- Mozambique - 

Unspoiled and untamed, with over 2,500km of uninterrupted coastline and clusters of postcard-perfect islands dotting its shore, Mozambique is a little corner of paradise. Its pristine white sands and turquoise waters can rival those of the Maldives or Seychelles, yet it is more affordable than these islands. It is also less built-up than most Indian ocean islands. For now, Mozambique is still well-off the beaten tourist track, however it is fast becoming the place to go for those searching for some sand, sea and sun in Africa.

Located on Africa’s eastern Indian Ocean coast and bordered by Tanzania to the north and South Africa to the south, Mozambique is quickly gaining popularity due to its wild beauty. Its shores have already become a mecca for divers, as due to its pristine coral reefs and over 1,200 species of marine creatures. The rare dugong, dolphins, humpback whales, turtles and manta rays call these waters home, and it isn’t surprising that Mozambique boasts some of the best diving sites in the world.

Tourism infrastructure has so far centred on two main regions in Mozambique – the Bazaruto Archipelago and Vilancoulos. Both of these two hotspots are easily integrated into an itinerary that combines Mozambique with a safari in South Africa’s Kruger Park, or Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

A brutal 16-year civil war, which ended in the 1990s, crippled Mozambique’s economy and destroyed much of its colonial architecture. This is especially true in Maputo, Mozambique’s capital. After centuries of colonialisation by the Portuguese, little remains of Maputo’s former glory, apart from an interesting and flavoursome cuisine that’s famous across Africa. The Mozambican shellfish and seafood in general are considered some of the best in the world, with the Portuguese inspired peri-peri prawns reigning as the country’s most iconic culinary creation. Don’t miss out on the wonderful and surprisingly cheap seafood during your beach stay!

The country’s flagship reserve, Gorongosa National Park, once one of Africa’s top safari spots, was unfortunately ravaged by the cost of war and aggressive poaching. While the park is currently undergoing a major rehabilitation and restoration program that’s helping Mozambique regain its reputation as a game-viewing destination, we at Travel Cafe Cape Town recommend waiting a few years so the park has time to regenerate itself.

Mozambique is still getting back on its feet, but there is no denying the pristine beauty of its beaches with its progressively deepening shades of azure and emerald waters. As tourism escalates, prices and development are likely to soar, so now’s the time to see Africa’s undiscovered Indian Ocean jewel.