The coastal regions of Mozambique

Coastal Regions

Mozambique's coastline, stretching 2,470 km , varying substantially across three regions and divided by the Zambezi Delta.

Role of the Zambezi Delta

The Zambezi Delta, a vast wetland, divides the coastline into narrower northern strips and broader southern plains. Its 230 km coastline and 18,000 km² of swamps, floodplains, and savannas connect coastal and inland ecosystems, influencing regional ecology and economy. However, dams like Kariba and Cahora Bassa have reduced sediment flow, causing wetland degradation and coastal erosion.

Southern Coast

The southern coast is known for its long, sandy beaches backed by coastal dunes, some reaching 120 meters in height. Vegetated older dunes create unique habitats, while lagoons, including river estuaries, saline lagoons, and salt lakes, lie behind them. Key bays include Maputo Bay, a deep indentation 65 km north of the South African frontier, and Inhambane Bay. The Bazaruto Archipelago, with islands like Bazaruto, adds scenic beauty and supports tourism (Geography of Mozambique - Wikipedia). This region is vital for agriculture, with fertile lowlands supporting crops like sugar and tea.

Central Coast (Bay of Sofala)

The central coast, from Bazaruto Island to Angoche Island, is called the Bay of Sofala or Swamp Coast, characterized by extensive mangrove swamps and coastal wetlands. The Zambezi River delta, spanning 1.2 million hectares, is a biodiversity hotspot, serving as a nursery for fish and a habitat for birds like wattled cranes . Beira, the principal seaport, connects to the interior via rail and highways, with the continental shelf extending up to 140 km wide, supporting Mozambique's most important marine fishery. The delta's sediment plumes, visible in satellite imagery, historically nourished wetlands but are reduced due to upstream dams (Zambezi River Delta - NASA).

Northern Coast

The northern coast is rugged and indented, featuring rocky headlands, cliffs, and a near-continuous fringe of islands, including the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago and Quirimbas Islands. Part of the East African coral coast, it boasts coral reefs and 2,029 km² of tidal flats, ranking 16th globally (Geography of Mozambique - Wikipedia). The Mozambique Current shapes this coastline, supporting coral growth and marine biodiversity. Ports like Nacala and Pemba Bay are key for trade, with the Ruvuma River delta marking the northern boundary with Tanzania.