Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting Around
the market. For car hire,
Sixt
( 82-300 5170, 26-216312;
www.sixt.com
)
,
Europcar
(
84-322 3473;
www.europcar.com
)
Safari Rent-a-Car
(
84-333 3555, 26-12255;
safari@tdm.co.mz)
and
Premium Rent-a-Car
(
26-217864;
www.carpremium.co.mz
)
are all at the airport.
Angoche
Angoche, an old Muslim trading centre dating from at least the 15th century, was one of
the earliest settlements in Mozambique. While little evidence of its long history remains,
the area, and especially the nearby islands, are caught in an intriguing time warp, and you
can still hear Arabic spoken in many areas.
History
Angoche (formerly António Ennes) initially gained prominence as a gold and ivory trad-
ing post. By the late-16th century, the town had been eclipsed by Quelimane as an entry
port to the interior. However, it continued to play a role in coastal trade and was an im-
portant economic and political centre, with close ties to Mozambique Island. In the 19th
century, Angoche became the focus of the clandestine slave trade, which continued until
the 1860s, when the town was attacked by the Portuguese. While effective Portuguese ad-
ministration was not established until several decades later, the attack marked the begin-
ning of Angoche's downfall and the town never regained its former status.
Sights & Activities
There's a small but lively afternoon
fish market
near the Catholic church. Go left and
down towards the water after passing the church.
About 7km north of town is the long, wide and stunning
Praia Nova
(New Beach),
with perhaps the whitest sand that you'll see anywhere. It has no shade or facilities. The
start of the road to reach Praia Nova is a few blocks past the far (northern) end of the park
(past O Pescador restaurant), from where it's 7.5km further; you'll need to walk or hitch.
About 45km further on is the village of
Quinga
, near another beautiful stretch of sand for
which you'll need your own 4WD transport.
