Mozambique

Incrível Mozambique

Untouched beaches pull flocks of tourists to this coastline country. Amazing coral reefs, white sands and crystal clear waters make Mozambique a real gem of a getaway. But to this simple country, lies a bustling capital and an emerging eco-tourism industry.

http://www.bazarutoarchipelago.com/ – Image 01 (Bazaruto Island)

Swinging palm trees dot the islands and you may find yourself dozing off in this paradise, but before you enter complete relaxation mode – visit the Bazaruto National Park. An archipelago of protected islands and home to a thriving ecosystem of exotic birds including pink flamingos, various species of buck and even Nile Crocodiles. Although the islands aren’t overly populated, you are bound to find some friendly faces. Entrance fees to the park can be paid at the hotel or entrance and there are fees for additional activities, such as diving and snorkelling. It is almost two hours away from the capital Maputo but instead of driving back after exploring the islands, find cheap accommodation and enjoy the sounds of gentle waves crashing into the strikingly white shoreline.

https://afktravel.com/96684/mouthwatering-mozambique-10-food-to-try/6/ – Image 02 (Mozambican food)

Trying Mozambican cuisine is a must, a diet that consists of fresh seafood, grains and cassava. Portuguese influence is found in many dishes, but there are also highlights of Arab and African influence. Mozambican food is deliciously spicy and you are sure to see “Peri-peri” on menus. A notable dish of your trip should be matata, a seafood melody cooked as a stew with a peanut sauce. Try Karibu in Stone Town, Mozambique Island for freshly cooked seafood with a bite. Authentic tastes of the Portuguese, well prepared prawns and fish will have you considering seconds, and thirds. Another restaurant to try on your Mozambican retreat, is the oddly named Restaurant 2+1 that dishes out hearty stews ladled over rice.

http://www.pbs.org/gorongosa/gorongosa-national-park/ – Image 03 (Gorongosa National Park)

Gorongosa National Park, is a feast for your eyes. And though animal populations aren’t significantly high, compared to other parks in Southern Africa, it is still a spectacle to marvel at. Gorongosa is still recovering from the after effects of years of civil war, but is progressing positively. Birdwatchers will be pleased with the hundreds of species around the park and game includes various buck, hippos and crocodiles. Wildebeests are scattered through the park, elephants roam freely prides of lions laze peacefully on the banks of Urema River. This park may not have the same allure of other wildlife reserves, but is a haven for rehabilitated animals and is developing the community around it.

http://tourguides4africa.com/package/14-days-camping-discover-mozambique-johannesburg-njmj/ – Image 04 (Mozambican women)

While shopping in the small but still as busy markets of Maputo, try on a capulana. A brightly coloured, thick cloth – used over clothes as a wrap around the waist or chest area. You’ll notice that western clothing is the popular choice in cities as well as rural areas. Women also wear scarves as headwraps and frequently as a pillow to carry things on their heads. And if you’re still bargaining for your own capulana, buy a traditional handmade musical instrument, smaller version of course, such as the marimba to take back with you. Mozambicans, like their other African brothers and sisters, use music and dance to express themselves and to tell their stories.

Mozambique isn’t your usual luxury beach retreat. It’s breath-taking, it’s beautiful but it also has a story to tell, is a culinary delight and affordable. An art deco feel in the capital of Maputo, to the villages in Pemba – Mozambique is incredible.