Situated on the south-eastern 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. Mozambique's eastern palm-fringed coastline along the Indian Ocean is more than 2,500 km long, a fantastic draw for scuba divers, fishermen, sailors and beach lovers. The 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. 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, Xai-Xai and the Mozambique Channel. In the Xai-Xai area you will find B&B , Self Catering or Luxury Guest House accommodation right on the beach.  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.

The highway from Johannesburg to Maputo is very good. From Johannesburg, take the N4 towards Nelspruit. From Nelspruit, continue following the N4 to Komatipoort, the last town on the South African side. Just past Komatipoort is the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border post. NB: current car registration papers (or good facsimile thereof) are required to get a car past the border. If you are not the owner of the car, you will need a letter of permission from the owner. On the Mozambican side, just follow the N4 (now called EN4) for a further 100km or so to reach Maputo. There is another border crossing at Giriyondo. From the South African side, the access is via the Kruger National Park and takes one past Letaba Camp to the new Giriyondo border post. Because of this new crossing, the offer of guided expeditions and self drive tours has significantly increased. It is new, clean and staffed by friendly officials and is a refreshing change from Lebombo. Be warned however that this border post is definitely only recommended for 4 x 4 vehicles as the road is truly off road. Once past the border post you enter the Limpopo National Park (Mozambique). Entrance fees are Meticais 200 per person and per vehicle. The next town is Massingir. Mozambique has a tropical climate with two seasons. A wet season from October to March and a dry season from April to September. Climatic conditions, however, vary depending on altitude. Rainfall is heavy along the coast and decreases in the north and south.