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