Gaza

Xai-Xai is the capital of Gaza Province in southern Mozambique, set on the Limpopo River about 210 km north of Maputo along the EN1 highway. It serves as a provincial administrative centre and a relaxed gateway to the region's beaches, lagoons and rural lowlands, with a coastal character that becomes most visible at nearby Praia do Xai-Xai.

The settlement grew in the early 1900s under Portuguese rule, first as Vila Nova de Gaza and later as João Belo, before becoming a city in 1961 and taking its present name after independence in 1975. The Limpopo has shaped local life, and severe floods in 2000 led to rebuilding and improved river protection that still influence how the city is understood today.

Praia do Xai-Xai, about 10 km from the centre, is the best-known attraction: a long sandy beach sheltered by an offshore reef, with the natural Wenela tidal pool popular for swimming and snorkelling. Further along the coast, the Limpopo estuary at Zongoene offers birdwatching and fishing, while Bilene lagoon and the dunes of Chidenguele make rewarding day trips.

The city centre mixes Portuguese-era buildings, a busy municipal market and everyday commerce, with fresh seafood, cashews and local produce on sale. The surrounding Changana (Tsonga) culture remains strong, and local eateries serve grilled fish, prawns, matapa and other Mozambican staples in a low-key, unhurried setting.

For travellers, Xai-Xai is a convenient stop on the coastal route between Maputo and Inhambane as well as a destination in its own right for beach stays and regional exploration. Business visitors come for its role as Gaza Province's administrative hub, while leisure visitors use it as a base for the coast and nearby nature areas.