Friday, September 18, 2009

Scuba Diving

One of my favorite pastimes is to go scuba diving. I learned to scuba dive in 1996 receiving my open water certification through "NAUI" later receiving my advanced certification through "PADI" and my nitrox certification through"SSI"

The feeling you get when you put on the tanks, strap on your mask, and buckle up your fins just waiting your turn to step off the boat is exciting. Your heart starts pounding with anticipation as you are going over you dive plans in your head. Did I forget anything? You are asking your self as you are rechecking your gear.

Finally you step off the boat and into the water as your head bobs under the water and back to the surface you turn and signal the boat you are okay and meet up with your buddy. You and your buddy does a final check on yours and his equipment before heading into your dive.

You slowly descend to the bottom where you come across some of the most colorful reefs you have ever seen. Then out of nowhere you see some beautiful fish that acts like you are in a zoo and swims all around you checking you out trying to figure out what kind of fish you are.

You realize that you are 60′ under the ocean with 100′ visibility you and your buddy seem to be the only humans in the whole ocean, completely weightless, you realize the worries of the world and every thing that had been bothering you is not even there. You have completely forgotten the whole world you left behind when you dropped into paradise.

You continue your dive as you and your buddy glide effortlessly over the reefs pointing out all the fish to each other and checking out all the different animals you encounter maybe even seeing a curious shark or two that don't even act like they notice you.

Then comes the part of the dive you have dreaded long before you ever got into the water. With great sadness you signal your buddy to slowly head to the surface to return to the world you left behind. Once back on the boat you put up your gear and already start dreaming of the next time you get to know real peace.

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Thursday, August 20, 2009

Mozambique Introduction

Mozambique offers world-class accommodation, pristine beaches, adventure activities including fantastic diving, snorkelling, fishing, and a diverse culture with a trading history with China, Persia, India and Europe. Mozambique was known for its fine gold and ivory, as well as having been active in the slave trade. It is safe and despite its regained popularity, this warm-hearted country remains for the most part un-commercialised, and gives an open-armed welcome to those willing to explore its pleasures and treasures.

Mozambique is an enormous country, encompassing some 800 000 square km, with a coastline extending roughly 2 500km along the Indian Ocean in the southeast of Africa. At the northern-most extreme is Cabo Delgado province, including the Quirimbas Archipelago. A recently established National Park (Cabo Delgado Biodiversity Project) offers visitors both marine and land environments to explore. With top-notch diving, fishing and bird watching, this is a remote piece of paradise. Perfect for those wanting to combine solitude with an experience of a lifetime.

Travel further south into Nampula province to Ilha de Mozambique and one is transported back in time while exploring the former capital of Mozambique. This part of the coastline has been declared a "World Heritage Site" and is an architect's dream, with buildings made of coral dating back to the 16th century.
The Bazaruto Archipelago is one of the best known beach destinations in Mozambique. One is completely spoiled for choice in terms of both accommodation and environs. Benguerra and Bazaruto islands are quite exclusive, and the entire archipelago boasts fantastic beaches, perfect diving, fishing conditions and amazing bird life.

In southern Mozambique is the capital, Maputo. Formerly known as Lorenzo Marques, this thriving, bustling city never seems to sleep! From markets to colonial hotels, promenades and bistros, this is a city worth exploring and enjoying. Just minutes away by boat is the Catembe Peninsula, with breathtaking views over the city and a delightful boutique hotel. Excursions to the nearby Elephant Park Reserve are now possible. Regular flights from various South African airports to Vilanculos, Maputo and Pemba make Mozambique a convenient and accessible destination, with the added bonus of visas being available on arrival for all nationalities. What are you waiting for?

Mozambique Top Attractions
Province of Cabo Delgado
Cabo Delgado is the most northern province bordering on Tanzania. The birthplace of Maconde, who have rich traditions and culture.

Pemba: Pemba is the main city of Cabo Delgado, a traditional old Mozambique fishing port offering pristine island scenery, scuba diving and world-class blue water fishing.

Quirimbas Archipelago: The Quirimbas are one of the most biodiverse marine areas in the world. Dugongs graze in sea grass meadows, fish eagles perch in tall mangroves, turtles nest on white beaches, and humpback whales shelter their young in deep channel. The isle of Ibo located in the Quirimbas used to be an important island in Mozambique. Still today the hallmarks of a glorious past can be seen.

Quilailea Island resort rests in a marine sanctuary with Sencar Island. Quilailea is 12 kms from the mainland town of Quissanga and 55kms north of Pemba City by sea and 120 kms by road. The island is 34 hectares in area and lies alongside a deep 70 metres channel with direct access to the Indian Ocean.
Matemo and Medjumbe island resorts are further options for a stunning island holiday.

Vamizi - with its clear waters, abundant marine life and untouched coral reefs, is a tourist paradise.

Province of Inhambane

This province is one of the main centres of tourism today due to the existence of the biggest archipelago, Bazaruto. Inhambane is a fascinating town and worthwhile a visit if staying at the nearby hotels.

Praya de Barra (25 km from Inhambane town). Stay either at Barra Lodge & Flamingo Bay Water Lodge, where you will find unspoiled beaches bordered by the Inhambane estuary on one side and the sea on the other. Nestled amongst groves and coconut trees.

Bazaruto (and Benguerra) Islands: Sublime tropical isles off the Mozambican coast. Bazaruto and Benguerra island (formerly known as Benguela), the two largest, feature magnificent high sand dunes and green lakes inhabited by crocodiles; as well as lush coastal bush choked with indigenous birdlife. Specials include the Blue-throated Sunbird and Rudd's Apalis. World-class scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities await those who explore the coral formations around the isles. Excellent hotels and lodges exist on Bazaruto Island (Indigo Bay and Bazaruto Lodge) and on Benguerra Island (Marlin Lodge and Benguerra Lodge).

Vilanculos: Gateway to the Bazaruto archipelago 700 km north of Maputo. It lies on the mainland opposite the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago in the tropical Inhambane province. The area is lovely for hiking through untouched nature with an incredible bird life. The unspoilt and tranquil beaches are ideal for long scenic beach walks. The sea is calm and shallow in front of the lodge and ideal for swimming and paddling.

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Scuba Diving Mozambique

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Bad Driving, Duck Hunting & Ponta Diving

Scuba Adventures Mozambique was formed purely as a result of a driving navigation error and a duck hunting expedition:

The story starts some 10 years ago, in Maputo, on the verandah of the Costa do Sol restaurant.

We were sitting having a beer, thoroughly pissed off with diving in Mozambique, and trying to find out the quickest route back to Sodwana.

I had spent the previous evening in the Polana Hotel, paying for 1 night’s accommodation more than my monthly bond repayment in SA.

We had also just aborted, long before schedule, a disastrous diving trip to Inhaca Island, marred by boats not working, $50.00 air fills, and hung over skippers who only launched when they got out of bed late and felt like it.

All we wanted to do was get back to Sodwana as soon as possible and enjoy some good, old-fashioned South African diving – comfortable, reliable and organized.

Attempting to reach the Kosi border post, which we heard had just opened, we took a wrong turn on the sand track which was then the "main road" down from Maputo, and which eventually brought us to the resort at Malongane, which had apparently also only just opened.

That night sitting in the pub and talking to Dave, the original dive operator there, I realized this was the same place I had heard about 15 years prior, on a duck hunt in Underberg, in the Natal Midlands.

One of the hunters, a very distinguished gentleman well into his seventies, noticed my dive watch and asked me if I was a diver. When I confirmed this, he told me he also used to dive and proceeded to relate to me his dive exploits and expeditions to the Red Sea, Barrier Reef and Mozambique.

It was an education and a truly remarkable story, especially if you consider that 30 – 40 years ago the dive industry was in its infancy and the domain of a few hardcore "Rambo’s" with largely homemade equipment.

Merely to dive in those days must have been a daunting undertaking. To travel the world to remote dive destinations that to day most of us can only dream about, an even greater and more noteworthy achievement.

During the conversation, I remember asking him which he considered the best dive site.

He gave me the name, which I had never heard before, and which I promptly discarded.

He explained that it was on the Mozambique coast just 5 kilometers North of the Kosi Bay Border, and urged me if at all possible to visit it – with the war it was obviously not possible.

Sitting in the bar with Dave that humid Mozambican night the realization suddenly struck – this place II had mistakenly arrived at, and the name I had heard so many years ago, were the same - Malongane.

With the Old mans recommendations in my head, and hoping to experience what he had experienced so many years before, I decided to put the Sodwana dash on hold, and booked on a dive with Dave. The next day dawned a typical Mozambique Summers day – hot, calm and with the sea like the proverbial lake.

Our first dive was to Riana’s Reef, aptly named after parts on the anatomy of a well-endowed lady DM that bore a similarity to the round coral reef clumps.

On descending it was immediately apparent the old man had not exaggerated. – This was definitely world class diving.

With our enthusiasm rekindled, and thoughts of Sodwana rapidly fading, we booked for the afternoon dive.

It was just as amazing as the morning dive. Towards the end of the dive I noticed a buddy pair had drifted far from the rest of the group, and were swimming over the sand. I swam over to call them and in the distance, rising from the sand, saw a huge dark shadow.

On closer inspection I found it was an isolated clump of Reef, encrusted with soft sponges and corals, and with more nudibranchs and egg cowries than I had evert seen before in one place.

A huge Brindle Bass skulked in a side arch, which, after finally swimming away, revealed a chimney column through the center of the reef. A pair of potato bass eyed us inquisitively from the opposite side, whilst their more colorful cousins, yellow belly and lyre tail rock cod slipped shyly between the ledges. Brightly colored tropical reef fish formed a living, shimmering halo over the entire outcrop.

At least 4 species of morays protruded from the cracks, mouths agape as if in shocked surprise at my rude invasion of this serene setting.

On my ascent a small black fin shark swam by, adding a dramatic ending to what must be one of the most exiting days of my life. (We called the site then Cathedral – regular Ponta divers today know it as 3 Sisters)

The day’s events made me start thinking of ways and opportunities to expand my dive travel business to Southern Mozambique.

After the holiday – with each dive as memorable as the previous – I was convinced that this area had a huge, unexploited tourism and business potential.

To cut a very long story very short as they say, and after much heartache, effort and money, Scuba Adventures Mozambique commenced operating from a reed hut at the back of the Motel do Mar, in Ponta do Ouro. .

Ponta in those days basically consisted of the Motel, Campsite, and 2 shops. The local population was a fraction of the size it is today, and very few people had skills, or could speak English.

The area had been ravaged, as had the whole of Mozambique, by 26 long years of bloody civil war, and which devastated this once vibrant holiday town. We found rifle grenades stuck in trees, and heard of landmine detonations in the village

There was a pioneering atmosphere then, a "wild west" feeling that was exciting and almost tangible.

As Ponta’s magnificent dive sites became known, and the pot holed road on the South African side to the border tarred, so did the influx of tourists increase. The local population grew dramatically and learnt English and new skills. Young people learnt to drive and repair vehicles, clean dive equipment and boats, and operate compressors. The average wages increased nearly ten fold. To support the growing demands of these tourists, and burgeoning population, infrastructure developed, - a shopping complex was built, with a bank, a supermarket, beach shops and Restaurant.

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Friday, June 12, 2009

National Parks of Mozambique

During Mozambique's civil upheaval, large-scale organized poaching systematically removed almost all big game from the bush. I've driven the length and breadth of Mozambique through seemingly pristine environments without spotting anything bigger than rabbits and rats, even at night. Mozambicans were reduced to hunter-gatherer status and in some areas even locusts and ants were harvested almost to extinction.

Birdlife has recovered to some extent but only the most remote areas offer the chance to view the 'Big Five' (on foot and with experienced guides, as wildlife is still persecuted by poachers from as far afield as Somalia).

Officially, the Mozambican government recognises wildlife's tourist potential, but legislation hasn't kept pace with developments and some colourful characters have been associated with failed projects that always seemed too detached from reality to succeed.

The late Earl J. Blanchard was feted by the authorities despite his Maputo Elephant Reserve project being ridiculed by respected environmentalists. Often, legitimate developers are sidelined by million-dollar-slinging 'cowboys'. Consequently even Mozambique's flagship NP, Gorongosa, can only offer a simple campsite with ablutions.

At Gorongosa, concessionaires are building a lodge at Bue Maria, but it's not yet finished. A fairly extensive network of roads has been re-opened but the Reserve can become inaccessible during the December to May wet season. There's a fair amount of game (a few lion and several small elephant herds) but the variety and beauty of the habitat and birds are the real attractions.

Maputo Elephant Reserve harbours around 400 elephants, which migrate between South Africa and Mozambique through rolling dune country. The birdlife is varied and abundant, but infrastructure is minimal and roads are very poor - 4x4 is essential. Camping is allowed at Ponta Milibangalala and Ponta Dobela, where there are wells, but the water needs purifying before drinking.

Remote enough to have provided refuge to around 12,000 elephant and the last of Mozambique's buffalo, sable and roan herds is Reserva do Niassa. Compania do Niassa has acquired the rights to develop this vast area. Although independent visitors are not encouraged, you can take your 4x4 on the five-day drive up to the government game-guard office at Mecula. You will be assigned a 'ranger' who must accompany you. The Jurege River, dry from June to December, provides excellent game viewing, but park and proceed on foot or the animals will be gone long before you arrive.

Although the Bazaruto Archipelago consists of five islands (in size order: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangue), only Bazaruto and surrounding reefs are officially within the National Park. These waters are home to over 80% of all marine fish families of the Indo-Pacific. Resident Minke and Southern right whales ply surrounding seas alongside common, spinner and bottlenose dolphins and the highly-threatened dugong.

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Mozambique Diving

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Diving in Mozambique

Diving in Mozambique in the warm, crystal clear Indian Ocean waters and its islands, is a thrilling and rewarding experience. Mozambique is one of the finest diving destinations in the world, with remarkably unspoilt coral reefs and an abundant variety of marine life that all levels of divers can enjoy all year round. Sea temperatures vary between 30°C in summer to 21°C in winter and the structure of the reefs offer pinnacles, overhangs, coral arches and much more.

Reef depths vary from 10m to 40m and offer good visibility and fantastic photo opportunities. Not only of the incredible range of coral but of over 6,000 species of fish. The reefs attract a variety of game fish while the coral is home to myriads of brightly coloured smaller fish including schooling banner fish, Moorish idols, butterfly fish, blue striped snappers, barred sweetlips, goldies, and trigger fish.

Mozambique diving is an excellent all year-round activity and a range of exciting and varied diving itineraries can be organized. Barracuda, manta rays, moray eels, sharks, huge schools of kingfish, giant lobsters, and numerous species of reef fish are commonly seen. The whale shark, the largest fish in the world which can reach lengths of up to 14m and weigh up to 15 tons, can be spotted between December and April.

Above the waves, dolphins are frequently encountered as are leatherback, loggerhead and green turtle. Humpback whales can be sighted between August and October while the lucky few may get to marvel at the sight of the rare dugong. Most lodges in Mozambique are pleased to welcome all levels of divers and lessons can be arranged for both beginners and intermediates.

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Friday, April 24, 2009

Mozambique 12-day Scuba Safari

Day 1: Barra Lodge Beach Resort – Inhambane

  • Arrive at Inhambane International Airport
  • Transfer to Barra Lodge Beach Resort
  • Lunch at the resort
  • Afternoon at leisure
  • Dive planning: late afternoon at Barra Dive Resort
  • Dinner
  • Evening at leisure
  • Barra Lodge Beach Resort offers 3 star accommodation right on the beach front. All rooms have mosquito nets and a fans. Attractions include a relaxing beach bar and restaurant with swimming pool. The Resort is located in Praia da Barra which is situated on a huge estuary just off the town of Inhambane.All dives are undertaken from the Barra Dive Resort, situated in the Barra Lodge Beach Resort. This means no transfers to and from the dive site. Everything is right at hand. The Barra Dive Resort is a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center, thus internationally renowned for safety and professionalism.Divers have 14 major reefs to enjoy. One of the major attractions is a Manta ray cleaning station where scores of Cleaner wrasse attend to the Manta’s every need. Also in attendance are porcupine fish, Rubberlips, Potato bass, Triggerfish, Bull rays and Honeycomb moray eels. There are also luscious green Whip corals and circular big Plate corals to be seen, along with Pink fleshy coral and Orange sponges.

    Day 2: Barra Lodge Beach Resort – Inhambane

  • Dive #1
  • Breakfast
  • Dive #2
  • Afternoon at leisure
  • Dive planning: late afternoon at Barra Dive Resort
  • Dinner
  • Evening at leisure
  • Day 3: Barra Lodge Beach Resort – Inhambane

  • Dive #3
  • Breakfast
  • Dive #4
  • Afternoon at leisure
  • Dive planning: late afternoon at Barra Dive Resort
  • Dinner
  • Evening at leisure
  • Day 4: Barra Lodge Beach Resort – Inhambane

  • Dive #5
  • Breakfast
  • Dive #6
  • Afternoon at leisure
  • Dive planning: late afternoon at Barra Dive Resort
  • Dinner
  • Evening at leisure
  • Day 5: Casa Barry Lodge - Tofo

  • Breakfast
  • Transfer to Casa Barry Lodge in Tofo
  • Dive #7
  • Afternoon at leisure
  • Dive planning: late afternoon at Tofo Scuba
  • Dinner
  • Evening at leisure
  • Praia do Tofo is situated about 20 km from Praia da Barra and share the same dive spots – 14 main reefs. The Casa Barry Lodge is situated in the town of Tofo and offers non-catering brick Casitas, the majority with sea views. All Casitas are equipped with mosquito nets, fans and a verandah. The Casitas are serviced daily.Tofo Scuba is within walking distance from the Casa Barry Lodge, thus ensuring effortless diving.Reefs closer to Tofo offers Crocodile fish, Lizardfish, Scorpionfish, Paperfish, Devil firefish, Fire Gobies, Trumpetfish and many more. Corals in the area consist of various kinds of hard corals such as Staghorn coral and Plate coral. Also soft corals including Porous coral, Thistle coral and Anemones. And don’t forget the Nudibranchs.

    Day 6: Casa Barry Lodge – Tofo

  • Dive #8
  • Breakfast
  • Dive #9
  • Afternoon at leisure
  • Dive planning: late afternoon at Tofo Scuba
  • Dinner
  • Evening at leisure
  • Day 7: Casa Barry Lodge – Tofo

  • Dive #10
  • Breakfast
  • Dive #11
  • Afternoon at leisure
  • Dive planning: late afternoon at Tofo Scuba
  • Dinner
  • Evening at leisure
  • Day 8: Casa Barry Lodge – Tofo

  • Dive #12
  • Breakfast
  • Dive #13
  • Afternoon at leisure
  • Dinner
  • Evening at leasure
  • Day 9: Jeff’s Palm Resort – Guinjata Bay

  • Breakfast
  • Transfer to Jeff’s Palm Resort in Guinjata Bay
  • Dive #14
  • Afternoon at leisure
  • Dive planning: late afternoon at Palm Resort Pro Dive Center
  • Dinner
  • Evening at leisure
  • Jeff’s Palm Resort is an internationally renowned PADI Dive Resort and operates the Palm Resort Pro Dive Center from its premises. The Resort is located on the beach front about 25 km from Inhambane. With majestic sea views on the one side, and large coconut and cashew nut plantations on the other, it truly is a unique setting. Added benefits are a Portuguese restaurant and relaxing beach bar right on the beach front. Jeff’s Palm Resort offers spacious Cabanas, the majority with spectacular sea views. With 11 major reefs the diving is truly spectacular. Watch out for Manta rays, Devil rays, Barracuda, Yellow fin tuna and sometimes even Blue marlin. Also Batfish, Butterflyfish, Kingfish and Triggerfish.

    Day 10: Jeff’s Palm Resort – Guinjata Bay

  • Dive #15
  • Breakfast
  • Dive #16
  • Afternoon at leisure
  • Dive planning: late afternoon at Palm Resort Pro Dive Center
  • Dinner
  • Evening at leisure
  • Day 11: Jeff’s Palm Resort – Guinjata Bay

  • Breakfast
  • Dive #18
  • Afternoon at leisure
  • Dive planning: late afternoon at Palm Resort Pro Dive Center
  • Dinner
  • Evening at leisure
  • Day 12: Jeff’s Palm Resort

  • Day at leasure
  • Day 13: Jhb

  • Transfer to airport at 9:30
  • Optional Activities:

  • Ocean Safaris & Snorkeling trips
  • Cultural tours
  • Inhambane tours
  • Beach volleyball
  • Kayaking
  • Ski-boats & Jetski’s
  • Spear fishing
  • Quad biking
  • Horse riding
  • Surfing
  • Dhow trip to Maxixe
  • Inclusions:

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • 18 Dives
  • Transfers
  • Flights Johannesburg-Inhambane (Mozambique)-Johannesburg
  • Accommodation
  • Full rental scuba gear
  • Exclusions:

  • Gear Rental at +/- R100/ Day
  • All beverages (alcoholic & non-alcoholic)
  • Optional excursions
  • Departure tax
  • Article Source
    Scuba Mozambique

    Tuesday, March 10, 2009

    Mozambique Flights

    LAM is the national airline for Mozambique and provides daily flights between Johannesburg (South Africa) and Maputo (Mozambique) as well as domestic flights connecting Maputo to Inhambane and Vilanculos and regional flights from Nairobi in Kenya or Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania to Pemba.

    Other airlines such as South African Airways and Pelican Air also offer flights from South Africa to Mozambique, and Mozambique internal flights are provided by other Mozambican airlines.

    Visas may be obtained on arrival in Mozambique (approximately US$25 per person), South African citizens do not require visas but must pay an immigration fee (approximately US2.50 or R17). Departure tax is payable at all Mozambique Airports (approximately US$8 for internal flight and US$20 for flights to South Africa). Cash is required for all visa and airport tax payments at Mozambique airports.

    Mozambique has three international airports: Maputo International Airport, Vilanculos Airport and Pemba Airport.

    Domestic air services operate between Beira, Maputo, Nampula, Pemba, Quelimane, Tete and Vilanculos. Many charter airlines have scheduled services and these are usually preferable. We can arrange your flights to Pemba, Inhambane, Maputo and to Vilanculos on reliable scheduled charter flights.

    Flight access to Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago

    There are several routing options between Johannesburg's O R Tambo International Airport and Vilanculos Airport, Mozambique.

    • 1. Johannesburg to Vilanculos (direct)

    • 2. Johannesburg to Vilanculos (via Kruger-Mpumalanga)

    • 3. Johannesburg to Vilanculos (via Beira)

    • 4. Johannesburg to Vilanculos (via Maputo)

    Flights to Pemba and the Quirimbas

    Flight access to Pemba and the Quirimbas is available from Johannesburg, Maputo and Dar Es Salaam.

    Flights from Johannesburg to Pemba depart twice a week.

    Return flights to Johannesburg leave three times a week, and all go via Maputo. Direct flights take approximately three hours, while flights via Maputo will take between five and six hours.

    Flights from Maputo to Pemba depart six times a week, with two departures on Wednesdays (both in the morning). Return flights to Maputo leave seven times a week with two afternoon flights on Friday. The flights are direct and take approximately three to four hours.

    Flights from Dar es Salaam to Pemba leave four times a week, and there are also four return flights weekly. Flights there are very quick but return flights can take about three hours.

    Article Source

    Tuesday, March 3, 2009

    Mozambique’s Gorongosa - A Resurging Paradise

    Gorongosa National Park, located in central Mozambique, was once Southern Africa’s premier wildlife preserve. Hollywood actors, royalty, and wildlife enthusiasts would fly thousands of miles just to witness the diversity and abundance of its animals. The 4000 square kilometer park is located at the southern end of the East African Rift Valley and boasts a number of varied habitats, making it ripe for ecological diversity and a proliferation of wildlife.
    A Misused Paradise
    Gorongosa sounds idyllic, but after the end of Mozambique’s 17-year civil war, 95 percent of the mammal population had disappeared. RENAMO, an internal resistance organization funded by apartheid South Africa and active during the 1980s and 1990s, used Gorongosa as a base of operations for most of this period. As a consequence most of the prominent species were either eaten, poached for their ivory or destroyed by gunfire and landmines as a direct result of the fighting.
    There is, however, new hope…
    The Carr Foundation, created by Greg Carr in 1999 as a charitable organization dedicated to the environment, humanitarian efforts, and the arts, is working in conjunction with the Mozambican government to return this park to its former glory.
    Greg Carr first visited Gorongosa in 2004, and found the park in shambles. His vow and commitment to the park not only includes his very generous gift of $40 million over 30 years, but also his personal touch and enthusiasm. He is not simply a benefactor, but is directly involved in the park, spending a good portion of his time in Gorongosa.
    The animals are coming back, largely due to reintroductions from Zimbabwe and South Africa.
    On my last visit there last year I saw hippo, elephant, crocodiles, bushbuck, waterbuck, impala, oribi, nyala, warthogs, genets, a serval and signs and sounds of lion and hyena. The birdlife was exceptional – diverse and abundant. The land itself is ripe for reintroductions. The habitat is ready and waiting, and the wildlife is making a comeback.
    Eco-Tourism
    The park restoration benefits the local and regional economy through tourism and the generation of employment. It is also bringing healthcare and education to people who previously had little access. The funding of health clinics and schools and the training of farmers in sustainable agriculture are a direct result of the Carr Foundation’s social responsibility policy.
    Visiting Mozambique and Gorongosa
    Visitors to Mozambique will notice that it is a country that boasts stunning white sand beaches with world class diving, wild rivers to explore, and an interesting culture to boot. It also exudes extreme poverty and high HIV rates. The country’s warring parties signed a peace agreement in 1992, and tourism has been increasing steadily since that time.
    Visitors to Gorongosa will now find modern and comfortable cabanas, equipped with air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. There is a restaurant and bar on-site as well. Travelers on a budget can camp in their newly renovated campground, which even have hot showers available.
    There are many activities once you arrive at Gorongosa. There are over 100km of roads accessible from the camp. Your guided game drive will take you through the many ecosystems of the park, allowing you to see game in their native habitats.
    Guides can take you to the local community of Vinho to see how the Carr Foundation’s vision of social responsibility is working. This 40-minute walk, along with a short boat ride across the Pungue River, will bring you to this community with its new school and hospital.

    Article Source

    Friday, February 13, 2009

    Manta Rays, Mozambique

    A second and possibly third species of manta ray discovered

    Genetic and morphological analysis has now confirmed the existence of a second species of manta ray, and possibly a third one as well. Up until know, the scientific community only knew about one single species of manta ray and all encountered manta rays were viewed as variants within the same species. PhD marine biologist Andrea Marshall did however suspect that there might be more than one species of manta ray luring in the ocean and in 2003 she to a small coastal village located in southern to be able to study the manta rays found off the African coast. During the last five years, she has been carrying out a manta ray study sponsored by the Save Our Seas Foundation and discovered a new species as well as collected invaluable information about the reproductive habits of the manta rays.

    The two manta rays species have overlapping geographical ranges, but they have significantly different life styles. One species is migratory while the other one – the smaller and more commonly known species – is resident to particular costal regions where it stays year round. There are also noticeable differences in reproductive biology, skin texture and colouration.

    The small, stationary species is commonly encountered by divers and researchers at coral reefs, while the larger, migratory species is much more elusive.

    The pectoral fins of a manta ray can span almost 8 meters in width and the weight of this baffling shark relative can exceed 2000 kg. Unlike the stingray, the manta ray is not equipped with a functioning stinging barb, but one of the manta ray species actually has a non-functioning type of sting on its tail.

    According to the Save Our Seas Foundation, Andrea Marshall’s new finding is the marine equivalent of discovering an unknown species of elephant.

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    Wednesday, January 28, 2009

    Eco-Tourism in Mozambique - A Fresh Start

    If you love isolated places, conservation, safaris or activities like fishing and diving, keep an eye on the remote Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado, where one of Africa’s most exciting new eco-ventures is taking shape. In an untouched area, the Cabo Delgado Biodiversity and Tourism Project will offer a rare combination of big game safaris and tropical coastal activities while funding comprehensive conservation and community development initiatives.
    Aware of Mozambique’s enormous tourism potential, African travel expert Christopher Cox and wildlife vet Dr. Julie Garnier launched a search in 1996 for an area suitable for conservation and able to sustain a luxury tourism product. Cabo Delgado was identified in 1998. Thorough socio-ecological surveys were conducted by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and ecology experts before the concession was finally obtained in November 2001.
    These surveys confirmed its exceptional biodiversity, with over 15 different land habitats, including endangered coastal forest. The area was largely untouched by Mozambique’s civil war, and viable game populations include Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo, Lion, Leopard, Wild Dog and several Antelope species. A marine survey revealed rare habitats such as sea-grass beds and found coral reefs that are among East Africa’s richest, with diverse fish life and endangered species including turtle, humpback whales, dugong and whale shark. The ZSL has since declared Cabo Delgado among its most important African conservation projects.
    Funding for conservation and community initiatives will come from international donors and from luxury tourism. Visitor numbers will be limited, but the area is large enough to support five small eco-lodges, enabling guests to switch between inland, coastal and island habitats. The first two lodges will open in 2003, on Vamizi island and on the 35km-long mainland beach. In 2004 two lodges are planned for the 33,000ha inland area, where expert guides will lead game drives and walking safaris through diverse habitats including mangrove swamps, wetlands, coastal forest and acacia savannah.
    A further lodge is planned for Rongui island, as a base for deep-sea game fishing. Guests at coastal lodges will also be able to scuba dive, join marine wildlife expeditions and explore nearby islands by catamaran or dhow. Within the concession is a ruined Portuguese fort and the historic island of Ibo is nearby.
    An essential component of the project’s success will be the involvement of local communities (among Mozambique’s poorest). All have given their written approval and are set to benefit through skills acquisition, employment, small business initiatives and the creation of a community fund to provide assets such as schools, clinics, grinding mills and wells.
    The receipt of direct financial benefits from their wildlife will hopefully motivate the local people to ensure its conservation. Community relations specialists have visited to ensure that what’s defined as a “Smart Partnership” between tourism, conservation and communities runs to the benefit of all. Guests will be encouraged to visit and participate in conservation activities, including cataloguing terrestrial and marine fauna and flora, identifying human-wildlife conflicts and potential resolutions, evaluating the use of species socio-economically important to local communities and developing sustainable-use programmes. The project will also help protect adjacent areas by employing, training and equipping wildlife guards from local communities.
    On the drawing board, the plans seem flawless. No doubt hurdles will arise during their execution, but if the finished product resembles the blueprint, Cabo Delgado should shoot into the top rankings of Africa’s eco-ventures.

    Article Source
    Scuba Mozambique: http://www.scubamozambique.com/