| "We came in on a sailing dhow at night with phosphorescence bouncing off the warm water. The buildings were reflected by the sea and in that atmospheric moonlight appeared to us like a lost city."
Fiona Record, founder of Ibo Island Lodge.
Think of any picture of nature, any image that has in it what might be termed a construct of extreme beauty and call it Mozambique. An extraordinary country - especially when one thinks of its history, of centuries of domination from without, of gold rushes, land grabbing, slavery and an exhausting civil war - Mozambique's coastline boasts two archipelagos linked by one of the finest beaches one is ever likely to experience. Unspoiled, developed to just the right degree, it is a place of dreams.
The northern Quirimbas Archipelago - accessed from Tanzania and, via the capital Maputo, from South Africa - has the lowest density of visitors in coastal Mozambique. Private, highly luxurious, a stay in the Quirimbas is a one off, designed to meet the expectations of a particular type of traveller.
The southern Bazaruto Archipelago, though more popular than its northern counterpart, is still a cluster of exceptionally beautiful islands, which, on top of pristine beaches and top drawer accommodation, offers a world class diving experience. More, it is a perfect staging post for itineraries designed to take in the rest of southern Africa.
Inland, Mozambique is - in the form of Niassa National Reserve - home to one of the world's largest miombo woodland ecosystems, which, broken by wetlands and stretches of savannah, plays host to a rich population of wildlife. Lion, leopard, elephant, cape buffalo and spotted hyena can be seen, and species of impala, wildebeest and zebra particular to Niassa are to be found in relatively high numbers.
Bordering on the aesthetically perfect, Mozambique is an emerging destination, filled with a wonderful mix of traditions, cuisines and people, and, as such, represents a journey made in heaven. |
