Sofala

Characteristics of the province

Area: 67,218 sq. km
Borders: Tete and Zambézia to the north, Inhambane to the south, Manica to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east
Main products: Shrimp, sugar and hard woods
Population density: 20 inhabitants / sq. km
Most represented ethnic group: Sena and Ndau

Beira

The provincial capital, Beira, has about 350,000 inhabitants and is built on a plain below sea level. The city spreads along the coast from the port to the lighthouse in the Macuti area.

Getting to Beira

To reach Beira, there is a road (the EN 6) from Zimbabwe (about 300 km) passing through Manica province. Maputo, via the EN 1 road is about 1,200 km away. There are also daily LAM flights from Maputo.

Main places to stay

Hotel Tivoli, Hotel Moçambique and Hotel Embaixador

Sigthseeing
Largo do município
In the heart of the city, this square is surrounded by old colonial style buildings, terraces, tea rooms and shops.

Casa de Portugal
This house is built in a typical colonial style. It is located near the Praça do Metical.

Casa Infante de Sagres
This is a beautiful house of magnificent architecture. It is found in Largo Infante Sagres.

Casa dos Bicos
This architecturally innovative building is used for exhibitions and trade fairs. It is situated on Av. Samora Machel.

Cathedral
Is found on Av. Eduardo Mondlane. The cathedral was erected in 1925 and is partially built of stone from the sixteenth century Fort of Sofala which has since been flooded beneath the sea.

Beaches

The best beaches in the city of Beira are located between the Nautical club and the Macuti Lighthouse.
Mountains and countryside

‘SIX MII.ES’

Is a resort situated inland about 10 km from the city center. Here there is an artificial lagoon with islands where you may swim. Pedal boats are available for hire.

Flora and Fauna

For game viewing, there is the famous Gorongosa National Park, 150 km from Beira, and the Marromeu Buffalo Reserve, to the north of the province. In both areas there are restocking programmes underway.