Mozambique

Featured Destination Mozambique

There's something special about arriving at a destination around sunset… With a rim of yellow, orange and red on the western horizon, you can just make out the vague outline of the landscape before the it is swallowed up by the dark of night. The next morning you wake up filled with anticipation, curious about what the place "really" looks like…

And while it's probably true that Mozambique doesn't occupy the number one spot on most people's bucket list, this may actually be even more reason to make a point of visiting this beautiful neck of the woods… As one of the world's new sanctuaries, the country is investing heavily in the recovery of its wildlife, nature reserves and natural resources, and tourism opportunities - from beaches to safaris - abound.

In its cities and villages, the great diversity of the country's history and culture is melded into a beautiful mixture where the pulse of daily life can be felt, smelled and heard all around. Maputo makes for a great starting point for any visit to the country. Not only is it the capital and commercial center of the republic, it is also a good place to ease into all that the country has to offer and a great place to avoid culture shock.

The city is renowned for its wide avenues, line with red acacias and lilac jacaranda trees. Here, you will find a plethora of shops, markets and stalls, selling anything from beautiful examples of local art and craft, wood, bone and stone sculptures to batiks and oil paintings depicting the culture and spirit of the country. Nightlife leaves little to be desired, with cultural attractions, bars, restaurants and casinos open and ready to satisfy the most diverse of interests and appetites.

Once acclimatized, you may want to venture out and start exploring…Topography and climate has created three distinct varieties of vegetation: dense forestlands in the high parts of the north and central areas, woodland and savannah in the south, and mangroves along the coastline. In terms of wildlife, Mozambique has something for everyone. Home to elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hippopotamus, antelopes, tortoises, monkeys and a variety of birds, few places offer more.

What to do...

In an effort to recapture the interest of foreign visitors, the country has embarked on a mission to acquire and restore a number of national parks. Most famous, perhaps, is Gorongosa National Park which was once one of the best in Africa. Here, in the southern end of East Africa Great Rift Valley, the park offers sweeping landscapes and unique wildlife, making this a perfect destination for both adventure seekers and those looking to escape. Another park, the Bazaruto Archipelago, is known for its exotic birds, coral reefs and protected marine species, including dolphins, turtles and dugong.

Another "must", while in Mozambique, is the province of Nampula, or, more correctly the "Ilha de Mocambique". This area was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in recognition of its unique cultural and architectural heritage and is considered the birthplace of the Mozambique nation… Settled and occupied by people from far off lands, the province is rich in history and culture; don't miss the old part of the city with its buildings of stone and coral, the arte-sacra museum, the Fort of St. Sebastiao, the monument to Luis de Camoes, and the Hindu temple…

And when you tire of history and such, retire and relax on your own private, white-sand beach and let the clear, still waters of the Indian Ocean lull you to sleep in the shade of a palm tree. But keep one eye open… giant marine turtles lay their eggs here, and if you are lucky, you may witness this fascinating sight…

For more information on Mozambique and all that the country has to offer, check out www.turismomocambique.com.mz where you will find accommodations, events and travel tips from the experts.

South African Airways offers daily, convenient connections from its hub at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport to Windhoek. Click Here to view Fares and Schedules.

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