Back from 4 weeks in Mozambique

hi everyone, we’re just back from 4 weeks in Mozambique. If you need any info—even though the situation’s getting more and more chaotic—just ask!

Hi François, I’ve driven a lot in that country, from north to south, but I haven’t been back in a few years. What do you mean by "chaos"? A few words about your trip?

Hi François

Yes, I'm interested too. How did you get around? Any favorite spots? Others to avoid?

Thanks

hi, sorry for the delay—since returning from Mozambique, we’ve taken off twice more!! I haven’t had time to reply. First, you should check the current situation to see if things have calmed down. Even though tourists weren’t affected, it could change the routes. Basically, we drove from the south (SA border) to Vilanculos by road in a rental car (small vehicle). It’s totally doable—just don’t stray from the main roads. It’s pretty long, but some villages are lively. We also took a flight from Maputo to Nampula to get to Ilha de Moçambique, rented a car there, and stayed on the island.

Our highlights: the chill vibe overall, connecting with locals, Ilha de Moçambique, Vilanculos and the nearby islands, the wild but hard-to-reach coastline, and Tofo (though slightly less so).

In general, just enjoy it! !

Awesome, thanks François! Because of you, I’m discovering "Mozambique Island," which I’d never heard of before. According to Google Satellite, it looks *super* built-up. Is it more of a "Stone Town of Zanzibar" vibe—old town in its own juice—or more "beach and coconut trees" 😄?

Sometimes a travel dream starts between the pages of a book... 🙂

If you want to dive into an atmosphere to take that first step, two books by Jean-Christophe Rufin:

Les fiancés de Lourenço Marquès in Seven Stories That Come from Far Away A love story, a dash of politics, and a tangle of streets with names tied to revolutionaries, dictators, and independence fighters.

The Consul’s Three Women – a detective story set on the streets of Maputo, led by an eccentric hero who’s crazy about piano and Tokay wine, and a consul in his spare time. (Second book in a fun series. Reading the first one, which takes place in Guinea, isn’t essential to understanding this one... though it’s always better to follow the timeline when you’re getting to know a main character.)

Hi Kola, Great idea to share books about Mozambique. I’ll order them from Momox. I would’ve loved this destination if I were 15 years younger... sadly, acute issues with my poor backpacker’s back no longer allow me to travel alone like I did in my younger years. Anyway, I’ll travel vicariously by reading not only the texts from fellow VoyageForum members but also the books they recommend... unless I already have them in my library. I’ve read some Ruffin books, but the ones you mentioned slipped past me!!! Safe travels to you, who must be dreaming of distant horizons. Françoise

Thanks Kola. I read and enjoyed *The Consul’s Three Women*, but not *The Seven Stories…* 😅

Before or after Rufin (a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush 🏴‍☠️), if you haven't already, you could read Henning Mankell. *(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Eye_of_the_Leopard)* is set in Zambia (where we virtually met 🙂) and *(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Treacherous_Paradise)* takes place in Maputo, Mozambique (where the author lived and ran a theater). It’s more thought-provoking than Rufin on racial/colonial issues, I think (Kola is just a sugar-coated truce, right! 😉).

@Solene40

Is it more like Stone Town in Zanzibar—old town vibes—or more "beach and coconut trees"?

More like Stone Town. For beaches and coconut trees in Mozambique, head to Bazaruto.

You can find everything on VF... A Treacherous Paradise The Leopard’s Eye

And then this one, in another country on the same continent... dark and moving Wind’s Son

Thanks Kola and Alain for these additional book titles; I’ll note them down and place an order after the holidays. My last book set in Africa was *Okavango*, a gripping thriller in the middle of the reserves by Caryl Férey. I use Babelio to find titles that might interest me related to the countries I’ve visited. Wishing you all smooth travels for your next trips! Françoise

Good idea to present books about...

Still in Africa? Between Beasts by Colin Niel. Colin Niel doesn’t describe his characters—he inhabits them, embodies them, slips into their skin. In this three-voice novel, he is Martin, a French forestry officer; he is Apolline, a wildlife photographer and hunter; he is Kondjima, the young Himba boy. From the Pyrenees to Namibia, a gripping and meditative story that delves into souls and clashes passions. A woman, men, beasts. Predators. ... A while back, it was after one of your messages that I read "Little Mozambican Chronicle"... so the thread isn’t broken. ... Sorry Fragrataloup, I’m closing the parenthesis that was (way off base🤪) resurrecting the “Books, films...” section.

Tell us about Mozambique...

Thanks Kola for this new title. And a thousand apologies for spoiling this travel topic. It almost would’ve been better to start a new discussion about book titles from Southern Africa. Have a great holiday season! Carassou

more in its own juice!!! It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site

I don’t mind at all, it’s super interesting.

Hi everyone,

It almost would’ve taken a whole new thread for the titles of books about Southern Africa.

What a great idea! In the meantime, I’m jotting down all these books I haven’t read yet...