Northern Mozambique
This trip was a reminder of different lifestyles
and geography is within the same country.
This trip expanded by experience tenfold of the life here in Mozambique.
Here are some highlights; different from the usual tourist circuit.
NORTHERN INLAND
LINCHINGA / LAKE NIASSA- LAKE MALAWI
The capital of Niassa was our first stop; the town is pretty and sits 1300m high on the mountains. The coolness was a treat. This is the least populated of Mozambican providence's and is somewhat forgotten by the south. It was a good stopping point on our way to Lake Niassa/Lake Malawi. The lake is huge, the third largest on the continent and 550km home to 500 species of fish.
The shore is both gravel and sandy and very pleasant.
DWELLINGS
Heading down
to our next stop took an 8 hour chapa (van) ride. The dirt roads are narrow, and
potholed. If it wasn’t for the majestic
scenery, I would have avoided the bumpy, crowded, hot, ride. Correction: it
could not have been avoided – that’s the only mode and road to travel.
GURUE
Gurue is the most picturesque place that I have seen in Mozambique. It is amid lush vegetation and tea plantations, and sits at the highest point of the country. Mt. Nampuli was worth the climb to see the exquisite scenery.
We were warmly hosted at a macadamia nut farm;
the trees also charmed the mountainside.
NORTHERN COAST
Mozambique Island
We then headed east toward the coast, hitting the city of Nampula and
the port of Nacala, toward the fascinating Island of Mozambique. Mozambique Island (Ilha de Moçambique) is a small crescent‐shaped
area that is a piece of history and a fascinating destination. It’s picturesque
and a pleasant place to wander around.
History: In
1498 the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed in on this small island just
off the continent. Two years later the Portuguese created commercial posts
along with Arabs who were present since the 8th century. By 1752 Portugal
claimed Mozambique as a colony and began slave trade from the island. Slavery
was abolished in 1869. The island is now listed with UNESCO because of its significant architecture and cultural
tradition.
PEMBA
The reed fences were lovely and look at the "modern" capolana with a facebook logo!
PEOPLE
Note: Friendliness is not exuded in the north as it
is apparent in the south. I asked about it and culturally they are a bit more
reserved, nonetheless I left with a deeper admiration of the strength and beauty
Mozambicans have declared in my heart.
To Mozambique with love, Maryangela
@bloggingabroad
Unbelievable landscape. Beautiful descriptions. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing.
ReplyDelete