Safari in Mozambique

June 2010

Africa  Mozambique

Safari in Mozambique

Things to see and to do in Mozambique

 

Maputo 
www.mozambiquehighcommission.org.uk
The country’s capital located in the south near the border with South Africa, it boasts Portuguese-style buildings that are the result of European colonisation. It has a population of about two million people and a large, bustling harbour. Its wide avenues lined with acacia and jacaranda trees add to the scenic beauty of this historical and cultural city.

Baixa
This is the heart of old Maputo and is where you will find most of the sights and attractions. This area is where most tourists usually hang out and has many shops, restaurants and markets.

Maputo Railway Station
Designed by a colleague of Gustave Eiffel, this was once part of the most important railway in Southern Africa. The Victorian style building was featured in the movie “Blood Diamond,” most people visit for its fun jazz café (see below).

Chez Nous Jazz Café
Located in the Maputo railway station, this a good place to sample Maputo’s famous jazz music. It features live music every Saturday and customers can request any of the 2000 jazz vinyl records from their private collection.

Maputo Marcado Central
Located in the Baixa district, this is a bustling market that is definitely worth a visit. Open seven days a week, you can purchase anything from handbags to ‘real’ hair wigs.

Maputo Cultural Tours
Organized through local tour companies, guided tours offer visitors an insight into Mozambique’s vibrant culture. On visits to suburbs like Tsalala you can meet the chief and experience local food and dancing.

Center Juvenil Ingrid Chawner
A local community project that gives street kids the chance to escape poverty by offering education and a place to stay. The purpose of this project is to integrate these children into society through their education.

Bazaruto Archipelago
www.mozambiquehighcommission.org.uk
Located 750 kilometres north of Maputo, these islands are one of Mozambique’s most popular and attractive areas. They are home to over 240 species of birds as well as fresh-water crocodiles, samingo moneys and flamingo that nest on the fresh water lakes.

Diving with Dugong
www.mozambiquehighcommission.org.uk
Also known as the Seacow, these are large gray mammals that weigh about 500 kgs. Some 100 dugongs live in the Bazaruto Archipelago - one of the very few viable populations on the East African coast. Mozambique is considered one of the finest diving destinations in the world, and divers of all levels can enjoy its unspoilt coral reefs and abundance of marine life.

Game Fishing in the Indian Ocean
www.mozambiquehighcommission.org.uk
The Indian Ocean is home to some of the best game fishing in the world, especially for marlin,  barracuda, green jobfish, rainbow runner, skipjack and yellowfin tuna as well as a variety of shark species.

Gorongosa National Park
www.gorongosa.net
Located in the heart of Mozambique, it was first inaugurated in 1960 by the Portuguese. With over 4,000 square kilometres of spectacular scenery, visitors can experience an African wildlife adventure.  

Explore Gorongosa
www.exploregorongosa.com
Spend a night in a luxury tent under the stars with nothing between you and the lions!
Rob and Jos Janisch run this upmarket safari operation specializing in walking-safaris, game-drives and conservation.

Chitengo Camp
www.gorongosa.net/en/page/accommodations/accommodations
First opened in 1941, this is a comfortable and well serviced public camp which includes a large swimming pool, a top quality restaurant and internet connectivity. You have the option of staying in a roomy cabanas or their newly renovated campsite.

Wildlife Game Drives
www.gorongosa.net
Based in Chitengo camp, you can take three hours drives with trained guides through the gamut of Gorongosa's wilderness. You can choose between early-morning or sunset game-viewing drives and experience a close up view of the wildlife. Or if you prefer to drive your own vehicle, you can also choose the option of a self game drive.

Coconuts Club
Located in Maputo, this is Mozambique’s most happening club. It’s a huge, high tech nightclub complex with indoor and outdoor areas, an outdoor pool, and air-conditioned bar. This is where the party’s always in swing.