A hidden gem on the Indian Ocean
Mozambique is one of Africas up-and-coming hot-spots, with stunning beaches, excellent diving and magical offshore islands. Go snorkelling around the Bazaruto Archipelago, sail on a dhow through mangrove channels or laze under the palms in the Quirimbas Archipelago, take an off-beat safari in the wilds of Gorongosa National Park, wander along cobbled streets past stately colonial-era buildings on Ilha de Moçambique, sip a café espresso at one of Maputos lively sidewalk cafés (or maybe a caipirinha at one of its jazz bars), watch the silversmiths at work on Ibo Island or dance to the countrys trademark marrabenta music.
For almost two decades, many of these attractions were inaccessible due to a protracted guerrilla war. Now dark times are in the past, and Mozambique is one of Africas rising stars, with an upbeat atmosphere, overflowing markets and a 2500 km coastline waiting to be discovered. If you are inclined to something tamer, stick to Southern Mozambique, where roads and transport links (especially with neighbouring South Africa) are good and accommodation options abound. For more adventure, head across the Zambezi into the wilds of Northern Mozambique, one of Africas last frontiers. Getting around here takes time, but the paradisiacal coastal panoramas and sense of space, the sheer adventure of travel and – for those with a healthy budget – some of the continents most idyllic island lodges make the journey well worthwhile.
Just off the southern coast of Mozambique, the island is home to one of the country’s finest beach resorts, Benguerra Lodge, a small intimate lodge with a rich East African/Arabic feel, washed by the turquoise waters of the warm Moçambique channel. This is barefoot luxury at its very best. Other activities on offer include boat trips to neighbouring islands, deep-sea fishing and island walks, or you can just relax in the shade of a beach umbrella or by the freshwater swimming pool. Delicious fresh seafood forms the basis of the Portuguese-influenced cuisine, and in the evenings you can enjoy a sunset cruise on a traditional dhow to see the flamingoes.
ATRACTII
Bazaruto Archipelago is a beautiful island resort and underwater marin Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Cahora Bassa dam is the Hydro-electric dam on the Zambezi river and the second largest man-made lake in Africa.
Gorongosa National Park. During the 1960 Gorongosa was a playground for the rich and famous and referred to as the place where Noah parked his Ark, due to the abundance of wildlife in the park.
Quirimbas Archipelago & Quirimbas National Park, at the North of the country, a scenic and secluded holiday destination off the beaten track with lush African bush on the mainland and white sand beaches/crustal blue water in the Archipelago and on the coast.
Most of the Quirimbas Islands are small and boast stunning beaches and wonderful warm clear Indian Ocean settings. The lodges on the Mozambique Quirimbas islands cater for all your needs with luxury and comfort added to the stunning Indian Ocean Island location.
The Quirimbas Archipelago Islands are the place to forget the world and relax in tranquillity, luxury and comfort in an idyllic setting off the coast of Mozambique.
There are 27 islands in the Quirimbas Archipelago in the far north of Mozambique, 11 of these quirimbas islands fall under the protection of The Quirimbas National Park which covers an area of over one and a half thousand square meters.
As well as pristine beaches and exclusive beach resorts the Quirimbas is home to Ibo Island, one of the most ancient settlements in Mozambique.
Ilha de Mozambique is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital under Portuguese rule.
Everywhere Ilha is a magical mix of old Portuguese and old muslim architecture. It basically divides into two halves - the old Stone Town in the north and the Reed Town in the south which is set down from the main streets.
The museum is in the old Palacio Govierno, a big red building up in Stone Town. In the same building is a tourist information office that sells really good street maps and has all sorts of other information about the various restaurants and pensaos on the island. It is well worth heading here as soon as you arrive.
Also worth a visit is the fort at the northern tip of the island, which contains the Church of Nossa Senhora Baluarte, almost certainly the oldest surviving European building in the southern hemisphere, dating back to 1522.
Ponta de Ouro is a great dive spot, more easily accessible from South Africa than from Maputo. The Dolphin experience is not to be missed. Run by a team of passionate conservationists, the chance to swim with the dolphins will change your life!
