The Limpopo National Park in Mozambique was gazetted as a national park in November 2001 in a concessionary peace cord of 1992 with partnership of South Africa and Zimbabwe. There are efforts and funds from European countries and private donors.

Wildlife

With the removal of 50km of the protective fence in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, animals can freely move from Kruger National park, to Limpopo National Park and to Gonarezhou Park in Zimbabwe.

Some of the animals that are found in park include buffalos, giraffe, zebras, different species of antelopes, African wild dog, elephants, hyena, cheetah, hippos in Limpopo river

Travel Guide

The main access road between Giriyondo and Massingir, including access to Campismo Albufeira is accessible by sedan however the park recommends use of a 4×4 or high ground clearance vehicles. All other park roads are only accessible by 4×4 or high ground clearance vehicle.

This is a formal border gate situated between the Kruger National Park and Parque Nacional do Limpopo, northeast of Letaba in the Kruger. Other gates are at Giriyondo gate, Mapai and Massingir.

The park is 260km from Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. South African and Mozambican citizens do not need visas when visiting either country. Visa for all Nationalities entering into Mozambique can be obtained at Giriyondo Border post, the Mozambican Embassy or Consulate in your country. It is however recommended that visas are obtained from the embassy or consulate prior to your travels.

There are tourist facilities at Giriyondo Border, park offices, and few options for accommodation at Massingir gate. There is also luxury accommodation in the park with rustic chalets and facilties. Camping is allowed in the park with camping Machampane camp, Albufeira camp, Aguia Pesqueira camp and 4×4 trails and associated camps.

A variety of activities from cultural experiences, canoeing, hiking, fishing and game drives to wilderness walking trails and 4×4 trails are part of the adventures in this Mozambique Park.

The park has flooded pans in the north east near river and sandy soils. The park has more than 40 different species of grasses, a riverine forest, miombo woodlands, open woodlands and of course wetlands.

Wildlife

Some of the animals in the park include spotted hyena, wildebeest, sable antelope, hartebeest, reedbuck, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, elephant, buffalo, black rhino, eland, roan antelope and many others.

Some of the birds in the park include ostrich which is the largest bird in the world.

Within the Park are eleven islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago which stretches all the way up to Tanzania. These tropical, coral islands have enormous cultural and historical value, with a combination of Arabian, Portuguese, and African influences.

Parts of the park are marine and other lie on land. The vegetation is largely dry mopane forest, mangrove and colorful coral reefs

Wildlife

Several marine and terrestrial species including five species of turtles, dugong, humpback whales, shark, and other marine species are found in the park. The area of the park is crossed by three elephant migratory routes, and there are also lion, leopard, buffalo, wild dog, sable, eland, crocodiles, flamingo, raptors and others

Travel guide

It is situated in the Quirimbas archipelago in the province of Cabo Delgado. The park is only accessible by air from Maputo and from the RSA up to Pemba and thereafter by air to the park.

Diving and snorkelling in the coral reefs is possible in the park with PADI Courses and trainers at the park. Other activities at the park include fishing, boating, wildlife safaris, game drives and nature walks…to mention a few.

Travel Guide

It is situated in the districts of Gorongosa, Cheringoma and Muanza approximately 30 km from the EN1 highway, in Sofala province at the southern extremity of the Great Rift Valley.

The park is accessed on the EN1 highway from Maputo and then EN6 from Beira. SA Airlink and LAM, the national airline, fly on a regular basis to Beira and visitors can hire an appropriate vehicle from a reliable firm in this town.

Accommodation

The camp at Chitengo is some 28 km from the highway on a gravel road. The safari roads around the camp can normally be negotiated by strong 4×2 vehicles or 4×4 vehicles during the winter season.

The park is a large swampy landscape of the Limpomporiver and savannah grasslands interrupted with giant baobab trees and other woodland species

It is situated in the district of Chigubo, northern Gaza province and occupies an area of 7000 km2. It is accessed via road from Gaza or from the South Africa side of Kruger National park by flights and private charter

Wildlife

Some of the animals in the park include buffalo, giraffe, hartebeest, kudu and many others. There are several water birds and many birds nesting in the swamps and in the savannah wetlands. Other birds are migrants from neighboring parks and reserves in southern Africa.

The park covers areas of the islands of Bazaruto (the largest), Margaruque, Banguerra, santa Carolina, Pansy Shell and Banque among others. The islands have a lush tropical climate and include huge dunes, forest and savannah, inland lakes and wetlands

Wildlife

The park was created in order to protect dugong and marine turtles and their respective habitats. The park protects the largest populations of dugongs in western Indian ocean. Due to their significance the vegetation of the islands, the coral reefs, marine birds and the fauna of the park were also included.

Other marine life in the park include lizards, terrestrial gastropods, humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, marlins, barracuda

Travel Guide

The park is situated in the Inhambane province on and along the coast of Vilanculos and Inhassoro districts. Bazaruto National Park can be accessed road or air up to Vilanculos and thereafter by boat or plane to the islands.

The park has three camps (Sitone and Zenguelrmo in the island of Bazaruto and Chizungune in the island of Benguerua) and monitoring posts in the islands of Magaruque and Santa Carolina. At Vilanculos there is also a park support camp.

On a Mozambique safari, you have the unequalled experience of a lifetime discovering the endless coastline fringed by extensive coral reefs, offering natural splendor and an underwater spectacle that is hard to match.

Tours in Mozambique

Mozambique’s most renowned National Park is the Bazaruto Archipelago, a set of islands setting in a marine paradise for divers and snorkellers. The game reserves are slowly being restocked with wildlife. Here you will find the Maputo Elephant Park and Tembe National Park. There are many other smaller parks and reserves in the north that you want to check out on Mozambique Safari Holidays.

Maputo is the capital city of Mozambique located on the south coast border to the Indian Ocean. Maputo Mozambique History dates back to the early 18th century. The streets lie in ancient Portuguese architecture, street lined trees, vibrant markets, café shops, restaurants and so much more you can imagine. This makes for amazing Maputo Mozambique tours.

Some of the other sites to enjoy in Maputo include the Mousinho de Albuquerue Square , Cathedral on Independence Square, the Central Railway Station, National Library and Eduardo Mondlane University, the grand City Hall, the Gothic-style Natural History museum and the Fortress. Elephant Reserve is definitely worth a day’s visit. It is located 80 km south of Maputo among three large saline lakes, wide variety of bird, fish and animal life.

Other interesting Mozambique towns you can not miss include Vilanculos located some 740km north of Maputo, Pemba, the centre of Cabo Delgado Province is Mozambique’s largest port, Beira, Imbahane and Nampula.

Bazaruto Archipelago is a long chain of Mozambique islands overlooking Vilanculos on the mainland. They include Bazaruto, Benguerra, Maraque, Banque and Santa Carolina, all together forming the famous Bazaruto Park.

These islands offer a serene holidays where you relax on palm-fringed beaches, do some diving and snorkelling, swimming or try game fishing for Marlin, sail fish and queen Mackerel among other fishes. You’ll also enjoy more than 200 different birds nesting in the forest on the island

Quirimbas Archipelago is a breathtaking stretch of other Mozambique islands comprising of Quirimbas National park. The park stretches from to Pemba to 30 offshore islands and coralline outcrops.  Most islands are uninhabited and all are blessed with white sandy beaches surrounded by a tropical Indian Ocean. Ibo Island was the capital of the Cabo Delgado province before this title was given to Pemba and it is still one of the most prominent islands in the Quirimbas Archipelago.

Getting there

Travel to Mozambique is often by flights with several incoming flights from Jo’burg  to Maputo and other direct Maputo Flights from Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya and Portugal. Linhas Aereas de Mozambican LAM is the national air carrier for Mozambique although other Maputo Mozambique flights are with Swazi Express Airways, TAP Portugal, Kenya Airways, South African Airways and many others.

Mozambique is connected by train from Malawi via Nampula and Cuamba with daily schedules leaving Malawi early at 6h00 or 5h00. By car, Mozambique is reached from South Africa (via Lembombo and Komatipoort), from Swaziland using bus via Mhlumeni or Namaacha and from Malawi, Zambia or Tanzania.

Mozambique Accommodation

Our Mozambique accommodation options are endless, and include a varied array of private islands, resorts, hotels, lodges, and beach safaris to suit all tastes and budgets.  There are several Mozambique tour and travel agents that will ideally customize Mozambique holiday Packages to include Mozambique flights, Mozambique Hotels and accommodation bookings, tours and transfer besides giving you Mozambique Travel tips.

Maputo Mozambique Hotels

A review of Mozambique’s hotels and accommodation must launch by the heart, Maputo. Maputo Mozambique hotels are of different standards and rates .You’ll be able to locate elegant five star accommodations of Mozambique here, four star hotels of Mozambique, luxury Mozambique hotels, in addition to budget accommodations of Mozambique and low-cost hotels of Mozambique all within Maputo. In case you are trying to find deluxe, you may choose to stop at the Polano Maputo Hotel, Polano Serena Hotels, Hotel Avenida Maputo, Pestana Rovuma Hotel Maputo, Hotel Cardoso Maputo, VIP Grand Maputo hotel and Southern Sun Maputo Hotels. With all these you’ll not be disappointed with the facilities and service. They additionally prepare delightful Mozambique foods and spiced dishes a treat you can only receive when you visit Mozambique.

Bazaruto hotels Packages

Bazaruto Archipelago is definitely your dream Mozambique holiday gateway…palm fringed beaches, cocktails served, sun bathing, turquoise ocean waters and holiday resorts for ample accommodation. This is a more desirable plan in case you would like to feel an island getaway. Consider Ponta Malongane, a common getaway resort or opt for Makuti, a township in which cottages are usually crafted from reeds, bamboo as well as local timber. Some of the resort hotels in Mozambique include the five star Indigo Bay Island Resort, Dungong beach Lodge, Barra Lodge Beach resort, matemo Island resort and Medjumbe Island Resort among others. Holidays in Mozambique by the beach resort are ideal romatic or honeymoon gateways

Other spots of great interest consist of Beira in addition to Inhambane. You’ll be able to locate accommodation within Beira as well as Inhambane, Mozambique hotels at the website. Mozambique also provides mid-range hotels, boutique hotels in Mozambique along with deluxe Mozambique accommodations in this area.

Mozambique Hotel Tips

Mozambique accommodations also come in all prices and every kind of facilities. The prime accommodations within Mozambique are posted there. You’ll be able to as well pick Mozambique accommodation options at most of the best premiums. Lodging and travel facts particular to Mozambique will likely be there within your reach. There are several Mozambique tour operators and travel agents that can help you with hotel bookings besides arranging and customizing your Mozambique Holidays, cheap Mozambique flights and tours.

Much significantly, there’s a great to try and do throughout Mozambique. There will be no time to be lonely as there will be plenty to experience when it comes to Mozambique. Whether or not you pick out the urban way of life or simply make on the holiday resorts there’s a thing or two for any traveller. Whether or not one wants to relax in a Mozambique deluxe hotel and resort or perhaps a Mozambique mid-range hotel and resort or perhaps a low cost accommodation within Mozambique, they’re all readily available.

The only thing that is recommended while choose that getaway of your life would be to consider options online. There, you possibly can find the Mozambique holiday accommodation to your preference. The various Mozambique accommodation options can certainly be ordered online, on top of every adventure you’d choose to do. All the stress for making a reservation for getaway will likely is put off your mind while worked on online. You’ll keep in mind exactly where you might be taking your trip, what you will be experiencing and what it’ll be priced at ahead of travelling. This will certainly render your getaway arrangements extremely straightforward. All that is left out for everyone to care about is enjoying the special time with your getaway around Mozambique. You cannot help but like it too much that you certainly will prefer to keep coming back.

Maputo is accessed via flights and road. Flights from South Africa; Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg arrive in Vilankulo, Bazaruto, Pemba and other towns. One can drive from Johannesburg to Maputo, or travel by bus or train. May to November is the best time to have holidays in Mozambique with warm temperatures of up to 24ºC and good conditions for Mozambique beach holidays. The rains return in late November to April with impassable roads and flooded beach resort. Remember to get your malaria treatment and prescriptions before arriving for your holiday Mozambique

Mozambique Holiday Destinations

Take city tours of the coastal capital of Maputo, enjoy the fresh sea breeze as you visit any of the fish markets like Mercado Municipal market or as you have a lunch break from any of the city or hotel restaurants that specialize in sea food cuisines and delicacies. The city has vibrant streets with ancient buildings, several museums, the old Roman Catholic cathedral and the coastal fort.Not far from Maputo is Incaca Island accessed by daily flights and boat transfers with interesting places like the Marine Biology museum, the light house and its magnificent white sand beaches. Swimming, diving and snorkelling are good at the bays.

Ponta do Ouro in the south is also a good scuba dive site, one of the best in the world with spectacular coral gardens, vast marine species like dolphins, manta rays and sometimes sharks can visit the bays.

Gorongosa is found in the central part of Mozambique on the southern tip of the Great Rift Valley. It is surrounded by Mt. Gorongosa and its flowing rivers like Pungue, a diverse habitat for lions, elephants, sable, zebras, hartebeests and about 300 species of birds (e.g green headed oriole and moustached warbler). Take an evening game drive in the park and enjoy Bue Maria sundowns, the forest, low lying savannah and Lake Urema’s hippos and crocodiles.

The Bazaruto islands comprising of 3 large islands (Bazaruto, Magaruque and Banque) and some 2 small islands of Santa Carolina and smaller Banque is a national park set is undefined beauty of unique plant and forest species plus ecologically protected wetlands. Animals in the park include monkeys, suni, squirrels, duiker and other animals. Mozambique has a total of 9 National Parks and good game viewing opportunities. The sunsets are splendid on the islands bringing peace, serenity and calm breezes on the white sand beaches which are breeding grounds for the green turtles, a highlight of many Mozambique beach holidays.

The coral reefs on these islands host over 600 species of fish including dolphins, moray eels, whales and green turtles among others. International scuba divers are prized at these islands making it a diver’s world. Big game fishing is also good on the islands and good catches include black and stripped Malins, sailfish, Wahoo, mackerel and the record breaking Kingfish. Fishing is good all year round.

Birding in another fascination on park with over 150 bird species that nest in the sand dunes, open grasslands and in the woodlands. You’ll find several sand pipers, plovers and other water birds on the coast during the dry season. Lago Niassa is the lake that borders Mozambique with Tanzania and is another excellent bird watching destination.

Mozambique accommodation

Check different travel reviews and articles online for the best Mozambique holiday packages, beach holidays and honeymoon packages. Find the kind of place you would like to stay for your overnight accommodation near the beach or in the town of Maputo. Mozambique accommodation is available in 5-star beach hotels, lodges, beautiful; thatched cottages, island resorts, guest houses and in self catering facilities.

Beautiful Beach lodges and rustic thatched chalets are available from Barra Beach lodge, Bazaruot island lodge, Rio Azul, Vamizi island lodge, Nuarro Eco lodge and other options. Find luxury five star hotels and resorts such as Pemba Beach resort, Azura Eco lodge and Spa, Polana Serena hotels, Ponta Mamoli resort, Montanha lodge and…the list goes on and on.

Self catering accommodation is available in warm, wonderful families with good, clean and comfortable family accommodation in beach bungalows. Options here include Reef estate, Tofo beach cottages, Montanha camp, Laguna Camp, Bay view lodge and others.

Mozambique Flights Guide

LAM Air / Mozambique Air is the national airline to Mozambique with daily flights between Johannesburg and Maputo International Airport (MPM), as well as for domestic flights to other airports in Mozambique. Mozambique Airlines flies to other African destinations such Mauritius, Nairobi, Cape town, Tanzania and other regional destinations.

Other airports in Mozambique include;

• Vilanculos International Airport VNX
• Pemba International Airport POL
• Alto Molocue Airport (AME)
• Angoche Airport ANO
• Beira airport BEW
• Bajone airport BJN
• Chimoio Airport  VPY
• Chinde Airport INE
• Chokwe Airport TGS
• Cuamba Airport FXO
• Gurue Airport VJQ
• Ibo Airport IBO
• Inhambane Airport INH
• Linchinga Airport VXC
• Luabo Airport LBM
• Mocimboa de Praia Airport MZB
• Moma Airport MMW
• Montepuez Airport MTU
• Mueda Airport MUD
• Nacala Airport MNC
• Nampula Airport APL
• Nangade Airport NND
• Palma Airport LMZ
• Pebane  Airport PEB
• Quelimane Airport UEL
• Tete Matunda Airport TET
• XaiXai Airport VJB

Other airlines with flights to Maputo include South African Airways with direct Maputo Flights from Tambo Airport in Johannesburg or flights to Vilanculos via Maputo, it also has Maputo flights from Cape Town. Book cheap flights to Maputo Mozambique with online travel sites,  for cheap air tickets to Mozambique around January and February.

Domestic flights in Mozambique

There are 2 flights a week to Pemba and Quirimbas via Maputo or Dar-es-salaam with Mozambique airlines. Flights from Maputo to Pemba depart six times a week, with two departures on Wednesdays mornings. The flights are direct and take approximately three to four hours with daily return flights.

Flights from Dar es Salaam to Pemba leave four times a week, and there are also four return flights weekly. Flights there are very quick but return flights can take about three hours.

What to do

Mozambique has a number of beautiful islands (Bazaruto Arhipelago)  that you can not miss, jus tin case you are on Mozambique holidays. You can do some diving from the fabulous beaches of Ponta D’ouro and Malangane, surfing on great water waves, swim in the turquoise waters of Tofo Beach, visit Gorongosa National Park  or even take Maputo city tours.

Some of the sights for Maputo day tours include the magnificent colonial architecture, Gustav Eiffel’s architecture from the Mozambique railway station, National Art Museum, monuments, palm fringed beaches, and so much more. Inhambane from the north is another town you can not miss. Visit Mozambique for the dry season (April to September) and you’ll find crowds on the beach resorts, meet new peoples and so much more hiking than you would do in the rainy season (October to March).

There are excellent Maputo Hotels, beach resorts, guesthouses, and other accommodation options from all islands. Get Luxury Mozambique holidays packages inclusive of Mozambique flights, five star hotel and accommodation plus transfers/tours of the Bazaruto islands.

There are a variety of things to do on your Mozambique holiday such as bird watching, wildlife tours, hiking, scuba diving and snorkelling, swimming, choose to sail away on a traditional dhow to the Bazaruto marine park and have an amazing time.

Mozambique Tour companies listed here are trusted travel agents and can organize Mozambique safari and holiday itinerary including Mozambique hotels bookings, accommodation, flights , ticketing , car hires, arrange 4X4 vehicle safaris, transfers and above make you feel welcome and at home in a foreign Land!

Before you commit on which Mozambique tour and safari company to use, look at and read travel reviews and articles of previous tours in Mozambique, which recommendations are given and then zero the best tour companies in Mozambique. Some of them include;

TERRY HACK
Tel/Fax 27 (0) 13 750-1885
Mobile 27 (0) 82 697-6058
E-mail :Tours
to enquire about Day Tours and Overland Tours
www.goldenoldies.com

Thompsons Indaba Safaris
Tel: 013-7900401
Fax: 013-7900406
Cell: 00 27 0829263716
Email: corinna.louw@thompsons.co.za
Fly In Safari Company
+27 21 858 1562

Mokore Safaris
7 Stable Close, Borrowdale, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263.4.883462 (Harare House)
Cell: +263.712.621245

The T. Jeffrey Safari company
P O BOX 217 1505 west saint Mary’s road
(866) 470 0470
info@tjsafari.com

Maraque Island Beach

Banguerra islands are one of the most famous of  the Bazaruto Islands Mozambique named after a local chief. This island is about 11kms long and 5kms wide and its forests, savannah and wetland eco-systems sustain a diverse population of flora and fauna. The island was declared a National Park in 1971. On the seaward side of the island cashew nut trees are indigenous and the local residents harvest the nuts and the toxic husks to brew very intoxicating liquor

Bazaruto Island is the biggest of the islands at is 37kms long by 7 kms wide. Flamingos frequent the tidal flats, and the freshwater lakes on the island are home to many large crocodiles. The West of the island is savanna grassland and thicket whereas the East is composed entirely of enormous sand dunes that change colour in the different lights of the day.

Bazaruto Island tours

The islands attract nature lovers, sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts alike. One of the highlights is the diving and snorkelling as there are numerous coral reefs and old wrecks to explore.

Wild orange trees abound, as do sisal plants that are used by locals, in a manufactured form, to repair their fishing nets. Mlala palms are everywhere and the leaves are used in the weaving of mats, baskets and souvenir hats. The sap from the palms is used to brew potent liquor.

The whole Bazaruto Archipelago is part of a Conservation area whose primary objective is to maintain the ecological diversity of the Bazaruto National Park by wise sustainable use of the resources. The park is one of the biggest marine reserves in the Indian Ocean. The island actually lies in untouched natural beauty which earned it the name-Pearl of the Indian Ocean

Visit the deserted sand beaches, inland saline lakes and undulating sand dunes along the island. Coral reefs on the island coast are home to thousands of marine life, drawing in huge numbers of scuba divers. Each of the dive sites like Indigo Bay have clear waters, beautiful coral gardens and abundant sea life. Some of the protected reefs attract dolphins, humpack whales, sharks, manta, spotted eagle rays and green turtles. Diving is monitored with PADI courses.

Star fish on Indigo Bay

Game fishing is a tradition on the Bazaruto islands. Marlin fishing season runs from October to January when the marlin fish swim to the shallow waters. Other pastimes are saltwater fly-fishing and above all game fishing. Sailfish fishing is from April to August and smaller game fish such as King Mackerel, Bonito, Travelli, Queen Mackerel are available all year round.

For birding enthusiasts, approximately 164 different birds have been identified and confirmed on the islands in habitats varying from the coastal dunes, open grasslands and fresh water lakes. More unusual birds to be seen are the green coucals, green pigeons, purple banded and black sunbirds, olive bee-eaters, paradise fly-catchers and crab plovers.

Dhow safaris are a unique way to experience Bazaruto Mozambique islands and a fine wayb to visit each of the islands. Island cuisine relies heavily on freshly caught fish and shellfish and these are combined with the exotic flavours of the Portuguese.

Bazaruto Mozambique Hotels and Accommodation

Bazaruto islands are tropical gateway fro exquisite travelers and you’ll find plenty of accommodation raging from Luxury hotels, camps, lodges and self catering facilities. Fro Babquerra hotels and accommodation, relax at Banquerra Lodge, Azura Banguerra Hotel and Marlin Lodge.

Pestana Bazaruto Lodge is a4-star lodge with excellent rooms, warm friendly staff, comfortable resorts and beautiful views of the beach from your room. Indingo Bay Island resort and spais another Bazaruto island hotel with comfortable rooms and good dining.

The best time visit the Bazaruto archipelago is from June to September when the rainfall is reduced with cool temperatures of 22C. November to April is the rainy season with high temperature and peak rains around January and February.

Maputo is an Old Portuguese town, the capital city of Mozambique located south of the country where trees queue along the streets, tall modern buildings lies in harmony with old Portuguese architectural work

Although no fighting occurred in Maputo, Mozambique’s long civil war hit the economic, political and cultural capital very hard. Before the war, Maputo had graceful, tree-lined streets, cafes, a good variety of restaurants, some nightlife and the colorful Central Market. Today, the city remains decayed and filled with refugees although there has been some progress in rebuilding and there is a growing restaurant scene and a wealth of tourist options. The local’s passion for life can be seen on every corner of this bustling city, in the colorful markets and in the pulsating nightlife.

Maputo city tours

Maputo has a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere not found anywhere else in Southern Africa and one of its more distinctive characteristics is a remarkable wealth of architecture ranging from the classical to colonial style.  The Maputo Express is and open tourist train car that is used for sightseeing tours in Maputo and is the best bay to experience the city as the guide give you details and the history of each place you visit.

Maputo day tours start at the Maputo railways station built in front of the Worker’s Square built in 1908. The worker’s square and Snake Lady Monument are part of Mozambique’s interesting history. Visit the Independence war memorial that remains standing from the colonial times.

Sights include the cathedral, the Alvaro Castro Museum of Natural History, the Museum of the Revolution, the National Arts Museum and several interesting markets. The cathedral erects the sky with spectacular white color built in form of a crucifix.

Maputo Municipal Market building is one of the oldest buildings in Maputo city down town near Baixa. The market building is shaped in an anglo-saxon architecture with iron roofing. The market sells everything you can think of; foods, curios and souvenirs, fish, meat, herbs and spices among other things. The down town Saturday Bazaar is held in Workers square every Saturday, buy several Mozambique tour souvenirs at cheap prices-you have to trust your bargaining power with the sellers!

The Polana, the city’s old colonial hotel, has been returned to its former glory and — if you can’t afford to stay there – it is worth a visit just to take in the atmosphere. The Nossa Senhora da Conceição fort located near Maputo fishing port is another interesting place to visit with history stemming from 1730 Dutch settlers to the Portuguese colonial era. Today, the Cultural heritage Fort houses several items like distinctive painting of Ngungunhane and his coffin, statues of colonialists Mouzinho de Albuquerque and António Enes.

The better beaches are north of the city. Excursions can be made to Inhaca Island, visible from the mainland, to see its beaches, marine biology museum and nature reserve. The island is proud of its big game fish catches, exclusive dive sites and beautiful coral reefs. There is only one hotel on the island, but camping is permitted in some places. The island is home to traditional Portuguese cooking and dinning with emphasis on sea foods like crayfish and prawns.