MOZAMBIQUE
 

Mozambique is reaping the benefits of peace and stability, with a crippling civil war now consigned to the history books. Mozambique is now known for its world-class accommodation, pristine beaches, adventure activities including fantastic diving and snorkeling, and a diverse culture with a trading history with China, Persia, India and Europe. Mozambique was known for its fine gold and ivory, as well as having been active in the slave trade. Today’s intrepid traveller will however find a country better known for its excellent seafood and warm hospitality! Mozambique is now safe and despite its regained popularity, this warm-hearted country remains for the most part un-commercialised, and gives an open-armed welcome to those willing to explore its pleasures and treasures. Mozambique is an enormous country, encompassing some 800 000 square km, with a coastline extending roughly 2 500km along the Indian Ocean in the southeast of Africa. At the northern-most extreme is Cabo Delgado province, including the Quirimba Archipelago, Ibo Island and Quilalea Peninsula. A recently established National Park offers visitors both marine and land environments to explore. With top-notch diving, fishing and bird watching, this is a remote piece of paradise. Perfect for those wanting to combine solitude with an experience of a lifetime.

Travel further south into Nampula province to Ilha De Mozambique and one is transported back in time while exploring the former capital of Mozambique. This part of the coastline has been declared a ‘World Heritage Site’ and is an architects dream, with buildings made of coral dating back to the 16th century.

The Bazaruto Archipelago is one of the best known beach destinations in Mozambique. One is completely spoiled for choice in terms of both accommodation and environs. Benguerra and Bazaruto islands are very exclusive, and the entire archipelago boasts fantastic beaches, perfect diving, fishing conditions and amazing bird life.

In southern Mozambique is the capital, Maputo. Formerly known as Lorenzo Marques, this thriving, bustling city never seems to sleep! From markets to colonial hotels, promenades and bistros, this is a city worth exploring and enjoying. Just six minutes away by boat is the Catembe Peninsula, with breathtaking views over the city and a delightful and exclusive boutique hotel.

Daily flights from various South African airports to both Vilanculos and Maputo make Mozambique a convenient and accessible destination, with the added bonus of visas being available on arrival for all nationalities. What are you waiting for?

Bazaruto (and Benguerra) Archipelago:
Sublime tropical isles off the Mozambican coast. Bazaruto island and Benguerra island (formerly known as Benguela), the two largest, feature magnificent, high sand dunes and green lakes inhabited by crocodiles; as well as lush coastal bush choked with indigenous birdlife.
Specials include the blue-throated sunbird and Rudd’s apalis. World-class scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities await those who explore the coral formations around the isles. Excellent hotels and lodges exist on Bazaruto Island and on Benguerra Island

Inhaca Island:
Densely wooded island off Maputo, 10 minutes by small aircraft. Excellent diving and snorkelling to be had there. Birding is rewarding. (Specials include green coucal and Narina’s trogon). Inhaca Island lodge - actually better termed a hotel - has a good restaurant. Various land and sea excursions are catered for, like to the nearby Ilha dos Portugueses. Great combination with Maputo.

Maputo:
The lively Mozambican capital is a must see. With its upbeat tempo incorporating old and modern cultures this city is fascinating. Watch the world go by whilst drinking coffee in one of the many street cafes, visit the National Art museum, the colourful artisans market and at the end of the day enjoy a cold local beer and a plate of peri peri prawns whilst watching a true African sunset.

Catembe Gallery Hotel on Catembe Peninsula:
Just six minutes by ferry from the thriving capital Maputo, Catembe Gallery Hotel offers luxury hotel accommodation, excellent dining and conference/ banqueting facilities. It is the ideal place for a total relaxing experience, offering guests a note of sophistication and comfort in a unique rural African village atmosphere. Fantastic view onto Maputo!

Pemba mainland:
A traditional old Mozambique fishing port offering pristine island scenery, scuba diving revealing many undiscovered species of marine life and world-class blue water fishing.

Quilálea:
Quilálea Island rests in a marine sanctuary with Sencar Island. Quilálea is 12 kms from the mainland town of Quissanga and 55kms north of Pemba City by sea and 120 kms by road. The island is 34 hectares in area and lies alongside a deep 70 metres channel with direct access to the Indian Ocean. The island forms part of the Quirimbas Archipelago, which stretches from Pemba to the Rovuma River, the natural frontier with Tanzania.

Vilanculos:
Gateway to the Bazaruto archipelago 700 km north of Maputo, directly opposite the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago in the tropical Inhambane province. Vilanculos is a busy colourful town and worth a visit.

Mozambique Island (Ilha de Mozambique) and Nacala:
Mystery and adventure trips to northern Mozambique.

Travel Tips:

Getting There: Maputo, the Mozambican capital is a mere 430 km from Johannesburg. So driving and flying are both easy options. Between LAM (Mozambique Airlines) and SAA there are daily flights between Johannesburg and Maputo. We are using daily charter flights to Vilanculos (from Johannesburg International airport) for our Bazaruto and Benguerra packages. Pelican Airways (TTA) also offers daily flights Johannesburg-Kruger Mpumalanga International airport–Vilanculos return. Contact us for combination packages. LAM flies to Vilanculos with a stop in Maputo; this is a great option if you wish to visit Maputo. There are regular flights to Beira, Nampula and Pemba for northern itineraries.

Visas: All visitors must have a visa and valid passport. Visas can also be arranged on arrival in Maputo or Vilanculos airport or the border post, however it is adviseable to organise your visa prior to your trip as it can waist lots of time if you decide to get it at the boarders.

Currency: US$ and S.A. Rand are widely accepted. The local currency is the Metical. Take cash and Travellers cheques, as few places accept credit cards.

When to go: April to August (Winter) is the best time, climatically as weather is pleasant. Summer December to March is hot and humid (but still pleasant on the beaches)

Time: GMT + 2

Health: Malaria is rife, so take the appropriate prophylactics, recommended is Doxicycline. Drink only purified or bottled water.

What to pack: Take care to include light comfortable clothing and protective gear / wear for the tropical sun and rain. Also insecticides and all personal medication & toiletries.

Luggage Allowance: 20 kg on international flights and 10kg on chartered flights (soft luggage).

Custom allowance: 200 cigarettes and 1 litre of alcohol.