THE BEAUTIFUL NORTH

Northern Mozambique

I just returned from an exhilarating trip to the northern provinces of Mozambique. I have been living for the past 21 months in the most southern province, so I was looking forward to visiting the northern provinces of Niassa, Zambezia, Nampula, and Cabo Delgado.

This trip was a reminder of different lifestyles and geography is within the same country. This trip expanded by experience tenfold of the life here in Mozambique. Here are some highlights; different from the usual tourist circuit.

NORTHERN INLAND

LINCHINGA / LAKE NIASSA- LAKE MALAWI

The capital of Niassa was our first stop; the town is pretty and sits 1300m high on the mountains. The coolness was a treat. This is the least populated of Mozambican providence's and is somewhat forgotten by the south. It was a good stopping point on our way to Lake Niassa/Lake Malawi. The lake is huge, the third largest on the continent and 550km home to 500 species of fish.

The shore is both gravel and sandy and very pleasant.

DWELLINGS

I was astonished on the different construct of the homes; square shaped, bricks (noting the beautiful terra-cotta color of the earth), with thatched roofs, dotting the mountainous countryside.

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TRANSPORTATION

Heading down to our next stop took an 8 hour chapa (van) ride. The dirt roads are narrow, and potholed. If it wasn’t for the majestic scenery, I would have avoided the bumpy, crowded, hot, ride. Correction: it could not have been avoided – that’s the only mode and road to travel.

GURUE

Gurue is the most picturesque place that I have seen in Mozambique. It is amid lush vegetation and tea plantations, and sits at the highest point of the country. Mt. Nampuli was worth the climb to see the exquisite scenery.

We were warmly hosted at a macadamia nut farm; the trees also charmed the mountainside.

NORTHERN COAST

Mozambique Island

We then headed east toward the coast, hitting the city of Nampula and the port of Nacala, toward the fascinating Island of Mozambique. Mozambique Island (Ilha de Moçambique) is a small crescent‐shaped area that is a piece of history and a fascinating destination. It’s picturesque and a pleasant place to wander around.

History: In 1498 the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed in on this small island just off the continent. Two years later the Portuguese created commercial posts along with Arabs who were present since the 8th century. By 1752 Portugal claimed Mozambique as a colony and began slave trade from the island. Slavery was abolished in 1869. The island is now listed with UNESCO because of its significant architecture and cultural tradition.

PEMBA

My last week was spent sitting and reading on the quiet beach town of Pemba, watching the fisherman.

The reed fences were lovely and look at the "modern" capolana with a facebook logo!

PEOPLE

Note: Friendliness is not exuded in the north as it is apparent in the south. I asked about it and culturally they are a bit more reserved, nonetheless I left with a deeper admiration of the strength and beauty Mozambicans have declared in my heart.