Niassa
The province of Niassa is situated at the Lichinga high plateau and is encircled by extensive pine tree forests.
The plateau is part of the African Great Rift Valley that encompasses the Great Lakes and the slope from Djibouti to the shores of Lake Niassa.
It borders the Republic of Tanzania and contains the greatest wildlife reserve in the country with its great elephant population as well as many other wildlife species.
Lake Niassa is one of the biggest attractions in the province with its placid and clear waters that are ideal for the practice of water sports such as fishing, diving and boat or canoe trips.
Niassa is the largest Province in Mozambique. There are places of extraordinary beauty to visit contrasting with areas of natural woodland.
Lake Niassa, the third biggest lake in Africa and Malawi delimit the Province to the West, whilst to the East is Cabo Delgado, to the North Tanzania and to the South Nampula and Zambezia.
The main urban centre is Lichinga, on the plain of the same name in the western part of the Province not far from Lake Niassa.
The main ethnic groups are the Macua, the Nyanja and the Yao.
Points of note about the Province
• One of Livingstone’s last expedition routes
• It is considered the last true wilderness in the world or in other words a remnant of the African Garden of Eden
• It is the most remote and unpopulated province in the country
What to visit
• Lake Niassa with its crystal-clear waters.
• The landscape in the mountain regions.
• The Niassa National Reserve covering 42.000 km2 and a variety of wildlife that can be seen and photographed such as elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, kudu and antelopes.
• Several Ajaua and Nyanja villages.
Sofala
• Beira, in the province of Sofala, is second largest city in the country and its harbour of vital importance to the economy of the central region of the country and to the neighbouring hinterland countries. The city is built below sea level and spreads itself from the harbour area up to the Macuti lighthouse.
• Sofala is situated in central Mozambique, and is an important meeting point between the South, North and West, By means of the Beira “corridor route” an old and very important naturally formed route the North and West can reach the interior and neighbouring countries.
• To the North is Tete and Zambezi, to the South Inhambane, to the West Manica and to the East the Indian Ocean.
• The main urban centre is the city of Beira, built slightly north of the ancient town of Sofala on lands that were originally swamps, below sea level and near one of the most important ports in the country and in Africa. Its name comes from D.Filipe da Beira who landed there on an official visit at the beginning of the XX century.
• The main ethnic groups are the Sena and Ndau.
• The province is home to the Gorongosa National Park that was in the past one of the largest wild life reservations in the world.
What to visit
• The National Park of Gorongosa, the natural habitat of various species of big animals and birds.
• The Marromeu Buffalo Reserve.
• The Cathedral, on Av Eduardo Mondlane, built in1925. Stones dating back to the XVI century from the fort of Sofala, which has since been slowly engulfed by the sea, were used in its construction,
• Infante Sagres House, situated in the square bearing the same name. • House of Portugal, a colonial era building situated in Praça do Metical
• “Casa dos Bicos”, on Av. Samora Machel, is a modern building used for exhibitions and other events.
• Largo do Município (Municipal Square) is a very attractive area, colonial in architecture and situated in the heart of the city. There are shops, esplanades and other establishments inviting the visitor to spend here a few leisurely and pleasant hours.