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