African Reservations

Situated on the east coast of Southern Africa, Mozambique has a vibrant mix of African, Portuguese and Arab cultures. Its coastline stretches for nearly 3,000 kilometers and the country covers an area of approximately 800 000 km². Its inland waters include a portion of Lake Malawi. Long, winding rivers flow across its territory, including the Zambezi, which has its source in Angola. The Zambezi enters Mozambique at the country's western most border in the Tete province, and flows almost 800 kilometers before reaching the sea at Chinde. Mozambique, officially the Republic of Mozambique is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west and Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest. The area was explored by Vasco da Gama in 1498 and colonized by Portugal in 1505. Mozambique became independent in 1975, and became the People's Republic of Mozambique shortly after. It was the scene of an intense civil war lasting from 1977 to 1992. The country was named Moçambique by the Portuguese after the Island of Mozambique, derived from Musa Al Big or Mossa Al Bique or Mussa Ben Mbiki, an Arab trader who first visited the island and later lived there.

Since 1990, the Mozambican economy has been among the fastest-growing in the world, with an average annual GDP growth of about 8%. The cyclone and devastating floods of early 2000 reduced growth for that year to 2.1%, but the country bounced back--GDP growth approximated 8-14% annually since 2001. Endowed with rich and extensive natural resources, Mozambique's present day economy is one of huge potential. The country's economy is based largely on agriculture, which employs roughly 80% of the country's population in mostly subsistence operations. Agriculture makes up around 25% of GDP, with fast-growing industry (mainly food and beverages, chemical manufacturing, and aluminium and petroleum production) contributing 35% and services almost 40%. The country's tourism sector is growing, but still performing well below its potential. Sound economic management, massive international debt relief and great investment in human capital have been quite successful in alleviating poverty in the country. The government has taken steps to make Mozambique as attractive as possible to foreign direct investment, upon which it is heavily dependent. South Africa is Mozambiquess main trading partner and source of FDI, but Belgium, Spain and Portugal also figure among the country's most important partners.

The climate of the country varies from tropical to subtropical, with the coastal regions generally hotter and more humid than the inland plateau and mountainous areas. The coastal resorts offer a variety of activities such as swimming, snorkelling, fishing, scuba-diving, yachting, board-sailing and skiing. Mozambique has endless sandy, palm-fringed beaches and the coastline is dotted with many islands, including the Bazaruto Archipelago, comprising the islands of Bazaruto, Magaruque, Benguerra and Santa Carolina. The tranquil surroundings are ideal for bird-watching, fishing, diving and a variety of watersports. The spectacular coral reefs which stretch along much of the coast are a paradise for divers and snorkellers. There are opportunities for night and wreck dives, and conditions are ideal for underwater photography. For sports fishermen, marlin, barracuda, swordfish and sailfish are abundant in the clear blue waters. Inhaca Island, situated a short boat ride from the Maputo, has incredible natural beauty and is well known for its diverse birdlife. Arab dhows operate as water taxis in the Bay of Inhambane. In the south, tourists can dive with the whale sharks at Ponta do Oura and Ponta Malongane. In the north, Mozambique Island has forts, palaces and mosques dating back to the 16th century. These include the Fortress of St. Sebastian, St. Paul's Palace, which is now a museum, and the Hindu Temple near the market. The Gorongoza National Park has recently been revamped and is being returned to its former glory. The park is open to tourists and has a wide variety of fauna, flora and superb landscapes.