Magical Mozambique  by Sarah Manners
 

Mozambique is located along Africa's picturesque south-eastern coast and is bordered by Tanzania, South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. It is a country rich because of its beauty, history and the warmth of its people.

A Brief History

When Vasco da Gama stumbled upon this coastal paradise in 1948 en route to India he set the way for Portuguese expansion into Mozambique. The culture and traditions are still flourishing and Portuguese is the official language of Mozambique. It is a country that was ravaged by a bloody civil war which raged for almost three decades. Since the warring factions Renamo and Frelimo, came to terms on a peace agreement in 1992 the country has enjoyed a renaissance amongst African and international tourists. It is extremely popular amongst South Africans, as they only have to travel a short distance to get there.

Many visitors are attracted to Mozambique by its warm tropical weather and pristine beaches which stretch as far as the eye can see. Over the last few years Mozambique has become an African tourist hot-spot popular amongst leisure, adventure and eco-travellers alike.

Mozambique Attractions

Most visitors are attracted to Mozambique by the attractions that lie off of this country's shores. A wide variety of fish are attracted to the warm waters of Mozambique which makes the coast an excellent fishing and diving destination.

Mozambique is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches along the African coast. In the South the beaches of Bilene and Xai-Xai are extremely popular amongst holiday makers. The fabulous atmosphere and the gorgeous scenery make for a leisurely and truly enjoyable African holiday. Some of the beaches in Mozambique are only accessible by four wheel drive vehicles which makes for an awesome rather adventurous day out. There are also many small Islands in this area which are home to a wealth of marine life and unspoiled beaches.

There are three national parks in Mozambique that come highly recommended. The Gorongosa National Park and the Marromeu National Park are teeming with a wide variety of game and a safari drive through these parks will be a highlight on your Mozambique holiday. The Tembe Elephant Park is home to the largest African elephants in the world, along with rhino, buffalo, leopard, hippo, lion and antelope species. The park is also a highlight amongst birding enthusiasts and scuba diving at the nearby Tongoland reefs are not to be missed.

The best way to experience Mozambique is to spend your days scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and sport fishing in the crystal waters and your nights sampling the cuisines infused with Portuguese, African and Arabian flavours at the local pubs and restaurants.

Mozambique Travel Advice

Mozambique has a tropical climate which means that temperatures are in the high 20’s all year round. The rainy season occurs during the hotter summer months (October to March) and winter months (April to September) are cooler and dry.

When travelling to any foreign country it is essential that you consult with your GP for medical travel advice and to make sure that you have been immunised for certain diseases associated with the country that you will be entering. Malaria risks are the most prevalent for travellers, so it is imperative that you consult your doctor as to what medication you should be taking a few months before you actually plan to leave for your holiday. Vaccinations against cholera, typhoid and poliomyelitis are also advisable.

Mozambique like many other tourist destinations is prone to cases of opportunistic crime. It is therefore advisable that you are aware of your personal safety and of your valuables especially bags, cameras and mobile phones.

When to Visit Mozambique

The best time for game viewing in Mozambique is towards the end of the winter season, as the animals tend to gather more often and in greater numbers during this drier season than they do in summer. If you are a bird watching enthusiast November and December are the months to visit. Mozambique is home to hundreds of gorgeous species and bird watching in this tropical paradise is excellent. If you are visiting Mozambique for the amazing fishing opportunities the larger fish tend to populate the waters in summer months while the small to medium sized fish are more prolific in winter. It is not advisable to visit during January and February, as Typhoons have been known to wreak havoc along the Mozambique coast at this time of year.
 
 

About the Author

Explore magical Mozambique with Escape Tours African safari packages. Mozambique combines exciting game viewing with delicious cuisine, cultural delights and picturesque beaches. Southern Africa is an untouched and magical gem that is just waiting to be explored by you.