Zambezia is situated in the Centre/North part of the country, bordered on the North by the Provinces of Nampula and Niassa, to the South by Sofala, to the West by Malawi and the Province of Tete and to the East, the Indian Ocean.
Facing the Indian Ocean, the venation changes as the land become higher. On the low plains, near the coast, there are vast areas of palm trees. Higher up at Gurué the green tea plantations blend with the cotton plantations and the colourful fruit orchards.
On the flat coastline, next to the river Bons Sinais, so called by Vasco da Gama when he discovered that he was finally on the right route to India, is the town of Quelimane capital of the Province and an important trading port.
A little further south, on the mouth of the river Zambezi, is Chinde, once a main sugar producing centre and possibly the oldest settlement in Zambezia.
Zambezia, with its many rivers and green valleys is the natural habitat of a wide variety large mammals and birds. The main reserves are Gilé, in the district of the same name, the natural reserve of Derre, in the District of Morrumbala, home of the gray palapala and the hunting reserve of Madal Safaris in the District of Chinde, home of a wide Variety of birds. The main ethnic groups are the Chuabos, the Lomwè and the Macuas.
How to Get There
There Are Regular Flights From Maputo Or Beira, Or Alternatively, Road Travel From Beira Or Nampula.
Where to Stay
Hotels, tourist complexes and guesthouses, guarantee a pleasant stay.
What to Visit
The Old Cathedral, a magnificent austere building, the Church Nª Senhora do Livramento, built-in 1800, and the Mosque of Quelimane, modern construction with ornate latticework at the top of the façade. The “Fontes quentes” (hot water springs) near the towns of Morrumbala, Lugela, and Gilé.
Where to Eat
The traditional food of Zambezia is quite spicy and greatly appreciated by all who taste it. The best-known dish is perhaps the “Zambezian Chicken” prepared with coconuts Milk.
Tourist Hotspots
45 Km northeast of Quelimane is Zalala beach, lined with thick, leafy casuarinas trees. The magnificent white sands, transparent waters, are a tempting invitation just to relax and appreciate the surrounding beauty.
Further inland is the beautiful Mountainous region of Gurué, where there are extensive areas of tea plantations. Here too is Mount Namuli, the second-highest point in Mozambique with an altitude of 2419 meters.
Entretainment
Bars and discotheques offer a lively nightlife.
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Fairs and Events
For Samba lovers there is the traditional Carnival held in February. Namarrói , north of Quelimane is famous for its “Dance of the Snakes”. A ritual to guarantee success and safety precedes the dance. The snakes are captured alive in the surrounding bushland, and after the dance are returned to their natural habitat.
Where to Shop
Basketry, mats and handicraft using the leaves and fruit of the coconut tree can be found in the shops in Quelimane.
Sport
The hunting reserve at Gilé, with a wide variety of mammals and birds is an obvious choice for lovers of this sport.