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Full country name: Republic of
Mozambique
Area: 801,600 sq km (309,500 sq miles)
Population: approx. 19 million
Capital city: Maputo (pop 1.3 million) - previously
Lourenco Marques
People: 99% African, including Shangaan, Chokwe, Manyika,
Sena and Makua
Language: Portuguese (official), indigenous languages
Time: GMT + 2 hours
Religion: Indigenous beliefs (50%), Christian (30%),
Muslim (20%)
Independence: 25 June 1975
President: Joaquim Alberto Chissano
With over 2,500kms (1500 miles) of coastline the tourism
industry in Mozambique is predominately based on the
attraction of its white, palm-fringed beaches, lapped
by warm currents and boasting coral reefs, islands and
archipelago's with dazzling marine life. As the country
re-enters the international tourism scene many new lodges
and luxury hotels are opening to cater for the discerning
visitor. The coral reefs and open seas off Mozambique
are some of the world's richest, making the country
a haven for snorkeling, diving and deep sea fishing.
Mozambique, which joined the Commonwealth in 1995,
is now building on its stability by promoting foreign
investment and tourism. Now emerging as one of the newest
tourism destinations in Southern Africa, Mozambique
is rebuilding and transforming itself after a long,
horrific civil war that scarred the country and shattered
its limited infrastructure. Unfortunately, much of its
wildlife, including the big game species, was decimated
by war leaving little behind. National Parks like Gorongoza,
once considered one of the great game reserves of Africa,
are a mere shell of their former self and will take
many years of concerted conservation effort to rehabilitate.
But such efforts are underway and recently two new trans-frontier
or Peace Park were announced with South Africa, Zimbabwe
and Swaziland.
Mozambique offers a significant cultural contrast
to the other countries in the region, with its blend
of African, Arab and Portuguese influences. This mix
is especially noticeable in its Afro-Portuguese cuisine;
its colonial architecture and the Latin beat of music
in the clubs and discos. All this creates an atmosphere
that is unique within southern Africa. The cosmopolitan
existence of Mozambique started well before the first
Europeans arrived in the region. Arab sailors are thought
to have been trading with Mozambique prior to 600 AD,
bringing spices and trading gold and ivory. Today, about
a quarter of the population is Muslim, about one fifth
are Catholic, and the remaining are animists.
Maputo, the capital and once (a long
time ago) ranked as one of the cities of the
world, is a colonial-style city, with wide tree-lined
streets and tall buildings overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Book yourself into the Hotel Polana before heading on
to the Bazaruto
Archipelago, or head even further north to
Pemba.
Book
your trip to Mozambique now!
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Main Attractions
Whilst Mozambique is gearing up to be a tourist destination
of the future, we can only confidently recommend selected
destinations at present. This said, we recommend a visit
to this beautiful country without hesitation. A few
days at one of the lodges or resorts in this stunning
region before or after your African safari will certainly
make you want to come back for more.
Bazaruto
Archipelago
Pemba
& the Quirimba's
Exotic Charm
Mozambique is a land forgotten - a country left behind
by the rest of the world. It exudes an exotic charm
seldom found in the fast moving world of today - local
fisherman, quaint Arab dhows, street markets and roadside
industry together provide an atmosphere
Relaxation heaven
With fabulous weather for much of the year, stunning
white sandy beaches, coral reefs and warm waters the
coastal regions and archipelagos' offer the visitor
unabashed tranquility and relaxation.
Cruise the Islands
Ask about the various cruise boat options.
Art & Crafts
Mozambique has a rich artistic tradition which, incredibly,
continues to thrive despite decades of colonial occupation
and civil war. Today, Mozambique produces some of the
finest art in Africa. The sculpture of the Makonde people
from the north is recognized as one of Africa's most
sophisticated art forms. The country is also well known
for its murals which can be found adorning walls in
Maputo.
Deep-sea fishing
Deep-sea fishing along the Mozambique channel, well
known for the trophy-sized marlin and sailfish. Also
caught regularly are kingfish, mako, wahoo, serra, yellowfin
tunny and queenfish.
Scuba diving
Scuba diving & snorkeling on coral reefs, particularly
in the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Water sports
Both motorized and non-motorised water sports (canoes,
kayaks, sail boats, windsurfers) are available at most
of the resorts and lodges along the coast.
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