Proudly Mozambican: Praia de Chizavane

by Lwandy Mulhanga (Mozambique)

I didn't expect to find Mozambique

I am a keen lover of exotic places that involve nature and bodies of water. I have breathed in the salt water air of the Maldives and hiked in the dangerous Amazon infested with wildlife. Well I forgot to mention that it all happened in my head. As a Mozambican, I am familiar with what is in the capital since I was born there. Growing up, I have seen the Costa do Sol beach and eventually got tired of it. I needed to know something new but local and within my budget. It was not until a friend asked me to tag along to a beach up north called Praia de Chizavane in the Xai-Xai province. Well the name of the and the 5 hour journey to the place weren't as comforting until we got to the location. Blue waters and exotic hospitality were trademarks of the place. It catered for every budget group. We were on a moderate budget so we got a cabin by the shore for two nights. A camping experience was guaranteed accompanied by the whirring of the ocean waves and the cool, morning air which is a great luxury especially in the Mozambican heat. The food complemented the area. We had what we call "Frutos do Mar" translated to Harvest of the Ocean. A succulent lobster season with lemon and other spices were a pleasure to the palate. Let me not exclude the seafood rice served in a crockpot hot and home baked pieces of bread. I can say that my expectations were low when I heard of the name of the place. I was embarrassed when we arrived there. Now I can honestly say I'm proud of what my country has in terms of local tourism.