We travelled through the Kruger and into Mozambique through the Giriyonda Gate when we were told we could buy the 3rd party insurance at the next village. Unfortunately it was Sunday morning by the time we got to the first village and we couldn’t find anywhere to get the insurance. Consequently we ended up going through Maputo on Sunday evening to get the insurance at the border, finding a rather scungy campsite and then driving back through Maputo during the Monday morning rush hour.

Ideally, get your Mozambican visa in Lilongwe, as it’s much easier than to buy it on the border. On the border, it can be that they want to see your Yellow Fever Vaccination! Don’t forget it!

In Tete you will find several options (TCO, LTM) for buses to Chimoio, Beira etc

Andrea

Every June, Ibo Island celebrates Kueto Siriwala – the Ibo Festival! The festival is a music and cultural celebration. The island comes alive with local music, food stalls and activities. This is your chance to experience a real Mozambique cultural festival!

These are the facts:

• In 1773, Ibo Island was declared the capital of Cabo Delgado, Northern Mozambique.It was this year, on June 25, that the first Kueto Siriwala festival was held.
• Kueto Siriwala (cue-to sea-ree-wala) means “to not forget your roots.”
• Kueto Siriwala, celebrates Independence Day, family, togetherness and the heritage of the island.
• Celebrations start on the 23rd of June and continue deep into the 26th, and over these days, a carnival atmosphere takes over the island.
• Traditional dancing takes place. Local groups entertain with beautiful singing and local instruments.
• Children present poetry and plays to the crowds. The audience cheer on in merriment.
• Fresh seafood, coconut rice and tropical fruit are all abundant. Neighbours come together through the love of food and bonds are made through the preparation and sharing of dishes.

“It is a small guesthouse with a five bedrooms, a homely environment, a restaurant service, and breakfast. It is located in Avenida Marginal in Wimbe, 50 m from Wimbe Beach. All rooms are doubles with air-conditioning; three are en-suite and the other two share a bathroom. The restaurant has a sophisticated international menu, and is open every day from 07: 00 until 23: 00. For Guesthouse customers, breakfast is included included in the room rates, which range from around US$65 to US$100 depending on season, single or double occupancy, and which room you choose.”

For further details contact Vanda Gonçalves at 00258 827297925 or vandanatural@gmail.com.

Results have recently been published for an aerial wildlife census of Gorongosa National Park conducted in November 2010. This was the second of this type of survey since the beginning of the Gorongosa Restoration Project. This information is complemented by annual ground surveys conducted by GNP staff and local university students in the 120 km open road network of Gorongosa National Park. The results demonstrate the steep recovery of ungulate species throughout the core park (see table below) – indeed the rate of increase has been in average 13.3% a year (39.8% in 3 years) since the last census.  

Other Mozambican award winners were Vamizi (www.vamizi.com - Best Beach Safari Property in Africa) in Querimba National Park and Pemba’s Londo Lodge (www.londolodge.com - Best Safari Cuisine in Africa).

Nkwichi Lodge (www.mandawilderness.org) on the Mozambican shore of Lago Niassa (Lake Malawi) got runner-up for Best Community Safari Property in Africa.