Copyright Africa Inside Out 2008
Copyright Africa Inside Out 2008
Copyright Africa Inside Out 2008
Copyright Africa Inside Out 2008
Mozambique....
the land of smiles.
the land of smiles.
Mozambique has a lot to offer; scuba diving, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, fly fishing, sunset cruises, sailing, dolphin tours, island trips. We offer all types of accommodation: Camping, Self Catering, Bed & Breakfast, Fully Catered accommodation, and we tailor make packages to suit your needs and budget: Fly In Packages, Weekend Getaways, Honeymoons, Beach Weddings, Self Drive, Group Bookings, Conferences, you name it...
Mozambique is blessed with a rugged coastline- all just waiting for you to enjoy either from the seaside or take it even further and to enjoy the treasures of the deep waters. Many unexpected treasures and beautiful scenery are awaiting you deep under sea level. Africa Inside Out highly recommends visiting Mozambique for a real diving experience or peaceful beach holiday.
Background
Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration by whites, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development. The ruling party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement with rebel forces ended the fighting in 1992. Heavy flooding in both 1999 and 2000 severely hurt the economy. Political stability and sound economic policies have encouraged recent foreign investment.
Bordering countries
Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Facts and Figures
Population17,479,266 (approximately)
GovernmentRepublic
PresidentArmando Guebuza
Prime MinisterLuisa Diogo
Regions
Inhambane province
is characterised by its extensive coconut palms and cashew trees. This province has one of the most famous tourist destinations of the country; the Bazaruto archipelago.
The City of Inhambane:
The Portuguese established a permanent settlement and trading post at Inhambane in 1534, making it one of the oldest settlements in Southern Africa.
Getting to Inhambane
The easiest way to reach Inhambane is by a good road from Maputo (469 km on EN 1) or it is possible to drive from Beira or Zimbabwe on the EN 6 and EN 1 after Inchope. LAM does not fly to Inhambane, but charter flights can be arranged
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception:
This old and imposing church, with a fine clock tower, was built by the Portuguese about 200 years ago.
Beaches
This province has innumerable famous beaches, amongst which are:
Praia de Zavala11 km from Quissico
Praia de Závora85 km south of Inhambane
Baía dos CocosCoconut Bay
Praia do Tofo 22 km east of Inhambane
Praia da Barra20 km north of Inhambane
Pomene174 km north of Inhambane
Bazaruto Archipelago
This idyllic archipelago consists of four islands (Bazaruto, Benguera, Magaruque and Santa Carolina). They are situated off mainland between Vilanculos and Inhassoro (780 km from Maputo). There are high quality hotels on the islands. To reach the islands it is possible to hire a boat locally, or to travel by air from Maputo and Beira or to fly directly from a neighbouring country via Vilanculos where there are immigration and customs services.
Wildlife
Zinave National Park and Bazaruto National Park are conservation areas.
Gaza Province
Gaza province is known as the "granary" of Mozambique due to the fertility of the Limpopo valley where there is extensive cereal and rice cultivation.
Xai-Xai
The provincial capital of Xai Xai is 224 km from Maputo and the nearby beach (10km) is a popular tourist destination. The Limpopo River flows to the south of the town in a wide, fertile plain where predominantly rice is cultivated.
Getting to Xai-Xai
There is a good road from from Maputo (EN 1) which connects with the roads from the Namaacha and Ressano Garcia borders. It is also possible to travel to Xai Xai by charter flight from Maputo.
Accommodation
There are several hotel and restaurants in the town, however, the majority of tourists prefer to stay at the beach, Praia do Xai Xai:
Beaches
Praia do Xai-XaiThe massive reef running parallel to the beach provides natural protection against the strong waves at high tide and forms several small pools at low tide. At low tide, the reefs are invaded by women and children gathering shellfish, which they sell to appreciative tourists.
Praia do Chongoene This beach is similar to that at Xai Xai in having a protective reef. It is found about 8 km north of Xai-Xai where there is an old, ruined hotel. There are plans to restore this building to its former glory.
BileneAbout 145 km north of Maputo (EN 1) is the small town of Macia which is the turning for Bilene, some 30 km further. Bilene lies on the shore of a huge, 27km long lagoon of clear, brackish water and fine, white sand. The sea can be reached by crossing the lagoon by boat.
Wildlife
The Banhine National Park , situated between the Limpopo and Changane rivers, is an important area, protected due to its rich variety of wildlife.
Maputo
Formerly named Lourenço Marques, has wide avenues lined with red acacia and lilac jacaranda flowering trees. It offers the tourist innumerable historical, cultural and scenic spots.
Getting to Maputo
Maputo can be reached from South Africa via the Komatipoort/ Ressano Garcia border (120 km from Maputo), or from Swaziland crossing the Namaacha border (80 km from Maputo).
There are daily flights from Johannesburg and others direct from Europe (3 flights from Lisbon and 1 flight from Paris). The city has many hotels and boarding houses accessible to the whole range of travellers. For more information, contact your travel agency.
Things to see
Cathedral:
The Catholic Cathedral, located on the Praça da Independência, is an imposing white building with a beautiful tower. City Council Chambers: A neo-classical building, also on the Praça da Independência.
Tunduro Gardens
Located off Av. Samora Machel, where you can admire the fine cycad collection and other indigenous and exotic plants
Railway Station
Built in 1910, this green and white building has a metal dome on the top designed by Mr. Eiffel. It is on the Praça dos Trabalhadores.
The Fortress
Found on the Praça 25 de Junho, this fort is one of the oldest buildings in Maputo.
Museums
There are several museums in the town. You are particularly recommended to visit:
Museu de História Natural (Natural History Museum). On the Praça da Travessia do Zambeze, housed in a gothic style building, this museum displays many of the animal species of Mozambique.
Maputo Elephant Reserve
Situated 79 km south of Maputo on the road to Ponta do Ouro via the ferry to Catembe, or 112 km from Maputo via the Boane road. The Maputo Reserve is famous for its elephant herds. Flamingos can also be seen on the large inland lakes near the sea.
Mozambique is blessed with a rugged coastline- all just waiting for you to enjoy either from the seaside or take it even further and to enjoy the treasures of the deep waters. Many unexpected treasures and beautiful scenery are awaiting you deep under sea level. Africa Inside Out highly recommends visiting Mozambique for a real diving experience or peaceful beach holiday.
Background
Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration by whites, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development. The ruling party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement with rebel forces ended the fighting in 1992. Heavy flooding in both 1999 and 2000 severely hurt the economy. Political stability and sound economic policies have encouraged recent foreign investment.
Bordering countries
Malawi, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Facts and Figures
Population17,479,266 (approximately)
GovernmentRepublic
PresidentArmando Guebuza
Prime MinisterLuisa Diogo
Regions
Inhambane province
is characterised by its extensive coconut palms and cashew trees. This province has one of the most famous tourist destinations of the country; the Bazaruto archipelago.
The City of Inhambane:
The Portuguese established a permanent settlement and trading post at Inhambane in 1534, making it one of the oldest settlements in Southern Africa.
Getting to Inhambane
The easiest way to reach Inhambane is by a good road from Maputo (469 km on EN 1) or it is possible to drive from Beira or Zimbabwe on the EN 6 and EN 1 after Inchope. LAM does not fly to Inhambane, but charter flights can be arranged
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception:
This old and imposing church, with a fine clock tower, was built by the Portuguese about 200 years ago.
Beaches
This province has innumerable famous beaches, amongst which are:
Praia de Zavala11 km from Quissico
Praia de Závora85 km south of Inhambane
Baía dos CocosCoconut Bay
Praia do Tofo 22 km east of Inhambane
Praia da Barra20 km north of Inhambane
Pomene174 km north of Inhambane
Bazaruto Archipelago
This idyllic archipelago consists of four islands (Bazaruto, Benguera, Magaruque and Santa Carolina). They are situated off mainland between Vilanculos and Inhassoro (780 km from Maputo). There are high quality hotels on the islands. To reach the islands it is possible to hire a boat locally, or to travel by air from Maputo and Beira or to fly directly from a neighbouring country via Vilanculos where there are immigration and customs services.
Wildlife
Zinave National Park and Bazaruto National Park are conservation areas.
Gaza Province
Gaza province is known as the "granary" of Mozambique due to the fertility of the Limpopo valley where there is extensive cereal and rice cultivation.
Xai-Xai
The provincial capital of Xai Xai is 224 km from Maputo and the nearby beach (10km) is a popular tourist destination. The Limpopo River flows to the south of the town in a wide, fertile plain where predominantly rice is cultivated.
Getting to Xai-Xai
There is a good road from from Maputo (EN 1) which connects with the roads from the Namaacha and Ressano Garcia borders. It is also possible to travel to Xai Xai by charter flight from Maputo.
Accommodation
There are several hotel and restaurants in the town, however, the majority of tourists prefer to stay at the beach, Praia do Xai Xai:
Beaches
Praia do Xai-XaiThe massive reef running parallel to the beach provides natural protection against the strong waves at high tide and forms several small pools at low tide. At low tide, the reefs are invaded by women and children gathering shellfish, which they sell to appreciative tourists.
Praia do Chongoene This beach is similar to that at Xai Xai in having a protective reef. It is found about 8 km north of Xai-Xai where there is an old, ruined hotel. There are plans to restore this building to its former glory.
BileneAbout 145 km north of Maputo (EN 1) is the small town of Macia which is the turning for Bilene, some 30 km further. Bilene lies on the shore of a huge, 27km long lagoon of clear, brackish water and fine, white sand. The sea can be reached by crossing the lagoon by boat.
Wildlife
The Banhine National Park , situated between the Limpopo and Changane rivers, is an important area, protected due to its rich variety of wildlife.
Maputo
Formerly named Lourenço Marques, has wide avenues lined with red acacia and lilac jacaranda flowering trees. It offers the tourist innumerable historical, cultural and scenic spots.
Getting to Maputo
Maputo can be reached from South Africa via the Komatipoort/ Ressano Garcia border (120 km from Maputo), or from Swaziland crossing the Namaacha border (80 km from Maputo).
There are daily flights from Johannesburg and others direct from Europe (3 flights from Lisbon and 1 flight from Paris). The city has many hotels and boarding houses accessible to the whole range of travellers. For more information, contact your travel agency.
Things to see
Cathedral:
The Catholic Cathedral, located on the Praça da Independência, is an imposing white building with a beautiful tower. City Council Chambers: A neo-classical building, also on the Praça da Independência.
Tunduro Gardens
Located off Av. Samora Machel, where you can admire the fine cycad collection and other indigenous and exotic plants
Railway Station
Built in 1910, this green and white building has a metal dome on the top designed by Mr. Eiffel. It is on the Praça dos Trabalhadores.
The Fortress
Found on the Praça 25 de Junho, this fort is one of the oldest buildings in Maputo.
Museums
There are several museums in the town. You are particularly recommended to visit:
Museu de História Natural (Natural History Museum). On the Praça da Travessia do Zambeze, housed in a gothic style building, this museum displays many of the animal species of Mozambique.
Maputo Elephant Reserve
Situated 79 km south of Maputo on the road to Ponta do Ouro via the ferry to Catembe, or 112 km from Maputo via the Boane road. The Maputo Reserve is famous for its elephant herds. Flamingos can also be seen on the large inland lakes near the sea.