Mozambique

Located in the far south, the capital city is renowned for its vibrant markets and pulsating nightlife and as such is known as the 'Havana of Africa'. With a blend of Mediterranean architecture and African, Indian and Arabic culture influences, it's a truly cosmopolitan city with captivating energy and vibe. The city boasts a fine selection of restaurants and shopping amenities which makes it a great base from which to explore the country's coastal and wilderness regions. The nearby Maputo Elephant Reserve is a great stop.

Perched along the Mozambique coastline, Vilanculos is a charming coastal town and acts as the gateway to the famed Bazaruto Archipelago. With warm crystal clear waters, attractions include snorkelling and diving trips to nearby islands and horse riding on the beach. The nearby Bazaruto Marine Park is well worth a visit.

470km north of Maputo, the city of Inhambane was set up as a Portuguese trading post in 1534 making it one of the oldest European settlements in Southern Africa. With stretches of palm-lined beaches and the nearby villages of Tofo and Barra, Inhambane is a traveller's delight. The Barra Peninsula and its clear waters are home to Manta Reef, a world-class destination for awesome manta ray sightings. Attractions also include swimming with whale sharks in the right season.

Arguably the most popular tourist spot in Mozambique is the Bazaruto Archipelago which comprises the 4 main islands in the Inhambane province - Magarruque, Benguerra, Santa Corolina and Bazaruto - situated 35km off the mainland from the town of Vilanculos by boat or light aircraft. World renowned attractions include game fishing, snorkelling and diving and the beaches are large and empty making it a pristine, untouched tropical paradise on earth. 

Situated at the southern end of the Great African Rift Valley in the heart of central Mozambique is Gorongosa, described as Africa's greatest wildlife restoration story. With a successful rehabilitation programme, this remote reserve's famous floodplains teem with waterbuck, lions roam in the savannah and woodlands, elephants frolic at the waterholes and there's a rich biodiversity of birds and plant species that enhance the visitor experience. If a bush adventure is on the itinerary, Gorongosa National Park is well worth it.

At a sprawling 42,000 square kilometres (double the size of South Africa's Kruger National Park) in Cabo Delgado Province and Niassa Province, Niassa Reserve is the largest protected area in the Mozambique. The reserve is part of the Trans-Frontier Conservation Area and links to the Tanzanian Lukwika-Lumesule Game Reserve and is quite simply vast, remote untouched wilderness at its finest. Sightings include lion, leopard or even wild dog with exceptional bird watching. Excellent guided walks and game drives make it a fantastic safari destination.

Off the northern shore of Mozambique lies the tiny island of Ilha de Mozambique with an idyllic tropical coastline and host of colonial buildings including forts, cathedrals and mansions dating back to the 17th century. The island is connected to the mainland by a narrow bridge built in the 1960s. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this island experience is a true step back in time. In addition to a rich cultural and historical immersion, attractions include snorkelling in mangroves and whale watching in season.

In the far north where the bush and beach meet, lies the quaint port town of Pemba. Built around a large bay, much of the town's history has been preserved with colonial Portuguese architecture and the old town hosts a number of traditional markets. Visitors set off from Pemba to explore the famous islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago, a series of 32 islands with stunning beaches, dive sites and forts. Spot whales, coral reefs, dolphins and the endangered sea cow.