Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BIRDS
Of the approximately 900 bird species that have been identified in the southern Africa re-
gion, close to 600 have been recorded in Mozambique. Among these are numerous aquat-
ic species found primarily in the southern wetlands. On Inhaca Island alone, 300 bird spe-
cies have been recorded. Rare and unique species (most of which are found in isolated
montane habitats such as the Chimanimani Mountains, Mt Gorongosa and Mt Namúli) in-
clude the dappled mountain robin, the chirinda apalis, Swynnerton's forest robin, the
olive-headed weaver and the green-headed oriole.
MARINE LIFE
Coastal waters host populations of dolphins, including spinner, bottlenose, humpback and
striped dolphins, plus loggerhead, leatherback, green, hawksbill and olive ridley marine
turtles. The coast also serves as a winter breeding ground for the humpback whale, which
is found primarily between Ponta d'Ouro and Inhambane. Between July and October, it's
also common to see whales in the north, offshore from Pemba.
Dugongs have been sighted around Inhambane Bay, Angoche, Mozambique Island,
Nacala and the Quirimbas and Bazaruto Archipelagos.
Plants
Almost 6000 plant species have been recorded, including an estimated 250 that are
thought to be found nowhere else in the world. The Maputaland Centre of Plant Diversity,
straddling the border with South Africa south of Maputo, is one of the most important
areas of the country in terms of plant diversity and has been classified as a site of global
botanical significance. The Chimanimani Mountains are also notable for their plant di-
versity, with at least 45 endemic species. Other important highland areas include Mt
Namúli, the Gorongosa Massif, Mt Chiperone (western Zambézia province) and Mt
Mabu.
National Parks & Reserves
Mozambique has six national parks: Gorongosa, Zinave, Banhine and Limpopo in the in-
terior; Bazaruto National Park offshore; and Quirimbas National Park, encompassing both
coastal and inland areas in Cabo Delgado province. Zinave and Banhine have no tourist
infrastructure.
Wildlife reserves include Niassa, Marro- meu, Pomene, Maputo and Gilé. The Chiman-
imani National Reserve has a network of rustic camps for hikers.
