The coastal lowland rises to a low plateau covered with savannah and open woodland. Further west and north are the mountainous highlands with dense tropical vegetation where the country adjoins Malawi in the north-west. Two of Southern Africa's longest rivers, the Zambezi and the Limpopo, flow through the country. Other major rivers are the Save and the Rovuma (which forms the northern border with Tanzania). Massive Lake Malawi (also called Lake Nyasa) forms part of the border with Malawi. The country's highest point is Mount Binga (2436 metres) in the Chimoio Highlands
The country has a humid, tropical maritime climate with two main seasons. The dry season is from April to October and the wet season is from November to March. Temperatures in Maputo range from 13-24 degrees C in July to 22-31 degrees C in February. Mean annual rainfall ranges from 1420mm in the north-western highlands to around 650 mm in the south-eastern lowlands.
Malaria is a problem throughout Mozambique. Consult your doctor before departure and take all necessary precautions.

WHO International Travel and Health
Maputo
Maputo, the capital city, used to be renowned as one of the world's beautiful cities along with Cape Town and Rio. However, due to the civil war it is run-down, although still maintains some of its original charm. The well-known colonial Polana Hotel has been restored to its former glory and is well worth popping in for a sun-downer if you can't afford to stay there.

Maputo Elephant Park is the main attraction south of Maputo. In 1975 herds of antelope, 600 elephants and 65 white rhino were relocated from the Umfolozi Game Reserve in South Africa, but, unfortunately, due to poaching and the war, the numbers have dwindled. Approximately 100 elephants as well as crocodiles, hippo and numerous smaller creatures, such as side-striped jackal and duiker remain, making the park a worthwhile visit.

Inhaca Island
This island can be reached by a three-hour ferry trip from Maputo or by a more expensive, but quicker, speed boat from Maputo. There is only one hotel on the island, Hotel Inhaca. Camping is also an option for those who prefer roughing it. The Restaurante Lucas offers excellent local food and, should you be successful, will cook your catch. Portuguese Island, 500 meters from Inhaca, is a tiny solitary haven of where a bit of peace and quite can be found.

Xai Xai
Xai Xai town, the capital of the Gaza Province, offers a triple attraction, with the river, a small, but lively town and, just over the hills, extensive beaches, all nearby. Travellers and holiday-makers can find all the necessary facilities in the town of Xai Xai with its well-stocked stores as well as banks, hotels and markets. Xai Xai is popular with South African holiday-makers and fishers

Ponto Do Ouro
Ponto Do Ouro, a small town on the coast near the South African border, offers a beautiful white beach with waves that are perfect for swimming and surfing. Various diving schools offer scuba diving lessons and accommodation, and as such the scuba diving in the area should not be missed. There is also an indigenous forest close to the beach which is worth exploring - ask about land mines in the area.

The Bazaruto Archipelago (Marine National Park)
These five islands are strung out in a chain along the coast from Vilanculos in south to Inhassoro in the north. Situated in the north, the 168-square-kilometre Bazaruto Island is the largest. Benguerra, also in the north, is the second largest. Magaruque and Santa Carolina are the nearest to the mainland, situated about 10 km from the coast. Bangue, in the south, a mere sandy outcrop, is the smallest island. In 1971 the archipelago was declared a national park. They boast a variety of bird species, endemic butterflies as well as Suni antelope and crocodiles. Visitors can only remain on the islands overnight if they stay in one of the lodges.

Gorongosa National Park
This is Mozambique's best known and most accessible park, despite being a sad casualty of the civil war. With the help of a grant from the International Monetary Fund the government embarked on a major rehabilitation effort. Despite not offering the game viewing of its hey-day, it is still interesting to drive through this reserve. Many special interest groups, such as ornithologists and botanists, are fascinated by this destination. Gorongosa has a great deal of potential for the future. Not far from the park, to the north-west, is Mount Gorongosa, also worth a visit.

Ilha de Mocambique
This tiny island, a mere 2.5 kilometers long and 600 metres wide, is, unbelievably, home to nearly 12 000 people and is worth visiting if only to discover the cosmopolitan mix of Mozambique. It is often referred to as the ponto de encontro de cilvilzacoes (meeting point of civilizations) and is home to the major linguistic and cultural influences of Mozambique. A 3.5 km-long bridge links the island to the mainland, but access is limited to light vehicles only and parking is very scarce. The museum district (Bairro Museu) takes up about two-thirds of the island and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992.

Pemba (Papaya Paradise)
Travellers who have time on their hands should definitely spend a few days at Pemba. Being the major fishing and timber port for the region. Most visitors come for the beaches - particularly Wimbi Beach - and the coral reefs. Wimbi is about five km east of town.Pemba has several restaurants, hotels and shops. Nightlife includes occasional live bands and dancing Lambada-style with the Pemba locals. Days can be spent on the palm-lined beaches, hiking to the lighthouse or browsing in the markets.

Lake Niassa
Lake Niassa (Lake Malawi) is one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa and is home to a huge number and variety of fish. The water is clean and clear and free of Bilharzia. The sunsets are spectacular. It is quite difficult to reach the Mozambique side of the lake as the only boat connections between the small towns on its banks are on the Malawi side. A 4x4 is necessary for the drive from Lichinga, the capital province of Niassa, to the lake.

Lago de Cahora Bassa
This dam, built on the on the Zambezi River, provides the force behind one of Africa's largest civil engineering projects. The 270-kilometre-long and 140-metre-deep hydro-electricity producing dam has its own lost town - Chicoa - which was drowned when the dam was filled. Fishing and birding excursions are popular on the dam.
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