I came across this sign somewhere on my travels along the coast in a very small community named Praia de Chizavane. As I stopped Zimba, two young girls and a younger boy came up and posed in front of the sign. Mozambique surprised me again in charming style.

‘Good Bay’ is the equivalent of my experiences in this amazing country. One just never knows what is next.

It’s a very clever and cute saying, intentionally or not. People are trying hard to come to some money, but with little traffic comes little income.

Most tourists come here for the coastline, its amazing beaches, and glass-clear waters. Fishing, diving, and holiday resorts go hand in hand.

Luxury holidays for those who can. But they don’t leave much for locals, for those in desperate need. This fact goes for all African regions I visited.

Mozambique is a friendly country, a happy country, a poor country. The current president has been accused of multiple corruption charges but hasn’t been arrested. He also blows his trumpet like no other candidate for upcoming elections in Mozambique. No one I spoke to likes him and says that he should be in jail. Yet, flags in blood red are given out like promises of a better tomorrow. I can not believe how gullible and naive many people are. Have they not learned from previous mistakes? Let’s hope for the best outcome in the future.

My experiences in Mozambique have all been very positive. People are humble, people are friendly. People are very hospitable. People are surprised to see a zebra driving through Chimanimani streets. People always greet and smile. People always dream and wish they would be traveling the dusty Trax near and far. People make do with what they have. It’s a remarkable concept, knowing that tomorrow you need to walk at least 5 km one way to get some water. Only to cover twice the distance for firewood or food afterward.

I have met with old friends and I met many new friends from various origins.

I have camped by the ocean.

I have camped on the rooftop of Mozambique.

And I have camped in wild places.

Zimba and I got pulled over at road stops but not once did we pay a fine. Some officers just wanted to check out Zimba or stopped me for a chat. Chatting is one of the hardest matters if you don’t speak Portuguese or local Shona lingo. Where there’s a will, there is a way. Mozambique immigration has been outstanding in dealing with certain issues.

Ideally, I would have liked to traverse Mozambique from the south to the north to enter Tanzania. Due to an ISIS crisis in northern provinces, it wasn’t recommended. Maybe next time?

I hope that my travel stories gave a better insight into this enchanting country and I dare you to visit.

Go off the beaten track and meet what makes Mozambique a country with heart.

The people.