Mozambique

Mozambique

Introduction

Mozambique is a tropical paradise, with a vibrant culture, friendly people, a myriad of cultures and an intriguing history. Bordered by the Indian Ocean, the palm-fringed pristine white beaches are lapped by warm, enticing crystal clear waters.

This is also a diver's dream, as the 2,500 km coastline boasts over 1,000 species of marine life and hundreds of beautiful coral reefs still unexplored.

Just 30 km offshore opposite Vilanculos, the Bazaruto Archipelago is one of the most beautiful places on the African continent, complete with azure waters, sandy beaches, palm trees, and pristine coral reefs with tropical fish.

Made up of just 5 main islands, and declared a National Park in 1971, the archipelago boasts among its wildlife 180 species of birds, endemic butterflies, Suni antelope and freshwater crocodile.

The protected reefs and beaches support dolphin, dugong, game fish, giant lobster and several species of marine turtle. The calm waters are perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling, as the marine life is simply spectacular.

Back on shore there is plenty to do: horse riding, 4x4 guided trips around the island, hiking, sand boarding, and of course the all important lying in a hammock and soaking up the atmosphere.

Further north lies the ancient port city of Pemba, also popular with watersport and diving enthusiasts as a coral reef lies close to the shore. Pemba is a vibrant town, and is famous for its large local market or souk, where you can buy anything and everything from the thousands of stalls.

Offshore from Pemba lies the remote Quirimbas Archipelago - a chain of over 30 tropical islands that stretch for 100 km along the northern Mozambican coastline from Pemba right up to the border with Tanzania, and which are virtually untouched and unexplored.

Ibo Island is one of the best known of these islands, and has a fascinating history of slavery, magnificent old fortresses, coral reefs and mangrove swamps.

The Quirimbas National Park, which includes 11 of the southernmost islands and a vast tropical mainland forest, provides a protective sanctuary for the coral islands, flora and fauna in the area, including feeding and nesting grounds for sea turtles, dugongs, dolphins, sharks and whales.

Inhambane is in the southern part of Mozambique and is another popular holiday beach destination.  Renowned for its excellent scuba diving, with reefs close to every beach, divers can enjoy regular sightings of giant manta rays, whale sharks, turtles and other marine life.   Snorkelling here is also extremely good.

Maputo is the capital of Mozambique, a large sprawling city which is home to about 2 million people.  Not really a holiday destination in its own right, it is mainly used as the gateway to Inhaca Island, an attractive holiday destination for anyone who wants to enjoy the laid-back rhythms of a small Indian Ocean island.

Mozambique has a warm, tropical climate, with an average temperature of around 28°C. Most of the rain falls in the summer months, between October and April, and it is also very humid and hot during these months. The winter months are generally more pleasant, as they are cooler and drier.

Whether you want to enjoy the wealth of watersports of offer, such as snorkelling, water-skiing, wake boarding, sea kayaking or hobie cat sailing, or explore the ocean depths, or enjoy a sunset cruise on a dhow, or embark on a cultural tour, or relax around a beautiful swimming pool, or you just want to sip cocktails while watching the sun slip beneath the Indian Ocean - however you choose to spend your time in this amazing country, you will soon realise that Mozambique truly is a paradise all on its own.