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Home>Mozambique>What to see | 
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| Mozambique: What to see | |||
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Beira
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>see photographs Overview Beira is Mozambique's second largest city (after Maputo) and an important port. Known as the "heart of Mozambique" it is situated halfway up the coast in Sofala province at the mouth of the Púngoè River. It is also the end of the oil pipeline and railway to Zimbabwe (distance to Harare is 600 km, and distance to Johannesburg is 1 800 km). Although run down and neglected, the buildings have a Mediterranean style and the infrastructure of the city is being re established after years of neglect and abuse. The centre of the city is much more compact than Maputo and can be very confusing since most of the street signs are missing. No one really knows the streets by their names and thus interpreting directions from locals is not always easy. Attractions The city square (Praça) is in the heart of the city and is surrounded by shops, banks, supermarkets, post office, telephone, travel agency etc. On the southeast side of the square is the marble municipality building that has a tile mural of the historical Sofala Castle in its entrance hall. The cathedral erected in 1925 is partially built of stone from the sixteenth century Fort of Sofala (which since disappeared under the sea). Situated south east of the city centre and once a brilliant white building, it is now looking a little run down. Casa Portugal is a house built in a typical colonial style. It is located near the Praça do Metical. Another house with superb architecture is the Casa Infante de Sagres found in the Largo Infante Sagres. The ruins of the (former) Grand Hotel are near the mouth of the Púngoè River. Goats in the lobby and trees growing on the balcony make envisaging its former grandeur difficult. An 18-hole golf course was founded in 1907 and has clubs for hire. The large bustling black market of Tchunga Moyo ("brave heart") is situated near the golf course and sells anything and everything (mostly stolen). It contains many shady characters so one should be careful and travel light. Nine km from the centre of Beira north along the beach road is the red and white lighthouse, and the shipwrecked Macuti. The palm lined Praia de Macuti is north of the lighthouse and is the most popular beach. The old part of the port contains the ship graveyard on the banks of the Púngoè River and is worth a visit. The artists of the Makonde tribe in the north produce quite detailed and bizarre carvings known as "torture art" - their wares are not cheap since their main market has been the well-paid aid worker of Beira and Maputo. Various nightclubs and cinemas provide several entertainment options - and there are a range of eating and drinking venues. In the area surrounding the city is a resort called "Six Miles" situated inland about 10 km from the city centre. There is an artificial swimming lagoon complete with islands as well as pedal boats for hire. When to go April to September the cooler, drier months. Beira receives over 250 mm of rain from December to March and averages temperatures are around 30 C (85F) and it's very humid. Accommodation The two most reputable establishments in Beira are the Hotel Mozambique and Hotel Embaixador. How to get there By air There is an International Airport in Beira with scheduled LAM flights from Maputo. By road Access is most direct from Mutare in Zimbabwe and the road is called the EN 6 and passes through the province of Manica – it has been upgraded and is a good tarmac road. Beira via the EN 1 road is 1 200 km north of Maputo. By train These run from Harare to Mutare, and Mutare to Beira (stopping at all stations). Slow and unpredictable, one does eventually get to Beira. By boat and ship Private sailing yachts travel from the private yacht clubs of Richards Bay, Durban, Mombasa, and Dar es Salaam and one can try and hitch a ride on one of these. Passenger ships are generally cruise ships and besides not having regular schedules are an expensive alternative. Dimini II and III, Polana, Lugenda, Afriquia are all ships worth keeping a look out for in other East African Ports since they stop off at Beira. Precautions Do not leave your car unattended, as all kinds of things are liable to be stolen in minutes. The beaches near the mouth of the Púngoè River are not safe after dark. Well dressed attractive prostitutes have been known to mistakenly proposition tourists mistaking them for sailors! |
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