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The Glossary

chapas - "are local minibuses in Mozambique."

From Mozambique Glossary

This small coral island nestled in the mouth of Mossuril Bay, fringed by the hemline of Nacala Coast, was first explored by the Europeans. Now, after decades of civil war, it has become home to around 1,500 miles of picture-perfect beachfront and is undoubtedly one of Africa's hidden gems. True to form, its sprawling coastline, straddling South Africa to Tanzania, offers stunning unspoilt beaches and tropical warm Indian Ocean waters to the weary.

Though not a highly urbanized country, Mozambique has a charm of its own. Its capital Maputo, formerly known as Lourenco Marques, has a vibrant African feel to it but at the same time it evokes its long Portuguese colonial past with its sprawling streets lined with jacaranda and acacia trees. On a clear day, visitors can meander around the imposing Cathedral to the Fortress and the Museum of Natural History which is a must see for the archeology buffs.

Mozambique has a few small townships and hamlets along the coastline that are slowly developing to welcome its would-be visitors. Among them is Ponta do Ouro known for its good beaches, great swimming, excellent diving and fishing with plenty of options for lodging. There is also the Bazaruto, known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" and it can be a perfect destination for an island escape. Those who wish to indulge in a twofold treat - be a goddess of the sea in the morning and a "soul siren" in the evening—can head to Vilankulo known for its busy beachfront and its exciting nightlife. Other beach towns which can offer the visitors a respite after an exhausting trip include the Chidenguele, Tofo, Pomene and Inhambane, where they can sail with the dhows in the vast Indian Ocean.

Mozambique also has amazing marine reserves filled with coral reefs, whale sharks, dolphins, as well as inland game reserves like the Gorongosa National Park which is becoming one of the country's top attractions apart from the Parc National De Limpopo Lugenda Wilderness Reserve and the Lago Niassa near Lake Malawi.

For a feel of the real and wild Mozambique, visitors can head to the north of Zambezi River en route to the nippy and dense forest of Montes Chimanimani or to the Archipélago das Quirimbas where the Ibo tribe lurks. Upon getting back to their respective hotels at Maputo, they can drop by to Nautilus near Avenida 24 de Julho to sample their tasty pastries or to have a freshly grilled fish at Costa do Sol from a hawker who will be more than happy to grill it pronto.

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