Bazaruto ArchipelagoConsisting of five paradisiacal islands off the coast of Vilanculos in
Mozambique's
Inhambane Province, the Bazaruto Archipelago is the most popular tourist area in Mozambique and widely considered to be the 'Pearl of the
Indian Ocean'. It is a luxury destination sought after by divers, fishermen, nature lovers and well-to-do sun seekers.
The main islands of Bazaruto and Benguerra, as well as the smaller Santa Catalina, Magaruque and Bangue islands, are protected within a national park, one of the largest of its kind in the Indian Ocean. The warm seas are home
to whales, dolphins, manta rays, turtles and the endangered dugong, while unspoilt coral reefs provide underwater enthusiasts with first-rate diving and snorkeling opportunities amid thousands of fish and mammal species. On land, miles of deserted sandy beaches shaded by palm trees offer frazzled city executives a dream holiday getaway, where the most stressful thing is deciding between activities like bird watching, fishing and shell collecting, or simply enjoying the sunshine.
The largest and most popular island is Bazaruto, which gives the archipelago its name. To the west is the smallest island, Santa Carolina, nearly two miles (3km) long and less than half a mile (500m) wide, surrounded by protective coral reefs and deep water ideally suited to big game fishing. A narrow channel separates Bazaruto from its southerly neighbor
Benguela, the second largest in the chain, followed by Magaruque, which is the closest island to Vilanculos on the mainland and primarily a diving resort. From Magaruque the tiny uninhabited island of Bangue can be explored.
Climate: The Bazaruto Archipelago enjoys a warm, tropical climate. Evenings are seldom cold, except for a few nights in June and July and the region experiences less rainfall than areas further south. In summer temperatures can soar but the islands experience less humidity than the mainland because of their exposed position.
MaputoThe sprawling capital of Mozambique was, under Portuguese influence in the 18th century, one of the most beautiful and fashionable cities on the continent, with a sophisticated multi-national atmosphere, elegant buildings and wide shaded avenues.
The 17-year civil war during the 1970s and 80s had a devastating affect on
Maputo, reducing the proud city to a state of grubby disrepair, with thousands of immigrants taking over from where the wealthy socialites left off. The city has worked hard to recreate some of its former grandeur, with the five-star
Polana Hotel once again abuzz with the gossip of the rich and famous and restaurants serving up their famous peri-peri prawns. Today the city is a lively mix of people, with lots of markets and street vendors, a vibey café culture, and a relaxed pace of life.
Maputo, or Lourenzo Marques as it was known before independence, became the capital of Mozambique in 1898 and the city became established as a major trade and industry center, boasting the country's most important harbor. Today the economy of the city still relies heavily on the sea, and its port has significant potential for international trading, being the closest deepwater port in southern
Africa to the Asian markets. Most visitors to Maputo will pass through the harbor on the way to
Inhaca Island situated just off the coast, a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.
Maputo is also the gateway to many splendid beaches and resorts to the north and south of the city, as well as the Maputo
Elephant Reserve, which has growing numbers of game and beautiful coastal areas. Ponta de Ouro is the southernmost resort on the Mozambique coast, famed for its white sand beaches and as one of the best diving locations with rich coral reefs and a variety of marine life. To the north of Maputo are the beautiful inland lakes at
Bilene and the famous beaches of
Xai-Xai, popular tourist destinations that offer fishing, water sports and plenty of relaxation in beautiful surrounds.
Climate: Maputo is wet, humid and hot during the summer months from October to April with temperatures averaging 88°F (31°C). The cooler, drier months between April and September are the best time to travel to Maputo, with warm and sunny days and cool nights.
BeiraBeira is the second largest city in Mozambique. It is situated in the central region of the country, in Sofala Province, where the Pungue River and the Indian Ocean meet. It is home to the Port of
Beira, which acts as a gateway for the central interior portion of the country and the land-locked nations of
Zimbabwe,
Zambia and
Malawi. The
Portuguese Mozambique Company originally developed Beira in the 19th century. It was developed further by the Portuguese colonial government, from 1947 to 1975, when Mozambique became independent from
Portugal. Beira still has aspects of colonial charm but has deteriorated in some areas.
Garlic and peri-peri chicken or prawns are the order of the day in Beira. Biques is a festive bar (with a pool table), restaurant and campsite about 1.2 miles (2km) from the center of Beira. The bar/restaurant terrace overlooks the sea and excellent food and drinks are on offer. Papas, close to
Hotel Tivoli, is said to have the best food in town but it's also a bit expensive. Nautico serves good simple food, and has nice views of the sea and a swimming pool. Wings, inside the Macuti Housing Complex, offers Chinese and Portuguese cuisine; the chicken with cashew and pineapple, and the Bife Cremoso, are really good.
Savanna Beach is 16 miles (25km) out of town and you have to take a little boat across to the beach. The water is cleaner than in Beira and it's a great spot for fishing. It has a simple restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere. About 8 miles (12km) out of Beira, between Macuti and the airport, Rio Maria is set between the sea and a lovely river. There are no facilities there but it is a very relaxing spot.
Climate: Beira has a warm, tropical climate. Evenings are seldom cold, except for a few nights in June and July and the rainfall isn't too high. In summer temperatures can soar and the humidity levels rise.
PembaPemba is a port town and the capital of the
Cabo Delgado Province, in the north of Mozambique. It has banks, patisseries, supermarkets and restaurants yet it retains a ramshackle feel with its potholed streets. The town was built over rolling hills and most people live in wooden huts set amongst the many thick baobab trees. The history of the people of the Cabo Delgado province lies in many centuries of African, Arab and Portuguese sailing, trading and settling. The
Niassa Company founded Pemba in 1904 as Porto Amelia, named after a queen of Portugal. It was renamed Pemba at the end of Portuguese rule, in 1975.
Pemba is renowned for its Portuguese colonial architecture and is a prime location for water sports and diving. Ibo Island is nearby and worth visiting for its empty stretches of beach and to explore some of the world's richest coral reefs. There is an authentic local market (
Souk Souk) in the center of Pemba selling arts and crafts, as well as traditional silverware. It is quite large, extending 1.2 miles (2km) along one of the town's main thoroughfares. Avoid the ivory sold at the market; this is sold contrary to Mozambican and international law.
On Wimbe Beach, Mar e Sol serves delicious fish and chips in a spicy citrus sauce, and Pemba Dolphin does good seafood dishes. Visit Restaurante Discoteca, also on Wimbe Beach, for a hot Mozambican atmosphere. Quirimbas Restaurant, at the
Pemba Beach Hotel, offers lunch from an à la carte menu, as well as breakfast and dinner buffets. Restaurante 556, in Old Town, has a lovely view of the bay and good ribs, beef, eisbein and chicken.
Tarred roads connect Pemba to
Nampula and Ilha de Mozambique, and international flights and tourist facilities are budding steadily.
Climate: The climate is tropically humid with a hot rainy season, usually from December to April. The rain is irregular, and can be very heavy and accompanied by strong monsoon winds. The dry season is from May to November, with average temperature of 82°F (28°C) during the day.
