"If it was raining soup, the Irish would go out with forks." So said Brendan Behan, Irish poet, writer, rebel and raconteur but Brendan Behan grew up in a very different Ireland than the one we find today. His Ireland was a country of crucifying poverty and hardship, of bitter war and political unrest but his quote is not without pertinence on today's Ireland. If it was raining soup the Irish would still go out with forks but only to prove their individuality and their ability to take an alternative point of view than the rest of the world.
The Irish are famed for it. Their point of view and their narration of it. It is a country no longer at war nor starving in poverty but it remains a home of wit, of literature, of storytelling and has it's own unique take on things.
You may choose a holiday destination for it's beaches, for it's year round sunshine or for it's sheer distance and by comparison, it may be a little bit harder to pin point the reasons for taking a holiday in Ireland but it's people are certainly one of the interest points of this tiny island on the Western edge of Europe.
With one of the oldest civilisations in western Europe there is heritage a plenty to discover and while the weather may be a sore talking point more often than not it is not without some of the world's most stunning beaches from the wild Atlantic shores in the west to the sheltered havens of the South and South West.
The landscape ripples with rounded purple heathered mountains and dips into mesmerising inkwell lakes that reflect back a swirling silver tapestry of Irish skies. Unlike other European nations, Ireland s heritage is laid out in it's landscape rather than it's architecture with it's roots in fishing, farming, and fighting.
It's a country that you have to engage with, rather than just observe, if you are to discover the best of it. Embrace the social culture of the Irish people, stop for a pint of the famous black stuff and find yourself on a journey into the heart of this land, the mind of an Irishman, or woman. Just don't forget your fork.
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Currency: Metical. Dollars and Rand are also accepted. Travellers cheques are only useful in hotels.
Language: Portuguese, some English in cities and holiday locations and many tribal languages and dialects.
Airports: Mavalane International 8km north of Maputo, Beira, 13km Inhambane, Nampula, Pemba and Vilanculos.
Airlines: TAP Air Portugal have connecting flights through Lisbon and Johannesburg. LAM Mozambique Airlines and South African Airways also operate through South Africa and there are domestic flights available.
Visas: Entry visas are needed for most nationalities and should be arranged prior to arrival. It is possible to purchase them at the point of entry if they are major border crossings. Passports must be within 6 months validity. Bring passport sized photos with you if you intend to arrange visas when you arrive.
Health: It is recommended that you drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. health insurance is also advised as the standard of hospital care is considered less than first world standards. Anti malaria tablets are advised and polio tetanus and typhoid are recommended. A Yellow fever certificate is required if you are coming from countries of risk.
Where is Mozambique?
Mozambique is on the South Eastern coast of Africa. It shares borders with Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Swaziland. It covers an area of 800,000 square miles and has a coastline that stretches the length of its 1,500 miles or more than 2000 kilometres.
The population is 15.7 million and the main language is Portuguese owing to it's colonial history. You will find some English spoken in the larger cities and there are many local dialects as well. the population is concentrated along the coastline and the river basin of the Zambezi river.
What is the climate like in Mozambique?
Hot and sunny for much of the year. The climate is tropical to sub-tropical and, as the country is located in the Southern hemisphere, summer is from October to March and winter is from April to September. It is sunny all year round but it can be cooler in the evenings during the Winter period so you may need to bring a light cover up for your trip.
The rainy season is from November to April, during the hot and humid summer months during which time there is an increased risk of cyclones.
When is the best time to visit Mozambique?
The cooler Winter months from April to September are the best months to visit for activity or beach based holidays like kayaking, diving or sunbathing and swimming. The weather is less humid and the lower temperatures are perfect holiday conditions.
The trade off is that you may see increased wildlife activity during the winter months and the rainy season. So match your season to the holiday activity.
Why choose a holiday in Mozambique?
Mozambique is a little realised holiday destination and yet it offers some of the most stunning natural beauty in the world and what you will find there is pristine and unspoiled, with 2500km of Indian Ocean beach front. 1200 species of fish have been identified in the waters surrounding Mozambique and it is one of the world's top ten diving sites.
With nature reserves, African wildlife, archipelago islands, luxurious ecologically sound accommodation, spa resorts, fresh seafood, fishing, snorkelling and a history that is long and rich, Mozambique is a true paradise on this planet.
Recommended Holiday Rental: Villa Ilha Crescente Catered holiday rental villa Bedrooms: 2; Sleeps: 5 Price p/n: €1,621.50
Up until 1974 Mozambique, on the South Eastern coast of the African continent, was a Portuguese colony. Prior to that it is thought that Arab traders and nomadic African tribes moved around this fruitful coastline trading together. It is possible that that the name Mozambique came from the name of an ancient Arab chief 'Musa al big'.
The famous Portuguese explorer Vasco di Gama first set foot in the country we now know as Mozambique in 1498. By 1510 the Portuguese had extended their control all the way along this African coast and although slavery existed prior to their arrival, they made a commercial enterprise out of the export of vast numbers of the fittest and strongest young men and women.
This is Mozambique's legacy, a painful history shared by many nations on the African continent and beyond. This legacy can still be seen in the cities and towns, especially the capital city of Maputo, that still bear the architectural style of ancient Portugal and follow a very European layout of wide boulevards and city parks.
The natural beauty of Mozambique is however, all it's own. With something in the region of 2000 kilometres of Indian Ocean lapped coastline, finding an quiet spot on the beach is certainly not going to be a problem.
Despite years of turbulent civil war, which culminated in a devastating flood, Mozambique has settled once again into a more peaceful paradise and has long been removed off many of the world's government list of dangerous places. The most likely problems that you are going to have in Mozambique are traffic incidents.
Although naturally all travellers to far flung places who like to explore off the beaten track are exposed to higher risks than usual and have to execute a level of vigilance than your average tourist.
The tourist industry is basking in this period of calm security and is stretching its wings to prepare for a new wave of visitors to the country. However Mozambique is approaching tourism with an entirely fresh and modern approach. It is not looking backwards, longingly, at some European wish list of what a holiday resort should be or trying to be anything that it is not. No one is trying to recreate the Costa del Sol on the East African coast, thank goodness.
It doesn't need to. With miles and miles of pure white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters abundant with marine life and, on land, a biodiversity that is exceptional there is no need to create anything, it is already there. Where else can you find coastal forests, wild bush land, wildlife like lions, elephants, hippos, and leopards and never-ending blue seas full of exotic marine life.
What Mozambique has found is that it can offer viable, luxury, eco-tourism. Which just about ticks all the boxes of what the modern day tourist is looking for. We are in an age of conservationism and yet we are not prepared to give up our new found luxuries.
We want white sandy beaches, private villas, swimming pools and an untouched remoteness in which to relax but we want it in high style. We want luxury but we want it with a conscience and it seems it is possible to find it.
It's an opportunity for some countries in Africa to not just match some of the better known beach holiday destinations in the world in terms of facilities but to eclipse them.
Recommended Holiday Rental: Villa Quirimba Catered holiday rental villa Bedrooms: 1; Sleeps: 2 Price p/n: €952.20
The Seychelles is a beautiful archipelago comprising 115 islands that range from 4 degrees to 10 degrees South of the Equator in the Indian Ocean.
They lie to the East of the African coast in crystal clear waters with sparkling white beaches and magnificent topography. Of the 115 islands there are 41 inner islands and 74 outer islands although not all of these are inhabited or inhabitable.
There are just 3 main islands with a further 10 smaller islands offering holiday accommodation for visitors. Try the North island for a private five star eco villa in a protected natural environment.
The inner islands are the oldest oceanic granite islands on earth while the outer islands form low lying atolls and coral reefs of spectacular beauty.
The Seychelles boast 2 Unesco world heritage sites, namely the Vallee de Mai and Aldabra, the world's largest raised coral Atoll and with 50% of it's environment designated protected nature reserves the Seychellois are renowned for taking a long term and forward thinking view on protecting their beautiful and delicate landscape.
Consequently the Islands are home to a vast array of natural wonders including the Coco-de-mer nut which is the largest seed in the world, the jellyfish tree and the Seychelles warbler.
The climate is one of the most temperate in the world with annual temperatures rarely dropping below 24 degrees Celsius or above 32 degrees and the rainy season replenishing this tropical haven during the months of January and February. The climate is governed largely by the winds with the North westerlies breezing in from October to March and the brisker South Easterly trades picking up from May to September making for great sailing conditions.
These island paradises are perfect for activity based holidays for enthusiastic sailors and big sea fishing fans as well as surfers and hikers.
It is undoubtedly also a place for beach lovers and sun worshippers for people who take a more relaxed option on holiday and conditions for diving and swimming are at their best and most reliable during April and May and also October and November later in the year.
Recommended Holiday Rental: White Sands Villa Catered holiday rental villa Bedrooms: 2; Sleeps: 4 Price p/n: €4,013.50
Bedrooms: 1
"If it was raining soup, the Irish would go out with forks."
Country: Mozambique
Up until 1974 Mozambique, on the South Eastern coast of the African continent, was a Portuguese colony. Prior to that it is thought that Arab traders and nomadic African tribes moved around this fruitful coastline trading together. It is possible that that the name Mozambique came from the name of an ancient Arab chief 'Musa al big'.
The Seychelles is a beautiful archipelago comprising 115 islands that range from 4 degrees to 10 degrees South of the Equator in the Indian Ocean. 