Mozambique is located on the southeastern coast of Africa and is bordered by Tanzania to the North, South Africa and Swaziland to the South, Zimbabwe to the West and Zambia and Malawi to the northwest. Mozambique is made up mainly of coastal lowlands, rising toward the west to a plateau ranging from 500 to 2,000 ft above sea level and on the western border to a higher plateau (6,000 to 8,000 ft), with mountains in the north reaching a height of over 8,000 ft. The highest mountains are Namuli (7,936 ft), Binga (7,992 ft) on the Zimbabwean border, and Serra Zuira (7,306 ft) in Sofala Province.

Health

It is imperative that you obtain malaria prophylactics before entering Mozambique. When purchasing these, please tell your doctor or pharmacist that you intend visiting Mozambique. Whatever prophylactics you use, remember to complete the course as directed after leaving the malaria area. If you suffer from side effects, try taking your malaria prophylactics at night after dinner.

Resistance to prophylactics is widespread so the best way to avoid getting malaria is to avoid being bitten. Take precautionary measures to prevent contact with mosquitoes: sleep under a bed net or in a room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to keep the flaps zipped at all times); spray your accommodation with insecticide; make use of a mosquito-repelling lotion or stick; and wear long sleeved clothing, trousers and socks when outside at night.

Medical Services
There are private clinics, hospitals and pharmacies in most large towns, but you may need the help of someone who speaks Portuguese to communicate your needs. It is recommended you carry a good supply of medicines you may need, as well as a first aid kit. Doctors expect cash payment, so ensure your medical insurance covers your trip to Mozambique.

Water
Tap water is usually safe to drink, but bottled water is available should you prefer this. Avoid eating food which has not been cooked or peeled.

Passport & Visa

As entry requirements for countries can change, please check with your nearest Mozambican consulate, embassy or Mozambican diplomatic mission for the most up to date information on whether you require a visa or not, and what paperwork needs to be completed. All visitors to Mozambique must hold a passport that's valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of departure from Mozambique. Please also ensure you have sufficient blank pages - at least two per entry stamp that you will be receiving on your trip.

What to pack

Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. The most practical items to pack are:

• Khaki, brown, white and beige colours.
• Light cotton tops and cotton trousers/shorts in summer.
• Long-sleeved blouses/shirts for game drives, which will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes.
• Safari trousers for evenings and cooler days.
• Fleece or sweater and a warm jacket for game drives.
• Swimwear, snorkel, mask, fins, sun lotion.
• A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Sandals, especially to protect feet against razor clams on Bazaruto Archipelago.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Camera film and batteries (these are not easily found in Mozambique).

What to Buy

Local crafts and indigenous art can be purchased from markets in the cities and tourist areas. These include masks, carvings and ornaments made of wood, soapstone, malachite and wire, as well as pottery, paintings and basket ware.

A lot of what you will see will be tacky souvenirs, but quite often you will find unique works of art. Avoid purchasing natural items like ivory as it is illegal to export these without a licence.