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An exotic paradise with a troubled past – Arno Delport, sales and marketing manager at Acacia Africa, reveals the potential of Mozambique
There’s no denying Mozambique has had a chequered past – 16 years of civil war followed by low-level infighting between the country’s opposing parties. In November 2013, clashes between fighters from the rebel group, Renamo and the army intensified in the centre of the country, prompting the Foreign Office to advise against all but essential travel to Sofala Province, with the exception of the provincial capital Beira.
However, towards the end of last year the outlook for tourism looked much more promising. In September 2014, a peace agreement was signed by the then Mozambican president, Armando Guebuza and Renamo leader, Afonso Dhlakama, and uneventful elections followed. While the situation is being closely monitored, the Foreign Office removed the advisory for Sofala Province in March 2015.
Mozambique has been careful to develop tourism in a sustainable way, the Bazaruto Archipelago recognised by the WWF as a “gift to the earth”. The Foundation for the Protection of Marine Megafauna was also established in 2009 to research, protect and conserve the marine megafauna found along its coast and a year-round world-class diving destination, Tofo, popular with backpackers, is known as the manta ray and whale shark capital of the world.
With tourism still in its infancy, Mozambique’s infrastructure still poses challenges for travellers who want to journey across the country independently and these factors make booking with a tour operator attractive to even the hardiest of adventurers, especially those on a time-sensitive schedule.
Then again, the lack of development is also part of its charm. Mozambique ranks highly with 18-30 year olds, many of whom are keen to explore parts of the continent that lie outside of the main travel circuit in Southern Africa. Less risk averse than their older counterparts, countries where tourism is on the verge of taking off are considered to be “travel brag” territory.
There is plenty of ongoing investment and newly constructed five-star resorts are all part of the plan to get the country back on track, but Mozambique is still heavily geared towards those seeking budget-end accommodation. Tofo is perhaps one of the more well developed locations on the southern coastline, however, as with many other tourist hubs, it has retained its allure as a laidback and unspoilt tropical paradise; diving with whale sharks a year-round activity. In fact, from Vilanculos to Xai-Xai the turquoise waters are literally teeming with marine life; giant manta rays, turtles, reef sharks, dolphins and the rare dugong on the list. Recent comparisons suggest that the diving in the Bazaruto Archipelago rivals that of the Red Sea.
While competitively priced when compared to neighbouring South Africa, the country’s current tourism centres are geared more towards those seeking underwater safaris. Be that as it may, its proximity to Zimbabwe is a win-win, the two countries a great combination for clients in search of value for money adventures; Big Five game drives in the Hwange National Park complimenting Mozambique’s world renowned diving opportunities.
Due to the lack of commercialisation, you can also expect more authentic informal interactions with the locals.
Moving forward, Mozambique’s future looks promising, and since we reinstated our camping expeditions in June we have had a steady flow of interest from budget travellers who are keen to explore the country’s unspoilt beaches and islands.
Acacia Africa’s 14-day Mozambique & Zimbabwe Explorer camping overland expedition runs north and southbound. Priced from £775pp (no single supplement) with a local payment from £417pp, this includes transport, camping, most meals and tour leader/ driver. Excludes flights.
Travel 2 offers seven nights in a SeaView Pool Villa at five-star Anantara Bazaruto Island Lodge in Mozambique (below) from £2,929pp based on two sharing on an all-inclusive basis, with London flights and flight transfers. Valid November 1 to December 15.
