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.

The whole Bazaruto Archipelago is part of a Conservation project whose primary objective is to maintain the ecological and social integrity of the Bazaruto National Park by wise sustainable use of the resources. 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 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.
Other pastimes are saltwater fly-fishing and above all game fishing. The best time for Marlin fishing is from mid September to the end of December. Sailfish fishing is from April to August and smaller game fish such as King Mackerel, Bonito, Travelli, Queen Mackerel are available all year round. “Tag and Release” fishing is the usual policy.

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.

Island cuisine relies heavily on freshly caught fish and shellfish and these are combined with the exotic flavours of the Portuguese.

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 colourful 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 colourful markets and in the pulsating nightlife.

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. 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 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 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. There is only one hotel on the island, but camping is permitted in some places.