Manners & Customs
About one-half of the people who live in and around Gorongosa National Park speak and write Portuguese, Mozambique's official language. Some with secondary school education and most high-level government officials also speak English. The local Bantu-family language is Sena. People on Mount Gorongosa speak a Sena dialect called Chi-Gorongosi.
Here are a few common manners and customs:
- If you meet anyone coming towards you on a narrow path, step aside to let them pass. Usually they will make the same polite gesture and allow you to pass first.
- It is expected and appropriate to say "Good morning" or "Good afternoon" in either Portuguese or Sena to everyone you meet.
- Even when visiting the smallest community, you must always pay your respects to the local leader.
- All major mountains are considered sacred. Be sure to get permission to hike in that area from a recognized local chief, not just anyone who offers their services as a guide. You may then be asked to make a tribute gift and participate in a ceremony before you can proceed.
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