Mozambique - Where the Sunny Skies are Aqua Blue

Located on the south-eastern coast of thesouth.If you're hoping for a Mozambican safari
continent, Mozambique is considered one ofexperience, the best time of year to visit is
Africa's coastal jewels. It is renowned for itstowards the end of the winter months. This drier
crystal blue waters, fantastic coral reef and itsseason normally sees animals congregating in
amazing diversity of marine life.This formerlarger groups than they do in summer. The
Portuguese colony, a unique melting pot of diversesummer months offer excellent fishing
cultures, is a major attraction for travellersopportunities with the larger fish populating the
seeking an African adventurecoastal waters during this time of the year.Diving
experience.Devastated by a bloody civil war thatin MozambiqueMozambique is a world-famous dive
raged for about 17 years, since the end of thelocation with numerous fantastic reefs supporting
war in 1992, Mozambique has been activelyan amazing variety of marine life. The relatively
rebuilding itself. This has begun to open up a hostwarm water temperature and a multitude of
of travel opportunities for visitors eager to get ainteresting creatures including the dugong, sharks,
taste of this tropical African paradise.Greatdolphins, whales and shoals colourful fish, makes
NeighbourhoodMozambique, bordered by Tanzania,for an awesome diving experience.The area most
South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia andpopular amongst diving enthusiasts is the Bazaruto
Malawi is the ideal base for the traveller hoping toArchipelago, consisting of four islands; Bazaruto,
explore these countries as well. Equally, a visit toBenguerra, Margaruque and Santa Carolina. The
Mozambique can easily be incorporated into a tourarchipelago's coral reefs and clear, crystal blue
to any of these countries.Gettingwaters provide what is regarded as the best
AroundMozambique's road network is reasonablysnorkelling and scuba diving in Africa. If your trip
well established and most major routes areto Mozambique is to be limited to just one
regularly maintained.Most of the major centresdestination in the country, then this group of
and popular areas are accessible by two-wheelislands must be it.CurrencyThe unit of currency is
drive vehicles. Of course, a 4x4 offers a specialthe Metical. Introduced mid-2006, this relatively
advantage and opens up a range of further travelnew currency is used alongside the older Meticais,
possibilities. There are several car-hire companieswhich is being phased out. In the southern parts
in Maputo, catering for the needs of the travellerof the country, the South African Rand, US
interested in a self-drive holiday.If you prefer theDollars and Pounds Sterling are also accepted. In
convenience and added security of being driventhe north, US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are
by a professional, there are a number of privatewidely accepted.
mini-bus operators and reliable public transportCredit cards are accepted to some extent, but
companies operating in the major centres.If youonly by the larger hotels or businesses geared
wish to experience Mozambique travel as part ofspecifically towards tourists. Generally, it should be
a more comprehensive African experience, theassumed that your credit card will not be readily
packages offered by overland adventure travelaccepted.Health PrecautionsMozambique is a
companies are a good option. Usually, thesemalaria-risk area, so it's vital that visitors take
companies put together overland tours, whichproper precautions.
pass through a number of countries and provideTo minimise the mosquito risk, travellers are
travellers with a unique opportunity to enjoy aadvised to wear long sleeves and trousers when
diverse African travel experience.Climate andpossible and to use an effective mosquito
weatherMozambique enjoys a warm, tropicalrepellent on exposed skin.
climate with an average temperature of aroundTreated mosquito netting should be used and the
the high 20s (degrees Celsius) range. The weatherdoors and windows of your accommodation
is warm and sunny all year round, ideal forshould be screened to keep mosquitoes out. A
maximum enjoyment of the countries coastalfan or air-conditioner can also help limit night-time
charms.The summer months, from October tomosquito activity to some extent.Also important
April, are often very hot, humid and rainy. Fromis the use of and effective anti-malaria medication.
April to September, the winter months are cooler,Be warned though, certain medications cause
drier and more comfortable for visitors notside-effects, so consult you doctor or travel clinic
accustomed to heat and humidity normallywell before you intend to be exposed to the risk
associated with the warm season in tropicalto ensure that you are adequately protected.With
areas.That's not to say that you shouldn't embarka painful history of war and destruction,
on Mozambique travel during summer though,Mozambique has rebuilt itself and looks to the
since actual temperatures and rainfall varies byfuture by capitalising on its natural beauty.
region within the country. The higher-lying NampulaWhether you are after an adventure, leisure or
and Niassa provinces are the coolest, while thethe perfect eco-tourism experience, Mozambique
north-eastern coastal regions are the hottest. Theis an idyllic tropical destination that will not
northern region receives far more rainfall than thedisappoint. It is truly a slice of paradise.