In the southeastern region of Africa, Mozambique, officially referred to as The Republic of Mozambique, bakes in the tropical sun of the Indian Ocean. Over the years, the country has suffered from numerous civil wars and was devastated by military skirmishes. However, it has been a peaceful country since the early 1990's and its people have been persistent and unyielding in rejuvenating their great country. Mozambique is one of the most beautiful countries to visit in Southern Africa and offers much to curious travelers. It beaches are lined with swaying palm fronds, rare shells, and dramatically colored birds making music in the tropical breeze. Multitudes of nature reserves and parks are the home for its native wildlife and rare African species.
Maputo, the capital and largest city, is a major seaport for the area and many city activities and local culture thrives around its natural harbor. The city's wide boulevards are stitched together with red acacia trees and flowering jacaranda trees making this one of the most manicured and well-kept cities in Southern Africa. Museumgoers will find exhibitions that detail every aspect of Mozambique's history and cultural heritage. The Museum of Natural History hosts exhibits of unusual indigenous insects and a wonderful "Sounds of Mozambique" exhibit that plays sounds of all the native wildlife from untamed lions to tropical birds. Other notable museums include Mozambique Art Museum, The Museum of the Revolution, The Museum of Geology, and the extremely unique Money Museum.
Praca de Independencia, the city center, is a patchwork of local culture featuring a giant statue in honor of Samora Machel, the French-Mozambican cultural centre, a French colonial art museum, and the pristine Roman Catholic cathedral. Nearby, you can find exotic Botanical Gardens, a stone-faced plaza of markets, and the old Railway Station built by the same man who built the Eiffel Tower. For independent film enthusiasts, Maputo hosts the International Dockanema Documentary Film Festival that premieres documentary films by filmmakers around the world.
For nature seekers, head out to the Gorongosa National Park, the Maputo National Elephant Reserve, or the Marromeu National Park for wonderful photographic opportunities to catch many rare African species in their natural habitat. There are also frequent safari tours that take you all over the countryside to see gargantuan elephants, wild lions, and majestic leopards.
Mozambique's cuisine has been influenced by its strong Portuguese heritage. However, Arabic and Indian influences are ever-present. Seafood is at the core of the cuisine. Regional favorites include piri-piri prawns, matapa, and zambesi chicken.
Getting around is never difficult with rail, buses and taxis readily available in the cities. Outside the cities, you can hire private cars to take you around, or join a safari group. Portuguese is the official language, however the locals frequently speak Arabic and English. The locals are a friendly bunch and eager to help you find your way and share their culture.
With a significant influence from the Indian Ocean, Mozambique's climate is largely tropical and has two core seasons; a dry season from spring to fall, and a wet season from fall to spring. With year round temperatures hovering around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, Mozambique is a superb tropical getaway in Southern Africa any time of year.
Bazaruto Archipelago
Mozambique is one of a number of African nations who have thankfully put the bad times behind them, and are now making serious strides to developing a tourism industry. And they have the perfect location to do it. Hundreds of miles of inviting beaches, some of the best diving and snorkelling in Africa, game reserves, national parks, and the mighty Zambezi River.
The Bazaruto National Park includes the stunning archipelago, with serene white beaches, gently swaying palms, and clear turquoise waters secreting a world of coral and multicoloured marine life below. It's a divers paradise, and with more budget hotels beginning to locate here, no longer the preserve of the rich.
