From the Transfrontier Limpopo Park to Xai-Xai

The Limpopo National Park came into being when an old hunting concession, Coutada 16, was declared a protected nature conservation area instead. The Limpopo National Park now forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a transnational conservation area spanning the borders of Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Mozambique's wildlife population was all but destroyed during the 14 years of war preceding 1990, and the country's parks have been battling to restore their game reserves ever since. With the help of a R42 million donation from Germany, the Limpopo National Park is being upgraded and provided with fencing and anti-poaching units.

This is a very long and very boring road to Xai Xai. Trying to stick to the speed limit in the Limpopo Park is already a challenge as there is almost no wildlife for you to see. Birdlife is fine but wildlife...that is a different story.

The scenery along the way is very different from what you would find in South Africa. You don't see papers or plastic bags lying around in a town, much cleaner than South Africa! Take enough food and drink for the long road as there aren't many opportunities to buy some.

Xai Xai is 200km from Maputo and the capital of Gaza Province, it is situated on the banks of the Limpopo River. The Limpopo River flows to the south of the town in a wide, fertile plain where predominantly rice is cultivated. It is a busy town with markets, shops, restaurants, bars, petrol stations banks and a post office. There is a good road from Maputo (EN 1) to Xai Xai and it is also possible to travel to Xai Xai by charter flight from Maputo.

Xai Xai is a very popular tourist destination because of the beaches, snorkeling, diving and swimming opportunities. People generally speak Portuguese and English. Try learning a few Portuguese phrases!

Beaches in and around Xai Xai:

• Xai Xai beach

The massive reef running parallel to the beach provides natural protection against the strong waves at high tide and forms several small pools at low tide. At low tide, the reefs are invaded by women and children gathering shellfish, which they sell to appreciative tourists.

• Praia do Xai Xai is approximately 12km from the main town and has a long sweeping beach with safe swimming.

• Chongoene beach

This beach is similar to that at Xai Xai in having a protective reef. It is found about 8 km north of Xai Xai where there is an old, ruined hotel. There are plans to restore this building to its former glory.