MOZAMBIQUE

Mozambique is situated on the southeastern coast of Africa, Mozambique has persevered through a violent civil war and terrible floods, and is emerging from a ruinous past to once again stake its claim as one of the jewels of Africa.

The 1,500 miles (2,500km) of palm-fringed coastline is washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and graced with long white beaches, excellent coral reefs and strings of pristine islands. The idyllic Bazaruto archipelago, off the coast of Inhambane province, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, consisting of four main islands that make up one of the most beautiful places on the continent. The islands offer a classic tropical getaway, with superb fishing, water sports, shaded beaches, surf, and a marine park offering outstanding diving and snorkelling opportunities.

Attracted by rumours of pearls in the 1700s, the Portuguese established the capital city of Lourenzo Marques, or Maputo as it is known today, in the southern reaches of the country. It became one of the most stylish cities in Africa, with broad avenues lined with jacaranda and acacia trees, sidewalks paved with mosaics, tall buildings and a unique Mediterranean/African atmosphere that attracted a wealthy cosmopolitan crowd. The civil war left the city in a dismal state of disrepair, and although still tainted by shabbiness, Maputo is slowly recovering some of its former glory, and today the bustling capital reveals many Portuguese-style colonial buildings, and offers culture and old world charm, along with numerous places to enjoy Mozambique's famous peri-peri prawns.

Lying just off the coast of Maputo is the popular Inhaca Island, which has extensive coral reefs, a fascinating maritime museum and historical lighthouse. Most of the wildlife reserves are located in the central and southern parts of the country, with the exception of the important Niassa Reserve on the northern Tanzania border, and although largely decimated during the civil war, they are currently being restocked and improved with large populations of elephant, buffalo and antelope. North of Maputo there are beautiful beaches and a number of centres that offer some of the best fishing in the world, particularly the areas around Guinjata Bay and the Mozambique Channel.

CLIMATE IN MOZAMBIQUE
The climate varies in the different regions of the country, but generally the inland areas are slightly cooler, although more humid than along the coast in the rainy season. Winter is the dry season lasting from April to September, and is the best time to visit the country. The southern parts of the country are generally drier and less tropical than the north, with temperatures along the coast averaging 80ºF (27ºC). The rainy season coincides with the heat and humidity from October to March, with average coastal temperatures of 88ºF (31ºC).

VISA INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS
If coming for business or tourist purposes, a visa can be obtained on arrival (at airport only) valid for a maximum of 30 days, however it is strongly recommended that visitors apply for visas in advance due to frequent problems with the visa service on arrival. Visitors must have all tickets and documents necessary for return or onward journeys, as well as sufficient funds for their duration of stay.

Americans: United States passport holders require a valid passport and a visa.

UK nationals: British passport holders require a valid passport and a visa.

Canadians: Canadian passport holders require a valid passport and a visa.

Australians: Australian passport holders require a valid passport and a visa.

South Africans: South Africans must have a valid passport, but a visa is not required for a stay of up to 30 days.

Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport and a visa.

New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a valid passport and a visa.

TRAVEL ATTRACTION AND THINGS TO DO IN MOZAMBIQUE:

Bazaruto Island
City/Region: Bazaruto Archipelago
The largest island in the archipelago, Bazaruto Island is about 23 miles (37km) long and four miles (7km) wide, surrounded by magnificent stretches of white sand. Enormous sand dunes comprise the eastern strip, while the interior contains large freshwater lakes frequented by a wide variety of water birds such as flamingos and is inhabited by crocodiles. On the northern tip of the island is a lighthouse built by the Portuguese over 100 years ago, which signals the large number of ships traveling the historical Mozambique Channel, and affords spectacular views. World famous for its large game fishing, Bazaruto is also well known as a popular diving destination, with a rich variety of marine life surrounding the island. Tourist facilities, upmarket lodges and exclusive resorts are geared towards luxury tourism.

Benguerra Island
City/Region: Bazaruto Archipelago
Benguerra is the second largest island, less than half a mile (1km) south of Bazaruto and like its neighbor has stunning beaches, large sand dunes and freshwater lakes. Its forest and wetland areas attract a huge variety of birds and animals, while its surrounding reefs offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in the archipelago. Two-Mile Reef to the east of Benguerra, and its protected pool known as the Aquarium, is an underwater paradise with beautiful corals and a wealth of tropical fish, popular with both divers and snorkelers. On the surrounding sandbanks to the north of the island is where the famous Pansy shells can be found. Most visitors come to Benguerra for the big game fishing though, as its deep waters teem with the likes of marlin and barracuda, and the area is world renowned as a fishing destination. Tourist facilities, upmarket lodges and exclusive resorts are geared towards luxury tourism.

Central Railway Station
City/Region: Maputo
Designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1910, the railway station is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world, with marble pillars, wrought iron work and a large central dome. The grand building is one of Maputo's most impressive structures, and is well worth a visit, even if not arriving or departing by train.

Central Market
City/Region: Maputo
The Central Market spills out of the shabby, yet beautiful building in which it is housed and is a hub of activity selling all kinds of goods, from handicrafts, basketware and carvings, to fruit and vegetables, a variety of seafood and many household items needed for everyday use. The market is a haven for pickpockets and thieves, though, and visitors should ensure that all valuables are concealed from view.

Museum of the Revolution
City/Region: Maputo
The museum relates the fascinating history of the revolution in Mozambique, detailing the violent struggle against Portuguese colonialism. Mozambique gained independence in 1975, and various maps, photographs and displays of weapons chronicle the fight. All captions and text are in Portuguese.

Inhaca Island
City/Region: Maputo
Situated almost 25 miles (40km) off the coast of Maputo, Inhaca Island is a popular destination boasting beautiful beaches, some of the Mozambique Channel's best coral reefs, a historic lighthouse, marine biology museum and large areas of protected forest. Easily accessible from the capital, it is a favorite with snorkelers and divers who usually head for the reefs at Santa Maria and off the lighthouse, or the surrounding sunken wrecks. The Santa Maria reef has a strong drift current that runs parallel to the shore and is fantastic for snorkeling, while the Wall is a rocky ledge that drops 66ft (20m) to the bottom and harbors numerous caves and ledges filled with a variety of marine life. Game fishing is also popular. Portuguese Island is a deserted island just northwest of Inhaca across a narrow strait, which also has magnificent beaches and a lagoon.