionally, the city’s proximity to the Indian Ocean helps to keep temperatures more moderate than would otherwise be expected. The areas near the coast generally experience high humidity levels year round, sometimes reaching up to 90%. All of these factors make for a very hot and humid climate in Beira.
Touring Beira: Airport and Transportation
There are two airports in Beira, Mozambique – Beira Airport (BEW) and Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
You can get from the main airport to downtown in Beira via taxi or shuttle bus. A taxi ride will cost around USD $8-20 depending on the distance and time of day, while the shuttle bus costs around USD $2.
Yes, you can change money at Beira airport. However, the currency exchange rate at the airport is highly inefficient compared to other money exchange options. It may be more beneficial to exchange your currency beforehand or at a local bank if possible.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Beira
- Beira is an ancient city with a long and rich cultural heritage. It is believed to have been first populated by Phoenicians, followed by Arabic rule and then Christian conquerors
- Beira is known for its vibrant music scene and traditional folkloric arts like capoeira, maculelê and samba
- The region is also home to some of Portugal’s oldest religious buildings. Visitors can enjoy exploring the historic churches of San Vicente, Domus Maris, and Santa Maria
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