Zavora is situated on one of the finest stretches of coastline in the Inhambane province. This is far from the maddening crowd and the location is quiet and remote. The beach is populated by only a few locals selling goods to the tourists and local fishermen. Zavora is an excellent place to come to for families due to the natural barrier that the reef creates running diagonally from the beach to approximately 400 to sea. At low tide the reef is exposed and this creates a lagoon effect on the inside of the reef. The water here is flat and calm and ideal for boat launches, Scuba Diving lessons and snorkeling. Families also find Zavora great to visit as the reef provides for a safe swimming beach at low tide away from currents and swells.
Hump Back Whales and Manta Rays are the main reasons for divers to visit Zavora. This stunning area is blessed with an abundance of Humpback Whales from July - October and Manta Rays all year round on shallow reefs.
The History of Zavora
Zavora is a small coastal resort in the district of Inharrime and province of Inhambane approximately 420km North from Maputo. Zavora is located 27km away from the capital of the province Inharrime and a 2 hour drive from Inhambane. The correct Portuguese spelling is Závora, and some maps refer to the area as "Ponta de Závora", Portuguese for "Tip of Zavora" or "Praia de Závora" meaning "Beach of Zavora". The origin of the name Zavora is not known although the word Zavora is also used as a surname in some languages and therefore the town's name could have originated from a person.
There is a fish called Zavora-pipefish which only 1 specimen has been identified in Zavora and 2 in Oman. Although the local people can speak Shangaan and Portuguese, the local language is Chopi. English is limited to mostly the businesses and lodges as with most of the Mozambique coastline.
Zavora is mostly known for its abundance of beautiful natural reefs with some excellent shallow reefs as well as and one of few remaining lighthouses along this coast. The 53 ft Tower was built in 1910 and is still operational with 10sec interval light flashes in aid to passing ships. The Lighthouse is open to the public.
In general the local people are poor and needy and local uplifting projects do exist by missionaries and international organisations.Yara Tibirica is a Marine Biologist from Brazil based in Zavora who spends her time away from the sea educating the local children on the importance of the ocean and its conservation. Internships can be arranged to study the marine life and assist in the conservation work in Zavora.
In 1953 a Dutch liner the MV Klipfontein struck what was thought a submerged reef 5 miles from Cape Barra near Inhambane. The wreck is an amazing dive although technical as it rests down at 56m at its lowest point.
Activities in Zavora
We specilise in Mozambique dive holidays and for more information on our packages please go to www.scubamozambique.com
Accommodation in Zavora
We specilise in Mozambique dive holidays and for more information on our packages please go to www.scubamozambique.com
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