Must See

Maputo

Mozambique's capital city has recovered much of its old charm, with bustling markets and relaxed cafes. It also has a lively nightlife, particularly on weekends. Highlights include the gallery in the Ministry of Labour building, the market and the museum, which is home to paintings and sculptures by well-known local artists.

Mozambique Island

Ilha de Moçambique (Mozambique Island) is a fascinating place, located near Nampula in the north. It is home to a number of 17th- and 18th-century buildings, many of them from the colonial Portuguese period. These include the Palace and the Chapel of Sao Paulo, which reflect the Portuguese colonial influences that shaped Mozambique in the past. Other buildings of interest include the Church of Senhora Baluarte, reputedly the oldest European building in the southern hemisphere and there are also some interesting mosques worth exploring. The northern half of Ilha de Mocambique has been declared a World Heritage Site.

Indian Ocean Coast

Watch arab-style dhows trawl the seas along this stunning 2,500 km stretch of shoreline, offering superb snorkelling, diving and game fishing.

The beaches near the coastal town of Pemba are among the most popular, while the Bazaruto Archipelago (780 km north of Maputo), consisting of four islands plus surrounding islets and reefs offers azure water, sandy beaches and tropical fish in abundance. Other beaches include Inhaca Island (near Maputo), Malugane (in the south) and Tofo (about 400 kmes north Maputo). Zavora's coral reef is outstanding.

Although there are many lagoons and beaches with safe bathing, there is an occasional danger of sharks in the warm Indian Ocean.

Wildlife

Whilst parts of the country remain out of bounds due to the unexploded landmines left after the country's destructive 16-year civil war, the country's diverse wildlife is beginning to draw back tourists. The removal of a border fence in neighbouring Kruger National Park has allowed big game to return to ancient migratory routes in the parks near the capital, Maputo. The mighty Limpopo and Zambezi rivers dominate a hinterland that offers great bird-watching.

There are three good national parks in Mozambique:

• The Maputo Elephant Park (on the right bank of the Maputo River)
• The Gorongosa National Park (5,000 sq km park located at the southern end of the Great East African Rift Valley in central Mozambique, and accessed by an airstrip at Chitengo)
• The Marromeu National Park (located at the mouth of the Zambesi River)