Casarei

Next ones in Moz, who’s coming? Have a few spots open…..

"To be fair, not mine"

How Mozambique created South Africa.

At least, South Africa as we know it today...

Did you know, that the history between these two countries is an interwoven story that dates back over 1000 years?!

South Africans tend to look at Mozambique, even today, as a terra incognita, an unknown land filled with danger and mystery...

But the strange truth is that the Dutch only decided to set up a refreshment station in the Cape, because they couldn't get their big ol' hands on Mozambique!

But this story starts way, way back - with the Kingdom of Mutapa (which might ring a bell if you have ever heard of Great Zimbabwe, or Monomotapa.)

You see, as early as the 10th century, Arab traders and merchants were the link between the Far East and Africa - trading gold, ivory and other goods bought from the incredibly wealthy Mutapa empire, which spanned regions of Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Mozambique.

Essentially, they set up trade routes in-land through the Zambezi and other rivers, bringing these goods to the coast, via ports at Sofala, and Kilwa. And even today, their legacy remains in the people, the architecture and even the insane amount of dhows you will find in Mozambique (Yes, this ancient form of sail boat is STILL prevalent here)

As the Portuguese naval power grew around the 1500s, they began to focus on trade between Europe and India, and in order to strengthen their presence on this route, they set up forts, to help them fight, and ultimately break, the Arab / Muslim control of the Swahili coast.

They were so successful in their conquest, that they managed to actually take control away from the local African and Arab rulers like M***a Ben Mbiki, from whom Mozambique actually gets its name. And in 1505, they effectively made it a Portuguese colony, despite the fact that most of the interior of the country was controlled by African states, such as the Gaza empire.

So where do the Dutch and South Africa fit into this picture?

Well, the Dutch, via the East Africa Company (VOC) also had their sights set on the trade with India as a massive source of wealth, which put them directly in conflict with the Portuguese over access to, and control over, this incredibly lucrative trade route.

Sooo, the towering Dutchmen took on the portly little Porras in a number of skirmishes over the years, including two big battles at Mozambique Island in 1607 and 1608, which the Dutch ultimately lost quite badly

Their stubborn defence of the coast, as well as their cleverly positioned bases inland and upriver essentially meant that the Dutch had very little chance of breaking Portuguese control of Mozambique, and they eventually decided to look further south -in order to set up some form of refreshment station where their ships could dock, to make the long and perilous journey to India more viable.

The Cape of Good Hope (known back then by another name) was hardly their first choice, given how violent the storms and the sea in that region are, but it was their best bet at the time, considering all their losses in Mozambique.

And so, somewhat reluctantly, Jan Van Riebeeck set up a refreshment station in what is now known as Cape Town, and the rest, as they say - is history!

So, there you have it. Before there was Cape Town, there was Sofala, and before there was South Africa, there was Mozambique.

Now, save this post for the next time you're driving or flying up from South Africa to Mozambique, so you can entertain (or bore) your friends and family with the ancient relationship between these two countries, and how the one shaped the destiny of the other, so many years ago.

World Class

We've just opened our new dive centre in Pomene 🇲🇿 as you all know, with perfect dive spots for macro and wide angle lens photographers. The small stuff and the big stuff👏 How to get to us you ask: We are so super easy to get to, situated north of Barra/Tofo and South of Vilanculos. 🛫 Daily flights into Vilanculos ex JHB with SA airlink. 🚘 Cross the border with an overnight stay somewhere between XaiXai and Chidenguele and the next day you're in Pomene 🇲🇿👏 What we love so much about this area: . Untouched diving . We are the only ones out here 👌 . Keep your eyes wide open always for anything that will pass by and believe us the massive shoals of job fish, Pompano, kingfish and more, it's hard to explain when we just stop, in awe, vs taking out the camera. Really sometimes things just have to be experienced without being behind the lens. .sharks and rays .all the tropicals out on the reef . Great reef structure . A variety of accommodation options to choose from . Deserted beaches . Flamingos in the estuary . The mangrove estuary system The list goes on and on... This has to be on your agenda for a visit. If it isn't, put it on there!!!!! Our website is in the process of an upgrade, we will let you know when to check in. #mozambiquetourism #MozambiqueGetaway #offthebeatentrack #mozambiquetravel #pomene #wheretodiveinmozambique #explorationdiving #YoursToExplore

Time to Dive at 5 in Pomene

Offshore Africa proudly offers our clients a 2nd diving base, diving off the beaten track in Pomene, Inhambane province, 🇲🇿

Scuba dive pristine reefs with us 🌴🩵

Robs history in Pomene goes back as far as 1999 when he lived here, finding and diving these spectacular dive sites.

Come and visit, its yours to explore 🇲🇿

Hook up with the neighbours

Nice light tackle experience.

It’s been lekker to have Andre up here, such a positive friendly guy, releasing one of the 4 GT’s he caught yesterday.

Looking for a Fishing Charter experience, World class fishery, hook up with Gillie Africa Fishing Adventures

Keen to Target these on a Fly…..Hookup with your local Gillie

How the size of the spotted grunter caught in the Pomene reserve estuary.

Looks like some Nice Surf Banks and Easy Estuary Launch, hook up with your local Gillie….

Picture from my Dad's archives and could be argued the Catalyst to Pomene being "Discovered" after he, his Dad and brothers had being enjoying the place for about five years before this.

Hook up for a Flight Pattern

Professional video by @joannaosbert_photography to open new 2025 season ! With @adeline_comme_les_cuisines, @nicolastissot , @bar_salam86 , @laura_vny, @guillaume_mozambique , @tjmoll , @mikaeljaggi, @pierro_73 and many other ones, thank you, see you in 2025 ! #kiteboarding #eleveightkites #kitesurf #kitetrip #kitegirls