Jaco Island in East Timor

Jaco Island, sometimes spelt Jako, is an uninhabited island in East Timor, a country occupying the eastern end of the island of Timor in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Wallacea. It is one of the country Important Bird Areas and lies within Nino Konis Santana National Park.

A mere 10 sq km and at most loom above the sea, Jaco Island is like the featured item in the catalog of perfect beach islands. Its ringed by a circle of Hawless, fine white sand lapped by azure waters. Considered sacred by the Timorese, no one lives on the island and no camping is allowed.

But a visit during the day is fine as Tutuala Beach is just a short way across the shallow channel. Fishermen will take you across and back for US$8. Avoid the real temptation just to swim it – the currents through the narrow passage are swift. For visitors, Jaco is all about walking the sands and being immersed not just in the beautiful waters, but also in the solitude and absolute silence that prevails in this special place.

Chimanimani National Park

The Chimanimani Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) is not only a bio-diverse but also a very scenic destination spanning the western border of Mozambique’s Manica Province and the eastern border of the Chimanimani district of neighboring Zimbabwe.

This Reserva nacional de Chimanimani is 1000 km2 in size and comprises highland wilderness, montane and rain forests plus rolling grasslands at higher elevations. Not a destination of mass tourism, much of this area remains pristine.

The Moribane Forest Reserve is part of this area and the location of Ndzou Camp, a community based lodge and the only developed tourism facility on the Mozambican side of the Chimanimani TFCA.

 

The activities in the reserve are very unique and the park’s nature trails are ideal for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Tracking the elephants living in the Moribane Forest Reserve is the most popular attraction at Ndzou Camp, yet the camp offers guided nature trails of varied interest. You will learn about the medicinal and food plants on some of the guided walks.

Bird watching is very popular and Ndzou guides know the specials including the Black-and-white (Vanga) Flycatcher, the Eastern (yellowspotted) Nicator and the Green Malkoha (Coucal). While staying at Ndzou Camp you may have the opportunity to visit sites sacred to the Mpunga community.

This is a cultural experience not to be missed. The Mpunga have several such sites in the forest and on certain days and at specific times the community allows guided visitors to these sites. Strict adherence to the community’s rituals is essential, but these visits are a privilege and an enriching experience.

Chimanimani National Park,  Mozambique Travel Attraction