The islands of Mozambique (Ilha de Moçambique) lie 2000 km north of Maputo and are about 3.5km long and 500m wide. Ilha is accessed by an amazing bridge built by the Portuguese that links the main land to this historic island. Ilha was named after an Arab trader Musa Al Big (pronounced musae' biki), and then adopted by mainland Mozambique.
Ilha has about 14,000 inhabitants, the majority of whom replaced the old island inhabitants as refugee migrants fleeing decades of civil war on the mainland. The Macua people of African origin were first to occupy the island, but as a strategic location between Africa and Asia, Ilha soon became a meeting point for Persians, Turks, Chinese, Indians and Indonesians under the monopoly of Arab trade. Similar to Zanzibar, Lamu and Mombassa, the island developed a 'Swahili' culture (without the language) and bred new Ilha residents born from intermarrying of cultures where Islam was the way of life.
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| People of Ilha | Fans at a Football Match |
In 1498 with the help of an Arab pilot, Vasco D' Gama was directed from India to Ilha and by the 16th and 17th century the Portuguese followed and took power by 1570; wiping out Muslim settlements. The Portuguese left behind a legacy of stunning architectural heritage, the Portuguese language, but were unable to convert the inhabitants to Christianity. Today, the islands mosques, some of which were built back in the 12th century, are filled with worshipers, yet its many Churches remain as mere reminders of its colonial past.
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| Nampula Airport's Stunning Sunset |
LAM flies twice a week from Dar Es Salaam to Nampula via Pemba. Kenya Airways has recently started flights into Nampula twice a week. You would then need a car from Nampula to Ilha, which takes about 2 hours. Depending on whom you book the car ride with, it can cost between $100-185 one-way.
Where to stay-
Accommodation on the island is limited to a few guesthouses depending on your budget. I recommend Terraco Das Quitandas (price $200 per night) an immaculately converted old house that attempts to recreate the islands historic charm, as well as giving a very comfortable and personal stay.
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| Terraco Das Quitanda |
• Stroll through the stone town and immerse in its stunning architecture
• Go for a swim near the old fort or Museum (not all areas of the island have clean beaches)
• Hire a motorbike for the day (appox $100) and check out the entire island, as well as Makuti Town.
• Eat the freshest seafood ever! Try the local grills for lunch on the beach for an authentic taste.
*** Highlight – Take a dhow cruise around the island. It’s the best way to experience what you’ll never see walking as well as getting a close up view of the bridge that links the island to the mainland (approx $100)
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| Views of Stone Town |
Bad – most beaches are used as toilets, too many ‘wanna be guides’, extreme poverty, limited accommodation and dining
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