Shaped a bit like an upside-down Afghan hound, Mozambique stretches for 2500km (1550mi) on the south-eastern coast of Africa, bordered by Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the north-west, Zimbabwe to the west, and South Africa and Swaziland to the south-west. The island of Madagascar lies directly east, 400km (250mi) across the Mozambique Channel.

The coastal plain, as wide as 200km (125mi) in the south, rises to mountains and plateaux in the north and west. Two of Southern Africa's longest rivers, the Zambezi and the Limpopo, flow through the country. Other major rivers are the Save and the Rovuma (which forms the northern border with Tanzania). Massive Lake Malawi (also called Lake Nyasa) forms part of the border with Malawi.

As you go westward, the land changes abruptly from a narrow, palm-studded strip of beach along the coast to a broad belt of savannah and woodland, then forested mountains. Trees include hardwoods, acacia and papaya. Fauna include the rare, endangered black rhinoceros.

There are many regional variations in Mozambique, but generally the dry season runs from April to September, when the average daily high tops out at 27°C (80°F) on the coast, cooler inland. The rainy season lasts most of the rest of the year, when the average daily high hits 31°C (88°F).

As a result of widespread destruction of its infrastructure, Mozambique is an inexpensive destination. Very comfortable travel is available for US$100 a day or less, though luxury hotels and chartered planes will be significantly more. If you're travelling on a moderate budget you should expect to spend around US$50 a day or more, depending on your taste for restaurant meals and safaris. If you do a lot of self-catering, take the train or bus and don't load up on artefacts, you can keep your costs below US$20 a day.

The most readily accepted currencies are US dollars and South African rands. In the south you can pay for a lot of things (such as accommodation) with rands. The best places to change money are the private bureaux in Maputo, which give better rates than the banks. Local banks have branches in most cities. Changing money on the street is not safe anywhere.

In general, tipping isn't expected, and you may find yourself having to explain that you really don't want your change. Things are a little different in Maputo, where prolonged exposure to foreign tourists and expats has given the locals a taste for tips. Plan on leaving between 5% and 15% of your bill, depending on the kind of place you're in - and, of course, on the quality of service. In general, the more upscale the place the higher the rate. Bargaining, especially in the open air markets, is commonplace.

The best time to visit is the months of June to August, when both rainfall and temperatures are at their lowest. Later in the dry season, in late August and September, the temperatures start to climb, but this is the best time to see big game. The best time for birdwatching, on the other hand, is smack in the middle of the rainy season, usually November and December.