Mozambique

Mozambique Info • Area: 801 590km² • Capital: Maputo • Currency: Metical • Climate: Tropical & humid. The rainy season is in summer with hot temperatures and afternoon rains from November to March and winters are mild with cool sea breezes from April through to October. • People: African (99%, including Shangaan, Chokwe, Manyika) • Official language: Portuguese • Time: GMT plus two hours • View Visa and Health Information Here   Mozambique - Compared to other Southern African countries, Mozambique has considerably lower numbers of wildlife. This is due to Mozambique’s civil upheaval, during which large-scale organised poaching systematically removed almost all big game from the bush. Mozambicans were unfortunately reduced to hunter-gatherer status and in some areas even locusts and ants were harvested almost to extinction. Birdlife has recovered to some extent but only the most remote areas offer the chance to view African wildlife, including the Big Five – but it must be on foot and with experienced guides. Maputo Elephant Reserve is home to about 400 elephants, which migrate between South Africa and Mozambique. The birdlife is varied and abundant, but infrastructure is minimal and roads are poor. Camping is an option at either Ponta Milibangalala or Ponta Dobela, but the water in the wells there needs to be purified before drinking.   Reserva do Niassa is a remote area that has provided refuge to around 12,000 elephants and the last of Mozambique's buffalo, sable and roan herds. Independent visitors are not encouraged, as this area is currently being redeveloped; however, it is possible to go into the area with a game guard ranger. The nearby Jurege River proved excellent game viewing (though it is dry from June to December). Although the Bazaruto Archipelago consists of five islands (in size order: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangue), only Bazaruto and surrounding reefs are officially within a National Park. These waters are home to over 80% of all marine fish families of the Indo-Pacific. Resident Minke and Southern right whales abound in this area, alongside common, spinner and bottlenose dolphins and the highly-threatened dugong. History & Background: Mozambique developed as a coastal trading port between Africa, the Middle East and India - mainly for gold, ivory and slaves. The Portuguese colonised Mozambique and by the time of independence in 1975, the country was in a bad state, followed by a terrible civil war. This coupled with the fact that the country is prone to periodic natural disasters, has contributed to Mozambique being one of the poorest countries in the world. In the last five years Mozambique has experienced a vast economic recovery due to some returning Portuguese and by South African investors and tourists. Scheduled and Tailor – Made Safaris: Mozambique is the premier beach and island safari destination in Southern Africa. Below you will find numerous small group, maximum 10 client safaris that Africa Trails runs in and around Mozambique. You can join one of our scheduled camping or lodge safaris or if you’d like, one of our experienced travel consultants can tailor – make a private safari to meet your departure date, time period, group size and budget. A great option is to fly into Mozambique on one of our beach packages from Johannesburg. Best Time to travel: Mozambique is the ideal beach, island and diving getaway. In the Winter months from April to October the temperatures are cool and the weather is dry, the summer months are from November to March with hot temperatures and afternoon rain showers. Diving in Mozambique has to be one of the world’s best kept secrets. One of our land agents, who has dived in many areas around the world including Australia’s barrier reef, South East Asia and even the Cayman islands says that the diving in Mozambique is far superior, simply because it has more big game fish than all these other places combined. You can view Humpbacked whales from April to October, whale sharks from October to April and Manta Rays and turtles throughout the year. Conditions for diving are as follows: June to August the weather is warm and dry and the sea is calm; September to November can be windy and the sea choppy, December to February can be rainy and the sea can be choppy or calm and then March to May the air temperatures are cooler with little wind and the sea conditions are usually calm. If you want to view game in the Mozambique parks the best time is from April through to October. Southern African Safari Expedition 21 days at £1695 pp This diverse safari has every aspect an adventurous world traveller would be looking for; incredible wildlife, fascinating cultures, varied landscapes, picturesque cities, interesting local markets, amazing coasts and beautiful beaches. These African memories will last you a lifetime! Read more ... Indian Ocean Diving Safari 14 days at £2195.00 pp The Indian Ocean Diving Safari is a unique scuba diving tour along the East Coast of Southern Africa combined with a 'Big 5' wildlife discovery. The warm water of the Indian Ocean is a haven of colourful fish and brilliant coral reef. The diving is optional, so you can relax and enjoy the white beaches of Mozambique and KwaZulu Natal while the others explore the amazing underwater world. Read more ... Mozambique Fly-In Holiday 5 days at £1525.00 pp Along the historical Mozambique channel lies tropical Ilha de Benguerra, part of the Bazaruto National Park - an island paradise situated within the renowned Bazaruto Archipelago - and perfect for the ultimate Mozambique beach holiday. Read more ...

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