Why You Should Consider a Holiday in Mozambique

Tourism is nothing new to Mozambique; it has just been interrupted by wars, communism, floods and landmines. In the sixties and seventies, before the war for independence and civil war which only ended in 1992, Mozambique enjoyed welcoming more tourists than South Africa and Rhodesia combined.

With 1,500 miles of white sandy beaches, bordered with thick tropical vegetation and palm trees, Mozambique is an idyllic tourist destination. The locals serve giant prawns in lemon-infused olive oil in gigantic bowls.

What has changed in Mozambique is the style of tourism. While it used to consist of very basic locally-owned hotels, it is now populated with upmarket, luxury hotels, which are of the same high standard as the accommodation to be found in South Africa.

But the similarity between resorts in Mozambique and South Africa is largely down to financial aid and trade from South Africa, which has helped install phone lines, railways, roads and supermarkets. By the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, when millions of visitors are predicted to swamp South Africa, a four-lane motorway and railway line from Johannesburg to Mozambique will be open, opening up access to the beauty that is Mozambique.

Despite its close proximity to South Africa though, Mozambique has held onto some rustic allure. With miles of white beach and warm shallow turquoise seas, Mozambique is a picture of paradise. You can go for a snorkel and try to catch a peek at one of the many reef fish that populate these waters, or perhaps even a dugong.

Tourism has been slow to recover in Mozambique, and there is still a perception that it is a troubled country, despite a stable democracy being established there for over a decade. It was further set back in 2000 by devastating floods, and some of the effects are still visible.

Slowly Mozambique is starting to be considered one of the coolest destinations in southern Africa. It has everything which the Seychelles or Mauritius can offer in terms of beaches, but with all the flavours of Africa, and a Portuguese colonial history.

The diving is excellent and the fishing first-rate. Portuguese is still the main language and although not everyone speaks good English, Mozambicans are always ready with a beaming smile and a willingness to make visitors feel welcome. As the world begins to forget its troubled past, you can bet that more and more will return to this beautiful country to experience a beautiful African beach paradise.

John Mce writes on behalf of Africa Collection. Africa Collection specialise in holidays to Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean. Experience the Deserts & Dunes of Namibia with Africa Collection.

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