MOZAMBIQUE
Long inaccessible to the tourist, Mozambique's
tourism industry is making a remarkable recovery after a
fierce and bloody civil war. The colonial Portuguese
heritage has blended well with the local culture to
offer a uniquely Afro-Mediterranean experience in a
tropical climate.
Bordered by
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Zambia, Malawi and
Tanzania, Mozambique covers an area of over 800 000 sq
kms and is divided into 10 provinces. The 2 500km-long
Indian ocean coastline is dotted with islands, coves,
river mouths and bays. Here the visitor can enjoy
excellent holiday resorts, an abundance of sea food,
flat sandy beaches and calm turquoise seas.
The coast
offers excellent opportunities for beach combing,
shelling, fishing, yachting, board sailing and skiing.
The crystal waters are ideal for snorkelling and skin
diving over the brightly coloured atolls and coral
reefs.
A deep sea
fishing expedition always produces a haul of good sized
fish. Kingfish abound – the current record being a
speciment of a sizeable 40kgs – while cuta, wahoo, serra,
yellowfin tunny and queen fish are regularly hooked.
Bazaruto Island offers good hiking trails along the
fresh water lakes, over the sand dunes and around the
island. There is a national park and marine reserve at
Bazaruto North point providing excellent conditions for
underwater photography where a lucky diver might spy the
elusive and endangered dugong. Ibo islands, north of
Pemba which is serviced by air, are also worthy of a
visit.
In the
interior of the country, visitors can sail on lakes (Cahora
Basa), go fishing in the many rivers draining this land
of emptiness and intrigue, or hike the forest-clad
Chimanimani mountains in the West. Many of the former
game reserves decimated by the civil war are being
rehabilitated. Large roadside markets stalls offer
quality and variety.
Maputo boasts
world class hotels and restaurants. Museums, markets,
churches and the Victorian-styled railway station
provide interesting cultural excursions. A 20 minute
flip across Delagoa bay to neighbouring Inhaca island is
also highly recommended.
Capital:
Maputo
Population: 17-million
Time zone: GMT+2
Language: Portuguese, with English spoken in
tourist centres, among other local dialects
Climate: Tropical climate, hot and humid during
the rainy season from Oct – March when temperatures can
reach 40 degree Celsius. Weather is cooler in the dry
season and the nights can be quite chilly. Generally, as
the land rises, temperatures decrease and rainfall
increases.
Safety:
Unexploded landmines planted during the civil war
are a problem throughout the country, particularly in
the more remote areas. Stay on frequented roads and
tracks and don't walk or drive in the bush. Petty crime
is common in urban areas, so visitors are advised to
take the usual precautions. Avoid isolated areas off
main streets and do not take photos of police or
military buildings. Travelling alone or at night is not
advisable.
Accommodation: Maputo and Beira have adequate hotels
with some of international standard. Well appointed
lodges have opened up along the coast and on the islands
to cater for the tourist. Self-catering chalets and
bungalows are available along the coast and there are
camping facilities of varying standards. There are
limited choices available inland.
