Discovering Mozambique - Bazaruto and Inhaca

© Mozambique island holidays
Mozambique is a beautiful and enchanting country and offers a wide variety of fun-filled and interesting activities that appeal to people of all ages.

Indulge in the pristine waters of a secluded beach; learn about the country's rich biodiversity; experience some traditional Afro-Portuguese culture and the history of Mozambique; view the islands' exceptional birdlife; partake in exhilarating water sports or stay safely on land and enjoy quad biking, sand boarding or hiking.

The Bazarruto Archipelago

The Bazaruto Archipelago is on the spectacular southern coast and also is a national park and number one destination in Moçambique. The main islands making up the archipelago are Santa Carolina, Bazaruto, Benguerra and Magaruque. Accommodation is predominately top end lodges, many offering activities such as diving, surfing, fishing and other watersports in the clear blue waters.

Inhaca Island

Inhaca is a small inhabited island on the periphery of a large estuarine bay, on the fringe of the tropics. Four broad shores have a large tidal range, and easily accessible coral reefs, sea meadows and mangrove swamps as well as rocks and sand flats, also encompass a spectrum of habitats, some being exposed to erosion by wind or by sea.Large areas of the evergreen forest bush-land and dunes are unspoiled. The intertidal ecosystem is characterised by predation of benthos (Starfish, Oysters, Clams, Sea Cucumbers, Brittlestars, and anemone are all benthos) by birds and humans during low tide but fish species may form the third group of predators at high tide when the intertidal area is flooded.

Pemba

On the north coast, at the mouth of a huge bay, is Pemba - another top destination with a range of watersports on its stunning waters, beautiful beaches and coral reefs. Some say the Pemba coast has the most beautiful beaches in the world.Pemba is in Cabo Delgado the most northerly province of the country and is the home of the Makonde group of people, who are concentrated on the Mueda Plateau. Pemba town sits at the mouth of the world's second largest natural harbour. The view of the bay from Pemba's heights is spectacular and there is hardly a view to compare with this place on the Southern African coast.Most basic food supplies and alcohol can be bought in Pemba town, there is a good local market selling vegetables, fruits and street food. The reef is within striking distance of the beach and allows for safe, protected swimming, snorkelling and diving. Other places of interest to see are the lighthouse south of Wimbe and Pemba's boat yard. The Makonde craft co-operative has an excellent collection of their unique sculpture work in ebony. The prices are high so be prepared to haggle!

Ibo Island and the Quirimba Archipelago

There are 27 islands between Pemba and the Rio Rovuma, which forms the border with Tanzania, the area remains one of the last undiscovered places in Africa. Ibo island (part of the archipelago) was formerly the capital of Cabo Delgado the northern province. Ibo's architecture and history rank closely to Ilha de Mozambique but its atmosphere and rustic charm is certainly unique. It is one of the most ancient settlements in Mozambique with Muslim traders actively established in the area before the 15th century.The main fort still houses a handful of traditional silversmiths and their handmade jewellery is found no where else. In the 18th century Ibo was a major supply point for slaves from the interior and it soon became a major trading post for the Portuguese. The ancient trade buildings are still visible to this day. Ibo boasts 3 forts, a beautiful old catholic church and numerous old administration buildings. Access is difficult, it is the quietness and the islands atmosphere that makes it so special.
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