Mozambique's northern coast

Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, Mozambique Island.  Built in 1522, this church is the oldest European constructed building in the southern hemisphere.

Inside the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, Mozambique Island.

Drinking tea and relaxing on the Mozambique Island coast at sunset. 

A stretch of Wimbi Beach, Pemba, Mozambique.

Looking out at the Ibo Island Hotel at Ibo Island, Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique.

Taking a break at Ibo Island Lodge, Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique.

A statue wlecoming guests at the entrance of Miti Miwiri, Ibo Island, Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique. 

                While the business world is looking to the Mozambique for their massive oil and gas reserves, tourists come here for their famous beaches and dive sites.   From a tourist perspective Mozambique can be separated into two zones: north and south.  In fact, Mozambique wasn’t even connected by a road (the Zambezi River separated the country in two) until 2009.  This has created two subsets of tourism on the coast as well. 

                The southern coast (Maputo to  Sofala) is the most popular section of Mozambique due to ease of access and proximity to South Africa.  During the South African holiday season (December and Easter break), these areas are packed with tourists.  There are stretches of beach that include diving with whales and whale shark.  Furthermore, this area is much better equipped to handle high levels of tourists. 

                The northern coast (Zalala Beach to Quirimbas Archipelago) is more popular for their history, ruins, and archipelago.  Mozambique Island was the first center of this former Portugese colony, Pemba is a center close to Wimbi Beach, and the Quirimbas Archipelago is known for pristine, untouched tropical areas and beaches.  Few tourists come to this area and traveling in this section of Mozambique is extremely difficult. 

                For a challenge and a glimpse into the fourth poorest country in the world, Mozambique is a solid choice.  For whale shark diving and nice beaches, Mozambique is a solid choice.  For working roads, good communications, and comfort; Mozambique is not your choice.