Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
yet restrained use of colour, and by its highly symbolic social and political commentary.
Other internationally acclaimed artists include Bertina Lopes and Roberto Chichorro.
Mozambique's Natural Environment
Mozambique has extensive coastal lowlands forming a broad plain 100km to 200km wide
in the south and leaving it vulnerable to seasonal flooding. In the north, this plain narrows
and the terrain rises to mountains and plateaus on the borders with Zimbabwe, Zambia
and Malawi. In central Mozambique, the predominant geographical feature is the Zambezi
River valley and its wide delta plains. In many areas of the north, particularly in Nampula
and Niassa provinces, towering granite outcrops or inselbergs dominate the landscape.
MOZAMBIQUE'S COASTAL LAKES
Mozambique is one of two countries in East Africa with major coastal barrier lakes or lagoons (the other being
Madagascar). The lakes are separated from the sea by well-developed longshore dune systems, and most are no
more than 5m deep. They include Uembje Lagoon at Bilene, Lake Inhampavala north of Xai-Xai, Lake Quissico,
just east of Quissico town, and Lake Poelela, about 30km north of Quissico and traversed by the N1.
With the exception of Uembje, none of the lakes have links with the sea and their brackish waters are rich with
marine and birdlife. These include numerous freshwater fish species, and white storks, little egrets and pink
flamingos. At Lake Quissico alone, between 50 and 60 bird species have been recorded.
Wildlife
ANIMALS
While more than 200 types of mammals wander the interior, challenging access, dense ve-
getation and skittishness on the part of the animals can make spotting difficult, and
Mozambique shouldn't be viewed as a 'Big Five' destination. Work is proceeding in re-
viving several parks and reserves, especially Gorongosa National Park, which offers
Mozambique's most accessible wildlife watching.
