After more than 10 years of being war-free Maputo is still rundown.
There are a few newly build centres but most of the war-scared buildings are still very eminent, either in use or just left to deteriorate. Semi-finished houses stand empty. Service delivery seems to be non-existent. The waste just piles up in over-full bins in the street. Don’t expect big malls and modern shopping centres.Don’t ever walk past the presidential residence. Pedestrians are not allowed close to this house. If you happen to do this unknowingly, you will be chased to the other side by a very unfriendly security guard. Also be careful when taking photos: government buildings, the presidential residence and anything else that has to do with the government is a definite no-no. Do drop in at the Polana Hotel for a drink in their cool, old style bar, though. Take a walk through the lovely gardens or have something to eat on the massive veranda, overlooking the ocean.That doesn’t sound like the best introduction for a travel page. However, if you can look past the obvious neglicence, Mozambique is a lovely tropical country. The beaches stretch for kilometers up the coast with the most amazing warm water and unspoiled nature.Maputo is not the ideal vacation place. Even though there is a stunning Holiday Inn on the beach with the most amazing views over the ocean, the beach is dirty and most people opt for the, on the beach. swimming pool, inside the hotel’s grounds. You have the luxury of the pool with magnificent views over the sea. For diving, fishing and real beach and sea adventures you need to go up the coast to Bazaruto, Xai Xai, Vilancolus or Tofu Bay. Here you will find from very basic beach accommodation to five star lodges.

Tourism to Mozambique has only started booming recently. The climate is very close to that of the tropical Indian Ocean Islands. People realised they can have the same experience, the same wonderful beaches and warm waters for a fraction of the price of an island holiday. That said, Mozambique has quite a few islands of the coast that makes for great inexpensive holidays. Inhaca Island is just 40km from Maputo. There is a daily ferry which caters mostly for locals. Over weekends, tour operators run a speed ferry that also stops at the unspoiled Portuguese Islands. There is absolutely nothing on this island. Nobody lives there, there are no buildings and no facilities. If you go there make sure to take your own sun protection in the form of canopies

or beach umbrellas. The sun is extremely hot especially over the summer months. The snorkeling and just splashing in the wonderful water is the best attraction to this island. The water is the temperature of warm bath water. The coral reef makes swimming a leisurely experience.

Inhaca has a lodge, restaurant and some shops. Here you can sit at the pool for days and watch the boats going past, have a drink, eat some amazing seafood and Pastes de Nata (Portuguese custard tart) or just sit.

Time has no relevance on this island.

Pemba is another popular island. There are now direct flights to Pemba from Johannesburg. There are also local flights from Maputo going to Pemba.

With all this beauty and ideal leisure holiday options at hand, remember Mozambique is a very poor country. Take the normal safety precautions and never flash expensive cameras, jewellery or money around. The people are friendly and many are trying to make a living by selling batiks, sarongs or jewellery to tourists. You can buy lovely stuff from them for very little money. Always take malaria medication. Malaria is out of control at the moment and is a deadly disease if not treated correctly.

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When you think of Mozambique, you think of azure waters, white sandy beaches and the stunning surrounding. The coastline runs for 2500kms until it meets the Indian Ocean, which means wonderful weather. Besides being a beautiful place for holidays, there are numerous activities offered at the beach resorts. Included is scuba diving, which is beyond magnificent.

Mozambique offers some of the best diving in Southern Africa. The sites are un-crowded which leaves the reefs unspoilt 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.

The Mozambique conditions are very similar to those of Great Barrier Reef and the Caribbean but not as commercialised. Water temperature goes from 22 degrees Celsius in winter to a refreshing 31 degrees Celsius in summer. The visibility is between 5 to 35 metres but with an average of 15 metres year round. A great time to go is in the summer time between January and February, The warm weather is promising.

Some great diving sites include Inhaca Island which is just stunning with all the fish life and great lodges that provide the uttermost comfort. Inhaca Island Lodge is above par with the quality and great service they offer, also they provide the most experienced divers.

In the Bazaruto area some of the most famous dive sites are Manta Reef, which there is a good chance of seeing manta rays and turtles.

On Benguerra Island, Two Mile Reef, which is a short reef protecting a narrow channel between Bazaruto and Benguerra. Here the coral is colourful and full of life, including some species of sharks and game fish.

Pemba, which is north of of Cabo Delgebo. There is a dive centre at Wimbe Beach where you can hire equipment, but most diving places offer equipment and lessons, so don’t worry, everything is taken care of. Here if you are lucky you may see dolphins and whales.

All the diving centres have experienced personnel and helpful staff, as well as fabulous resorts where one can stay as long as they want, enjoying a wonderful Mozambique Holiday.

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Carrie Hampton is a safari specialist and in this article she explores a few options in some private game reserves near Kruger National Park.

Going on safari in South Africa is a holiday of a lifetime, because no wildlife film can ever recreate the true-life experience. Just think, tomorrow you could be in the African bush sitting as close to a panting lion as you now sit to your television or computer screen. You could be within charging distance of a white rhino and purring distance of probably the most beautiful animal you have ever seen – the sleek and slinky spotted leopard. Safari doesn’t have to Break the Bank Safari does not have to be that expensive, especially with a strong Pound and Dollar against the African currencies. Don’t let the bad press about South Africa convince you not to go. Allow me to report the good news, which is that South Africa offers some of the closest game viewing in Africa, along with a choice of the most superior accommodation, excellent service and good value for money. With a fully pre-planned holiday or a go-as-you-please itinerary, you are highly unlikely to encounter anything to mar your trip. The only problem you might have, is which of the many private game reserves to choose. The lodges mentioned in this article are all close to Kruger National. There are so many excellent venues, that personal recommendation and budget constraints are the best way to decide. One reserve that I recommend to family and friends is Tshukudu Game Lodge. It is family owned and run and you are received like a long lost friend. Visitors tend to come time and again because of this homely welcoming atmosphere. Another reason is to see the orphan animals wandering around the homestead. Orphan Lion Cub Eliza the lion cub, rescued from certain death by a new dominant male on the prowl, was a cute fluffy six month old when I first saw her, and is now two. She still keeps her claws retracted when playing with the staff, but it won’t be long before she is banished from the early morning game walk for being too boisterous. Two ex-orphan Kruger elephants, Tambo and Becky, also come on the dawn game walk and silently creep up behind you before heavy breathing down your neck. This mischievous pair appear from the bush on command and are growing in naughtiness, as I found out when I was suddenly frisked by a firm trunk. Back at the lodge, Cutlet the warthog, snuffled around my legs and smeared me with engine oil that he had wallowed in. This lodge is for true animal lovers who like to touch as well as look. Tshukudu is one of the few lodges often visited by South Africans as well as foreigners. Not only is it affordable, but it is unpretentious and suitable for families with children (preferably over 10 yrs old). Accommodation is in cute little cottages looking out onto the African bush. The food is home cooked with plenty of it, and supper is traditionally served in an open-air reed-enclosed boma around a roaring fire. Like most private reserves there is no fence around the lodge and roaming wild lions regularly pad through the compound during the night. Their roar will interrupt even the most heavy sleeper. This terrifying sound may be a mile away but the low resonance will seem to be coming from right outside your door. Of it could be just that, so a midnight stroll should be avoided. Read More Africa Accommodation Guide

Mozambique Accomodation Guide

Inhaca Island Lodge is a luxurious yet affordable family and business friendly lodge situated on the exotic Inhaca Island near Maputo in Mozambique that offers guests a high standard of service and facilities, with a number of inclusive activities as well as breakfast and dinner included in the accommodation package.

Highlights of the Inhaca Lodge

Some of the highlights of Inhaca Island Lodge Inhaca Island:

• Lodge is located in the secluded Inhaca Island just across the bay from Maputo
• Island is home to a number of marine and bird species including flamingo, pelicans, a number of marine turtles, dolphin, game fish and hundreds of endemic bird species
• Wide range of activities for guests to enjoy ranging from excursions to nearby islands and beaches, scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, whale watching, wind surfing, sunset cruises, picnic lunches and more
• Fully equipped function room accommodating 60 people, with screen, projector and all other relevant equipment
• All rooms equipped with all amenities including en-suite bathrooms with showers, comfortable twin or queen-sized beds, fans, mosquito netting, tea and coffee facilities
• Other facilities at the lodge include a games room, tennis courts, pool, TV and video room, laundry service and restaurant with bar

Inhaca Island Lodge, Inhaca Island, Inhaca Island

Inhaca Lodge is situated on the stunning and pristine region of Inhaca Island, just off the coast of Maputo.

The area plays host to a wide diversity of marine and bird species, including flamingo, pelicans, a number of marine turtles, dolphin, game fish and hundreds of endemic bird species and native butterflies.

A number of islands and beaches are located around the island, making it the ideal central location for island tours and exploration. Guests have a range of complimentary activities to choose from including snorkelling, wind surfing, tours and body surfing, and additional activities in the area include scuba diving, boat trips, whale watching, and more.

The lodge itself has a number of comfortable and luxurious rooms with en-suite showers, fans, mosquito nets and more, plus there are central facilities such as a games room, saltwater pool, restaurant, bar, TV room and a fully equipped function room seating 60 guests, making the lodge ideal for business events or weddings

Activities – Inhaca Lodge

Drive South Africa | Mozambique Accomodation Guide

Castelo do Mar Inhambane Bay

Home » Accomodation » Mozambique » Inhambane Province » Inhambane Bay » Linga Linga Bay » Castelo do Mar

Castelo do Mar Villa – Linga Linga Bay

Castelo do Mar is a luxurious beach villa offering a high level of service standard and facilities, wedding and conference facilities, and a wide range of fun activities for guests to enjoy. The lodge is situated on the beautiful island paradise of Linga Linga in the Inhambane Province of Mozambique.

Highlights of the Castelo do Mar Villa

Some of the highlights of Castelo do Mar Inhambane Bay:

• Luxury fully serviced beach villa in the pristine beach area of Linga Linga in Inhambane, Mozambique
• All rooms fully equipped with en-suite bathrooms, toiletries, luxurious linen, hairdryers and safe
• Facilities at the lodge include babysitting service, laundry, shuttle service, internet access, library, games room with pool table, black jack table and dart board, fully stocked bar, dining room, outdoor ding area, veranda with braai area and TV with DVD player
• The lodge is fully catered for conference and weddings, with facilities and services to ensure a perfect function
• Wide range of activities for guests to enjoy, including swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, water skiing, nature walks, sunset cruises, boat trips, picnics and excursions to the nearby mangrove swamps
• Delicious freshly prepared meals are served throughout the day, and beach picnics can be arranged on request

Castelo do Mar Rooms & Rates

Facilities – Castelo do Mar

The facilities for the Castelo do Mar are listed below. Here you can see what you can expect from the facilities at Castelo do Mar in Linga Linga Bay, Mozambique.

Castelo do Mar Linga Linga Bay Mozambique

• Air-conditioning
• En-suite bathrooms
• Luxurious linen
• Toiletries
• Hairdryer
• Safe
• TV and DVD player
• Library
• Internet access
• Telephones
• Games room with a pool table, black jack table and dart board
• Fully stocked bar
• Dining room
• Outdoor dining area
• Veranda
• Braai / barbeque area
• Airport Shuttle Service
• Conference facilities
• Wedding venue facilities
• Babysitting
• Laundry service