History

Mozambique's first inhabitants were San hunters and gatherers, ancestors of the Khoisani peoples. Later Bantu-speaking peoples who were farmers and ironworkers migrated from the west and north through the Zambezi River valley and then gradually into the plateau and coastal areas. Ilha de Moçambique was first discovered by Europeans in the late 1400s When Portuguese explorers reached Mozambique in 1498, Arab commercial and slave trading settlements had existed along the coast and outlying islands for several centuries. From about 1500, Portuguese trading posts and forts became regular ports of call on the new route to the east. Later, traders and prospectors penetrated the interior regions seeking gold and slaves. After a socialist-inspired military coup which overthrew the quasi-fascist Portuguese government of Antonio Salazar in 1974, Portugal determined to grant independence to its remaining colonies. Mozambique became independent on June 25, 1975. The last 30 years of Mozambique's history have reflected political developments elsewhere in the 20th century. Following the April 1974 coup in Lisbon, Portuguese withdrew from Mozambique.

In Mozambique, the military decision to withdraw occurred within the context of a decade of armed anti-colonial struggle, initially led by American-educated Eduardo Mondlane, who was assassinated in 1969. When independence was achieved in 1975, FRELIMO rapidly established a one-party state allied to the Soviet bloc and outlawed rival political activity. FRELIMO eliminated political pluralism, religious educational institutions, and the role of traditional authorities. The new government, under president Samora Machel, gave shelter and support to South African (ANC) and Zimbabwean (ZANU) liberation movements while the governments of first Rhodesia and later apartheid South Africa fostered and financed an armed rebel movement in central Mozambique called the Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO). Hence, civil war, sabotage from neighboring states, and economic collapse characterized the first decade of Mozambican independence. On October 19, 1986 President Machel died in a plane which crashed in the Lebombo Mountains, near Mbuzini. Machel's successor, Joaquim Chissano, began peace talks with RENAMO.

The new constitution enacted in 1990 provided for a multi-party political system, market-based economy, and free elections. The civil war ended in October 1992 and peace returned to Mozambique.Since then Mozambique has been a stable and democratic country and, thanks to its late entry into tourism, development is being responsibly managed to safeguard the environment and benefit local communities. Mozambique is one of the hottest new destinations with its largely undiscovered and pristine beaches, aquamarine waters, tidal flats, tropical rainforests and freshwater lakes making this a dream destination for the perfect getaway. The warm tropical waters of the Indian Ocean provides the traveler with some of the worlds best dive sites with an abundance of fish species making this a favourite with game fisherman. Culturally Mozambique provides an interesting contrast to other countries in southern and east Africa, with strong European, Arabian and Latin influences. Maputo, the vibrant capital feels more Latin American than African, and in its heyday it was considered to be as beautiful as Cape Town or Rio.

SCUBA DIVING

GUINJATA BAY LOCAL REEF
This reef is approximately 1,5 km from the launch site and offers a variety of dive sites. The outer edge of the reef drops down to 26 meters while other areas of the reef come up to 9m. There are a number of dive sites on this reef, which have not been named as yet. One area in particular is wall to wall with sea anemones. Other areas are full of brightly coloured nudibranches and sea cucumbers. Although this reef is relatively close in, we have often seen Manta and Devil rays. The outer edge regularly produces sightings of game fish and larger rays resting in the sand.

MANTA REEF
This reef is approximately 12 km north of the launch site and therefore can only be reached when the sea is relatively calm. This reef is large and offers a great variety of dives ranging from 18m to 35m on the outer edge. As it is situated in the main current, sighting of Manta and Devil rays are more common. Three cleaning stations for Manta’s have been identified and Manta’s are spotted on a regular basis. Whale Sharks, Sharks and various pelagic fish are often seen. One of the better spots, called “Manta” offers unbelievable diving with vast shoals of reef fish as well as game fish to be seen. Spanish Dancers have been seen swimming in broad daylight. This reef regularly produces world class diving! Agfa’s award winning wildlife photo for 2003 was taken at Manta Reef.

PAINDANE REEF
This reef starts close to the shore and runs down to 35m very quickly offering excellent sightings of reef fish on one side with game fish lurking on the other. Many lionfish can be seen in one spot. The shallow protected area has brilliant corals. Again this reef has many spots, which have not been named yet. The inner side of the reef is extremely well protected and provides almost pool like conditions for student training and snorkeling.

ISLAND ROCK REEF
This reef is about 6 kms south of Paindane. Several whale sharks are spotted here on a regular basis. This site is rarely dived and thus unexplored. A lot of reefs are still to be discovered.

GEAR & EQUIPMENT
We can offer a full range of expertly maintained ScubaPro gear for hire, including dive computers.

PADI COURSES
Guinjata Bay Resort features a fully equipped and certified PADI instruction facility, complete with a training pool.

DIVE CENTRE
To prevent you from lugging your dive gear back to your chalet after each dive, the Dive Centre is located on the beach, offering you secure storage for your gear. It features fresh water dunking bins to rinse your dive gear and fresh water showers and toilets for your convenience.

OCEAN SAFARIS & SNORKELLING TRIPS
Whale Sharks are seen near Guinjata Bay Resort area all year round, being more in abundance during September to May. Grab your snorkel, fantastic photographic opportunities abound, you might be surprised by Dolphins joining you. Humpback whales also visit Guinjata Bay’s shores from May through to October, making for a breathtaking highlight to dive experience.

GAME FISHING
Mozambique is well known for being one of the best fishing areas in the word.All fishing charters are run on a minimum of 4 hours or longer at a time. A maximum of 4 or 5 anglers are allowed per boat.Various species of fish are caught during the year. Scopes for world records are wide open – you never know whether you could be the lucky one! Fish caught on a regular basis are Cuta, Greater Barracuda, Kingfish (of which a World Record was caught not long ago), Queen fish, Dorado, Kawa-Kawa, Bonito, Sailfish, Marlin, Wahoo are but a few.

FLY-FISHING
Saltwater fly-fishing is probably one of the fastest growing sports in the world.Fly-fishermen have to supply their own rods, reels and flies.The shallow reefs offer a wide variety of game fish. The bay area in front of the resort also offers good fishing.

WHEN TO GO
Mozambique has a tropical climate with coastal temperatures high for much of the year. The rainy season is from late November through to early April and is usually hot and humid with temperatures in the mid 30s. The cooler dry season runs from May to October and daytime temperatures fluctuate around the mid 20s. Most days are sunny and rainfall is usually in brief, intense showers.

BEFORE DEPARTURE

Visas
All visitors require a visa to enter Mozambique. These can be obtained at border entry points or from the Mozambique Embassy or High Commission before you travel. For visitors staying in South Africa beforehand, we can arrange your Mozambique visa for you… ask us for more information.
 • South African Passport Holders no longer require Visas. Foreign Passports do require     Visas.
     Note: 1) The validity of your passport should be at least 6 months.
               2) Visas are now available at the border at approximately R 170 – R 200 (Foreign                    passports  only).
 • Mozambique is a Malaria area – see a doctor or chemist to advise you on prophylactics.