The Locals Guide To Mozambique

The Cabo Delgado province lies to the extreme north of the country. The Rovuma River is a prominent feature in the province. The main city is called Pemba, which is located close to Pemba Bay. Pemba is characterised by many old buildings which depict the influence of Arab culture and later structures used by the Portuguese

The capital of Gaza province is Xai Xai; Gaza is a fertile farming province which lies close to the Limpopo River. Gaza is to the north of Maputo and the Limpopo railway connecting Zimbabwe and Botswana to the port of Maputo passes through this province.  Xai Xai, in particular, is a popular stopover for tourists travelling to nearby beach destinations.

Inhambane is a coastal province which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mozambique. The most popular attraction is the Archipelago Bazaruto, a set of four stunning islands. There are other beautiful beaches which attract a lot of tourists. 

Manica Province is located south of Tete and to the west is Zimbabwe and to the east is Sofala province. The main city is Chimoio, an important agricultural centre. Manica is the highest province in the country, with the Chimanimani and Penhalonga Mountain ranges which Mozambique shares with neighbouring Zimbabwe.

Maputo province is the southernmost province of the country. Matola is the capital of the province. Maputo is an urban centre characterised by the lovely mix of new and ancient buildings as well as large tree-lined streets with the acacias and flamboyant jacarandas. To the east of Maputo lies the Indian Ocean and the bay is close by. There are many things for tourists to do including tours of historical buildings such as the ‘yellow House’ (A building from the colonial era), the beautiful botanical gardens of Tunduru, romantic boat trips to nearby islands like Inhaca, browsing for souvenirs in the open air markets and so much more. The coastline makes Maputo special and the Ponta de Ouro Beach is worth visiting.

Nampula is a commercial province whose occupation dates back to the late 15th century.  Nampula has always been a strategic location, as one of the largest natural ports in Africa, is situated there; the port of Nacala. The provincial capital Nampula is a city of contrasts with many old buildings standing side by side with new modern buildings.

Niassa province is the largest province of Mozambique. The capital of Niassa province is Lichinga, situated to the west of the province. Niassa has a small population, which is just over 70000 inhabitants. Niassa is well known for producing sorghum, cotton, timber and semi-precious stones.

Sofala is a centrally located province whose major city is Beira. Beira was built just a little way from the old fort city of Sofala used by the Portuguese settlers. There are many historic buildings reminiscent of this era. Sofala is a vibrant province which produces sugar and shrimp.

Tete is a mineral-rich province of Mozambique. Its main attraction is the Cabora Bassa Dam, one the largest dams on the continent. The city of Tete sits on the banks of the Zambezi River. Tete is very hot but there are many places worth visiting, these include the Tete Suspension Bridge and the Boroma Jesuit Church

Zambezia is the most densely populated province which is centrally located in the northern belt of the country. The capital of Zambezia is Quelimane, a city which sits on the Rios dos Boas Sinais River; it is a city dominated by Moslems.