Beira is the largest city of the Sofala Province, out of the 10
provinces in Mozambique, with decent beaches and a few well-
preserved colonial buildings.
Location: Central region of Mozambique, where the Pungwe river
meets the Indian Ocean.
Population: 568,911 (to date 2020)
Size: 633 km2 (244 sq mi) & Elevation: 14m (46 ft)
BEIRA
TOURISM
The Gorongosa national park, a derelict park is back in action
and has steadily been restored since 2004, the park is home to
an abundance of wildlife most notably lions, elephants, water
buck, bush buck, grey crested cranes, over 400 species of bird
life and warthogs. Numerous reptiles also reside in the park.
This park is becoming a great haven for animals and is a great
location to see some rare and elusive creatures.
GORONGOSA NATIONAL PARK
TOURISM
Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Beira's small cathedral was
built in the early 20th century with stones from the old San
Caetano fort (1505) in Sofala.The church dates back to the
beginning of the city, which explains its modest size.
NOSSA SENHORA DO ROSARIO
FOOD & INDUSTRY
As a coastal city, it acts as a gateway for the interior portion of the
country (Mozambique) & for the land-locked nations - Zimbabwe, Zambia
and Malawi. It is the 2nd largest seaport for International Cargo
transportation after Maputo (Mozambique's Capital city).
Major industries in Mozambique include food, beverages, chemicals
(fertilizer, soap, paints), petroleum products, textiles, cement, glass,
asbestos, and tobacco.
Beira has the perfect restaurants where diverse cuisine, including
African, Portuguese, Indian, and Pakistani are served. The city is known
for steamed crabs and prawns, with the shrimp or prawns done Peri-peri
style as one of the popular dishes. Essentially, the cuisine is largely
based on fresh seafood, though maize porridge and meat or vegetable
stew is the staple. For breakfast, it is usually
light meals like an egg sandwich, maize porridge and tea. For lunch,
Pregos (steak sandwiches), fried chicken and stews or curries served with
rice are favourites while dinner may be Bolo Polana—cashew nut and
Potato cake, though the meal is more popular during festivals.
ISMAILIS IN BEIRA
Since: 1998
Jamat size: 225-240
Origin: Indo-Paki
The first Ismailis arrived in Beira in 1998.
The 15 Jamati members used to gather to
recite their prayers at one of the Ismailis
house in Macuti, Beira.
Over the years, the Jamar slowly increased
in other provinces of Mozambique.
The Jamat used to gather at the Macuti
Housing for daily prayers, later on in 2002, it
was officially called "Jamatkhana."
As the Jamat grew by by 2005, Jamatkhana
was shifted to Ponta-Gea.
Members of other provinces and cities, such
as Tete, Manica, Chimoio, and Nhamatanda
travelled to Beira to celebrate festivals.
By 2014, the Jamat had increase
significantly and we were all blessed to
inaugurate the new Jamatkhana.
A cheerful atmosphere, smiles on faces,
hugs and mubarakis. The Jamat was
blessed with Hazar Imam's Deedar during
his Diamond Jubilee in Lisbon, Portugal,
2018.
ISMAILIS IN BEIRA
Since then the Jamat has evolved. New
generations brining in the Mozambican
nationality making the Jamat diverse.
Embracing 'DIVERSITY'.
The Jamat showed great unity, brotherhood
and support when Beira was hit by a natural
disaster in March 2019.
Times were challenging but Alhamdulillah
with support, prayer, life turned normal over
time.
The Mozambican Council and Leadership
played an important role in improving the
lives of the Jamat, through guidelines.