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Destinations Mozambique
Life Is A Beach In Sunny Mozambique
On Africa’s east coast, Mozambique promises 1,500 miles of pristine coastline, where the warm waters of the Indian Ocean lap against unspoiled beaches. Sailing on a yacht to the Bazaruto archipelago and adjoining marine park, the areas unique dugongs come into view, and dolphins too, as they frolic in the shimmering aquamarine waters.
Hyperactive tropical fish in a range of fluorescent colors dance as you snorkel at a reef off Benguerra beach. You can swim with manta rays in the Mozambique Channel, or enjoy top-notch underwater adventures in the Quirimbas archipelago.
Inland, the wetlands and savannah harbor rich flora and fauna. In the untamed wilderness of Gorongosa National Park herds of wild African elephants will leave you spellbound. A leisurely canoe tour at the Govuro River wetlands goes through the Govuro Spring River layered with African water lilies, and flush with tropical birds and small aquatic animals.
Mozambique is for those who appreciate the unusual. And with Enchanting Travels as your guide, you’re in good company. We’ll always offer you something different and unique when we plan your personalized itinerary. Ride a horse on silken sand beaches, or through shallow waters of the Indian Ocean. Trot it up and down sand dunes towards inland lakes and small villages. For an overview of this country’s stunning shoreline, maybe you’d like to hop onto a helicopter and admire the coast studded with sand dunes, and curved bays where whale sharks take refuge. Before you head home, sail into the sunset on a traditional dhow cruise boat and contemplate the beauty of this land.
Places in Mozambique
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Best Time to Visit Mozambique
The climate in Mozambique is tropical but differs in the following three climate zones: the northern coast, the southern coast and the inland. Our destination experts share an overview on the seasons in Mozambique and when to go.
Top Ten Things to do in Mozambique
Historic islands, deserted beaches, colorful underwater worlds – Mozambique offers delightful vacations. Follow the link to discover our top ten highlights of Mozambique.
Culture in Mozambique
Portuguese is the official language of Mozambique and is spoken mainly in the urban centers. About 40 different languages are spoken throughout the country, including dialects of the various groups of Bantu ethnic people, such as Makua, Shona/Ndau, Sena, Tonga, Yao and Nyungwe.
There are both patrilineal and matrilineal groups in Mozambique, so tracing family history can be through the mother or the father depending on the region. Half the nation still hold traditional animist beliefs, often in addition to conventional religion. One-third of Mozambicans are Christian, and a quarter are Muslims.
During our Mozambique vacations, you will find that music and dance are an important part of the culture and are integrated into many local customs. Mozambican music is akin to reggae and West Indian calypso, but you can also enjoy other styles like samba, marrabenta and bossa nova.
There are many unique dance styles including:
- Chopi: a hunting dance with the performers adorned in lion skins.
- Mapiko: a dance of Northern Mozambique where the men wear carved wooden masks to frighten away spirits.
- Makua: a hopping dance, conducted on tall stilt
- Nyanga: where Tete performers simultaneously dance whilst singing and playing the panpipes!
Mozambique’s dance styles inspired pop star Beyonce, who flew a troupe of tofu (body-shaking) dancers to the USA to teach her team a few moves! Art has been used as a symbol of resistance against colonial rule in Mozambique. Wood sculpting is a very popular craft of the Makonde people, usually depicting evil spirits and totem-type family history. Futebol (football) is Mozambique’s favorite sport.
Cuisine of Mozambique
he cuisine of Mozambique is usually flavorful and spicy. There are delicious tropical fruits to be enjoyed during one of our Mozambique vacations – and some of the best fish and shellfish in the world. Mozambican dishes are prepared in their own unique flavors and ways, including open grills.
Madeira, the Portuguese table wine and Agua Ardente, red port wine, are frequently used in sauces. Agriculture is part of the culture and most families grown their own corn.
Try some of these delicious dishes on your Mozambique tour:
- Xima / Nsima: a staple maize porridge dish that is eaten with most meals.
- Paõ: Portuguese wood-fired white bread rolls.
- Couve: collard greens.
- Prego: a steak roll.
- Rissois: battered shrimp.
- Espetada: kebab.
- Piripiri: chicken in piripi sauce.
- Matata: a delicious seafood and peanut stew.
- Sandes de queijo: a baked cheese sandwich.
- Malasadas: donuts.
- Bolo Polana: cashew and potato cake.
Top Mozambican Travel Tips – Cuisine:
- Quench your thirst with Laurentina and 2M, two popular Mozambican beers. Or Tipo Tinto, the national rum, which is usually mixed with berry soda.
- Are you an adventurous foodie? You can eat some unusual local delicacies in Mozambique, including green bugs that are boiled and fried, and dried bush mice, served on a stick.
The Enchanting Travels team is happy to help you plan memorable Mozambique vacations.
Mozambique's History
Ancestors of the Khoisan people, the San group of hunter and gatherers, were the first people that inhabited Mozambique. Around 4th century AD, Bantu people migrated through the valley of Zambezi River into the country.
Arab traders settled along the coast in the earlier centuries, before Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama arrived and colonized the country in 1498. The native Mozambican people started a war for independence with its colonial rulers that lasted for 11 years. In 1975, independence was achieved and a socialist government was established.
Unfortunately, a military uprising led to a 17 year civil war, which caused over a million Mozambicans to flee their lands, whilst hundreds of thousands were killed. The country spiraled into an economic depression. The war had interrupted the country’s agriculture so throughout the 1980s many people went hungry. This was worsened by El Niño, which caused a famine in 1992. Support came from overseas and the country recovered and has begun to develop, despite recent severe floods and a drought earlier in this decade.
A Mozambique tour plays an important role in boosting the country’s economy.
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