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| Tamba Africa specialises in
fishing and scuba diving safaris on Mozambique islands and coast
at Pemba, Inhambane, Ponto do Oura and the Quirimbas archipelago
including, comfortable accommodation and transport. Dive Mozambique
islands through us.
To arrange scuba diving trips in Mozambique contact us |
Mozambique Islands
| Photo courtesy: Indigo Bay
resort |
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An archipelago of offshore islands,
known as the Bazaruto Archipelago, lies in a national marine park
off the coast of Mozambique. These ecological gems offer a quintessential
tropical holiday experience with isolated beaches and marine rich
waters.
The three main islands, Margaruque, Benguerra and Bazaruto,
can be reached via the mainland town of Vilanculos. This
small town is popular with travellers due to its beautiful
beaches, vibrant nightlife and superb restaurants - ranging
from casual Bohemian style cafes to upmarket eating houses
with finely carved furniture and a rich Moorish feel.
The warm tropical waters surrounding the archipelago support
a stunning variety of fish, coral, marine mammals and plants.
Some 2000 fish species exist here, representing over 80 percent
of the Indo-pacific region. The Dugong or ‘sea cow’,
an extremely rare mammal, is found around the island of Bazaruto – which
now has the largest remaining population in east Africa.
Nile crocodiles can also be seen in the shallow lakes and
pools on the islands. The island group is home to all five
marine turtle species of the western Indian Ocean. Once a
year these turtles come onto the beaches to breed – a
truly fantastic sight.
Bazaruto Island, the largest in the archipelago, is covered in thick
forests of casuarinas, coconut palms and cashew nut trees. A myriad
of birds and crocodiles frequent its towering dunes and large inland
lakes.
The second largest island, Benguerra, is set amid translucent waters
dotted with dhow sails - an unspoilt paradise for those seeking a haven
of peace. Like its neighbour, it also has high dunes, inland lakes
and beautiful beaches. Here the locals continue to live a laid-back
island lifestyle, as they pole their dhows to catch the wind, and beat
their drums to age old rhythms.
Traditional Dhow - photo courtesy Indigo Bay resort |
Like Mozambicans on the mainland, the local people are a
mixture of African, Arab and Portuguese descent. This is
reflected in the interesting cuisine that can be sampled
in the restaurants. Various spices and flavours complement
the fresh seafood of prawns, linefish, crayfish, calamari
and crabs.
Tamba Africa recommends:
Scuba diving: Two Mile Reef, which lies two miles east of Benguerra, offers the best reef diving in Mozambique with beautiful staghorn corals and tropical fish, from tiny clownfish to moray eels and black-tipped reef sharks. Its large protected pool called ‘the Aquarium’ is a must for snorkellers.
Sailing: for a unique experience, go for a ride on a traditional dhow. These traditional Arab sailing boats are quite picturesque and still used as the major form of transport on the seas of Mozambique. There is nothing quite like a sunset cruise on the Indian Ocean to get you in the holiday mood.
Photos courtesy: Marlin Lodge |
Water sports: test your skills at water-skiing, power kiting, windsurfing, hobie cat sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing in the warm Indian Ocean.
Fishing: fishing by lure and by fly is very popular and the lodges host annual big game fishing competitions. In Mozambique fishing is carefully monitored and all catches are tagged and then released.
Dune boarding: the dunes of Bazaruto Island are of the highest in the archipelago and make for exciting dune boarding.
Horse riding: there are a number of exciting trails around the island, of varying length and difficulty. At Indigo Bay they offer a number of different horse riding experiences; from visits to the stables and riding lessons to different trails around the island.
Island drives: see Bazaruto island by 4x4 vehicle, visiting local villages, the 19th century lighthouse and Sailfish Bay, or enjoy a sundowner from the top of a dune.
Details on coastal Accommodation in Mozambique
Mozambique | Islands
| Coast | Accommodation
Special packages |
Botswana safaris |
Namibia safaris |
South Africa safaris |
Zambia safaris
Zimbabwe safaris |
Mozambique tours |
Zanzibar |
Safari lodges Botwana |
Safari lodges South Africa |
Safari lodges Zimbabwe |
Safari lodges Zambia |
Indian Ocean coast
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