Mozambique

The Capital City of Mozambique is Maputo, situated in the south. The official language is Portuguese, although English is quite widely spoken especially at the various resorts.

ENVIRONMENT
The coastal plain, in the south, rises to mountains and plateaus in the north and west. Two of Southern Africa’s longest rivers, the Zambezi and the Limpopo, flow through Mozambique. Other major rivers include the Save and the Rovuma, which forms the northern border with Tanzania. Lake Malawi, also known as Lake Nyasa, forms part of the border with Malawi.
As you go westward, the land changes abruptly from a narrow, palm-studded strip of beach along the coast to a broad belt of savannah and woodland, then forested mountains. Trees include hardwoods, acacia and papaya. Fauna include the rare, endangered black rhinoceros.
There are many regional variations in Mozambique, but generally the hot, rainy season is from October to March with the average daily high hitting 31°C (88°F). The dry season runs from April to September, when the average daily high tops out at 27°C (80°F) on the coast, while it is somewhat cooler inland.

GETTING THERE
One can drive from Johannesburg to Maputo, or travel by bus or train. To reach the magnificent islands in the Bazaruto Archipelago, it is better to fly. South African Airways and LAM (Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique) fly regularly to Maputo. LAM also has flights via Maputo, further north to Vilankulo, Pemba, and various other centres in Mozambique.

A new operation, TTA Pelican Air now flies directly to Vilankulo, which is the gateway to the magnificent islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago.

All passport holders require visas for Mozambique. These can be obtained from the various consulates, or on arrival in Mozambique. Mozambique G.S.A. are happy to assist you in obtaining your visa if you are in South Africa, we also have a list and contact details of the various Mozambique Consulates worldwide.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
No vaccinations are required when visiting Mozambique. However, as a precaution, Malaria tablets should be taken. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist. Except at the upmarket resorts, it is not a good idea to drink unbottled water. We recommend you bring along the following personal medication: Insect repellent, suntan and blockout creams, Immodium, Malaria tablets and antihistamine creams.

CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Metical (plural Meticais), however US Dollars and South African Rands are the more readily accepted currencies.

MAPUTO AND SURROUNDS
Mozambique’s capital, Maputo is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Since the end of the civil war, roads have been resurfaced, running water and electricity have been restored, and a lot of development is taking place. There are several museums and other places of interest, including the well-known Mercado Municipal market, an 18th century fort, and the Roman Catholic Cathedral, which is one of Maputo’s most impressive buildings.

There are numerous hotels offering a range of accommodation, but visitors looking for a beach holiday would do better to find accommodation out of Maputo as Maputo does not have the lovely sandy white beaches found further north and on the islands. Only the Holiday Inn in Maputo is situated on the beachfront; others offer wonderful sea-views, but do not have access to any beach. The business hotels are excellent and usually offer complimentary transfers to the main business areas and to the airport. It is only a short drive from Mavelane International Airport to the city centre.

ILHA DA INHACA
Inhaca Island is the closest island getaway, situated in the bay of Maputo, just 40 km from the capital. It is easily accessed with daily air transfers, just 10 minutes flying time from Maputo. There are also some boat companies that arrange boat transfers for larger groups. There is a small village on Inhaca, with a rather quaint but well-known restaurant called Lucas’ and a small market. One can also visit the Marine Biology Museum and excursions are taken to the lighthouse and to Portuguese Island, just a few minutes from Inhaca Island. Portuguese island is totally deserted with magnificent expanses of beautiful white sandy beaches, and safe bays for swimming.

VILANKULO
Approximately 800km north of Maputo lies the town of Vilankulo, (formerly Vilanculos). Vilankulo is the gateway to the romantic islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago. It is easily accessible by two wheel drive vehicles, and the International Airport has flights arriving regularly from Johannesburg and Maputo.

Vilankulo is a busy, bustling town with friendly people and a lively atmosphere. Electricity is generated by means of natural gas. At the Vilankulo markets fresh produce is readily available, and there are shops selling basic supplies, as well as a petrol station and a clinic with competent doctors. There are also numerous restaurants serving a variety of fresh seafood and Portuguese cuisine.

THE BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO
Opposite the coastal town of Vilankulo, lies a chain of five islands. Once part of the mainland, this “spit” broke away from the African continent 25 000 years ago to form the Archipelago, comprising three larger islands of Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, as well as the smaller Banque and Santa Carolina, (previously known as Paradise Island).

The Archipelago, declared a National Park in 1971 sustains a diverse population of fauna and flora including forest, savannah and wetland eco-systems. To maintain the ecology and social integrity of the Bazaruto National Park, a long-term "Multiple Resource Use" Project for the Archipelago is underway. The various Lodges subscribe to the wise and sustainable use of the resources and contribute financially to the project.

Sunsets, peace and solitude are a reality on the Bazaruto islands, allowing the visitor to choose what to do – or not to do. However, guests can relax on unspoilt, uncrowded, pristine beaches while for the more active there is excellent bird watching, superb diving and snorkelling as well as excellent fishing.

SCUBA DIVING & SNORKELLING
Scuba diving in the Bazaruto Archipelago has been likened to diving at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The corals alone can keep the diver spell-bound as the full spectrum of coral species are present. Over 600 species of fish have been recorded during Scuba diving. Humpback whales, dolphins and moray eels often accompany the diver on explorations of the marine world. Leatherback, Loggerhead, Green and Hawksbill turtles and the mystical dugong are also sometimes sighted.

FISHING
The big game fishing around the Bazaruto Archipelago is world-renowned. Being on the very edge of the deep Mozambique Channel, Bazaruto is Africa’s most productive area for Marlin (Black, Blue and Striped) and Sailfish as well as warm water game fish such as Giant Kingfish, Wahoo, King Mackerel, Dorado and Bonito. October to March are the prime Marlin months with June to September being best for Sailfish. Many other species of fish are caught all year round. With regard to Rock & surf fishing, it may be necessary to hire a Landrover to reach the best spots. Boats can also be hired for fly-fishing. Kingfish, Bonito, Bonefish and Gars are prevalent at evening high tide.

BIRD LIFE
Approximately 164 different birds have been identified and confirmed on the islands in habitats varying from the coastal dunes, open grasslands and fresh water lakes to savannah and acacia woodlands. The shores fringing the islands are a paradise for plovers, sandpipers and other wading birds. Thousands of Palearctic migrants cram the shallow waters during the summer months and a keen eye and a good pair of binoculars will reveal many rarities among them. Other animals to be seen are the plentiful Red-tailed squirrels, Samango Monkeys, Suni and Duiker, which have been re-introduced to the islands.

ILHA DO BAZARUTO
The largest island in the Archipelago is Bazaruto Island, approx. 37 km in length and 7 km at its widest point. The name Bazaruto originates from a local word; “Ushurutswa”, which means “island of the mist”; the Portuguese later converted it to Bazaruto. Legend has it that pearls were collected for the Queen of Sheba off the coast of Bazaruto.

The eastern strip of the island is composed of enormous sand dunes. The remainder of the island is thicket, grassland, scrub and wetland. Wildlife species include dolphins, dugongs, humpback whales and marine turtles. The freshwater lakes are home to big crocodiles. Near the north point of the island is an old lighthouse, the Farol do Bazaruto, built by the Portuguese over 100 years ago. This has not been in operation for many years, but the view from the top of the lighthouse is truly spectacular. Bazaruto Island has two airstrips, one near each of the resorts.

ILHA DE BENGUERRA (also known as Benguerua Island) is approximately 55 square kilometres in extent. Benguerra Island was originally named “Santa Antonio” by Portuguese explorers and was later named Benguerra after a local Tribal chief. The island is approximately 11km in length and 5,5km wide and lies 14km offshore from the mainland and the town of Vilankulo.

Cashew nut trees are indigenous and grow on the seaward side of the island. The locals harvest the nuts and the toxic husk from the nuts is used to brew very intoxicating liquor. Wild orange trees contain a natural strychnine poison when green but can be eaten when ripe. Sisal plants are plentiful and are used in a manufactured form by the locals to repair their fishing nets. Mlala palms are in abundance and the leaves are used for the weaving of mats, baskets and hats, which are then sold. The sap from the stem of the plant is also used to brew potent liquor. The locals who grow a small amount of sweet potatoes, paw-paws and onions also harvest coconut palms. On the southern point of the island you will find Casuarina trees planted by convicts from Penal colonies in the area during Portuguese rule. The trees are not indigenous and were planted to prevent erosion on the island. The island has a usable hard grass airstrip. Co-ordinates are: 21.51.00S 35.27.00E 1000 metres

ILHA DE MAGARUQUE the third largest island in the Archipelago. The hotel is being refurbished. Magaruque has a tarred airstrip, and is the closest island to the town of Vilankulo. The island boasts superb snorkelling and scuba diving on a reef just a few metres from the front of the hotel.

ILHA SANTA CAROLINA, known previously as Paradise Island, and sometimes referred to as the “Pearl of the Indian ocean”, is a tiny island midway between Bazaruto Island and the town of Inhassoro, on the mainland. The old hotel is not operational at this time, but the island is truly beautiful, and well worth a visit if staying at one of the Lodges on Bazaruto.

NORTHERN MOZAMBIQUE
PEMBA & THE QUIRIMBAS ARCHIPELAGO

Direct flights from Johannesburg to Pemba in the northern most Cabo Delgado Province have recently been introduced, which is opening up the beautiful unspoilt area of Pemba, and the little-known group of 32 islands that make up the Quirimbas Archipelago, that begin some 70 km north of Pemba and continue right up to the Tanzanian border.

Pemba, formerly known as Porto Amelia, is the vibrant capital of Cabo Delgado Province. The city lies on the south shore of Pemba Bay, the third largest bay in the world. The modern port, the international airport, world-class hotels and restaurants, and a network of newly-repaired roads combine with the historic charm and colonial architecture of the old city to give a fascinating and vibrant destination situated on this stretch of Mozambican coast.

In central Pemba there is an authentic local market or Souk, where arts and crafts, as well as traditional silverware can be bought - a bargain hunter's delight.

Pemba is also renowned as being a prime destination for water sport and diving enthusiasts as the coral reef lies close to the shore and their magnificent display of colourful coral species, thousands of tropical fish and mammals like whales and dolphins are waiting to be explored. The abundant fishing waters at St Lazarus Banks are also within easy reach.

Pemba is close to a number of breathtaking attractions. These include the beautifully untouched Quirimbas Archipelago, a group of 32 islands, including historic Ibo; a major trading centre in previous centuries when Africa’s East Coast was controlled by Arabs, and later became a Portuguese colony.

Two forts guard Ibo, one of them a magnificent example of Portuguese architecture in the 1800s, the other reduced to a ruin. Yet Ibo itself remains a bustling local centre, silversmiths still practicing their fine work outside these forts to offer unique mementos of a special place in Africa.

The Quirimbas Archipelago stretches from Pemba (the capital of Cabo Delgado Province) to the Rovuma River, which forms the natural frontier between Tanzania and Mozambique. The area has never been developed and remains an unexplored tourist paradise.

The southernmost 11 of these coral islands and a vast expanse of mainland forest are included in the Quirimbas National Park - a conservation effort to preserve and protect the area.