|
|
***
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Link Sponsorizzati |
| Mediterraneo |
| Letteratura Africana | Islam | Cristianesimo | Arabic Literature |
| Letteratura Araba | Letteratura Sudafricana | Musica Africana |
| Oasi | Sahara | Maghreb |
| Africa | ||
| Mozambico |
|
| Thanks to
http://www.world66.com/ *********************The content is published under a creative commons licence : http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0 / ). |
| Mozambique Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Tofo Beach Tofo Beach Abdul R. Mozambique is located in Southern Africa along the coast of the Indian Ocean between Africa and Tanzania. It also shares a border with Malawi, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Zambia. The former Portuguese colony was once a premier destination for wealthy European tourists. Civil war, however, destroyed much of the country's infrastructure leaving tourists, let alone the local population, with sparse options. The warring factions, Renamo and Frelimo, came to terms on a peace agreement in 1992 and the country has since enjoyed a renaissance among adverturous travelers. |
|
| It's proximity to South Africa has resulted in a steady influx of investment
into tourism facilities along the south-east coast of the country.
Mozambique has some of the best beaches on the East African coast, offering
azure waters, coral reefs and subtropical islands. Tourists are flocking to
hot spots such as Tofu, Vilankulos and the Bazaruto Archipelago. The capital Maputo is located in the very south of the country, a stones throw from the South African and Swazi borders. Scheduled buses ply the 6-hour route from Nelspruit and Johannesburg (8 hours) to Maputo. Heading into Swaziland, minibuses leave Maputo every hour just east of the central market. Bill's Bus now offers convenient service between Swaziland-Maputo-Tofo Beach. While run-down, dark and somewhat unnerving, the capital Maputo is not without it's charms. The picturesque train station, designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1910, is just one of many beautiful spots around the city that speak to the country's European influences. For a more traditional feel, the bustling central market teems with life - especially seafood. Prawns are a Mozambican specialty and fisherman bring them in by the truckload around dusk. A definite highlight is the Maputo fish market, located on north end of Avenida Marginal. This is the first stop for local fisherman who unload the best of their catch here before heading into town. The market is surrounded by small bars and restaurants that will cook your purchase for a small fee - which may or may not include a few of your shrimp! Heading north out of Maputo most travelers make their first stop in Inhambane, which is the transit point for the beautiful beaches in Tofu. Inhambane is a non-descript, sleepy little town. A wide boulevard sweeps through the middle of town where you can find the main market, small shops and absolutely phenomenal fresh bread. Internet is available in Inhambane, just ask around to see which one is open. Power shortages limit availability. Minibuses run regularly from just behind the market to Tofu (10,000 meticals in 2004). Tofu consists of a pristine mile-long beach, complete with gorgeous sunsets and amazing surf. Several backpacker lodges have been set up along the beach with dorms, singles and camping. Few travelers venture far past Tofu. The surf/dive mecca of Vilankulos lies approximately 300 km up the highway from Tofu. Part of the Bazaruto Archipelago this beautiful area allows travelers to sail under the night skies on traditional dhows, go big game fishing or simply enjoy the surf. The Northern stretch of Mozambique, from Beira through to the Tanzanian border is as rough as it gets. Lonely stretches of surprisingly decent highway give way to dusty one-horse towns. Once the dust clears however towns such as Pemba, la Ilha de Mocambique and the Querimba Archipelago offer a phenomenal glimpse into a much less frequented part of Mozambique. Regular luxury bus service makes travel in this area a relatively easy proposition. Be forewarned that travel in Mozambique is not all fun and games. Tourists are frequently pulled aside and asked for their documents so be sure to carry at least a photocopy of your passport at all times. More importantly, millions of landmines remain scattered throughout the countryside. Do not walk off the beaten path. Annual flooding means that areas that were once considered safe are off limits. And like in any big city, use common sense to avoid being rendered a victim. Crime isn't abnormally high in Mozambique but big, dark cities aren't always friendly so be on guard at night. Do so and you'll quickly find that Mozambique is one of the friendliest places in Africa. Locals will welcome you with massive smiles and shouts of Bom Dia! Don't miss out on this amazing piece of Africa. _______Getting Around Edit This view of maputo beach view of maputo beach Yawat Djamen William The bus is about the best means of getting around Mozambique. There are buses running between major towns usually once a day at least. There are three main private companies and each has express lines (which means less slow not particularly quick). Where the roads are well maintained this is a good way to go. Where the roads are in rough shape (and that includes nearly all rural areas) you'll probably have to use converted passenger trucks called chapa-cems (short for 'tin one-hundreds' and usually just called chapas) to get around. LAM has flights inside Mozambique connecting Maputo Beira Tete and other cities. Flights are frequently delayed or cancelled; baggage is frequently lost or tampered with. There are also twice-weekly flights between the capital and the Bazaruto Archipelago. Sabin Air a private charter airline can fly you just about anywhere you like though it's more expensive than LAM. If you're driving your own vehicle in Mozambique the police have a reputation for finding problems trivial and imagined with vehicles for which large 'fines' are imposed. If you're polite have your vehicle and papers in strict order and obey all the road rules you stand less chance of being hassled. Cars can be hired in Maputo and Beira where several major and a few local agencies have depots. The airport is about 1km north-west of the city centre. Taxis and buses are available. The train station and minibus depot are at the southern edge of the city. [Add Local transport mode] Pauline Bannon Edit This Looking for a cheap way and the quickest way to get from mozambique to south africa. we are entering from malawi. around 25th july 08. 3 girls. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 07793710666 address: Flat 0/1 6 Rupert Street email: paulinebannon@yahoo.co.uk __________Getting There Edit This Flights to Mozambique Maputo: LAM- Mozambique Airline, the national carrier and biggest airline in the country link Maputo with Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Durban and Lisbon. Nampula / Pemba: LAM operates 3x weekly flights to Nampula, Pemba from Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and 2x weekly flights from Nairobi (Kenya). Flights from DAR operate every Tue, Thu and Sat and from NAIROBI operate every Tue and Sat. The best convenient options to get to Mozambique include flying to Nairobi or Dar es Salaam and connecting with LAM flights to Mozambique. ___________Economy Edit This Economy—overview: Before the peace accord of October 1992 Mozambique had been devastated by civil war and was one of the poorest countries on the globe. Prospects subsequently improved and with its solid economic performance in 1996-97 Mozambique has begun to exploit its sizable agricultural hydropower and transportation resources. Foreign assistance programs help supply the foreign exchange required to support the budget and pay for imports of goods and services. The restoration of electrical transmission lines to South Africa and the completion of a new transmission line to Zimbabwe (permitting the giant Cahora Bassa hydropower plant to export large amounts of electricity) proposed construction of a natural gas pipeline to South Africa and reform of transportation services will greatly improve foreign exchange receipts. The Mozambique and South African Governments are developing the Maputo corridor linking the port of Maputo with Witbank South Africa. In the past few years more than 700 state enterprises have been privatized including the country's largest commercial bank and a number of sizable manufacturing firms. Other pending reform measures are the reform of tax collection and the facilitation of private enterprise in the transportation energy and telecommunications sectors. GDP: purchasing power parity—$14.6 billion (1997 est.) GDP—real growth rate: 8% (1997 est.) GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$800 (1997 est.) GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 35% industry: 13% services: 52% (1996 est.) Inflation rate—consumer price index: 5.8% (1997) Labor force: NA by occupation: 80% engaged in agriculture note: in 1993 47% of the wage earners were employed in industry 28% in transportation and communication; traditionally a large number of Mozambicans work abroad Unemployment rate: NA Budget: revenues: $324 million / expenditures: $600 million including capital expenditures of $310 million (1996 est.) Industries: food beverages chemicals (fertilizer soap paints) petroleum products textiles cement glass asbestos tobacco Industrial production growth rate: NA Agriculture—products: cotton cashew nuts sugarcane tea cassava (tapioca) corn rice tropical fruits; beef poultry Exports: total value: $226 million (f.o.b. 1996 est.) commodities: shrimp 40% cashews cotton sugar copra citrus partners: Spain South Africa Japan Portugal US Imports: total value: $802 million (c.i.f. 1996 est.) commodities: food clothing farm equipment petroleum partners: South Africa 38% US Japan Portugal France Debt—external: $5.7 billion (December 1997) Economic aid: recipient: ODA $NA Currency: 1 metical (Mt) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: meticais (Mt) per US$1—11 635.0 (January 1998) 11.543.6 (1997) 11 293.8 (1996) 9 024.3 (1995) 6 038.6 (1994) 3 874.2 (1993) Fiscal year: calendar year _________People Edit This Niassa lake population Niassa lake population Gianni Morselli Population: 18 641 469 (July 1998 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 45% (male 4 129 779; female 4 232 091) 15-64 years: 53% (male 4 807 742; female 5 043 299) 65 years and over: 2% (male 177 895; female 250 663) (July 1998 est.) Population growth rate: 2.57% (1998 est.) Birth rate: 43.52 births/1 000 population (1998 est.) Death rate: 17.81 deaths/1 000 population (1998 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1 000 population (1998 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female (1998 est.) Infant mortality rate: 120.26 deaths/1 000 live births (1998 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 45.37 years male: 44.22 years female: 46.55 years (1998 est.) Total fertility rate: 6 children born/woman (1998 est.) Nationality: noun: Mozambican(s) adjective: Mozambican Ethnic groups: indigenous tribal groups 99.66% (Shangaan Chokwe Manyika Sena Makua and others) Europeans 0.06% Euro-Africans 0.2% Indians 0.08% Religions: indigenous beliefs 50% Christian 30% Muslim 20% Languages: Portuguese (official) indigenous dialects Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 40.1% male: 57.7% female: 23.3% (1995 est.) __________Beaches Edit This Mozambique, a country spoilt with white beaches and pristine reefs, is a definite favorite amongst all divers from across the world. Mozambique can most certainly compete with other top class dive destinations and what makes this country so unique and special is that it is not over crowded by tourists and travelers. Still free from mass tourism, Mozambique offers excellent diving and its friendly communities welcome divers and travelers from all around the world. Mozambique is bordered by South Africa and Swaziland to the South, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi to the west and by Tanzania to the north. The 300 km channel between Mozambique and Madagascar is called the Mozambique Channel. The outstanding geographical feature of Mozambique is its long, pristine coastline washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Most of the population of Mozambique lives off the sea and more then 60% of the country's population lives along the coast. Mozambique has a population of over 16 million and this is made up predominantly of ten different ethnic groups. Mozambique also hosts some wildlife but unfortunately up to now we do not know all the species and their numbers. Most of the designated wilderness areas are very remote for both tourists and the average traveler. The numbers of wild life has drastically been reduced though mainly to the scars that the civil war of Mozambique has left on the region. Mozambique is indeed blessed with beautiful scenery on land as well as under the water. The Mozambican coastline that stretches for approximately 2500km's meets with the warm waters of the Indian Ocean that hosts beautiful untouched and pristine reefs. The beaches are clean and palm fringed making it every holiday makers dream especially when you add the lovely warm weather. Mozambique is working extremely hard to regain the visitors it once had many years ago before the civil war. The people of Mozambique are warm and friendly and they work just as hard as the government to welcome tourists and to sell their country. Mozambique is a favorite amongst divers as divers of all levels can experience great diving and exploring on the reefs of Mozambique that offers you from manta ray cleaning stations to the gentle giant whale sharks. February is known in Mozambique to be the hurricane month. Though diving can still take place there may be days that the weather will affect the visibility severely. ::::::::Bazaruto archipelago Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Paradise Island Paradise Island sandra steyn The Bazaruto Archipelago is on the spectacular southern coast and also is a national park and number one destination in Moçambique. The main islands making up the archipelago are Santa Carolina, Bazaruto, Benguerra and Magaruque. Accommodation is predominately top end lodges, many offering activities such as diving, surfing, fishing and other watersports in the clear blue waters. ::::::::::Beira Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Macuti beach at sunset Macuti beach at sunset Sulemane Hosseni The Port of Beira is situated on the Pungoe river estuary. It is the second largest port in Mozambique with 12 quays. Beira has always been essentially a transit port, handling the import and export cargoes from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and other countries in the region. The Beira Corridor has a road and railway connection to Zimbabwe. The city was founded in 1891. It has become a real hub and a good place to arrange formalities etc. before you move on. The town has banks, hotels, restaurants and some interesting shops. One of the most interesting landmarks is the Cathedral of Beira constructed in part using stone from the historic sixteenth-century fort of Sofala. Apparently Sofala’s fort of San Gaetano, erected between 1505 and 1512 from imported Portuguese stone, was one of the first structures built by white men in Southern Africa. The fort was on the southern side of the Pungwe River and like the rest of Sofala has now been flooded by water. The most fashionable part of town is Macuti Beach, with its famous lighthouse. Some of the more expensive accommadation is in bad need of repair, however. Beira is a good base for going to the Grand etang forest reserve. ____________Practical Information Edit This Beira is probably the second most important city in Mozambique. It's served by the countrys only airline LAM. LAM airlines has 2 737's used for daily service only. Beira can also be reached by car, although the roads are demanding and should only be traved by day. Shipping and rail service seem to be operating on a regular basis. _________Nightlife and Entertainment Edit This When the sunsets in Beira, you won't have to wander far before you hear the music and laughter of the nightlife. A suprising array of music is enjoyed by all Africans in this fairly large city. Beer and wine is available as well as chicken, rice, and potatos. Most of the hot spots are located outdoors with cabana like structures. Service is generally at a very relaxed pace but can be accerated with a few kind words in Portuguese and a good tip "after" each drink. A mixture of many nationalities makes for an intersting evening. And many people speak english and love to talk to foreigners. Nightlife is enjoyed best (more safe) in a group. ::::::::::Gorongosa game reserve Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Gorongosa Lion Gorongosa Lion Richard Baker Located in Northern Mozambique, the Gorongosa is one of Africa's famous wildlife areas. It can be pretty tough getting there, and even impossible in the rainy season, but the trip is worth the effort. The park is open to day visitors for a fee of $20.00. To get to Gorongosa, take the EN6 out of Beira towards Chimoio. At 128km approximately from the airport bridge, Beira is Inchope, which marks the border with Manica province. The road to Gorongosa is north of the junction and signposted from there. The park was founded in 1921 when an area of bush measuring about 1000 km2 was set aside for the protection of native animal species and the establishment of a game reserve. The park became one of the most popular game reserves of Southern Africa until the civil war of 1983. Inside the park you may be lucky enough to see lion, leopard, elephant, hippo, buffalo and many other species. Sadly the rhino which were once present in the park are thought to have been completely exterminated during the war. The park consist of three major ecological zones - the Rift zone, the Zambezi valley and the coastal plain of the Indian Ocean. Within these zones are various habitats including forests, waterfalls and flood plains all with their individual flora and fauna. It is thought that there are more than 500 species present in the park including more than 300 large mammal species. :::::::Ibo island Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Without a doubt one of the highlights of Southern Africa, Ibo Island could likely compete as one of the most picturesque places on the Continent. Accessible by dhow or chartered plane/helicopter, the former seat of Mozambique's capital, is a amazing mix of Swahili, Arab and Portuguese cultures. Though run-down, the island was sparred by the war and remains an absolute gem. Part of the Querimba Archipelago, Ibo is home to several ancient forts, centuries old Hindu temples and coconuts galore. You can easily spend days walking throughout the dusty streets, admiring the beautiful architecture and absolutely brilliant sea. Accomodations on the island include Ibo Island Lodge (high-end) and Cinco Portas (more reasonable). Both provide meals. Choices for food outside of these two establishments are limited to a few, local haunts which have limited menu options, but are a good way to meet the very friendly islanders. Ibo is worth a trip if only for the adventure of getting there. If traveling by dhow and you're lucky enough to find transportation headed for the coast you're only half way there. Once you've reached the coast you'll have to wait for high tide, which often means an overnight stay under the great big baobob (or simply ask at the small shop for a place to crash). Semi-regular dhows ply the waters to Ibo. With good wind and calm waters its a one-hour journey but as this traveler found out, with neither it can easily amount to a five hour marathon! The alternative is to head to the Pemba Beach Hotel and book a flight with the their travel agency. It is truly one of the gems of Africa. ::::::::Inhambane Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Fishing at Barra Lodge Fishing at Barra Lodge M. Mulliner Inhambane is a photographers dream; it possesses a unique charm that can only originate from a rusty old town with delapidated buildings and neglected maintenance. It is worth exploring the fascinating mix of African, old-world Portugese and muslim cultures. While little more than two main roadways, Inhambane offers a comforting break on the journey north to Beira, or to the beautiful beaches of Tofo. The main boulevard, directly opposite the ferry port, offers small shops, the central market, some banking services (no travellers cheques) and possibly the best fresh bread in all of Mozambique. Accomodations in Inhambane are limited as most tourists head east towards Tofo. Minibuses leave from behind the Market regularly - 15,000 Meticais one-way. Inhambane also offers decent Internet access at 50,000 per hour, though regular power disruptions may mean a lost email or two :::::::::Inhassoro Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Inhassoro is a small fishing village situated opposite the Isla de Bazaruto, the northernmost island of the Bazaruto Archipelago. The village is the last coastal resort before the main road swings away from the coast and northwards to Beira. The village survives mainly on fishing, but has a few shops, a couple of old hotels that date back to colonial days, a hospital and a market. There is a hotel on the beach with chalets. The restaurant here is set beneath a canopy of Mahogany trees and has good inexpensive food. The beach here, like most of Mozambique’s beaches, is of clean pristine white coral sand. There is easy access to the islands of the archipelago, a national park, where the visitor will find more than 180 species of birds and freshwater crocodiles. The reefs and beaches are protected but offer some spectacular diving. Boats may be chartered in the village for those wishing to visit the islands. "Copyright © 1998-2005 WhereToStay, www.wheretostay.co.za. All rights reserved." Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://www.wheretostay.co.za/information/moz/in/inhassoro :::::::: Maputo Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo Maputo, formerly known as Lourenco Marques after a Portuguese explorer who landed here in 1544, is the capital of Mozambique. Located in the far south-west of the country, it is easily reached from neighbouring Swaziland and South Africa. The city was founded in the 18-th century but not much from that period remains today. The biggest historic attraction in town in the Portuguese fortress, built in 1787. A more recent landmark is the Mousinho de Albuquerque Square in the centre of town. The beautiful Train Station is definitely worth a look. It was built in 1910 by an architect from the Eiffel school in Paris. Neither the war of independence nor the fighting between the governmant and RENAMO which began in the early 1980s occurred in the city so unlike other pasts of the country Maputo escaped largely unscathed. A peace treaty was signed in 1992 officially bringing the war to an end. Maputo is full of life. Mozambicans love to party and Maputo is a great place to listen to live music, dine on phenomenal fresh prawns in pili-pili sauce or simply wander through an art gallery or two. Accomodations in town include two backpacker lodges. The Base, run by an extremely welcoming staff, is located in the heart of the city and is a perfect base for venturing around Maputo. Small but clean, The Base offers small six-bed dorms, singles and doubles. As an added bonus, the balcony offers great views of the Indian Ocean. Fatima's, a few blocks away, offers a similar bunch of amenities with questionable results. If anything is certain, you will not go hungry in Maputo. No matter your budget there are enough choices to keep everyone happy. Need to eat on the cheap? Check out one of the many markets where a plateful of stew with Pap (maize meal) will run you less than $2. The local fish market, located on the north end of Avenue Marginal is one of the best places in all of Africa for fresh fish and seafood. Every evening around dusk, local fisherman haul their catch into the market where discerning buyers scoop up as much as they can carry. Several bars and restaurants on the market premises will cook whatever you buy for a small fee. Another fantastic option in the centre of town is the Feira Popular. This amusement park cum restaurant haven is probably the only place on earth where you can get amazing prawns pili-pili, a cold beer and a round or two of foosball or bumper cars. Entry into the fairgrounds is 5,000 Meticals and is well worth it, day or night. Be sure to take a taxi after dark. :::::::::Massingir Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Massingir Dam in the Rio Elephantes is a developing Tourist area. It provides access to the Parque Nacional do Limpopo. Stay over in the Park at the Campsite or at Covane Community Lodge. ::::::::::Morrungulo Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Morrungulo Morrungulo Bernadette Beautiful palm beach. Lodges on the shore. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://www.pontamorrungulo.co.za ::::::::::Pemba Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see On the north coast, at the mouth of a huge bay, is Pemba - another top destination with a range of watersports on its stunning waters, beautiful beaches and coral reefs. Some say the Pemba coast has the most beautiful beaches in the world. _________Getting There Edit This For an international travellers, the best way to get to Pemba is by coming down to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and connecting a LAM flight at DAR to Pemba. LAM Mozambique Airlines -www.lam.co.mz operates direct flights from DAR to Pemba. However Pemba is also served by LAM flights from Maputo (capital of Mozambique) and from Johanesburg (South Africa). :::::::::::Quelimane Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Camara Municipal Camara Municipal Jorge Leite Quelimane (pronounced kelly-monney) is reached by air from Maputo on a one hour flight on LAM. Airport is small. Roads are fair. Town is typical small tropical town, with a mixture of old colonial Portugese buildings and newer shanties. Situated on the river banks, the main industry is prawn fishing. There is a great beach about 20 minutes drive to the East - the back sand road through the coconut plantations is the best. ::::::::::Tofo Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Tofo Beach Tofo Beach Located just east of Inhambane, Tofo offers nice beaches, nice surfing and excelent diving. There are several backpacker places: camping for 100,000 Meticais, dormitories for 200,000, though prices tend to change alot. Also there's an internet cafe (2,000 Meticais per minute). Probably the main attraction of Tofo is it's marine life. There are three diving centers, they keep their prices at exactly same level: 360 South African Rand for a first dive, more dives you make - cheaper it gets. You are gauranteed to see Manta Rays and lots of other 'big fish'. Snorkeling is also available, mostly to swim with huge Whale Sharks. Storms and cyclons are quite frequent in the area, so it may be wise to check weather beforehand. ::::::::Vilanculos Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Vilankulos Vilankulos Bernadette Located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, in inhambane province is une fof the most importante destinations in Mozambique. Vilanculos is nice place too dive, and relax with the family. Vilanculos offers hotel accomodations and restaurants in a third world style. Electricity and water are available during only certain times of the day see more. The night life is alive and well offering music and drink through out the night at one of the local discotheques. Formerly a favorite destination of the rich and many movie stars, Vilanculos lost its appeal from 1975 through 1993 during the civil war fought in Mozambique. The airport is open to medium size aircraft, and ground transportation is available. :::::::::Xai-xai Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Praia do Xai-Xai Praia do Xai-Xai Karel Nitsch The town of Xai-Xai is situated on the Limpopo River is a sprawling settlement of houses, markets and shops. History: Xai-Xai is the name of Gaza´s sun-in- low, his father colled Dlamine Nt´chai-´Nt´chai. Gaza was one of Nguni King´s, brother of Sobhuza, the first King of actual Swaziland. Tourists generally only stop off for supplies in Xai-Xai with the real attraction being the beach situated about 10 kilometres to the east. The bay has a coral reef running about one kilometre off shore which offers protected waters for swimming and snorkelling. The coastal town has become a little run down of late but it has some thriving restaurants, a campsite and a new hotel is to be completed towards the end of 1999. |
| Thanks to
http://www.facebook.com/Costasur
Guia de viajes - http://www.costasur.com/ |
| Mozambique África. Un paraíso a orillas
del Índico Mozambique o República de Mozambique es un país del sureste de África, en la costa del Océano Índico, que linda con países como Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbawe y Sudáfrica, así como con el propio Océano Índico. Es un país de más de 20 millones de habitantes que está saliendo en los últimos años de la pobreza y del tercer mundo. Su capital y ciudad más importante es Maputo. Mozambique es una antigua colonia portuguesa, por lo que la lengua oficial es el portugués. Se ubica al este de África y cuenta, en el interior del país, con una cadena montañosa con cotas por encima de los 2500 metros. Sin duda, sus playas de arena blanca y sus aguas cálidas y cristalinas son su principal atractivo turístico. Su bajo nivel de vida, y lo barato que está todo en este país están propiciando inversiones del exterior y un incremento importante del turismo. En su interior, destacan las cadenas montañosas y el río Zambeze, que divide al país en dos, un país diverso en el que puede ir de compras, puede hacer un safari en una reserva o en uno de los parques nacionales e, incluso, acampar en un camping rodeado de naturaleza salvaje. Ciudades como Maputo, Inhambane, Beira, Xai-Xai o Pemba están adquiriendo una gran importancia en los últimos tiempos, tanto por sus puertos comerciales, como por el incremento del turismo que se está dando en muchos de ellos. Un incremento turístico, por cierto, que tiene su fundamento principal en la importante calidad de sus playas. En lo referido a hoteles, apartamentos, casas y chalés, Mozambique está en pleno proceso de crecimiento, por lo que no está todavía masificado, lo que le da un toque de distinción con respecto a otros destinos turísticos. Mozambique es, ante todo, un espacio natural en el que podrá disfrutar de la naturaleza, de los parques nacionales y reservas naturales, de los campings en espacios protegidos donde alojarse y disfrutar plenamente de la fauna y la flora salvaje de este país, donde abundan leones, leopardos, cocodrilos, elefantes, rinocerontes y búfalos, entre otras especies. Naturaleza, relax, playas de arena blanca y aguas cálidas y cristalinas, espacios increíbles... Todo ello y mucho más durante sus vacaciones en Mozambique. __________Cosas que hacer y cosas que ver en Mozambique África Mozambique, en pleno Océano Índico, en la sabana africana, es un país donde encontraremos numerosas cosas que hacer y que ver durante nuestras vacaciones. Actividades deportivas, actividades lúdicas, de aventura, relacionadas con la naturaleza, de ocio... Mozambique es un país que ofrece numerosos atractivos, entre los más destacados están sus playas, extensas, vírgenes, salvajes, de arena blanca y con una temperatura agradable; así como sus espacios naturales, con más de media docena de parques nacionales que visitar, el Parque Nacional Barazuto o el Parque Nacional Limpopo son algunos de ellos. Irse de safari es otra de las posibilidades que tiene en este pequeño paraíso africano. Ir de safari o acampar en una reserva nacional en los lugares permitidos. Además, alquilar un barco o yate charter y recorrer el litoral, pescar en alta mar o hacer whale watching es otra de las posibilidades. Si quiere un poco de deporte y ocio, sin excesivos esfuerzos, puede jugar al golf e ir de compras en Maputo, en alguno de los mercados o centros comerciales que encontrará en la ciudad. No se olvide de disfrutar de las fiestas locales en Mozambique durante sus vacaciones en África!!! _________Fiestas Mozambique - Participe en fiestas típicas en Mozambique Una de las cosas que no debe olvidar durante sus vacaciones en Mozambique es disfrutar de sus fiestas. Aquí, como en cualquier otro país africano, estas tienen un significado muy importante para los habitantes de este país. El 1 de enero se celebra el Año Nuevo, y con él, el Día de la Fraternidad Universal. El 3 de febrero es el día de los Héroes Mozambiqueños, una de las fiestas más importantes que se celebran en el país, y se hace en honor a Eduardo Mondlane, presidente que fuera del Frente de Liberación de Mozambique hasta que fue asesinado. Otro día importante, pero en esta ocasión en homenaje a Josina Machel, es el Día de la Mujer el 7 de abril, aniversario de su muerte. En común con el resto de países del mundo, se celebra también el 1 de mayo, el Día Internacional del Trabajo. El 25 de junio es la fecha más histórica e importante de Mozambique, es el día de la Independencia del país, segregándose como colonia de Portugal, mientras el Día de la Victoria y el Día de la Liberación Nacional son el 7 y el 25 de septiembre, respectivamente. ___________Recorrer parajes naturales en Mozambique - África Los parques naturales y las zonas protegidas componen, junto a sus playas, el principal atractivo de Mozambique. Más del 12% de su superficie corresponde a parques nacionales y reservas naturales. Este patrimonio natural es uno de sus más interesantes atractivos, tanto las zonas de interior como las de la costa, tanto por su fauna como por su flora y abundante vegetación. La biodiversidad de Mozambique cuenta con importantes lugares interesantes desde el punto de vista ecológico. Los más destacados son el Parque Nacional de Quirimbus, el Parque Nacional de Zinave o las reservas naturales de Niassa, Gile o Maputo. Son muchos los parajes naturales que puede visitar en Mozambique. Disfrute de ellos y no olvide que debe tener precaución porque hay lugares peligrosos, si no conoce la zona y no sabe lo que se puede encontrar. _________Haga un safari en la Reserva Natural de Niassa Mozambique África Si viaja a África, no puede volver a casa sin haber hecho un safari en la Reserva Natural de Niassa, en la provincia del mismo nombre. Se trata de una reserva de más de 40.000 kilómetros cuadrados en el interior del país. La mejor época para venir aquí es el invierno, entre abril y octubre. En esta reserva, podrá ver y disfrutar de una fauna repleta de leones, leopardos, lobos, elefantes, búfalos y cebras, entre otros animales típicos de la selva del este del continente africano. Esta es una de las mayores y más importantes reservas naturales del sur de África. Mozambique es uno de los mejores destinos del sur de África para ir de safari y disfrutar de la fauna y la flora del lugar. ____________Visite la Reserva Natural de Gile Zambezia Mozambique África La Reserva Natural de Gile es uno de los mejores lugares para visitar durante sus vacaciones en Mozambique. Es una pequeña reserva, de unos 2000 kilómetros cuadrados, a la que se accede desde Quelimane, la capital de Zambezia. En esta zona, durante el invierno austral, los meses que van de mayo a septiembre, es cuando más se aconseja que se visite, ya que es una época en la que se puede disfrutar de numerosas posibilidades, entre ellas acampar dentro de la reserva, en las zonas permitidas. Hay más de un centenar de mamíferos en esta zona, entre los que destacan leones, leopardos e impalas. También hay más de un centenar de especies de aves. Un lugar idóneo para entrar en contacto de lleno con la naturaleza. __________Historia Mozambique África Mozambique es un país del sureste de África que fue colonizado por Portugal en el siglo XVI, cuando los marinos portugueses llegaron a sus costas. Siglos más tarde, concretamente en el XIX, ese dominio se extendió por el interior del país. En 1975, tras años de lucha, Mozambique consiguió su independencia de Portugal. Tras la independencia, la guerra civil se apoderó del país, una guerra entre los marxistas del FRELIMO y los pro Sudáfrica del RENAMO. Esta guerra duró casi dos décadas, hasta 1992, y dejó sumido al país en una importante crisis económica. Para hablar de la historia de este país, nos vamos atrás en el tiempo, concretamente al siglo I. Es, en ese momento, cuando esta región comienza a poblarse alrededor del río Zambezi, de su valle y de sus costas. Se establecen comunidades que se dedicaban a la agricultura, así como a conquistar territorios vecinos. Esta situación se prolongó durante años. Después fueron los árabes los que tuvieron una leve estancia en estas tierras, hasta que en 1498 el marino y descubridor portugués, Vasco Da Gama, puso pies en esta tierra. Comenzaron en este momento los primeros asentamientos portugueses que veían en algunos puntos de Mozambique puertos naturales ideales para el atraque y fondeo de barcos que iban a cuestiones mayores. Sofala fue el primer gran puerto, entrado el siglo XVI, el control del río Zambezi era también algo importante ya que desde aquí o por aquí se llevaban a cabo las mayores producciones de alimentos. También eran importantes las prospecciones hacia el interior, en busca de oro. Un siglo más tarde, Mozambique era portugués. Durante los siglos posteriores, la situación era muy similar, con la explotación portuguesa. Todo ello hasta que en el siglo XX comienzan los primeros brotes independentistas en Mozambique, una situación que preocupaba a las empresas extranjeras (mineras y madereras fundamentalmente) que tenían base en la zona, una zona industrializada en la que los británicos habían instalado incluso el ferrocarril. La presión social fue creciendo año tras año, y nace el FRELIMO (Frente de Liberación de Mozambique), que se adentra en los órganos administrativos del país poco a poco, y se convierte en guerrilla. En septiembre de 1964, tiene lugar la primera gran campaña independentista, una situación que se repite en otras colonias portuguesas de África como Angola. Una década después, Mozambique consigue su independencia, el 25 de junio de 1975. Es en este momento cuando FRELIMO y la RENAMO (Resistencia Nacional Mozambiqueña) entran en disputa por el poder. Debido a esta situación, Mozambique (financiado por el gobierno del Apartheid sudafricano) entra en guerra civil. Era un nuevo gobierno, el primer presidente fue Samora Machel. En estos años de guerra y destrucción, la mayor parte de los portugueses que vivían en Mozambique se van del país, hay un éxodo masivo, así como muchos mozambiqueños que buscan refugio en países cercanos como Zambia. La paz no llega hasta 1992. Desde entonces, ha empezado una nueva época en Mozambique, una época en la que las minas de oro y la madera se han sustituido por el turismo como fuente de ingresos, si bien aún no es un país que cuente con una importante oferta de hoteles, de apartamentos y de casas donde alojarse. No es un país con una gran infraestructura, pero está en camino. __________Información de Interés Mozambique - Lo que es interesante de saber de Mozambique Mozambique es un país del sureste de África en vías de desarrollo, que cuenta con un impresionante potencial turístico. Es por ello que son muchas las personas que deciden ir a pasar a este país sus vacaciones, unas vacaciones entre la sabana y el mar. La información de interés relativa a Mozambique que querrá conocer antes de planificar sus vacaciones en este país es amplia y variada. Son muchas las cuestiones que querrá conocer. Cuestiones como el clima de la zona, cómo llegar y cómo moverse por Mozambique, sus ciudades más importantes, datos de interés como la población, la economía del lugar, las vacunas necesarias antes de viajar, la extensión, los parajes naturales, las cosas que hacer.... En esta sección resolveremos muchas de sus dudas para que disfrute plenamente de sus vacaciones en Mozambique. ___________Cómo llegar Mozambique - Varias posibilidades para llegar a Mozambique África La mejor forma de llegar a Mozambique es a través del avión. Son varios los aeropuertos que encontrará en este país, si bien el más importante de todos es el de Maputo, la capital. La ciudad de Beira también cuenta con un importante aeropuerto. Otras ciudades como Nampula y Tete cuentan con pequeños aeropuertos, aunque la tasa de cancelaciones de vuelos es bastante elevada. Para moverse por Mozambique, lo mejor es el tren. Sepa que este país cuenta con líneas de ferrocarril entre las ciudades de Beira y Tete y Nampula y Maputo. La red de carreteras, por su parte, salvo la costera, es bastante deficiente. __________Playas Mozambique - Disfrute de la playa en Mozambique Hablar de playas en Mozambique es hablar de su principal fuente de riqueza, de su patrimonio más importante para convertir este país, muy deteriorado tras la guerra civil, en un destino turístico que haga incrementar el nivel y la calidad de vida. Sus playas, con más de 2.400 kilómetros de norte a sur, cuentan con arena blanca, aguas cristalinas y un sinfín de posibilidades de disfrutar en ellas. Las playas de Mozambique, las que encontramos en sus principales ciudades costeras y turísticas, como Beira, Xai-Xai, Inhambane y Maputo son playas, por lo general, aisladas, sin edificios ni construcciones que las rodeen, tan solo naturaleza salvaje. Son zonas en las que podrá disfrutar de la arena blanca, de las aguas cálidas y cristalinas, y de algunas actividades acuáticas, como el buceo o submarinismo. De norte a sur, encontramos numerosas playas destacadas de Mozambique. Comenzamos nuestro recorrido en Beira. En esta ciudad, al norte del país, encontramos numerosas playas de arena dorada, tirando a oscura, rodeada de abundante vegetación y humedales. Es una zona protegida y donde puede haber zonas peligrosas, por lo que aconsejamos se informe antes de iniciar una aventura en solitario. A la altura de Pomene, hacia el sur, encontramos playas de arena dorada tirando a blanquecina, aguas más cálidas y una extensa playa protegida por dunas y arrecifes. Al otro lado de Inhambane, más al sur, encontramos la Playa de Tofo, muy ventosa, ideal para la práctica de deportes acuáticos como el windsurf y el kitesurf. Al sur de Inhambane, en una zona rodeada de lagunas, encontramos la Playa de Zavora, cerca de la ciudad de Inharrime. Al sur, la Playa de Chongoene es de similares características. Cerca de allí se encuentra una de las más turísticas, la Playa de Xai-Xai, una playa eminentemente turística en la que encontrará arena blanca y escasos servicios. Más al sur, en Bilene, encontramos la playa del mismo nombre, rodeada de dunas y pequeñas lagunas que va formando la marea cuando sube. Es una de las playas más urbanas que podemos encontrar en Mozambique. Al sur del país, en Maputo, encontrará playas urbanas de arena blanca, con zonas más protegidas de las mareas y las corrientes, ideales para la familia. Playas para disfrutar de aventuras al aire libre. _________Principales ciudades Mozambique - Los municipios de Mozambique Mozambique es un país extenso, en el que encontramos 11 provincias principales y numerosas ciudades destacadas, entre ellas su capital, Maputo, que es capital de la provincia que lleva el mismo nombre. Otras son Cabo Delgado, Inhambane, Manica, Zambezia, Tete y Nampula, entre otras. La mayor parte de sus provincias miran directamente al mar, al Océano Índico. Es por ello que es importante reseñar que solo tres de ellas, Manica, Tete y Niassa, no tienen salida al mar. El resto sí lo tiene, y el mar se ha convertido en una importante fuente de vida y de ingresos, ya sea por los puertos comerciales a través de los cuales realizan sus exportaciones y generan empleo, como los puertos de Beira, Maputo o Pemba, o, también, por sus playas de arena blanca, ideales para disfrutar de sus vacaciones en un paraíso por descubrir, como es el caso de la ciudad de Xai-Xai. Parques naturales, mercados, espacios protegidos, playas... Ese es el principal patrimonio de las diferentes ciudades que encontrará en Mozambique. |
