Moz Fact Sheet

F A C T S H E E T T H E M O Z A M B I Q U E A F R I C A H U B O V E R V I E W Mozambique is blessed by geography: 2750km of unspoilt glittering Indian Ocean coastline to be precise - where azure seas, powder white sands and remote, pristine islands. With phenomenal safari offerings just a short hop away, Mozambique is the perfect beach partner. It offers an enticing counterbalance to the drama of safari, with the promise of languid days watching sunlight dance on water. Don’t be fooled, however, into thinking this is purely a country for self-indulgence and indolence (though you can experience those there in great style) – for the marine world offers plenty of excitements. Water-based activities - deep sea fishing, exceptional snorkelling around coral reefs and diving, to name but a few - as well as incredible wildlife experiences - dugong, whales and dolphins - all await. Moreover, for those seeking cultural flavour, the towns have impressive Portuguese colonial-era architecture and are steeped in a vibrant local culture. Mozambique is a compelling offering for those seeking a quintessential, Indian Ocean idyll and it is a destination which knows how to do ‘beach bliss’ exceptionally well. K E Y F A C T S W H O F O R CAPITAL CITY TOURIST HUB(S) Couples and honeymooners Maputo Maputo, Vilanculos, Nampula Outdoor lovers Marine enthusiasts RELIGION CURRENCY Divers Christian, Muslim, Metical. US dollars (South Roman Catholic African rand also accepted) Families LANGUAGE TIME ZONE Portuguese, English GMT +2hrs K N O W N F O R FLIGHT TIME (to Maputo) Ilha de Mozambique - UNESCO World Heritage London 17h20m | New York 34h | Dubai 11h Site Unspoilt coral reefs, abundant marine animals, A C C E S S I B I L I T Y marine sanctuaries and warm waters make this a top diving destination Charmingly laid-back island vibe Flights mainly go into the capital city of Maputo The chance to relax, or make the most of the (MPM) as well as Vilankulo airport (VNX). Nampula fun activities by exploring and discovering this airport (APL) is also popular but worth noting they fascinating place are not used to as many tourist arrivals and it can Traditional dhow sailing boats, architecture and be quite disarrayed. To avoid delays and hassle on décor has a strong Arabian flavour arrival, obtaining visas ahead of time is Africa's longest stretch of Indian Ocean recommended. Regular flights arrive from coastline Johannesburg in South Africa (Airlink) which are in Mozambique boasts vibrant local bars and turn connected out to various continental airports markets - it's full of life, bright and colourful. as well as those in the Middle East and Europe. Arabian, East African influence & history Roads within Mozambique can be slow-going, An easy add-on in combination with South although the road that connects southern Africa Mozambique with South Africa is regularly maintained and often used in twin-centre P A C K I N G itineraries. Packing checklist: Layers – long and short W H E N T O G O sleeve shirts and trousers | Warm fleece or jumper for cooler evenings | Waterproof jacket Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Comfortable, sturdy shoes | Flip- flops/sandals South Mozambique Swimming attire | hat/ baseball cap Sunglasses & Bazaruto North Mozambique & Sun-cream | Personal items – toiletries, small & Quirimbas medical kit etc | Torch, plug adapters & charging equipment | Binoculars and camera | Good Better Best Books etc for siesta time W W W . T H E A F R I C A H U B . C O . U K T H E K E Y R E G I O N S A F R I C A H U B V I L A N C U L O S & B A Z A R U T O A R C H I P E L A G O Vilanculos is well known as the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago and was one of Mozambique’s first established tourist destinations. With regular flights from South Africa and now improved road access, Vilanculos is fast becoming a popular destination with tourists and travellers alike. The town itself is only about 5km long, filled with all the amenities needed to make your visit comfortable yet local. The airport is based on the outside of the town with flights arriving and departing on a daily basis. The Bazaruto Archipelago, a chain of islands strung out like a pearl necklace, is a protected National Marine Reserve (declared so in 1971) that lies parallel to the historical Mozambican channel. The archipelago consists of five islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Banque and Santa Carolina (also known as Paradise Island). I L H A D A M O Z A M B I Q U E Ilha da Mozambique is a 2 hour drive from Nampula Airport in Northern Mozambique and is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site. Prior to 1898, it was the capital of Portuguese East Africa and the name of the country, Mozambique, is derived from the name of the island. Ilha de Mozambique was one of many Portuguese trading settlements and ports that were created along a stretch of south-east African coastline, which soon came to be called “Portuguese East Africa,” which now forms Mozambique. With its rich history and sandy beaches, Ilha de Mozambique is one Mozambique’s most beguiling tourism destinations. Escape from stress to a place where simplicity still reigns and you can get lost in the stunning natural beauty, peaceful and friendly life still echoed by the adventurers of the past. M A P U T O With easy access from Kruger (between 4hrs-4hrs30 depending on how busy the Komatipoort/Lebombo border post happens to be), Maputo is in fact a vibrant, fast-paced city, depicting a different side to Africa given its Portuguese colonial history. With its Mediterranean-style architecture, waterside setting and wide avenues lined with jacaranda and flame trees, Maputo is easily one of Africa's most attractive capitals. It's also the most developed city in Mozambique, with a wide selection of hotels and restaurants, well-stocked supermarkets, shady sidewalk cafes and a lively cultural scene. Due to the convergence of two rivers, Maputo’s sea is more of a muddy brown than glistening blue like many other areas of Mozambique therefore it can’t be sold as a beach destination. I N H A M B A N E & T O F O Inhambane is 291 miles from Maputo and is one of Mozambique’s most charming towns. The architecture and atmosphere reflect a diverse and exciting past that reaches back at least a millennium, making it one of the oldest settlements along the coast. Muslim and Persian traders visited here as did Vasco da Gama in the late 1500s. The port of Inhambane also later became a major centre for ivory and slave trade as well as whaling. Inhambane is known for its Manta Rays and Whale Sharks with the best time to view them between October and January. Inhambane is the gateway to a fine collection of beaches including Tofo and Barra. Tofo Beach is sometimes described as "the next Goa". With its sheltered azure waters, white sands, easy access and fine diving, the beach at Tofo has long been legendary on the Southern Africa holiday circuit. The stunning beach runs in a long arc, at the centre of which is a small town with a constant party atmosphere. P E M B A & Q U I R I M B A S A R C H I P E L A G O Pemba is the gateway to the beautiful string of 32 idyllic islands that make up the Quirimbas Archipelago in Northern Mozambique. As well as a plethora of marine life and being one of the world’s top diving destinations, the island also have enormous cultural and historical value. The islands are a melting-pot of Portuguese, Arabian and African influences, while historic landmarks such as the old fort on Ibo Island tell tales of slavery, pirates and the ominous ivory trade. At the moment sadly this area is currently closed to tourists due to an Islamist rebellion in the area. G A M E R E S E R V E S There are game reserves in Mozambique but they are currently being rebuilt and restocked and have limited accommodation options. Tor the time being, the prime attraction remains the 'beach' element, and particularly the immaculate beach lodges on the islands off the Mozambique coast. W W W . T H E A F R I C A H U B . C O . U K.

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