Mwali: The Least Explored Ecotourism Destination
The more you travel, the more intelligent you become. Like reading, travelling is an important way to gain knowledge. There is no best teacher in this world than nature. Her biggest strength is her patience. Her way of teaching is extremely different from the way an ordinary teacher teaches. She never forces her students to learn. Instead, she encourages her students to develop their own questions and answers themselves. This method differs from the conventional method for many reasons including its high effectiveness. A good traveller is he who knows the ability of travelling to impart knowledge.
A search for a perfect ecotourism destination is what that has led this writer to an autonomous Island in Africa, Mwali. What makes the Island different is the fact that this region is one of the least explored regions in Africa.
Africa is a mysterious continent. It stands out from the rest of the continents in the world for its rawness. It has an innocence which the others lack. It is needless to say how beautiful Mwali is. If Africa is the least explored continent, Mwali is the least explored Island in this least explored continent. Gifted with eye-catching greenery, peaceful beaches, cheerful villages and impressive art and culture, Mwali possesses everything a fine tourist destination needs.
Like the rest of Africa, this region also has a disturbing past. It has gone though many hardships to become what the Island is now. From an independent Kingdome to an autonomous Island, the journey has been not easy. It has fallen into the pit of total destruction several times. And, each time it has climbed up from the pit with more determination than the previous time. For the Island, each escape has been an experience.
The Island was once part of the great Ndzuwani Sultanate. Later, the Sultanate of Mwali was created. At a point of time in the past, it was even made to survive under the direct control of France. The people of the Island fought for freedom. They were not ready to settle for anything less. They were not even ready to tolerate the attempt to tie the Island with the shackle of Comoros, in the name of helping the Island escape from the clutches of its colonial master. Their fight for freedom ended only when the region was awarded independence with an autonomous status.
Like many other Islands in the continent, Mwali is also not stable in terms of economy. A considerable number of the people in the Island live a primitive life. In fact, they cannot afford anything more.
The rapid rise of the tourism sector in the region proves the hope for the growth is not completely non-existent. Fomboni, Nioumachoua, Hamavouna and Hoani are the main tourist destinations in the Island country of Mwali.
Fomboni is the capital city of Mwali. Here is where all the major government buildings in the Island are situated. It is the most developed region in the Island. Here is where at least one-third of the Island’s total population of 38,000 people lives. It is the largest, as well as the most populous city, in the Island. An old market and a boat jetty are the main attractions in this city. Nioumachoua is the second largest city in the Island. It is known for its Islets, which are situated in front of the city. The Islets of
Nioumachoua are popular for their white sand beaches. The city is the best place to experience whale watching. The city offers boating, sailing and hiking experiences. It is home to several traditional villages. This part of the Island is where some of the finest artisans in the Island can be found.
Hamavouna is a magnificent village surrounded by amazing mountains. The village offers a rare opportunity to see a beautiful sea turtle nest. Apart from the nest, there are two other important attractions in the village: one is an estuarine lake; and the other is a mountainous lake. Though the region is the most poorest region in the Island in terms of its economy, it is in fact the most richest region in terms of its natural beauty. It is truly a blessed land.
Hoani is the most friendly village in the region. If one wants to know how environment should be protected, he/she should visit this village. This village is the best place to learn the preliminary lessons of community living and environment protection. Apart from its natural beauty, the village is known for its gifted artisans. It is the best place to buy handicrafts.
The Mwali cuisine is different. It is strange, yet tasty. It is slightly different from what is served in Comoros. Its coastal influence gives it more life. The Island is not properly connected at present. Its medical infrastructure is also not that great.
Nonetheless, the Island is worth exploring. Let’s explore this unexplored!
Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
