 Almost
five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with
independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration by whites,
economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and
a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development.
The ruling party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and
a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty
elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace
agreement with rebel forces ended the fighting in 1992.
Heavy flooding in both 1999 and 2000 severely hurt the economy.
Mozambique is now certainly a travel destination on the
rise. Slowly but surely the infrastructure of the country
is improving and what once were far flung corners are now
becoming more accessible to the average traveler.
Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, is rightly known as
one of the most atmospheric party spots on the continent.
Nothing can beat sipping on a cool beer and feasting on
prawns for which Mozambique is so well known.
Out of Maputo your stay in Mozambique is likely to centre
along the warm Indian Ocean and its beaches. If you are
not on the beach then chances are you will be in the ocean
either snorkeling or scuba diving off the magnificent Bazaruto
Archipelago.
So grab yourself a Portuguese phrase book, a fistful of
meticais and drift into Mozambique time…
Any of the Backpacker Lodges in The
Kruger area, Johannesburg,
Pretoria and Swaziland
will provide you with loads of information on Mozambique.
Where to Stay:
Exotic
Inhacazul Lodge Maputo, Mozambique
Hotel
Tivoli Maputo, Mozambique |
