Fascinations of Mozambique

After the decades of conflicts followed by the struggles for Independence from Portugal, the reconciliation was realized in October 1992 between FRELIMO (the government party) and RENAMO (the opposition party), and since then, Mozambique has enjoyed peace, political stability and economic development.

Surrounded by Anglophone countries, English is widely spoken in Maputo, the capital city with good access to South Africa (only 2 hours to Kruger
National Park by car). It takes about quarter an hour from Maputo International Airport to the city center, which costs about 3 US dollars (or 75,000 Meticais) by taxi. People are very friendly to Asian tourists and walking alone in the streets during daytime is relatively safe, although minimum attention is required. The atmosphere of the downtown somewhat reminds us of Lisbon, yet mixed with African dynamism.

Accommodation in Maputo offers many options. Among the five-star hotels, Polana Hotel has the highest prestige with long tradition, one of the rooms being used by Embassy of Japan. Hotel Cardoso has a superb view by its geographical condition, besides their first class services. There are also some three-star hotels for backpackers with reasonable fees.

Culinary is various. Mozambique is famous for seafood, as shown by the export of high-quality shrimps to Japan. Short-necked clam seasoned with olive oil, butter, garlic and coriander is very recommendable to the Japanese. Other Mozambican dishes such as chicken roasted with coconuts milk or Mozambican version of curry ("caril") are very tasty. European dishes (Mainly Portuguese and Italian) and Chinese dishes are also available in Maputo. Fresh juice as well as Mozambican beer are very cheap and good. Weather is tropical, but night is cool between July and September in Maputo. Rainy season is between December and March. Vaccination for yellow fever, tetanus, Hepatitis A is recommended, though not "must". Pills for the prevention of Malaria is obtainable in some medical institutions in Tokyo and Osaka.

Mozambique is "raw ore of diamond" as host country of tourists. Mozambique Island (Ilha de Mocambique), designated as World Heritage by UNESCO in 1991, was the capital of Mozambique until the end of the 19th century when gold mines began to be explored in South Africa. Prospered by the commercial exchange with the Arab precedent of the arrival of the Portuguese, the island emits a special air, a sort of perfect fusion of African-Portuguese-Arab influences. Package tours, including other destinations, can be booked in tourist agencies in Maputo. There are also beautiful sea resorts where wild dolphins welcome you.

Decorated Gate of the Fort of Mozambique Island 　

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