The country is opening up to tourism but, at present, it is mainly in the form of package tours. Independent travelers are relatively few in number. Beira has lovely beaches and is the base for trips to Gorongosa National Park (see below). Amongst the numerous beaches in Mozambique are Ponta do Ouro, Malugane (in the south), Inhaca Island (near Maputo), Inhambane with its beach resort of Tofo (about 400km/250 miles north of the capital), Xai-Xai, Vilankulo, São Martino do Bilene and Chonguene. The museum in Maputo (the capital) houses paintings and sculptures by well-known local artists.
The gallery in the Ministry of Labor building is also worth a visit, as is the market. Ilha de Moçambique (Mozambique Island), near Nampula in the north, is a fascinating place, dotted with 17th- and 18th-century buildings, many of them from the colonial Portuguese period. There are also some interesting mosques dating from that period. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Regions that are being promoted as tourist resorts include the Bazaruto Archipelago (780km/485 miles north of Maputo), consisting of four islands plus surrounding islets and reefs. This beautiful area features inviting sandy beaches and offers excellent opportunities for game fishing.
National ParksThere are three good national parks in Mozambique. The Gorongosa National Park is open from the beginning of May to the end of October. Visits can be booked through the LAM office in Maputo. Access is provided by an airstrip at Chitengo. Guides and cars are available inside the park. The Maputo Elephant Park is on the right bank of the Maputo River. The Marromeu National Park is at the mouth of the Zambesi River.
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