SCUBA DIVING HOLIDAYS IN MOZAMBIQUE

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.

The most important rivers are the Zambezi flowing southeast across the centre of Mozambique into the Indian Ocean, the Limpopo in the south, the Save in the middle and the Lugfenda in the north. The most important lake is the navigable Lake Niassa. In the river valleys and deltas, the soil is rich and fertile, but southern and central Mozambique have poor and sandy soil, and parts of the interior are dry.

RESORTS IN MOZAMBIQUE

Bazaratu Island	Medjumbe Island	Matemo Island	Pemba Island

THE DIVING IN MOZAMBIQUE

Mozambique offers some of the best diving in southern Africa with warm waters, varied and abundant marine life, uncrowded and uncommercialised sites and generally good visibility. The most popular location is the Bazaruto archipelago that has outstanding diving and snorkelling opportunities, including Manta Reef, Two-Mile Reef, Vengies, Rainbow Runner Reef and the Greek Temple. The waters offshore of the Inhambane area are also a snorkelling and diving paradise with pristine reefs and an abundance of manta rays and whale sharks. During the winter months (June to September) there is a chance of close-up encounters with the migrating humpback whales.

The Quirimbas Archipelago fringing reefs are home to some of the richest coral reefs in East Africa. These reefs are regularly visited by huge game fish, turtles, humpbacks and other cetaceans. They offer a vast range of diving opportunities from enormous drop-offs with strong currents for the experienced diver to sheltered tranquil coral gardens perfect to learn to dive.

THE 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).