ZOCO SURFING ADVENTURES

There are days when you may just feel 'surfed out' or when you'd like to strike out and explore on your own. Your surf guides will be able to point you in the right direction, All things watersport are popular including scuba diving, big game fishing and kiteboarding. Below you'll find a rough guide to some things you may want to check out:

INHAMBANE PROVINCE

The landscape surrounding Inhambane is dominated by thousands of coconut palms - you’re really in the tropics now! Apart from the beautiful historical town of Inhambane the main attraction to this area are the idyllic beaches of Tofo, Tofinho and Barra great area for snorkeling, fishing and surfing. There are many good diving reefs in the area including the aptly named Manta reef, and Praia de Rocha where the rock and coral has formed a spectacular landscape of pinnacles, gullies, and overhangs. There is also the opportunity for dolphin and whale watching.

INHAMBANE CITY

The city of Inhambane is one of the oldest settlements in southern Africa. In 1534, Portuguese traders established a permanent presence and a trading post there and their influence can be seen in the architecture and layout of the city. There are many old buildings in the city, in varying states of repair. The market, which is well-organised and clean, is well worth a visit, and is good value particularly for locally produced goods.

Inhambane is served by an airport and a port, and has petrol stations, banks, public phones, shops, markets, a bus terminus and a museum. Side-walk cafes are dotted along the narrow streets. The town itself is set on the bay of Inhambane, looking across to Maxixe. Enjoy a drink at the harbour and watch the dhows cruise across the bay. It is possible to hire a dhow to sail you around the bay or up to the Linga Linga Nature Reserve

CULTURE

In Inhambane, the Chope people dance the timbila, which is both the name of the instrument they use (similar to a xylophone) and the name for the dance itself. No matter where you are, the people of Inhambane will share their way of life with you, and welcome you with smiles.

BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO

This is one of Mozambique's most famous national parks. There are four main islands - Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque and Santa Carolina. Bazaruto, the largest of the four islands, has a number of freshwater lakes and exotic butterflies. Benguerra, south of Bazaruto, is smaller but with similar geography and wildlife. The island of Magaruque is small enough to make a day trip worthwhile as you can walk around the island in a couple of hours. Santa Carolina is the smallest island and is surrounded by the deepest waters of the islands making it ideal for game fishing. For wildlife lovers the attraction must be the prospect of seeing dugong, now threatened with extinction. These mammals are seen regularly in the waters around the islands as are dolphins, turtles and humpback whales.

MAPUTO

During the war of the 1970s and 80s, the proud city fell into a dismal state of disrepair, however Maputo has worked hard to recreate some of its former glory, and today the bustling capital reveals many restored Portuguese-style colonial buildings, and offers culture and old world charm, along with numerous places to enjoy Mozambique's famous peri-peri prawns.

Famous for its broad, leafy avenues, Maputo will linger in your mind as one of the most beautiful cities in Africa. Visitors to the city often comment on the relaxed pace and friendly atmosphere of the city and with the many pavement cafés dotted throughout the streets, there is always the opportunity to enjoy a reviving cup of coffee and watch the world go by.

ACTIVITIES

Mozambique offers some of the best fishing in the world. A number of centers along the coast cater for deep-sea, rock, surf and fly-fishing. The Mozambique channel is famous for its trophy-sized marlin and sailfish. The country’s lakes also provide excellent fishing spots.