Mozambique Island: A Journey Through Time
This adventure to Mozambique Island was nothing short of captivating. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when we arrived-after the tense crocodile border crossing, I was on edge, thinking that anything could happen. So, we decided to play it by ear and simply accept whatever came our way. It was a lesson in living in the present, something I’ve struggled with on this trip at certain points. But any lingering anxiety quickly faded as we were welcomed by the warm hospitality of the people, the unexpected delight of the local cuisine, and the invigorating scent of the Indian Ocean.
Man, I love the ocean in the tropics.
It was all a refreshing change from the dry, dusty roads of Tanzania and Malawi. Yet, as much as I loved being there, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. This place, once a vibrant hub of activity and culture, is now a shadow of its former self, with parts of it falling into disrepair. But even in its faded glory, Mozambique Island has a charm that’s impossible to ignore.
A Small Island with a Big History
Mozambique Island is a small yet historically significant island located just 4 kilometers off the coast of Mozambique and is It’s connected by a feat of engineering from the 1960s; A bridge that literally links the past with the present.
Stepping off the bus and onto Mozambique Island is like stepping back in time. The island has been an important player in ocean travel and trade since the 10th century, serving as a crossroads for various cultures and civilisations. The mix of Indian, Portuguese, African, and Arab influences is evident in everything from the architecture to the food, making the island a living testament to its rich and diverse history. It’s no wonder that Mozambique Island has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site
We took a trip to the northern half of the island, known as Stone Town, is where the island’s history is most evident. Here, we find Portuguese colonial buildings that stand as proud reminders of the island’s past. Among them is the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, the oldest European building in the southern hemisphere. It’s incredible to see how well these structures have held up, thanks to the strong materials used in their construction-stone and coral, which have withstood the test of time.
Despite the beauty and history that Mozambique Island offers, some areas have sadly fallen into disrepair. It’s heartbreaking to see, but there is hope on the horizon. UNESCO is actively involved in restoring parts of the island, working to preserve its unique character while introducing necessary modernisations. This was most evident when we checked in to a hotel, the room although amazing in its layout, had just been painted and the smell from the fumes, when the doors were closed, was unbearable. so bad in fact that we switched room and then left promptly the next day.
As I travel across Africa, I’m constantly reminded of the delicate balance between preserving the past and embracing the future. Huge amounts of money are being poured into delivering much-needed infrastructure, but at the same time, millions of people live below the poverty line. I fear that while the future of the places I’ve been so far will undoubtedly be positive, it will skip a few generations. That said, even in its current state, Mozambique Island remains a gem, a place where the echoes of history are still very much alive, waiting to be discovered by those who seek them. – it really is off the beaten path.
At dinner, we talked about growing up in the West and how different life is here. We also discussed how different life was for our grandparents and parents, and how it’s unimaginable that we were able to grow up in the communities we each have, even though we live thousands of miles apart.
