Mozambique – Savannah and Underwater World

Mozambique lies in the south-east of Africa and borders on the Indian Ocean. Near its coast you find the Mozambique Channel, which separates Madagascar from the mainland. The land at the country's coast is flat. Towards the heartland it rises in steps and changes into the highland with its typical structure of piled layers of rock. Mozambique is a country with many rivers with the Zambezi as the longest one. One of the most important bodies of water is Lake Malawi. Mozambique has a rainy and a dry season but the temperatures are between 25 and 30 °C on average throughout the year.

Great parts of the country are covered in the African savannah. Mighty baobabs and umbrella thorn acacias cross the vast areas vegetated by grass and shrubs. Their plants are faded during the dry season but they flourish during the rainy season. The beaches and islands belonging to Mozambique are paradisiacal. Fine, white strips of sand, which are lined by palms, stretch for miles. Lush, swampy mangrove regions and fertile plains containing many rivers are part of the country's natural diversity. Mozambique is characterised by the rich African fauna with elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and buffaloes.

In the north of the country you find Lake Malawi, the world's ninth biggest lake. Its clear water displays a fascinating underwater world, which is spotted with numerous basses. In the Gorongosa National Park you can explore the living environment of the savannahs and the swamplands with elephants, zebras and buffaloes. The Limpopo National Park, which is part of a cross-border conservation area, contains the diversity of the African bush. One of Mozambique's most significant national parks is the Maputo Special Reserve (formerly known as the Maputo Elephant Reserve). There you can spot large herds of the grey giants and numerous flamingos. The Island of Mozambique (Portuguese: lha de Mocambique) in the north is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations because of its great beaches and coral reefs. Bazaruto Island and Ponta do Ouro are other worthwhile locations due to their beaches and underwater world. A small, cosy place for swimming is the town Tofo.

Vasco da Gama reached Mozambique on its way to India in 1498 and subsequently, the country became a Portuguese colony. The African state freed itself from foreign rule in 1975. After a long civil war, reconstruction is slowly beginning now. The inhabitants take strength from calmness. People tackle things relaxed and positively in Mozambique. The lively music with its fast rhythms is a major part of the population's life.

The capital Maputo, the country's cultural and economic centre, lies directly at the ocean. Despite its central location, it emits the calmness, almost carelessness, which is typical of the country. European and African elements unite in this city. It is a good idea to take one's time and walk along the streets and many markets. The National Museum of Art and the Military History Museum in Maputo provide insights into the country's history. Another worthwhile sight is the statue of the first president of the Republic of Mozambique Samora Moisés Machel and the Portuguese fortress from the 18th century.

There are three first rate ways of exploring the country: by boat, by plane or on horseback. This way you get to know both the wonderful nature and the inhabitants with their open, relaxed character. You best buy the country's beautiful colourful fabrics or wood carvings on the markets or at the stalls of the native carvers. Travellers who like fish and seafood should visit the fish market in Maputo. You can have the food you get on this market prepared in a restaurant. In addition, there are several clubs in Maputo, which invite holidaymakers to go out.

Fine, white sandy beaches, pleasantly warm weather and a backdrop of palms offer great conditions for relaxation at the seaside in Mozambique – no matter if you are swimming, sunbathing, sailing, kayaking or swimming with dolphins. Visitors should not miss out on a dive into Mozambique's colourful, shimmering underwater world, which is populated by manta rays, whale sharks, colourful schools of fish, turtles and starfish. The diverse fauna is also excellently suited for adventurous safaris through the African bush. Furthermore, you find many routes for hiking, horseback riding and cycling.

Holidaymakers usually arrive at the airport in Maputo (MPM). Mozambique is well connected to the surrounding countries by bus and train. You can use the minibuses to travel between cities. Portuguese is spoken as the official language. You should inform yourself about the current security situation when planning your journey.