Mozambique

Mozambique is one of Africa’s up-and-coming destinations, with thousands of kilometres of tropical beaches, excellent diving and fishing, and hauntingly beautiful islands. Go snorkelling the pristine reefs, sail a dhow among the islands of Bazaruto or laze under the palms in the Quirimbas Archipelago. Don’t miss out on visiting one of the lovely old Portuguese towns, such as Inhambane, Ibo or Ilha de Moçambique. Their grand but crumbling villas and cobbled streets hark back to an era of colonial elegance. Sip an espresso at one of Maputo’s lively sidewalk cafés or a caipirinha at one of its jazz bars, watch the silversmiths at work on their intricate jewellery on Ibo Island or dance the night away to the country’s trademark marrabenta music.
Southern Mozambique is better developed and more tourist friendly. Roads and transport links, especially with neighbouring South Africa, are good and there are plenty of accommodation options, especially in the popular Inhambane and Vilankulo areas.
More adventurous travellers head north across the Zambezi into the wilds of northern Mozambique, one of Africa’s last frontiers. Or, if you’re on a more generous budget, fly into Pemba for the tropical holiday of a lifetime among the 27 coral islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago, with their luxury lodges, pristine reefs and unspoilt beaches.