 Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration by whites, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development. The ruling party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement with rebel forces ended the fighting in 1992. Heavy flooding in both 1999 and 2000 severely hurt the economy. Mozambique is now certainly a travel destination on the rise. Slowly but surely the infrastructure of the country is improving and what once were far flung corners are now becoming more accessible to the average traveler. Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, is rightly known as one of the most atmospheric party spots on the continent. Nothing can beat sipping on a cool beer and feasting on prawns for which Mozambique is so well known. Out of Maputo your stay in Mozambique is likely to centre along the warm Indian Ocean and its beaches. If you are not on the beach then chances are you will be in the ocean either snorkeling or scuba diving off the magnificent Bazaruto Archipelago. So grab yourself a Portuguese phrase book, a fistful of meticais and drift into Mozambique time… Any of the Backpacker Lodges in The Kruger area, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Swaziland will provide you with loads of information on Mozambique. Where to Stay:Exotic Inhacazul Lodge Maputo, Mozambique
Hotel Tivoli Maputo, Mozambique | 
