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MOCAMBIQUE NATIONAL PARKS
MAPUTO
Formerly the famed Laurenco Marques, the capital city of Maputo is an enchanting city of wide acacia-lined avenues and tall buildings overlooking the bay and the Indian Ocean. One of the city's more fascinating features is
a remarkable wealth of architecture, making it one of the most interesting cities in Africa and ideal for walking tours. Points of particular interest include: the Cathedral with its magnificent stained glass windows, the Casa de Ferro, a steel structure originally intended as a residence of the Governor General, now housing the offices of the Department of Museums, the bronze statue of Samora Machel, Mozambique¹s first president, the Botanical Gardens, the Louis Trichardt Trek Memorial, the Praca dos Trabalhadores
(WW I monument) the Railway Station designed by Gustav Eiffel, the Fortaleza, the Heroes Square and the Marginal, a palm-fringed beach front avenue providing a stunning view of Maputo Bay . On a clear day, the island of Inhaca can be seen in the distance.
BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO
In the first national marine park declared in Mozambique lies an archipelago of offshore islands known as the Bazaruto Archipelago. It is a 64 km long chain of four islands emerging out of the Mozambique Channel 600 km north of Maputo. The four islands, diminishing in size, are Bazaruto, Benguerra,
Santa Carolina (also known as Paradise Island) and Magaruque.
The archipelago is essentially a giant sand dune, and the incredible marine life is their greatest asset. The area is one of the best game-fishing locations to be found anywhere in the world. Over 1000 fish species and an
assortment of coral types inhabit the surrounding waters, making it a snorkeling and scuba diving paradise. An added bonus for divers is the warm water 23 degrees C in winter and up to 32 C in summer. The BazarutoArchipelago provides diverse habitats for the vast variety of birds and is
an important stop-over for migrant bird species. Thousands of Paleartic migrants cram the shallow waters during the summer months, including waders, swallows, shrikes and warblers. It is also home to the illusive dugong, a marine mammal that is a close relative of the manatee.
INHACA ISLAND
Just 34 km from the mainland, this island is a wealth of breathtaking beaches, coral reefs and exotic marine life. On Inhaca one can enjoy excellent scuba diving, snorkeling, big game fishing, spear fishing and sailing. A large part of this island is also protected as a wildlife refuge.
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