Mozambique

Mozambique has about 2,500 km of Indian Ocean coastline and some of the least developed beaches in Africa. Travellers come for the sea: diving, snorkelling, sailing on dhows and small island lodges.

The Bazaruto Archipelago, off the town of Vilankulo, is a marine national park of five islands with high dunes, coral reefs and the last viable population of dugongs on the East African coast. Further north, the Quirimbas Archipelago stretches towards Tanzania and includes Ibo Island, with its old Portuguese fort and silversmiths. Tofo, near Inhambane, is one of the few places in the world where whale sharks and manta rays can be seen for much of the year, and humpback whales pass between July and October.

Inland, Gorongosa National Park has become one of Africa's best-known conservation recoveries, with wildlife returning after years of civil war. Maputo, the capital, has good seafood, a lively music scene and striking Portuguese-era architecture.

Mozambique is usually added to a safari in South Africa's Kruger, which shares a border, by a short flight to Vilankulo. May to November is dry and cooler. January to March is the cyclone season, and best avoided on the coast.