Mozambique

Mozambique is located on the southeastern coast of Africa and is bordered by Tanzania to the North, South Africa and Swaziland to the South, Zimbabwe to the West and Zambia and Malawi to the northwest.

Mozambique is one of Africa’s up-and-coming hot-spots, with stunning beaches, excellent diving and magical offshore islands. Go snorkelling around the Bazaruto Archipelago, sail on a dhow through mangrove channels or laze under the palms in the Quirimbas Archipelago, take an off-beat safari in the wilds of Gorongosa National Park, wander along cobbled streets past stately colonial-era buildings on Ilha de Moçambique, sip a café espresso at one of Maputo’s lively sidewalk cafés (or maybe a caipirinha at one of its jazz bars), watch the silversmiths at work on Ibo Island or dance to the country’s trademark marrabenta music.

For almost two decades, many of these attractions were inaccessible due to a protracted guerrilla war. Now dark times are in the past, and Mozambique is one of Africa’s rising stars, with an upbeat atmosphere, overflowing markets and a 2500km coastline waiting to be discovered.

The Mozambique coast faces the Indian Ocean and because of its climate, warm waters and vast beach area is rich in many marine species. The magnificient transparent waters are an irresistible invitation to go swimming, snorkelling and diving and admire the extraordinarily beautiful coral reef and the underwater marine life.

Culturally, Mozambique provides an interesting contrast to other countries in southern and east Africa, with strong European, Arabian and Latin influences. Maputo, the vibrant capital feels more Latin American than African, and in its heyday it was considered to be as beautiful as Cape Town or Rio.

For the moment however, most holiday travellers to Mozambique are attracted to its spectacular beaches and offshore island archipelagos. Two of these have attracted a small number of exclusive beach lodges, such as The Azura Retreat in the Bazaruto Archipelago and the Vamizi Island Lodge in the Quirimbas Archipelago - offering spectacular barefoot luxury amidst the sandy beaches and coral lagoons.

Mozambique has a tropical climate with coastal temperatures high for much of the year. The rainy season is from late November through to early April and is usually hot and humid with temperatures in the mid 30s. The cooler dry season runs from May to October and daytime temperatures fluctuate around the mid 20s. Most days are sunny and rainfall is usually in brief, intense showers.