Mozambique Beach Holidays, Mozambique Safari The tropical islands off the East Coast of Africa really are as beautiful and peaceful as photographs suggest. They are a superb destination for family holidays or occasions such as honeymoons and weddings. A visit to them also combines very well with a safari in Africa. In the south the Islands of Benguela, Bazaruto and Margaruque form the enchanting Bazaruto Archipelago and a National Park. They are within easy reach of Johannesburg by air. Relaxed and relatively simple to luxury, the island lodges offer scuba diving, fly-fishing, deep-sea fishing and the usual boat and beach based activities. Lodges such as Marlin Lodge and the delightful Benguerra Lodge provide good comfortable accommodation in individual beach chalets. In the north 35 tropical islands make up the gorgeous Quirimbas Archipelago with both National and Marine Parks. Here luxury lodges such as Vamizi Island, Londo and Quilalea combine well with the eco aware Guludo and Ibo Island Lodge rich in culture and history. Its all delaightful and unspoilt part of the world. For further info on the lodges see Hotel Lodge Directory in the red panel opposite. Map of the North Islands - Quirimbas Archipelago Map of the South Islands - Bazaruto Archipelago SEASONS Some tropical rain showers November to February, Unsettled weather in south Bazaruto in March. Overall remains warm throughout though cooler June and July in south Bazaruto though north Quirimbas remains warm.. SUGGESTED COMBINATIONS A week on safari and a week on a tropical Island is ideal. Southern Africa SA Botswana, Namibia,and Zambia) combined with Quirimbas or Bazaruto or East Africa (Tanzania and Kenya) combined with the Quirimbas. CLIMATE 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) although generally its fine to travel at all times of the year with mid February to mid March being low season. Like elsewhere in Africa the weather patterns are becoming more erratic and less predictable. Avg Monthly Temperature (max F) Avg Monthly Rainfall (inches) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 86 08 84 08 84 08 82 5 79 4 76 3 75 0 75 2 77 1 80 0 83 2 85 5