Mozambique
Mozambique is the world's 36th-largest country, at 309,475 mi2 (801,537 km2). Located on the southeast coast of Africa, bound by Eswatini to the South, South Africa to the Southwest, Zimbabwe to the West, Zambia and Malawi to the Northwest, Tanzania to the North and the Indian Ocean to the East. The country is divided into two topographical regions by the Zambezi River. North of the Zambezi River, a narrow coastal strip gives way to inland hills, low plateaus and rugged highlands further West. South of the Zambezi River, the coastal plain lowlands are broader rising to the Chimoio plateau then rugged mountains along the Zimbabwe border. The Lebombo Mountains are located in the very South.
Mozambique has a tropical climate with two seasons, a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. Rainfall is heaviest along the coast and highlands, decreasing from North to South. Annual precipitation varies from 500 to 1000 mm (20 to 40 in) depending on the region, with an average of 600 mm (24 in). Cyclones are common during the wet season. Average temperature ranges in Coutada 9 are, 13-28°C (55-82°F) in July and from 24-41°C (75- 105°F) in October.
Protected areas in Mozambique are currently grouped into National Parks, National Reserves, Forest Reserves, Wildlife Utilisation Areas (Coutadas), community conservation areas, and private game farms (Fazendas de Bravia). Western Safaris is based in Coutada 9, located in Manica Province about 60km South of the Zambezi River in the Macossa District. The area is a 250km (5hr) drive South of Tete, the nearest airport. Alternatively clients can also fly to Beira (450km/6hrs drive). The area is 4333 km2 (1 070 700 acres) in extent and has a magnificent diversity of habitat. Miombo woodland, Combretum savanna, Panga Panga forests with large sand rivers fringed by riverine forest while majestic granite inselbergs and rugged kopjies break up the terrian. The result is a large diversity of game species which inhabit the Coutada. The concession abounds with warthog, kudu, eland and impala with healthy numbers of sought after species such as nyala, sable, lichtenstein hartebeest, oribi and suni. Coutada 9 offers the descerning hunter the unique opportunity to pursue a large variety of plainsgame in a truly wild, "Old Africa" style safari in unfenced Dangerous Game country. Western Safaris also offer elephant, lion and buffalo safaris in Coutada 9. Elephant and Buffalo are hunted in the traditional style of tracking and stalking on foot. The area has healthy and increasing populations of all species and hunting is regulated by strict offtake quotas.
Coutada 9, historically one of the most famous hunting blocks in Africa, under Safrique and Adelino Pires. Unfortunatley the area suffered heavily under the turmoil of the Mozambique liberation and civil wars. The Rosenfels family have secured a long lease on this area and are striving to return it to its former glory. Work carried out includes the construction of comfortable safari lodges, the development of an extensive road network and the addition of water sources such as permanent dams for the wildlife. A proffesional and effective Anti-Poaching unit has been created by employing and training locals. A large portion of the hunting income is ploughed back into local communities and anti-poaching efforts. These stratagies along with wildlife re-introduction have boosted the game populations considerably. For more on this read HISTORY OF COUTADA 9!!!
