Mozambique
The clear blue waters of Mozambique are teeming with sea life, ranging from tiny fish and sea urchins populating coral reefs to the gentle and giant whale sharks cruising along the coast.
Often regarded as one of Africa’s up and coming hot-spots, Mozambique is a country with a fascinating blend of cultures, beautiful scenery and welcoming locals. Though Mozambique shares borders with six other African nations, its largest neighbour is the Indian Ocean.
The country’s 2,500 km of pristine coastline is lapped by warm azure waters and dotted with virtually deserted archipelagos. Located off the northern coast, the Quirimbas Archipelago boasts some of the most stunning islands in the world. The protected National Park offers un-paralleled peace and tranquility and is the ultimate tropical island hideaway.
Ibo is a little different to the other islands. Whether its reaching the island on a dhow or strolling past ancient forts and down colonial streets, there is a striking blend of Arab, Portuguese and Swahili cultures.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilha de Moçambique is an absorbing place to begin learning about Mozambique’s colonial history. Once the capital of Portuguese East Africa, and before that a major Arab trading port, Ilha de Moçambique has a colourful history and its majestic chapel and fort stand testament to this.
For those wanting to experience the true African bush, away from the hordes of gawking crowds, Parque Nacional de Gorongosa is the place. Featured in National Geographic’s ‘Africa’s Lost Eden’, it is an intriguing lateral diversion and provides an insight into the real Africa. Further South is the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park. There are some world class beach hideaways here namely Marlin Bay, Zura and Benguerra.
After struggling through a turbulent 20th century of civil war and a number of national disasters, Mozambique has emerged as a largely peaceful, if not prosperous, nation.
