ENTERTAINMENT
The country is opening up to tourism but, at present, it is mainly in the form of package tours. Independent travelers are relatively few in number. Beira has lovely beaches and is the base for trips to Gorongosa National Park (see below). Amongst the numerous beaches in Mozambique are Ponta do Ouro, Malugane (in the south), Inhaca Island (near Maputo), Inhambane with its beach resort of Tofo (about 400km/250 miles north of the capital), Xai-Xai, Vilankulo, São Martino do Bilene and Chonguene. The museum in Maputo (the capital) houses paintings and sculptures by well-known local artists. The gallery in the Ministry of Labor building is also worth a visit, as is the market. Ilha de Moçambique (Mozambique Island), near Nampula in the north, is a fascinating place, dotted with 17th- and 18th-century buildings, many of them from the colonial Portuguese period. There are also some interesting mosques dating from that period. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Regions that are being promoted as tourist resorts include the Bazaruto Archipelago (780km/485 miles north of Maputo), consisting of four islands plus surrounding islets and reefs. This beautiful area features inviting sandy beaches and offers excellent opportunities for game fishing.
National Parks
There are three good national parks in Mozambique. The Gorongosa National Park is open from the beginning of May to the end of October. Visits can be booked through the LAM office in Maputo. Access is provided by an airstrip at Chitengo. Guides and cars are available inside the park. The Maputo Elephant Park is on the right bank of the Maputo River. The Marromeu National Park is at the mouth of the Zambesi River.
Watersports
There is good fishing for marlin, barracuda, sailfish and swordfish. Notable resorts are Inhaca Island near Maputo, the Bazaruto Archipelago and Mozambique Island. There are many beaches and lagoons with safe bathing; however, there is a danger of occasional sharks in the warm Indian Ocean. Many hotels have pools. Some resorts have facilities and excellent clear waters full of underwater sights for divers or snorkelers to explore. Zavora’s coral reef is outstanding.
There is also good hiking but advice and extreme caution should be taken due to the large amount of leftover landmines in the country. Birdwatching is excellent.
Travelers to the South will enjoy the splendid beaches of Ponta do ouro. This area is one of the best locations for scuba diving in the world and its waters are alive with many species of marine life including dolphins, Manta ray and the occasional shark for the more adventurous. The shoals of tropical fish fill the coral reefs with an ever-changing spectrum of colour.
To the North of Maputo, in the province of Gaza, are the famous beaches of Bilene and Xai-Xai. Their well equipped self catering resorts and catered accommodation offer you a choice of water sports, fishing and relaxation in the luxurious setting that will entice you to stay longer and return time and time again.
Further on up the Coast, around the city of Inhambane, are Tofo and many other secluded beaches, some of which are accessible only by four wheel drive vehicle. Gorongosa Park is on the way up North were you will be able to see wildlfe. Travelers to Vilanculos will be tempted to Linger a while at the self-contained luxury resorts of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Many of these resorts can arrange boat hire for those who enjoy a spot of deep-sea fishing.
Out of range of most travelers by road are unexplored to the North of Beira, Quelimane and Nampula. On the way you will find the historic town of Angache, which bears the influences of the Arab and Swahili peoples who have trade along this coast for centuries. The Ilha of Mozambique is a fascinating place to visit with much to offer tourists interested in learning about the history and culture of our country.
Tourists traveling to the interior of the country will be enthralled by the beauty of Lago Niassa, the vast lake which borders Tanzania and Malawi. This is one of the wildest places in Mozambique and is not for the fainthearted, however the rewards are great for those who persevere with the journey and here you will find beautiful, undeveloped countryside with the true feel of Africa. And , of course, no journey to the interior
Last, but not least, are the sandy beaches of Pemba and the remote Quirimbas Archipelago. The many small Islands in this area are true treasures isle, with their wealth of marine life and unspoilt beaches. There are a few stunning new resorts in this Arquipelago were you will find the PERFECT beach..
Dotted along the shoreline are the silhouettes of the dhows, which have been fishing along this coast for centuries. This peaceful way of life creates an atmosphere of calm relaxation for the weary traveler.
So, whether you’d like an adventure holiday or just prefer to relax and get away from it all, it’s all waiting here for you in Mozambique-the land of smiles.