Mozambique – the “underdog” of African tourism is unfairly neglected by many who decide to spend their vacation on this continent. And though Mozambique is not graced with some of the renowned African safaris, it has its many advantages. The country beckons with its vast coastline of 2470 km (1500 miles), swaying palm trees, fascinating underwater life, intriguing culture, rich history and incredibly friendly and welcoming people. For those who decide to venture into Mozambique, there is nothing on the horizon but excitement and thrill, so there is no more time to wait. Explore the country which once captivated Vasco de Gama and find out why.
The Two Giants of Mozambique’s Tourism Offer
When we are considering Mozambique’s rich tourist offer there are two names that stand out: Bazaruto Archipelago and Qurimbas Archipelago. One located in the south of the country and the other far up north, both are magical escapes from the mundane reality.
- Bazaruto Archipelago consists of five islands surrounded by the clear turquoise waters of Indian Ocean. It is home to some of the most amazing beaches in the country (and perhaps even the world), such as the one on Benguerra Island. The windswept sand dunes, long coral reefs and lovely lakes are enough to gain that title for Benguerra. The Archipelago is also known for its wildlife diversity (both below the water and above). Some of its most famous inhabitants are Nile crocodiles, dugongs, green turtles, pink flamingos and more than 2000 different kinds of fish. The sublime underwater world is the main reason why Bazaruto is so popular for diving and snorkeling.
- Quirimbas Archipelago, similarly to Bazaruto, is mostly untouched by human influence (with the exception of several private islands with world class luxury villas). Quirimbas consists of 32 islands and many of them are not inhabited, while others are tourist resorts or historical sites. So if you have an itch for local history, Quirimbas is the best place to start. Just as Bazaruto Archipelago, Quirimbas has fascinating beaches covered with sparkly sand and surrounded by turquoise and azure waters. Some islands are connected with the coast with mangroves, coral reefs and sand bars.
The Pulsing Life of Maputo
The capital of Mozambique, Maputo, surely is the lifeblood of the entire country. It is quite the opposite of the serenity you can expect to experience on the remote beaches of the country. The truth is, that even if you are searching for relaxation, it would be a sin to leave out Maputo from your travel route. It is the essential part of exploring Mozambique. There, you can see exactly how the Portuguese colonial rule influenced the architecture, cuisine, lifestyle and culture. The strange mix of Marxist style apartment blocks and Portuguese classic architecture is a true reflection of that influence. Fortunately, Maputo is rather budget-friendly, so you will be able to find very affordable apartments and houses on websites such as propertymaputo.com and the additional costs will also be reasonable.
The Art of Exploring
Exploring Mozambique is a specific form of art where you need to let go of all of your expectations, limitations and prejudice. Yes, you will travel by busses which will rarely be there on time and the food will sometimes look suspicious (still, it is almost always delicious), but if you stay positive and understanding, you will truly get to know the local culture and find some of the most amazing places in the country. Lucky for you, the locals are so friendly that they will guide you through that process and help you with everything you need. When in Mozambique, you have to release your inner adventurer and try diving, snorkeling, surfing, or why not, even whale swimming? Tasting signature local dishes is a must, but do not worry, they will all please even the pickiest taste buds. Mozambique is also famous for its wine and rum, so a bit of savoring is not a sin. As for the travel route, plan not to plan and let the road surprise you. Do not stick around only for two famous archipelagos, but also visit the famous Tofo (one of the best surfing spots in the world), Pemba and Gorongosa National Park.
Mozambique, the land of fabulous beaches, bursting city life, amazing underwater world and good people (as Vasco de Gama called it – Terra de Boa Gente) should definitely find its place on your travel bucket list. Do not wait any longer to explore it and enjoy its uniqueness.
Author bio: Oliver Hyde is an experienced business consultant from the UK. His job allows him to travel, which also happens to be one of his greatest passions. Being a wanderer, he rarely stays at the same place for a long time, but Africa stole his heart. He had been travelling through the continent for more than a year. You can follow his travel adventures on Twitter.
