The Island of Mozambique (Portuguese: Ilha de Moçambique) lies off northern Mozambique, between the Mozambique Channel and Mossuril Bay, and is part of Nampula Province. Prior to 1898, it was the capital of colonial Portuguese East Africa. With its rich history and sandy beaches, the Island of Mozambique is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Mozambique’s fastest growing tourist destinations. It has a permanent population of approximately 14,000 people and is served by nearby Lumbo Airport on the Nampula mainland. Pottery found on Mozambique Island indicates that the town was founded no later than the fourteenth century. According to tradition, the original Swahili population came from Kilwa. The town’s rulers had links with the rulers of both Angoche and Quelimane by the fifteenth century. In 1514, Duarte Barbosa noted that the town had a Muslim population and that they spoke the same Swahili dialect as Angoche. The name of the island (Portuguese: Moçambique, pronounced [musɐˈ̃biki]) is derived from Ali Musa Mbiki (Mussa Bin Bique), sultan of the island in the times of Vasco da Gama. This name was subsequently taken to the mainland country which is modern-day Mozambique, and the island was renamed Ilha de Moçambique (Island of Mozambique). The Portuguese established a port and naval base in 1507 and built the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte in 1522, now considered the oldest European building in the Southern Hemisphere.
During the 16th century, the Fort São Sebastião was built, and the Portuguese settlement (now known as Stone Town) became the capital of Portuguese East Africa. The island also became an important missionary centre. It withstood Dutch attacks in 1607 and 1608 and remained a major post for the Portuguese on their trips to India. It saw the trading of slaves, spices, and gold.
BOAT TRIPS
Island of Goa – visit the light house, walk around the island, take a dip in the sea.
Island of Sete Paus – Dive in crystal clear waters, snorkeling in a unique place.
Island of Cobras – Stay by the natural lake at night snorkel, enjoy the stars at night.
Carrusca – Fabulous beach, crystal clear sea, sun, restaurants, camping.
Cabeceria Pequena – Visit the well of Vasco da Gama.
Cabeceria Grande – Visit the governor’s palace from the 16th century, the oldest church in Mozambique Nossa Senhora Remedios , enjoy the sunset with a drink and fruit in a dhow, see whales.
GUIDE WALKING TOURS
Stone city:
- Fortress of S. Sebastian
- Old house of Governors
- Old Mosque
- Point of S.Paulo ( Vasco da Gama statue bandstand, S. Paulo Palace)
- Charity church
- Religious art museum
- Memorial garden
- Old hospital
- Hindu temple
- Statue of Camoes
- Domingo Monestry
Macuti city:
- Church of Health
- Fransisco Xavier Church
- Fortress of Lourenco
- Padrao Monumento as Almas
- Church and Fortress S. Antonio
More Activities
- Learn traditional Macuti dance.
- Familiarize yourself with the musician technique and wear a Capolana.
- Display of ancient Capolanas. Take cooking lessons with Mom Macua, sample delicious local recipes.
- Relaxing massage
- Take a bike or motorcycle tour, discover the boabas routes and small local villages.
- Visit Colonial Buildings, the British Cemetery and the Sunday Market.
Picnic in Sanculo beaches.
