Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
prepared for choppy seas, and tidal limits on the length of time you can spend on the is-
land. Allow about 40 minutes one way with favourable winds and currents; in unfavour-
able conditions, allow at least double this.
SENA ISLAND
About 2km south of Goa Island is Sena Island (also known as the Island of Cobras). It
takes its name from its location along the old sea route aiming towards the trading centre
of Sena, on the Zambezi River. It's rocky, accessed with difficulty and seldom visited, al-
though it has a lovely lagoon. Permission from the
capitania
on Mozambique Island is ne-
cessary to visit. Boat charter costs from Mtc1000 for four passengers; check with your
hotel for a reliable captain.
SÃO LOURENÇO ISLAND
Just off the southern tip of Mozambique Island is this tiny island, which is completely
covered by an eponymous fort dating from 1695. You can walk across the channel at low
tide (watch that you don't get stuck out there), but will need to clamber up over the walls,
as the ladder into the fort is missing.
LUMBO
Sleepy Lumbo, on the mainland opposite Mozambique Island, was formerly the terminus
of a railway line from the interior. Today it is of interest for its Commonwealth war
cemetery, a once grand but now abandoned hotel, a few old Portuguese houses, and salt
flats.
CHOCAS, CABACEIRA PEQUENA & CABACEIRA GRANDE
North of Mozambique Island and across Mossuril Bay is the old Portuguese holiday town
of Chocas. The town itself is of minimal interest, but just south along a sandy track
roughly paralleling the beach is
Cabaceira Pequena
, with a long, beautiful white-sand
beach and views across the bay to Mozambique Island. Just inland are the ruins of an old
Swahili-style mosque and the remains of a cistern used as a watering spot by Portuguese
sailors.
Carrusca Mar & Sol
( 26-213302, 82-516 0173; 4-/7-person bungalows
Mtc1750/3500)
is a wonderful spot on weekdays (unpleasantly crowded on weekends),
with a handful of rustic but spacious, nicely outfitted bungalows with hammocks and ter-
races, all set on a rise between the mangroves and one of the best stretches of beach.
There's also a restaurant featuring seafood, pasta and pizza (meals from about Mtc300), a
small children's playground and sunset views of Mozambique Island. It's about 2km south
of Chocas town, en route to Cabaceira Pequena. Advance bookings are essential on week-
ends and holidays.
