Facts about Dhow Safaris in Mozambique – A Way of Experiencing the Essence of an Ethereal World

Since most dhow safaris would be accompanied by expert crew members, you can look forward to how they prep the dhow just before setting sail on the great big ocean. A massive wooden beam of the dhow boat needs to be heaved up for the sails to rise. As the boat starts to move, the massive triangular sail would lightly flap in the cool Mozambican wind. Once the boat gathers speed, the flaps would tighten, acting as the boat's engine with fuel being the strong gusts of wind blowing in the Indian Ocean. During your stay at Mozambique resorts the likes of Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, you can expect to embark on a spectacular dhow safari to explore the breathtaking jewels in and around the Mozambican Islands.

Assembled using hands and sheer expertise by native sailor men, a dhow is a traditional Mozambican wooden sailing vessel with Arabian roots that can accommodate up to 25 people, depending on its size. The hulls of the dhow are usually fixed together using cords, fibres, or thongs. If you visit one of the many beaches in Mozambique, sometimes you'd come across some local people painting a dhow before moving it to the water. A traditional dhow is equipped with a hand-stitched sail that is sewn using colourful fabric by experience native women. An interesting fact about these sails is that each one is unique from the other as the sails are used to represent one family or group.

Dhow sailing can be described as one of the most ancient methods of travelling around the East coast of Africa. These vessels were mainly used to transport goods and people and for fishing purposes. Chartering of dhows runs back in history as far as 600 AD when they were used as the primary method of transportation in the Indian Ocean until the Portuguese changed it for good when they entered the Mozambican waters in the 15th century with their enormous ships. Dhows were originally sailed down from countries such as Arabia and India when the Arabs selected the East shorelines of Africa to anchor their vessels while hoarding mounts of Ivory and spices back and forth.

Mozambique experiences heavy rainfalls during December and April, during which the months of January and February are prone to torrential rains, which can result in stormy sea conditions, which lasts for longer periods. During these times, it would be best if you don't embark on dhow safaris around the Mozambique Archipelagos. The best conditions for dhow safaris can be expected during the country's winter season that falls between May to November. The cool temperatures blended with mild sunshine create the perfect climate to be engulfed during a dhow safari in Mozambique.

During an island-hopping spree facilitated by dhow vessel, you may have splendid opportunities to snorkel in spectacular marine habitats that revolve around colourful coral formations. Also, you can go on hikes in intriguing island trails while spotting fascinating animals. Some inhabited islands may also have bustling markets where you can interact with friendly locals. You don't have to go right back to the main island as the night falls; instead, you can camp out beneath a blanket of stars while a delicious seafood meal is being prepared on an open fire.