Mozambique
The dawn of a new day saw our arrival into a new country on this voyage and the start of our day in Mozambique. Our destination was the remote island of Ibo in the Quirimbas Archipelago, an area recently designated as a National Park. Heading ashore by Zodiac we passed the old fort that overlooks and defended the channel through which we entered. Once ashore we explored the remains of this once important colonial trading port and former regional capital, one of the oldest towns in Mozambique. Many of the buildings are of coral stone and lime construction dating back to the 18th century. Today, Ibo has an air of former grandeur and gradual decay, with buildings falling into disrepair after the colonial centre was moved from the island about a century ago.
In addition to enjoying the historical aspects of the town, the birders had a fine day in the field. While the more dedicated sought out wonders such as lilac-breasted rollers or pondered the identities of multitude of shorebirds on the extensive mudflats, everyone was able to enjoy the large colony of weaver birds that had taken up residence in a large tamarind tree at the lodge where we paused for refreshments at the end of the morning. From the rooms of the lodge we were able to examine at close range these remarkable local artisans hard at work fashioning their own piece of real estate from renewable local resources – strips of grass. After completing the intricate nest, the males would hang beneath their handiwork and advertise to passing females with wings outstretched and much calling. The bustle of the colony was in marked contrast to the relaxed atmosphere of the town.
An afternoon of watersports followed, exploring the coral reefs of the area by snorkel or SCUBA before we departed for another new country; tomorrow we will arrive in Mayotte.
The dawn of a new day saw our arrival into a new country on this voyage and the start of our day in Mozambique. Our destination was the remote island of Ibo in the Quirimbas Archipelago, an area recently designated as a National Park. Heading ashore by Zodiac we passed the old fort that overlooks and defended the channel through which we entered. Once ashore we explored the remains of this once important colonial trading port and former regional capital, one of the oldest towns in Mozambique. Many of the buildings are of coral stone and lime construction dating back to the 18th century. Today, Ibo has an air of former grandeur and gradual decay, with buildings falling into disrepair after the colonial centre was moved from the island about a century ago.
In addition to enjoying the historical aspects of the town, the birders had a fine day in the field. While the more dedicated sought out wonders such as lilac-breasted rollers or pondered the identities of multitude of shorebirds on the extensive mudflats, everyone was able to enjoy the large colony of weaver birds that had taken up residence in a large tamarind tree at the lodge where we paused for refreshments at the end of the morning. From the rooms of the lodge we were able to examine at close range these remarkable local artisans hard at work fashioning their own piece of real estate from renewable local resources – strips of grass. After completing the intricate nest, the males would hang beneath their handiwork and advertise to passing females with wings outstretched and much calling. The bustle of the colony was in marked contrast to the relaxed atmosphere of the town.
An afternoon of watersports followed, exploring the coral reefs of the area by snorkel or SCUBA before we departed for another new country; tomorrow we will arrive in Mayotte.
