Travel guide Mozambique

Here, we adapt to the temporality of the greetings throughout the day. There is the morning greeting(bom dia), which is sung from sunrise to noon, and the afternoon greeting(boa tarde), which takes over and is replaced by the evening greeting(boa noite) as soon as the sun sets.

On the roadside or at the central market in Maputo, producers sell bags of fresh, crunchy cashew nuts, a delicacy. Although it is mainly destined for export, cashew nuts are part of the so-called luxury products consumed by the locals. Roasted, salted or with piri-piri, it is the favorite snack of travelers.

The Chapa is the local bus. These white minibuses, often worn out, fill up more than enough before leaving for good. In the city, they are the popular public transport, people wave to them to climb on and simplify the daily trips. But Chapas are also a way for the most backpackers to cross the country.

A staple food for Mozambicans, cassava, or manioc, feeds entire villages. The tuber is used to prepare xima, a white paste with a consistent texture, which can be cooked on its own or with a tomato sauce and lime. As for the leaves, they are used for the famous coconut matapas .

They are part of the postcard. These typical traditional sailing boats used by Mozambican fishermen were introduced to the country by Arab and Swahili traders. They are still used for local fishing, and are also used as exotic and quiet pleasure boats to visit the islands near the shore.

Having stayed away from the development of mass tourism for years, which, by its very nature, degrades the environment, Mozambique has gradually become a sustainable, green and rather confidential tourism destination. The fishing villages have become seaside resorts while keeping their charm, with many ecolodges on their coasts.

One of the most popular local beers in Mozambique. Here, we say a "two M", for the initials. Surprising to find the name of a French statesman of the ^19th century on the labels of the local alcohol... First French general to have set foot in Mozambique, he would have bequeathed his name to this brand of national beer, amazing!

The mangrove is the magic tree. Vegetation of mangrove trees living between land and sea, the mangrove dots the Mozambican coast with its enchanting roots and serves as an incredible natural filter. It keeps the coastline clear and allows people to have access to fresh water. You can walk through the mangrove on foot or by canoe.

What is this white clay on the faces of the North? The mussiro. The very light wood is ground into powder, mixed with water and then applied to the face of Macua women, forming a white mask. It used to mean that a woman was available. Today, the cosmetic that is supposed to beautify the skin is mainly used as a sun protection.

For those who love chili peppers and thrills! Piri-piri, red peppers macerated in oil, is on every table in Mozambique; beware, it can be very strong! If you get caught, avoid water, better a good bite of rice, bread or sugar to avoid reinforcing the burning sensation.

The beach is the undeniable asset of the country. In the East, paradisiacal beaches follow one another on 2 500 km of coast with dunes, lagoons, a fierce ocean or a sea of oil, coconut trees, filaos or mangrove. They are often virgin of any human presence. Be careful, they are not always accessible by road.

Mozambican waters, especially around Tofo, have the highest concentration of whale sharks in the world, year round. This harmless endangered marine mammal with black and white checkerboard skin swimming on the surface can measure up to 10 meters. We also come to observe other marine big five: dolphins, manta rays, dugongs and whales.