MOZAMBIQUE
A BRIEF HISTORY
"Much of the historical data for this region comes from the records of
Arab and Indian traders who made contact with the region in the 10th
century. The first European expedition to Mozambique was led by the
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama who arrived in 1498. Thereafter,
Portuguese influence gradually displaced the Arabs and Indians in the trading system. The Portuguese
gradually moved inland, usurping the local rulers and taking over land
and mineral resources.
In
the 18th century, Mozambique became a major center for the slave trade,
an industry which continued to thrive for decades after its official
banning in 1842. By this time, Mozambique had become a Portuguese
colony, but administration was left to the trading companies who had
received long-term leases from Lisbon. This arrangement ended in 1932
after the takeover in Portugal by the fascist Salazar government.
Thereafter, Mozambique, along with other Portuguese colonies, was put
under the direct control of Lisbon. In 1951, it became an ‘overseas
province’. The economy expanded rapidly during the 1950s and early
1960s, attracting thousands of Portuguese settlers to the country. It
was around this time that the first nationalist groups began to form.
In the face of intransigent colonial authorities, the main nationalist
movement, FRELIMO, began a guerrilla war which gradually wrested
control of large parts of the country – especially in the north – from
the Portuguese. The liberation war came to an end in 1974 following a
military coup in Portugal. The new left-wing government in Lisbon had
no wish to maintain an empire and negotiations on the country’s
independence began immediately. Mozambique became independent in 1975,
and FRELIMO took power in a one-party state.
Mozambique’s
desperate problems are largely the result of the 16-year civil war
which wrecked the country. Elections were eventually held in October 1994 and won by Chissano and
FRELIMO. The new government and president were sworn in at the end of
December 1994 to continue the gargantuan task of economic and social
reconstruction.
Despite inevitable setbacks, the Mozambique government
has made steady progress in tackling massive problems facing the country. There is a very strong emphasis on the re-establishment of the country's infrastructure and making the coastal resorts and other tourist destinations as accessible, safe and attractive as possible for the international traveller."
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The coast of Mozambique can be described in two words – Paradise found! A country raw with untouched splendour and filled with the spirit of adventure and exploration. Allow yourself to be swept away to the idyllic coastal paradise of Mozambique. Enjoy the sights and sounds of a culture born out of African roots, Portuguese conquest and Arabian trade. Escape to Terra da Boa Gente, the land of the gentle people. Enjoy breath taking beaches, coral reefs and great food – true Paradise!
The 1,500 miles (2,500km) of palm-fringed coastline is washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and graced with long white beaches, excellent coral reefs and strings of pristine islands. The idyllic Bazaruto archipelago, off the coast of the Inhambane province, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, consisting of four main islands that make up
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Attracted by rumours of pearls in the 1700s, the Portuguese established the capital city of Lourenzo Marques, or Maputo as it is known today, in the southern reaches of the country. It became one of the most stylish cities in Africa, with broad avenues lined with jacaranda and acacia trees, sidewalks paved with mosaics, tall buildings and a unique Mediterranean/African atmosphere that attracted a wealthy cosmopolitan crowd. The civil war left the city in a dismal state of disrepair, and although still tainted by shabbiness, Maputo is slowly recovering some of its former glory, and today the bustling capital reveals many Portuguese-style colonial buildings, and offers culture and old world charm, along with numerous places to enjoy Mozambique's famous peri-peri prawns.
Lying just off the coast of Maputo is the popular Inhaca Island, which has extensive coral reefs, a fascinating maritime museum and historical lighthouse. Most of the wildlife reserves are located in the central and southern parts of the country, with the exception of the important Niassa Reserve on the northern Tanzania border, and although largely decimated during the civil war, they are currently being restocked and improved with large populations of elephant, buffalo and antelope. North of Maputo there are beautiful beaches and a number of centers that offer some of the best fishing in the world, particularly the areas around Guinjata Bay and the Mozambique Channel.
Wonderful places to visit in Mozambique
- Ponta do Ouro and the southern destinations
- Maputo Bay and Surrounds
- Bilene
- Xai Xai
- Barra Reef - Inhambane
- The Bazaruto Archipelago
- Beira
- Parque Nacional da Gorongoza
- The Island of Mozambique
- Pemba
Ponta do Ouro - southern destinations
Ponta do Ouro (Point of Gold) is the southernmost destination in Mozambique. Although it can be reached via Maputo, the easiest point of entrance is via the Kosi Bay border post and Ponta do Ouro is 15 km along the coast from there. In order to drive to your destination at Ponta a four wheel drive vehicle is essential. If not, there is safe parking at the border post and arrangements can be made for your transportation to your accommodation.There are numerous dive sites and coral reefs in this region which is ideal for the tourist interested in scuba diving, snorkelling, deep sea fishing or swimming off the white sand beaches.
Ponta do Ouro is purely a holiday destination which means that sufficient provisions, money (cash), etc, must be taken in for the duration of your stay. There are a number of wonderful restaurants in the area if you do not wish to self-cater.
For more information.
Maputo Bay and Surrounds
Maputo has wonderful places to stay including the world famous Polana Hotel. the city has a vibrant nightlife but much care has to be taken due to the very high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, high levels of unemployment resulting in scams or other criminal activities. Fuel, stores for shopping, ATM's and fast food outlets are all available.
Just across the bay from the port of Maputo is Inhaca Island, an attractive holiday destination for anyone who wants to savour the laid-back rhythms of a small, semitropical, Indian Ocean island. On the fringe of the tropics, it has a wealth of breathtaking beaches, coral reefs and exotic marine life on offer. Inhaca Island is a small-inhabited island, lying just 37 km off the Mozambican capital of Maputo and positioned at the entrance to Delagoa Bay. It has much to recommend it: it is easily accessible by boat or ferry from the capital of Mozambique, Maputo; it has a wealth of breathtaking beaches and it offers some of the best scuba diving and big-game fishing in the world.
Approximately 50-60 km north of Maputo, just off the small town of Marracuene, there are a number of delightful lodges and resorts along the banks of the Inqomati River. These resorts are located across the river mouth and can only be accessed by ferry. At the very point of the sand bar is Ponta de Macaneta.
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Bilene
The lagoon has calm and shallow water, and is popular for all types of water sports, from jet skiing to parasailing. Jet-skis, water-skis and wind surfers may be hired at the resort, as well as the more sedate paddleboats. There is a petrol station just a few hundred metres from the village. Bilene is easily accessible and served by a good-tarred road.
For more information.
Xai Xai (pronounced Shai Shai)
The bay has a coral reef running about one kilometre off shore which offers protected waters for swimming and snorkelling. The coastal town has become a little run down of late but it has some thriving restaurants, a campsite and a new hotel is to be completed towards the end of 1999. The town shops and markets all offer ample supplies for your needs. ATM's are also on hand.
For more information.
Inhambane, Maxixe and surrounds
Inhambane is the capital of the Inhambane province and has a history dating back to the 15th century when Arab traders sailed down the east coast in their Dhows to ply their trade. In 1498 Vasco da Gama sailed into the harbour, eventually establishing a Portuguese trading post there. Since the war the town has been wonderfully renovated and presents the traveller with a unique Afro / Arab / Portuguese flavour in terms of architecture, cuisine, etc. The town offers much in terms of sightseeing, has a few hotels, a plethora of small shops and restaurants. The shops, market, liquor store, etc, ensure that you will not be left stranded when you run out of provisions. Inhambane also has its own airport and a minimum of three flights a week operate between Johannesburg and Inhambane.
About 20+ kilometres north/east of Inhambane lies the holiday village at Tofo Bay which boasts a hotel, various backpacker lodgings and also more upmarket lodges for accommodation. There is also a variety of restaurants offering seafood dishes and local cuisine. This locality is completely accessible with a sedan motorcar and is very popular with the younger generation. This area has a number of dive operators providing high class diving and snorkelling excursions.
Just a little further on is the famous Barra Reef, a sand bar jutting out into the sea flan
ked by the warm Indian ocean on the one side and the bay on the other. The Reef hosts a number of exciting lodges, the most well known being Barra Lodge and the exotic Flamingo Bay Water Lodge. There are a number of professional dive operat
ors functioning on the Reef. Some of these resorts can be reached with two-wheel drive vehicles, but some require four-wheel drives.Just a little south of Inhambane are a host of wonderful resorts functioning along the coast (e.g. Guinjata Bay), but requiring four-wheel drive vehicles to access them.
Maxixe nests on the western side of the bay and serves mainly as a supply centre for the various lodges. There are however some exotic coastal lodges north of the town such as Pomene Lodge or Castelo do Mar.
For more information.
Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park
Vilanculos has a little supermarket as well as the small local shops, banks, ATM's for cash withdrawals, etc. Other than the many resorts in and around the town, there are also beautiful upmarket lodges located on Bazaruto and Benguerra islands. The variety of accommodation available ranges from backpacker type facilities to 5-star lodges. All are either equipped with their own or serviced by independent dive operators.
There are two luxury lodges and one backpacker on Benguera Island. Scuba diving, snorkelling, deep sea fishing and a number of inland activities are available. A guided walk to the inland lakes - where it is possible to spot crocs - for a picnic on the soft sands of the east facing beach, is a must.
A pre-war development was started along the beach of Magarrugue Island facing the main land. Half built concrete brick walls were left abandoned only a few metres above the high water mark. There are rumours of re-development of this site, we'll keep you informed. A Day trip by dhow to Magarruque from Vilanculos or from one of the other islands is widely offered. Walking around the island is a must. The white sandy beach and calm waters are very inviting.
Santa Carolina is a small island. Closer from Inhasorro (which is 83 km north by road) than Vilanculos. Day trips from the islands are popular for snorkelling and picnics on the sandy white beaches. The long distance from Vilanculos makes day trips impractical. Also here is an old pre-war tourist development that was abandoned and never re-inhabited.
Bangue is the smallest of the 5 islands, located at the southern part of the archipelago
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Beira
Beira is the capital city of the Sofala province, the second largest city and harbour in Mozambique. Beira is as famed for its steamed crabs and prawns as for its tawdry nightlife. A decent beach (at Makuti, 5km out of town) and a few well-preserved colonial buildings are the major attractions, but it’s primarily of interest as a transport hub. There is very little tourism in this area and still needs to be developed in the future, but it does serve as the springboard to the Gorongosa National Park. The city is more of a business hub and boasts an international airport linking with Maputo as well as Johannesburg and South Africa.
For more information.
Parque Nacional da Gorongosa
The Gorongosa National Park is located just above the Beira corridor. This particular region of Mozambique was one of the "hot spots" during the civil war and subsequently was denuded of mos
t animal life during that period. However, an intensive restoration Carr Foundation and the Government of Mozambique. Philanthropist Gregory Carr has invested US$10 million into the restoration of this 4,000 sq km park. This beautiful park is located at the southern end of the Rift Valley and the restoration project has not only seen to the re-establishment of park infrastructure and accommodation, but also the large scale re-introduction of game to restore the eco-balance of the valley.
The Park can be reached by driving up from Maputo, or guests can fly in from Johannesburg (SA) to Beira Airport and make use of a road transfer to Chitengo camp. There are a variety of excursions available daily within the Park and the restaurant offers delicious cuisine.
For more information.
The Island of Mozambique
entury. Since then it became known as a meeting point of various civilizations, viz.
Arabs, Dutch, English, Indians, Persians and Portuguese, because it was
one of the main trading points in the Indian Ocean. Its remarkable
architectural unity is due to the consistent use, since the 16th
century, of the same building techniques, building materials (stone or macuti) and decorative principles.Since 1991 the Mozambique Island has been registered a s a world heritage site (UNESCO) and since 2003 restoration
There is a four star hotel and a guest house located on the Island, perfectly positioned for exploring the buildings and surrounds. The Island is connected to the mainland via a narrow bridge which is passable with normal vehicles (not busses or trucks). work has commenced on the San Sebastian Fortress on the Island. As you stroll the narrow streets of Stone Town and tour the island’s many historical sites weave tales of Arab merchants, Indian traders and Portuguese explorers helping the traveller to envision life on the island in its heyday.
For more information.
Pemba
Close by is the Querimba Archipelago consisting of 32 coral islands stretching from the Rovuma River in the north, which forms the natural frontier between Tanzania and Mozambique to Pemba in the south. The area has never really been developed and remains an unexploited tourist paradise.
There are wonderful lodges, resorts and a 5-star deluxe hotel to stay in at Pemba where you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and a large variety of water sports.
For more information.
Mozambique is our speciality area and 25 DEGREEZ offers you the opportunity to discover this beautiful country from South Africa. Our tours are uncomplicated and your experience of the country is maximised. Email us with any requests.
Our services include:
- Eight day tour packages to the Inhambane/Barra Reef area in our luxury, air conditioned midi-bus. This tour would typically include a visit to the Mpumalanga Highveld and the Kruger Park en route as well as sightseeing trips to maputo and the surrounds to Inhambane. The package includes dinner, bed and breakfast. (See Itinerary below)
- Self drive packages, either with or without a guide. We will provide you with an exciting itinerary and route for your trip and will include dinner, bed and breakfast. These are normally also eight day tours, but can be lengthened according to your preferences. As per the leisure trip the route will include en-route a visit to the Mpumalanga Highveld and the Kruger / Parque Nacional de Limpopo Trans-Frontier park. (See Itinerary below)
Fly-in packages to Mozambique. Fly-in destinations include Maputo, Inhambane, Vilanculos (Bazaruto Archipelago), Beira, Gorongoza Game Reserve, Pemba and many more. These localities all host landing strips in their vicinities and transfers will be arranged to the specific location. Please contact us for a quote or more information. All packages would include dinner bed and breakfast.
All of the above packages would link up with Johannesburg (Oliver Tambo International Airport).
We are also able to assist you with the booking of accommodation at various locations in Mozambique. We have access resorts varying from 3 to five star and can help to find the right spot for you. Early bookings for the December period are however essential to secure accommodation.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF THE ABOVE DESTINATIONS, ACCOMMODATION, ETC, PLEASE CONTACT US!
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8-Day Itinerary + Kruger.doc Size : 973 Kb Type : doc |
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8-Day Self Drive ItineraryB.doc Size : 377 Kb Type : doc |
