MOZAMBIQUE
Mozambique is well known for its long stretched coastline, seemingly endless sandy beaches, a vibrant culture and fantastic beach accommodation. Spend unforgettable days on one of the small islands off the coast, with all the luxury needed to make it a distinguished ‘barefoot’ beach holiday, either after a safari or as a beach holiday all on its own.
Why Mozambique
What to expect
Quirimbas Archipelago
This archipelago with around 30 coral islands lies in the Indian Ocean off the North of Mozambique. The southern part of this idyllic archipelago is part of the Quirimbas Marine National Park. Most of the islands are not inhabited, overgrown with mangroves and washed by the sea. Some of the islands developed into exquisite holiday paradises with small luxurious resorts, like Vamizi Island or Azura Quilalea. This area is a perfect hidden gem for water sport and diving enthusiasts, but without the tourist crowds known at other diving destinations of the world.
Bazaruto Archipelago
Approximately 20 km from the mainland and the quant seaport of Vilanculos, you find the 4 main islands Benguerra, Bazaruto, Magarugue and Santa Carolina stretching over an area of about 60 km. The helicopter flight from the main land to your lodge is impressive and offers a breathtaking view over the islands and coral reefs. Enjoy several days of utter relaxation on white beaches and by the azure blue ocean. Activities such as snorkelling, diving, fishing or boat trips are also on offer here.
Special Information
You could also enjoy a splendid beach holiday on the mainland of Mozambique. White Pearl Resorts is an equally recommendable beach destination and is situated a mere 30 minutes flight south of Maputo. The long sandy beaches are perfect for extended beach walks with stunning views. With some luck, you might even spot dolphins or whales off the shore.
On the cultural side we recommend a visit to Ibo Island, which is part of the Quirimbas Archipelago. As early as 600 AD, traders established a trading post on this island, which developed to the second most important Portuguese trading post in Mozambique. Today you can visit several ruins of fortresses, walk on historical tracks and visit silversmiths as well as artisans.
Did you know…
the colours of the Mozambican flag all have a special meaning? The green stripe represents agriculture, whereby the black stands for Africa, as the black continent. The yellow symbolises the mineral riches for the country and the two white stripes in the middle signify peace and justice. The red triangle on the left represents the struggle for independence against colonialism. In the triangle there is a star symbolizing Marxism, a book which stands for education, a rifle symbolising the willingness to defend and a pick which represents the country’s agriculture.
There are various species of turtles inhabiting the coast and islands of Mozambique. On Vamizi Island, you can find the largest recorded population of green turtles in Mozambique. The nesting and breeding period is between July and December and after an incubation period of around 50 days the hatchlings emerge at night and slowly make their challenging way to the ocean.
Insider’s Tip
The south coast of Mozambique offers endless, secluded beaches, wonderful remoteness and an unspoiled coastal landscape. I was particularly impressed by a boat trip along the coastline, because our boat was accompanied by dolphins and I had the privilege to observe a humpback whale at close range.
Tours
A stay in Mozambique is the ideal beach vacation after a safari. However, these paradisiacal islands and beaches of the mainland are also wonderful destinations for a beach holiday all on its own. This romantic beach delight is likewise the perfect spot for an extraordinary honeymoon.
We gladly send you our latest beach hotel recommendations for inspiration to discuss your individual expectations and are looking forward to being your professional partner for the organisation of your travel arrangement to Africa.
ABOUT MOZAMBIQUE
Official Name:
República de Moçambique (Portugiesisch); Republic of Mozambique
Currency:
1 Metical (MZN) = 100 Centavos
Capital:
Maputo
Total land surface:
801.590 km² (World rank 34), thereof 18% forest, 4% farmland, 55% pasture land
Expansion:
North-South: 2.000 km, West-East: 50 km up to 600 km
Population:
11,529 million
Official Language:
Portuguese
Largest Cities:
Maputo (931.591), Beira (298.847), Nampula (250.473)
Climate:
A tropical and subtropical climate prevails throughout the country with three climate zones to be specified. The zone with the highest rainfall is in the north and central part of the country. Furthermore there is a dryer region to the south as well as a colder middle zone with rainfalls in the higher mountains. The northern and central areas are influenced by hot air flowing from the equator. It becomes very hot during the rainy season between November and April (especially in December and January). The influence of the Monsoons from the Indian Ocean can cause heavy storms and rainfalls during this season. The average temperatures during the rainy season vary between 28° C and 31° C. More moderate rain and lower temperatures prevails in the winter months between May and October with average temperatures varying from 20° C to 25° C.
