Mozambique

Fast Facts:

Time zone: GMT + 2 hours
Population: 17 million
Currency: Metical (MZN)
Country dialling code: +258
Electrical plugs: 220/240v 50Hz
Official language: Portugese
Capital city: Maputo

Mozambique Highlights

Bazaruto Archipelago National Park

This archipelago consists of five main islands: Bazaruto, Benguera, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and tiny Bangué. It's about as close to a tropical paradise as you'll find, and is one of Mozambique's highlights. Among its attractions: clear, turquoise waters; tranquil, white-sand beaches; a plethora of colourful birds; and rewarding diving and snorkelling.

The larger islands were originally connected to the mainland at Ponta São Sebastião. The small population of Nile crocodiles that laze in the sun in remote corners of both Bazaruto and Benguera islands is evidence of this earlier link.

Maputo

With its Mediterranean-style architecture, waterside setting and wide avenues lined by jacaranda and flame trees, Maputo is easily one of Africa's most attractive capitals. It's also the most developed place in Mozambique by far, with a wide selection of hotels and restaurants, well-stocked supermarkets, shady sidewalk cafes, and a lively cultural scene.

The heart of the city is the bustling, low-lying baixa (busy port and commercial area). Here, Portuguese-era buildings with their graceful balconies and wrought-iron balustrades jostle for space with ungainly Marxist-style apartment blocks.

Galabiyya-garbed men gather in doorways for a chat, Indian traders carry on brisk business in the narrow side-streets, and women wrapped in colourful capulanas (sarongs) sell everything from seafood to spices at the massive Mercado Municipal (Municipal Market).

A few kilometres away, along the seaside Avineda Marginal, life takes a more leisurely pace. Fishermen stand along the roadside with the day's catch, hoping to lure custom from the constant parade of passing vehicles; banana vendors loll on their carts in the shade, with Radio Moçambique piping out eternally upbeat rhythms in the background; and local soccer teams vie for victory in impromptu matches in the sand.

Tour Packages

Bazaruto Island (Mozambique) Beach Package (4 Nights )

Highlights: Pristine beaches, Water Sports, Diving & Snorkelling

Maputo & Inhaca Island Package (4 Nights )

Highlights: Culture rich Maputo, Pristine beaches, Water sports, Diving & Snorkelling