Things To Do in Mozambique

• Laze on white-sand beaches and swim in warm waters and lagoons on Mozambique's long coastline.

• Popular beaches include Ponta do Ouro, Malugane (in the south), Inhambane with its beach resort of Tofo (400km/250 miles north of Maputo), Xai-Xai, Vilankulo and Chonguene.

• Go diving and snorkelling with dolphins, rays and dugong (manatee) in the country's crystal-clear Indian Ocean waters. Mozambique has a growing number of resorts well-equipped for subaquatic activities, and several excellent locations. Try the reefs of Inhambane, the Bazaruto Archipelago or Quirimbas National Park.

• Enjoy good fishing for marlin, barracuda, sailfish and swordfish. The Bazaruto Archipelago is one of several popular spots for game fishing.

• Come equipped for some excellent birdwatching; there are many brightly coloured species along the coastline and the national parks of Gorongosa National Park and Marromeu National Park attract twitchers from the world over.

• Take a safari through some of the country's 12 different national parks and reserves. The big five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino) can all be found here, and plenty more besides.

• Bring your walking boots. The cool mountains of the north and several national parks offer good hiking but advice and extreme caution should be taken due to the large amount of leftover landmines in the country.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.