Destination:
Mozambique

Consisting of five paradisiacal islands off the coast of Vilanculos in Mozambique's Inhambane Province, the Bazaruto Archipelago is the most popular tourist area in Mozambique and widely considered to be the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean'. It is a luxury destination sought after by divers, fishermen, nature lovers and well-to-do sun seekers.

The main islands of Bazaruto and Benguerra, as well as the smaller Santa Catalina, Magaruque and Bangue islands, are protected within a national park, one of the largest of its kind in the Indian Ocean. The warm seas are home to whales, dolphins, manta rays, turtles and the endangered dugong, while unspoilt coral reefs provide underwater enthusiasts with first-rate diving and snorkelling opportunities amid thousands of fish and mammal species. On land, miles of deserted sandy beaches shaded by palm trees offer frazzled city executives a dream holiday getaway, where the most stressful thing is deciding between activities like bird watching, fishing and shell collecting, or simply lying on the sand and enjoying the sunshine.

The largest and most popular island is Bazaruto, which gives the archipelago its name. To the west is the smallest island, Santa Carolina, nearly two miles (3km) long and less than half a mile (500m) wide, surrounded by protective coral reefs and deep water ideally suited to big game fishing. A narrow channel separates Bazaruto from its southerly neighbour Benguela, the second largest in the chain; followed by Magaruque, which is the closest island to Vilanculos on the mainland and primarily a diving resort. From Magaruque, the tiny uninhabited island of Bangue can be explored.

The sprawling capital of Mozambique was, under Portuguese influence in the 18th century, one of the most beautiful and fashionable cities on the African continent, with a sophisticated multi-national atmosphere, elegant buildings and wide, shaded avenues.

Following the cynical process of decolonisation inflicted on Mozambique by her colonial masters, the 17-year civil war that raged during the 1970s and 80s had a devastating affect on Maputo, reducing the proud city to a state of grubby disrepair, with thousands of immigrants taking over from where the wealthy socialites left off. The city has worked hard to recreate some of its former grandeur, with the five-star Polana Hotel once again abuzz with the gossip of the rich and famous, and restaurants serving up their famous peri-peri prawns. Today the city is a lively mix of people, with lots of markets and street vendors, a vibey café culture, buzzing nightclubs and live music venues, and a relaxed pace of life.

Maputo, or Lourenzo Marques as it was known before independence, became the capital of Mozambique in 1898 and the city became established as a major trade and industry centre, boasting the country's most important harbour. Today the economy of the city still relies heavily on the sea, and its port has significant potential for international trading, being the closest deepwater port in southern Africa to Asian markets. Most visitors to Maputo will pass through the harbour on the way to Inhaca Island situated just off the coast, a popular spot for diving and snorkelling.

Maputo is also the gateway to many splendid beaches and resorts to the north and south of the city, as well as the Maputo Elephant Reserve, which has growing numbers of game and beautiful coastal areas. Ponta de Ouro is the southernmost resort on the Mozambique coast, famed for its white sand beaches and as one of the best diving locations with rich coral reefs and a variety of marine life. To the north of Maputo are the beautiful inland lakes at Bilene and the famous beaches of Xai-Xai, popular tourist destinations that offer fishing, water sports and plenty of relaxation in beautiful surrounds.

Beira is the second largest city in Mozambique. It is situated in the central region of the country, in Sofala Province, where the Pungue River and the Indian Ocean meet. It is home to the Port of Beira, which acts as a gateway for the central interior portion of the country and the land-locked nations of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. The Portuguese Mozambique Company originally developed Beira in the 19th century. It was developed further by the Portuguese colonial government from 1947 until 1975, at which point Mozambique became independent from Portugal. Beira still has aspects of colonial charm but has deteriorated in some areas.

Beira has a few interesting sights, including the Cathedral of Beira and the Fort of San Gaetano. Many of the shops, restaurants, and facilities in Beira are clustered around the Praça do Município and Praça do Metical squares in the centre of town. There are some charming houses along the Ponta Gêa and the port, including the Casa Infante de Sagres.

Macuti Beach, with its iconic lighthouse, is easily the most fashionable part of town, though many parts are in need of repair. Savanna Beach is 16 miles (25km) out of town and you have to take a little boat across to the beach. The water is cleaner than in Beira and it's a great spot for fishing. It has a simple restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere. About 8 miles (12km) out of Beira, between Macuti and the airport, Rio Maria is set between the sea and a lovely river. There are no facilities there but it is a very relaxing spot.

Pemba is a port town and the capital of the Cabo Delgado Province, in the north of Mozambique. It has banks, patisseries, supermarkets and restaurants yet it retains a ramshackle feel with its pot-holed streets. The town was built over rolling hills and most people live in wooden huts set amongst the many thick baobab trees. The history of the people of the Cabo Delgado province lies in many centuries of African, Arab and Portuguese sailing, trading and settling. The Niassa Company founded Pemba in 1904 as Porto Amelia, named after a queen of Portugal. It was renamed Pemba at the end of Portuguese rule, in 1975. Tarred roads connect Pemba to Nampula and Ilha de Mozambique, and international flights and tourist facilities are steadily on the increase.

Pemba is renowned for its Portuguese colonial architecture; however, many of its attractions are natural, as it is a prime location for water sports and diving. Nearby Ibo Island offers empty stretches of beach to explore some of the world's richest coral reefs, and Quipaco Island is just 12 miles (20km) to the north. Nacole Baobab Nature Estate and Nkwita Lake are also within an hour's drive.

There is an authentic local market (souk souk) in the centre of Pemba selling arts and crafts, as well as traditional silverware. It is quite large, extending 1.2 miles (2km) along one of the town's main thoroughfares. Avoid the ivory sold at the market, as this is sold contrary to Mozambican and international law. Maconde arts and crafts are popular Mozambican souvenirs available from Pemba.

As Mozambique continues to establish itself on the global tourism map, exciting new tourist areas are springing up. One of these areas is Inhambane, a small city on the southeastern coast, about 290 miles (470km) north of Maputo and easily accessed by a tarred road.

Previously tourists merely passed through Inhambane on their way to the spectacular beaches of Tofo, Cocos and Barra. These days more and more are stopping over to savour the historic city, with its sleepy atmosphere, faded colonial architecture and famously friendly local population. In fact, the city's original name - Terra de Boa Gente, meaning 'Land of the Good People' - was bestowed on it precisely because of the inimitable charm of its locals.

Must-see tourist sights in Inhambane include the Church of our Lady of Conception - a 175-year-old building that features a rusted ladder leading to its top spire, from where visitors gain panoramic views of the city's old quarter and the harbour - and the Mercado Central (Central Market), where a colourful array of fresh produce, including spices and nuts, is for sale. Adventurous travellers can strike out for the more remote areas of Inhambane Province, where picturesque villages and mangrove swamps are waiting to be explored.

Although most tourist activities like diving, snorkelling and whale-spotting take place at the beaches located about 14 miles (22km) up the coast, tourists to Inhambane are urged to take a ride in a traditional dhow to Maxixe; a larger city located across the bay. The experience of approaching a historic trading-port in a historic trading-vessel is unique, and very memorable.

Of particular interest to those planning a tour around southern Africa, is the fact that Inhambane can be directly accessed from Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport via flights landing at Inhambane International Airport.