South Africa Accomodation » Mozambique

Xia Xia Accommodation

admin — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 08:06:47 +0000

Accommodation in Xia Xia

Looking for for accommodation in Xia Xia? We have accommodation in all areas of Xia Xia, and by type of Xia Xia accommodation such as b&b, self catering, hotel and guest houses etc. Please email us at marc @ travelsupermarket.co.za telling us what you are looking for and we will send you a complete list of the places to stay in Xia Xia matching your needs. We also list the direct contact details of each establishment so you can then choose the one you want and contact them directly.

Things to do in Xia Xia

Xia Xia is located near to the provincial capital of Gaza and has some of the most beautiful coastline in the world. The warm tropical waters and inviting beaches are protected from strong waves by a great reef running parallel to the beach. This also results in the formation of a number of small pools at low tide…perfect for family days at the beach. Shellfish collecting is particularly popular at these pools. Water sports are great in Xia Xia. Kayaking, windsurfing and paddle skiing are all found in abundance. The marine life along the reef also make snorkeling a very sought after activity. Relaxing, however, definitely seems to be one of the main attractions of Xia Xia. There are resorts here dedicated to eating and relaxing, and the beach is always a wonder place to get in some decent r & r.

How to get to Xia Xia

Xia Xia doesn’t have an airport but is accessible by car. The nearest airport is Maputo Airport. While some airlines may fly directly here, the majority of international flights will stop first at OR Tambo International in Johannesburg, South Africa, before connecting up to Maputo. Once in Maputo, a number of shuttle services can be used, or you can hire a car to get to Xia Xia. It’s important to note however that the roads aren’t always in the best condition and potholes are particularly bad in the area. It’s advisable to make use of a 4X4 vehicle when driving.

History & general info about Xia Xia

Being part of Mozambique, Xia Xia has had a fairly turbulent past. The Portuguese invaded the island and were in rule until the late 1900s. The civil war that followed was horrific on the inhabitants and many chose to leave the area in seek of safer pastures. The island is now at peace but unfortunately still suffers the aftermath of poverty and corruption. The people are however very friendly and tourism is on the increase. The scenery is amazing and anyone visiting the area never leaves disappointed.

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Vilankulo Accommodation

admin — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:04:55 +0000

Accommodation in Vilankulo

Looking for for accommodation in Vilankulo? We have accommodation in all areas of Vilankulo, and by type of Vilankulo accommodation such as b&b, self catering, hotel and guest houses etc. Please email us at marc @ travelsupermarket.co.za telling us what you are looking for and we will send you a complete list of the places to stay in Vilankulo matching your needs. We also list the direct contact details of each establishment so you can then choose the one you want and contact them directly.

Things to do in Vilankulo

Vilankulo is a fast growing tourist hot spot in Mozambique. The white sand beaches invite guests to relax and take in some sun, and the amazing coral reefs provide ideal snorkeling and diving locations. The waters are also very popular with fishers as well as sailors who want to spend the day at sea. Vilankulo is also renowned for its land based nature attractions. The area is home to more than 300 different bird species, and bird lovers flock to the area to marvel at their beauty. The town also acts as a gateway to the Bazaruto National Park, as well as housing the relatively new Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary. This 25 000 hectare area along the Inhambane coast houses a variety of marine and bird species and is a wonderful place for a family getaway.

How to get to Vilankulo

Getting to Vilankulo is relatively easy now that it is home to a new international airport. The town itself is only about 5 kilometers long so the airport is located just outside it. Several flights arrive and leave the airport daily and serve a number of different areas. The main destinations connected to the airport are Johannesburg, Maputo and Swaziland. You can also drive to the town from Johannesburg. The roads are however in quite bad shape and a 4X4 is often required.

History & general info about Vilankulo

Vilnankulo derives its name from chief Vilankulo, and many of the suburbs (bairros) are named after his sons. When the Portuguese invaded the country, they decided to alter the name as they don’t often use the letter k – the name was thus changed to Vilanculos. As soon as the area regained independence, they immediately moved to have the name changed back. The district dropped the ‘s’ and reinstated the ‘k’ to bring the name back to Vilakulo – the town however kept the name ‘Vilanculos’ and many residents use ‘Vilankulo’ as their surname.

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Tofo Accommodation

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:03:04 +0000

Accommodation in Tofo

Looking for for accommodation in Tofo? We have accommodation in all areas of Tofo, and by type of Tofo accommodation such as b&b, self catering, hotel and guest houses etc. Please email us at marc @ travelsupermarket.co.za telling us what you are looking for and we will send you a complete list of the places to stay in Tofo matching your needs. We also list the direct contact details of each establishment so you can then choose the one you want and contact them directly.

Things to do in Tofo

Tofo is an exquisite little beach town in Mozambique. The beaches and views are amazing, and the parrots and monkeys that fill the surrounding palm trees are a pleasure to watch. It is the ideal place to getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life and just relax on the beach or in one of the resorts while sampling some of the local seafood. The areas main draw card however is diving. Whale sharks, Manta Rays and dolphins are found in abundance and divers flock to the area to swim among these wonderful sea creatures. Whales also visit the town in winter and people love coming to the area to view them. The 2 most popular beaches that should be visited when holidaying in Tofo are Tofo Beach and Tofinho Beach.

How to get to Tofo

The nearest airport to Tofo is Inhambane. The airport here is quite small and most airlines fly first to one of the nearby major airports and then connect to Inhambane. The main airports that connect to Inhambane include Maputo International Airport, Beira International Airport and OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa. Once in Inhambane, you can hire a car and drive through to Tofo. The local minibuses, known as “chapas”, will also transport you through.

History & general info about Tofo

Tofo is situated just outside of Inhambane. Back in the 16th century, Portuguese explorers stopped along the coast to replenish their ships. Soon after Vasco De Gama discovered the area, the whole of Mozambique fell under Portuguese rule. The end of the Portuguese ruling saw a terrible civil war. The country is now at peace and the natural beauty draws many tourists annually. Tofo may be very small but the rural and quiet beauty of the area is considered one of the town’s main appeals.

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Quirimbas Archipelago Accommodation

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:00:57 +0000

Accommodation in the Quirimbas Archipelago

Looking for for accommodation in the Quirimbas Archipelago? We have accommodation in all areas of the Quirimbas Archipelago, and by type of the Quirimbas Archipelago accommodation such as b&b, self catering, hotel and guest houses etc. Please email us at marc @ travelsupermarket.co.za telling us what you are looking for and we will send you a complete list of the places to stay in the Quirimbas Archipelago matching your needs. We also list the direct contact details of each establishment so you can then choose the one you want and contact them directly.

Things to do in the Quirimbas Archipelago

The Quirimbas Archipelago is a stunning chain of 32 coral islands. The islands are probably made up of some of the richest corals in the world and provide the most exquisite views of Mozambique’s marine life. Because of this, diving is extremely popular here. Snorkeling and fishing are also great pastimes. In addition to the sea-based activities, a visit to the ruins on Ibo Island is a must. The island is seeped in history and is where Vasco da Gama rested in 1502. It later became a major trading centre for ivory and slaves. Another great tourist attraction is the Quirimbas Archipelago is the Quilalea Sanctuary. This sanctuary was the first marine protected area in the Quirimbas Archipelago and is considered by the World Wildlife Fund to be of international importance for conservation.

How to get to the Quirimbas Archipelago

The easiest was to access the Quirimbas Archipelago is probably via Dar es Salaam. You can catch a flight into Dar es Salaam from most places (although many airlines will first stop at OR Tambo International in Johannesburg). Once in Dar es Salaam, you can go on Air Mozambique to Pemba. Once in Pemba you can access the Quirimbas Archipelago by car. It is also possible to fly into Maputo and then proceed to Pemba, but it generally works out to be quite a bit more expensive and involves stop over’s in more towns.

History & general info about the Quirimbas Archipelago

Quirimbas Archipelago started out as a fishing settlement. When the Portuguese invaded the island, Arab trading posts were set up here and slaves and ivory were traded prolifically. The area thrived as a result. A number of forts are still visible today, paying homage to the history of the area. It is also well known as the place where Vasco de Gama rested in 1502. Today the area is at rest and the beautiful island is a place of rest and relaxation. The area is very secluded and some of the islands have even become uninhabited.

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Ponto do Ouro Accommodation

admin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 07:59:13 +0000

Accommodation in Ponto do Ouro

Looking for for accommodation in Ponto do Ouro? We have accommodation in all areas of Ponto do Ouro, and by type of Ponto do Ouro accommodation such as b&b, self catering, hotel and guest houses etc. Please email us at marc @ travelsupermarket.co.za telling us what you are looking for and we will send you a complete list of the places to stay in Ponto do Ouro matching your needs. We also list the direct contact details of each establishment so you can then choose the one you want and contact them directly.

Things to do in Ponto do Ouro

Ponto do Ouro, also referred to as The Point of Gold, is the southern most resort on the Mozambican coast and is a mere 10 kilometers away from the South African border. World famous for its coral reefs, the town is an ideal diving location. The waters are beautiful and 18 different high quality offshore dive sites have been established. Dolphins and Whale Sharks enjoy spending time in these areas and many divers have great fun swimming with these creatures. Fishing is also very popular and both on shore and deep-sea fishing are offered. There are many fishing charters that will take licensed fishermen out to sea, and a number of companies that will hire boats out to individuals for the day. The waves are also wonderful for surfing, and the seas offer great swimming areas. Alternatively, the beaches are beautifully clean and white and are great for relaxing and spending some time in the sun. There’s also a good chance that you’ll find a mother turtle laying eggs along the beach, as this is a prolific turtle breeding area. Not all of Ponta do Ouro’s attractions revolve around the sea – there are wonderful coastal forests that are wonderful for bird lovers and also offer scenic 4X4 driving routes. Only 50 kilometers outside of the city you’ll find the Maputo Elephant Reserve. The short drive here will expose you to scores of elephants and flamingos among other wildlife.

How to get to Ponto do Ouro

Ponta do Ouro doesn’t have a commercial airport. The nearest airport to the area is Maputo Airport. A number of lodges offer free transfers from the airport into Ponta do Ouro, which is a 4-hour drive away. Alternatively, the town is accessible by car from South Africa. It must however be noted that the roads leading into the town are rough and sandy and in most cases a 4X4 vehicle is required.

History & general info about Ponto do Ouro

Ponta do Ouro was named the “Point of Gold” because of a muddle up. Early Portuguese explorers made some errors when doing their map reading and falsely believed they would find gold here. When they arrived the only thing they found were dunes rich in black titanium.

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Pemba Accommodation

admin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 07:57:22 +0000

Accommodation in Pemba

Looking for for accommodation in Pemba? We have accommodation in all areas of Pemba, and by type of Pemba accommodation such as b&b, self catering, hotel and guest houses etc. Please email us at marc @ travelsupermarket.co.za telling us what you are looking for and we will send you a complete list of the places to stay in Pemba matching your needs. We also list the direct contact details of each establishment so you can then choose the one you want and contact them directly.

Things to do in Pemba

Pemba is the vibrant capital of Cabo Delgado Province. The city lies on the southern shore of the 3rd largest bay in the world, Pemba Bay. Although it appears to be quite rundown, Pemba operates as the most important center in Northern Mozambique and has banks, supermarkets and restaurants. One of the main draw cards to the area is diving. Diving enthusiasts flock to the area to take in the stunning coral reefs just off the shoreline. The idyllic beaches are also great for just relaxing or taking in a bit of snorkeling. The beautiful Wimbe Beach on the outskirts of the city is particularly popular for diving and water sports. Another major attraction in the city is the Souk – an authentic local market stretched out over about 2 kilometers of beach area. Almost anything can be bought here and bargaining with the traders is a must. For the adrenalin junkies, The Gap is very popular. This is a sheer drop you can take between 12 and 120 meters…not for the faint hearted. Alternatively, stop by The Playground roughly 100 kilometers north of the city. Here you can view marine life at its best – a great option for a family outing.

How to get to Pemba

The closest major airport to Pemba is Dar Es Salaam Airport, roughly 690 kilometers away. While some flight travel directly here, many flights stop first at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (South Africa) before proceeding to Mozambique. Once at Dar Es Salaam Airport, you can get to Pemba on a smaller charter flight or by road. There are small airports at Pemba and nearby Lichinga if you choose to fly there, otherwise a car ride can be organized. The roads can however be a bit bumpy and a 4X4 is sometimes required to get through.

History & general info about Pemba

Pemba is also known as ‘Al Jazeera Al Khadra’, or the green island (Arabic). The island forms part of the Zanzibar archipelago and is roughly 60 kilometers north of Zanzibar. However, unlike Zanzibar, Pemba is formed from a landmass as opposed to coral reefs and sand banks. As such, the landscape has more green hills and fertile valleys, and the coastline is particularly jagged. Small scale farming, particularly of cloves, dominates Pemba. The original inhabitants of the island are believed to have migrated there several thousand years ago. Remnants of ancient settlements suggest that the Shirazi people were present on the island from at least the 9th or 10th century. The early 16th century brought with it the Portuguese attack on Pemba. The violence led many inhabitants to flee to Mombasa (now known as Kenya). The Portuguese domination however only lasted until the late 17th century when they were driven out by the Busaidi family of Omani Arabs. They were eventually also driven out and the island became a British protectorate. More violence was soon to follow when, in 1958, the Zanzibar revolution took place. As a result, president Karume closed Pemba to foreigners in an attempt to contain strong antigovernment sentiment. The island was only reopened in the 1980’s. Tension remained and peaked shortly after the 2000 elections. This however eventually subsided and today the island is relatively calm and daily life goes on as normal.

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Maputo Accommodation

admin — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 07:55:16 +0000

Accommodation in Maputo

Looking for for accommodation in Maputo? We have accommodation in all areas of Inhaca Island, and by type of Maputo accommodation such as b&b, self catering, hotel and guest houses etc. Please email us at marc @ travelsupermarket.co.za telling us what you are looking for and we will send you a complete list of the places to stay in Maputo matching your needs. We also list the direct contact details of each establishment so you can then choose the one you want and contact them directly.

Things to do in Maputo

Maputo is both the capital and largest city of Mozambique. The bustling harbour city has a lot to offer visitors and the diversity is a welcome adventure to many people. The Central Market is a must see when in Maputo. Here vendors vie for your attention and sell just about anything you could want, from arts and crafts to fresh vegetables and seafood and even household wares. Central Railway Station also warrants a visit. Gustave Eiffel, the same designer who did the Eiffel Tower in Paris, designed this beautiful architectural offering back in 1910. Considered one of the most beautiful stations in the world, Central Railway Station has a large central dome surrounded by imposing marble pillars and wrought iron work. For those with a keen interest in Maputo’s history, a visit to the Museum of the Revolution is a must. The museum chronicles Mozambique’s war of independence from Portugal and has a variety of maps, photographs and weapons depicting the struggle. The National Art Museum and the Alvaro Castro Museum of Natural History are also great options for day outings. For those wanting to escape the city, Maputo Elephant Reserve is an ideal getaway. Here you can spend some time among nature and get to see these magnificent creatures up close. A real treat for both young and old. For something a little quieter, the Botanic Gardens could be a viable option.

How to get to Maputo

The quickest and easiest way to get to Maputo is to fly directly into Maputo International Airport, also known as Lourenço Marques Airport. The airport is located roughly 3 kilometers outside of the city centre, and is the largest airport in Mozambique. The majority of countries served by the airport fall within Africa. As a result, many people flying into Maputo fly first to O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, the closest major airport to the city (roughly 435 kilometers away). They can then fly directly into the city.

History & general info about Maputo

Maputo, formerly called Lourenço Marques, was named after the Portuguese navigator who was sent by the governor of Mozambique on a voyage of discovery to the area in 1544. There were various forts and trading stations that had been established by the Portuguese that made up the area. Much of this original settlement was destroyed by the natives, and the building a fort commenced by the Portuguese. This fort was completed in 1787, and today’s existing town started to develop around it from about 1850. As the Transvaal began to grow the proximity led to greater interest being taken in the area by the Portuguese. The construction of a railroad between Maputo and Pretoria in 1895 caused massive growth in the area’s population. Maputo stayed under Portuguese rule until the People’s Republic of Mozambique was proclaimed on the 25th of June 1975. After independence the city’s name was officially changed to Maputo in February 1976.

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Inhaca Island Accommodation

admin — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 07:53:08 +0000

Accommodation in Inhaca Island

Looking for for accommodation in Inhaca Island? We have accommodation in all areas of Inhaca Island, and by type of Inhaca Island accommodation such as b&b, self catering, hotel and guest houses etc. Please email us at marc @ travelsupermarket.co.za telling us what you are looking for and we will send you a complete list of the places to stay in Inhaca Island matching your needs. We also list the direct contact details of each establishment so you can then choose the one you want and contact them directly.

Things to do in Inhaca Island

Inhaca Island is a luxurious holiday island about 40 kilometers off the coast of Maputo. The beautiful beaches are incredibly popular for snorkeling and diving, and the coral reefs are among the best along the Mozambique Channel. The reefs at Santa Maria are particularly popular, as is the historic lighthouse area. The islands protected forests are also a wonderful hangout for visitors wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Another great attraction on the island is the marine biology museum, a tribute to the rich marine life present on Inhaca Island. In addition to snorkeling and diving, the ocean around the island is also a favourite among game fishers.

How to get to Inhaca Island

In order to get to Inhaca Island you need to first get to Maputo. There are regular flights to Maputo Airport where you can connect to the island with either another flight or the ferry. The ferry departs from Maputo Harbour and is roughly a 2-hour journey across the warm blue Maputo Bay. A flight to the island will take a mere 15 minutes. Flights leave Maputo International Airport at 3:30 pm on most afternoons to arrive on the small island airstrip on Inhaca. The plane generally drops and fetches passengers and returns almost immediately to Maputo.

History & general info about Inhaca Island

From 1823 the British occupied the island of Inhaca. They used the island to patrol and control the regions slave traffic. They lost occupation of the island with the signing of the Mac Mahon Treaty on the 24th of July 1875. The Portuguese arrival signaled the inclusion of Inhaca Island in the Portuguese Colony of Mozambique up until 1975. In 1976 the island gained Nature Reserve status. It’s important to note that because the island is a declared Reserve no private vehicles are allowed on the island so you won’t be allowed to drive there.

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Ilha de Mozambique Accommodation

admin — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 07:50:57 +0000

Accommodation in Ilha de Mozambique

Looking for for accommodation in Ilha de Mozambique? We have accommodation in all areas of Ilha de Mozambique, and by type of Ilha de Mozambique accommodation such as b&b, self catering, hotel and guest houses etc. Please email us at marc @ travelsupermarket.co.za telling us what you are looking for and we will send you a complete list of the places to stay in Ilha de Mozambique matching your needs. We also list the direct contact details of each establishment so you can then choose the one you want and contact them directly.

Things to do in Ilha de Mozambique

Ilha de Mozambique is a small yet beautiful coral island in the north of Mozambique, just 4-kilometers off the coast of Africa. Its compact size makes it possible to walk the entire length of the island in only 30 minutes. This doesn’t detract from the appeal of the island though. Seeped in history, many people choose to visit the island to view the exquisite architecture and rich historical remnants. There are a number of monuments and buildings worth visiting, including a museum in the Palacio Govierno, the Mosque and Sea Food Market, the Hindu Temple Church, the Museum of Sacred Art and the Maritime Museum (to name a few). The fort at the northern tip of the island houses the Church of Nossa Senhora Baluarte. Dating back to 1522, many consider the Church to be the oldest surviving European building in the southern hemisphere. An important consideration for visitors to the island is that some of the monuments and attractions are classed as “military or state defense objects”. This means that you may not take photos of them unless prior arrangements have been made with local authorities. The northern end of the island houses a dive centre and is more focused on fun and relaxation. You can take boat trips, dive among the coral reefs or simply laze on the beach. There are a number of shops and restaurants here, and accommodation is even available here should you wish to stay over.

How to get to Ilha de Mozambique

Ilha de Mozambique is a small island connected to other land by a bridge. As such, you cannot generally get direct transport there and have to instead head to Nampula before heading into the island. Nampula does have an airfield and you can connect to it from Maputo Airport. Although some flights will go directly to Maputo Airport before connecting to Nampula, many airlines from international destinations stop first at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa before connecting up to Mozambique. Alternatively, you can cross the border by road from South Africa and drive up to Nampula – you must however be warned that many of the roads are very rugged and it can prove to be quite a rough ride. Once in Nampula you can also make use of a boat service to reach the island.

History & general info about Ilha de Mozambique

Ilha da Mozambique is a former Portuguese trading post, operating as far back as the 10th century. The arrival of Vasco de Gama in 1498 saw the establishment of a Portuguese fort, and the subsequent claiming of the territory for his nation. The Portuguese stayed in power for almost 500 years before Mozambique gained independence in 1975. Mozambique then entered into a bloody civil war, leaving the residents poverty-stricken and sick. With the fort structure offering easy fuel for fires, it soon fell into disrepair. As the population managed to rebuild themselves, the fort too was rebuilt and was later used as a school. Today, the island is home to more than 14 000 residents. The natural beauty and architectural heritage draw visitors regularly. Fresh water is piped to the island but is not always sufficient to meet all sanitation requirements that can sometimes be a problem, and Cholera outbreaks occur occasionally. There are however a number of hotels and guesthouses offering modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and relaxing holiday.

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Bilene Accommodation

admin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 07:48:34 +0000

Accommodation in Bilene

Looking for for accommodation in Bilene? We have accommodation in all areas of Bilene, and by type of Bilene accommodation such as b&b, self catering, hotel and guest houses etc. Please email us at marc @ travelsupermarket.co.za telling us what you are looking for and we will send you a complete list of the places to stay in Bilene matching your needs. We also list the direct contact details of each establishment so you can then choose the one you want and contact them directly.

Things to do in Bilene

The beach resort town of Bilene is located roughly 150-kilometers away from the Mozambiquean capital of Maputo. The small town overlooks the expansive Uembje Lagoon and many of the town’s attractions revolve around these shallow waters. Reaching depths of 50 metres, the lagoon is ideal for many different water sports. Alternatively, just relaxing on the beach or taking a dip in the warm waters is extremely inviting. The waters also draw a variety of different bird species – great for nature lovers wanting to take in a bit of bird watching. The main interest in Bilene is relaxation. As such, lodges and restaurants all offer great getaway options.

How to get to Bilene

The nearest main airport to Bilene is Maputo International Airport. The airport is located almost 180-kilometers away from the town. While some airlines fly directly into Maputo, many stop first at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa and then connect to Maputo. Once in Maputo, you can make use of a taxi service to get through to Bilene. Alternatively, Bilene Airport handles small flights and a charter craft can be organized.

History & general info about Bilene

Bilene is a holiday village situated on the banks of the salt water Uembje Lagoon. A large sandbar almost completely separates the area from the ocean, but a channel connecting the lagoon with the sea makes taking boat trips accessible and easy. The town is also referred to as Praia do Bilene and is said to be the nearest beach destination to Johannesburg in South Africa.

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