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