COUNTRY HIGHLIGHTS

Mozambique, located on the south east coast of Africa, boasts some of the most spectacular coastline along with the most intriguing wildlife conservation success story in Africa today, Gorongosa National Park, referred to by some as Africa’s “Lost Eden.”

The coastline runs for 2500kms until it meets the Indian Ocean, which means wonderful weather.  A great time to go is between January and February when the warm weather is promising. Mozambique has a tropical climate, which is hot and humid. The wet season is from November to March.

In addition to wildlife safaris in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique offers some of the best diving in Southern Africa. The sites are uncrowded which leaves the reefs unspoiled and the fish life varied and abundant. A great amount of tropical and game fish can be seen, as well as rare creatures such as dugongs, whale sharks and turtles.

Those who enjoy fishing will be impressed with Mozambique’s offering of the finest and most beautiful, as well as challenging, game fishing in Southern Africa.

GORONGOSA
Approximately 90% of the world's terrestrial biodiversity can be found in this eco region, which represents only 2% of the earth's surface. Gorongosa National Park is one of these regions, an area of high species diversity and ecological features found nowhere else. Situated in the middle of the country in the Sofala province between Tete and Beira, the park covers 5300 square km, including a 1500 square km sanctuary.

The park harbors several herds of elephant, an increasing lion population, rhinos, leopards, zebras, kudus, cheetahs, warthogs and the rare roan and sample antelope. Another big attraction are the over 500 different bird species including some which only can be found in the Gorongosa area.

The Park comprises dry plains dropping away from Gorongosa Mountain range at the southern end of the Great Rift Valley. Comprised of a great diversity of grasslands, tall miombo woodlands, Afro-Montane forests, valley thickets and seasonally inundated flood plains. The Urema Lake, which is fed by rivers originating from the Gorongosa Mountain, is the main ecological feature of the park. Situated right in the center of the park, it is the main source of water in the peak of the dry season.

The Eastern side of the Park is, the Cheringoma Plateu, an extensive natural forested area considered to be the richest in the country. 

MAPUTO
Maputo is the capital of Mozambique. It is a bustling port city, with a population of about two million people and beautiful avenues of trees of various colorful types. Maputo lies only 100kms from its neighbors South Africa and Swaziland.

Maputo Elephant Reserve is home to about 400 elephants, which migrate between South Africa and Mozambique. The Maputo Elephant Reserve is potentially one of Mozambique's most important natural treasures. Its coastline, unique plant and animal life, and closeness to the capital make this a tour highlight.

BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO
The most popular tourist area in Mozambique, the archipelago consists of four main islands - Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, and Santa Carolina. They are situated some 35 km off the mainland and are accessible by boat, or small aircraft, from the town of Vilanculos. Beyond swimming and sunbathing, you can take part in a full range of water-sports that includes snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, salt water fly fishing, sailing and water-skiing.

Small antelope roam the islands alongside freshwater crocodiles, mangrove crabs and samango monkeys while flamingo nest on the freshwater lakes. The islands are in fact home to over 240 varieties of birds including fish eagles, bee- eaters, harriers, ospreys and the elusive crab plover and green coucal. Bazaruto Marine Park now covers the entire Bazaruto Archipelago making this 1400 sq km reserve one of the largest in the Indian Ocean. In addition to humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays and five species of turtle, some 100 dugongs survive here - one of the very few viable populations on the East African coast.

BENGUERRA ISLAND
Benguerra Island has a rich cultural life with dhows regularly sailing past. Wake up early and you might see them sharing their catch on the beaches.

There is a total of around 164 species of birds on Benguerra, and the small patch of indigenous forest near the north point thrills with their sounds and those of squirrels and monkeys.

Benguerra, the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, is less than a kilometer south of Bazaruto Island. Like its neighbor, it also has high dunes, inland lakes and long wide beaches - perfect for a Mozambique beach holiday.