Situated on the east coast of Africa, this tropical paradise is blessed with 2500km of spectacular coastline. With its idyllic beaches fringed with palm trees and lapped by crystal-clear waters brimming with a dazzling array of marine life, this enchanting African nation is an ideal adventure holiday destination, with an abundance of activities on offer such as snorkelling, sunset cruises, horse-riding, dolphin tours and world-renowned scuba diving.
Mozambique’s two major centres, Maputo and Inhambane, offer an exotic kaleidoscope of art, music and delicious local food as well as a lively nightlife scene. Spend your days immersing yourself in the fascinating local culture, marvelling at the impressive colonial architecture and interacting with the fabulously friendly local inhabitants.
Those seeking a more remote getaway can head for the isolated beaches of Bazaruto and Benguerra Island; the historic Portuguese and Muslim architecture of Mozambique Island; the areas furthest north such as the Quirimbas Island Archipelago; or the outstanding wildlife of Gorongosa National Park. However you choose to spend your time in this exceptionally scenic destination you are likely to leave with a heavy heart and a burning desire to return time and time again. (ITT)
Lying just off the spectacular northern coast of Mozambique, Ilha de Mozambique is an island which falls within the Nampula Province. It located about 3 hours to the east of Nampula, which is accessed 6 times a week by flights from Johannesburg.
Ilha de Mozambique, also known as Mozambique Island, is a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Pottery found on Ilha de Mocambique indicates it was inhabited by no later than the 14th century with its first inhabitants being a Swahili speaking population.
Before Maputo became the capital of Mozambique, Ilha de Mocambique was the capital of Portuguese East Africa. The Portuguese had built a port and naval base here in 1507, with many interesting stone buildings, such as a Chapel, now regarded as the oldest European building in the southern Hemisphere in 1522, a formidable fortress, Fort São Sebastião, the Governor's Residence, now a museum, the Museum of Sacred Art, several churches and mosques and a Hindu temple. Most of these are located on the northern end of the 3 km and 200 – 500 metre wide island. The settlement became an important missionary centre and being on the trade route to India, also traded in slaves, spices and gold.
This tiny narrow island is connected to the mainland via a 3-kilometre bridge. The majority of the island's inhabitants live in traditional reed houses in the south, mostly in Makuti town. Although considered a cultural destination Mozambique Island also offers activities such as scuba diving and fishing trips. Guided walking or bike tours will soon reveal the secrets of Mozambique's Hidden Gem.
