3 weeks to Mozambique

I am planning to go to M. around x-mas for approx. 3 - 4 weeks. I have done some backpacking in the past - but also with a camper / 4WD on the road (Namibia/Botswana).

I have heard around x-mas is the peak of the rain season and it does not make sense to go in this region... Anybody has some advise regarding the rain?

If the wheather is not that bad... is there a need for camper / 4WD? ...or better to use public transportation ??

Any recommendation what to see ?

Does it make sense to combine it with Zambia and Malawi??
Was is more recomendable in Mozambique (backpacking and using local transportation / or to rent a car?).

Remember, at least between christmas and the beginning of January, the south of Mozambique up to Vilanculos is crowded with southafricans!!! And they bring everything with them, that allows them to make terrible noises - bakkies, motorboats, quads...

I wouldn't worry about the weather. Ok, there is a possibility of storms during this time, but these occur locally. The rain is not too bad, most of the days it's fine and hot.

There is a public transport in Mozambique on the main routes. If you have to leave them ( i.e. to get to the coastline / beach ), you have to organize your own transport. That means, you have to ask the local drivers / truckdrivers, to give you a lift. If this is the way you like to travel, so it is "possible", if you don't like it and you only want to use the busses and minitaxies, you might have a problem to get along somewhen...
But I heard of many people, who travelled by hiking and looked for their accomodation, when the day started to end. They always found a pension or small lodge, but be aware: The standart in Mozambique is ZERO (and the further north you get, the more "zero" it becomes !!!

If you travel in Mozambique with an own/rented car, take a 4x4, because nearly all campsites at the coast are situated within the dunes along the beach and it is impossible to get there only with 2x4.

fengi

We were in Mozambique for about 10 days this past Xmas/New Year period and it rained and rained and rained. We were actually supposed to stay longer but left to escape down to KZN in SA in search of some sun. Out of the 10 days probably about three were dry and sunny, and we also had a memorable time one day having to take a detour in convoy through the bush as the rain had washed away one of the bridges on the main highway. It also didn't help that we were essentially staying in backpackers where it rained on the inside as well as the outside! I would definitely book accommodation a decent amount of time in advance if you are going to be in any of the tourist hot spots (eg. Vilankulos, Tofo).

We had our own car which was totally vital, particularly given the weather. A 4WD is necessary- even with it we became experts at pushing and digging the car out of the sand!

Having said that though, Mozambique is a beautiful, interesting and intriguing place to visit...as long as you can avoid the South Africans in their huge 4WDs with all the noise-making gear as described in the above post.

well why not join some of the south africans and have a great time with them they really are very friendly at least to me they have always been wonderfull hosts buying beer etc ah love africa rain yes it can be a damper on holidays but... you can still enjoy holidays if you have a positive attitude etc book accom as it really is very busy make sure you look at plenty of options, hotels backpackers campgrounds etc 4x4 a must!! my friends from zim always go to an island off beira at xmas to camp and it looks wonmderfull cant think of the name at the moment though sorry

I am looking to go possibly to Mozambique for two weeks holiday in December travelling. However, i will check out the climate as I think its the rainy time and if so i wouldnt go. I always plan my trips at the the right time weatherwise. I also would appreciate feedback about the weather particularly in Tofo area. Also, is it ok getting around without a car and not hitching just by public transport ?

THanks

Jambo