Mozambique

Aptly named ‘the land of smiles’, Mozambique is a rising star that offers spectacular scenery, excellent water activities, some of the World's best dive sites and remote wilderness. It is located on the southeast coast of Africa and shares borders with Swaziland to the south, South Africa to the southwest, Zimbabwe to the west, Zambia and Malawi to the northwest and Tanzania to the north.

The area was explored by Vasco da Gama in 1498, and colonized by Portugal in 1505. Mozambique did not gain its independence until 1975 when it became the People’s Republic of Mozambique. Unfortunately civil war soon followed, lasting from 1977 until 1992. Since then a great deal of work has been done to rebuild the infrastructure and one of the largest conservation projects to date is underway in the Gorongosa National Park.

Almost twice the size of California with a population of 21 million, Mozambique has over 2,500 kms of coastline with a tropical to sub-tropical climate. The Portuguese colonial and linguistic heritage can still be felt in the capital Maputo where a fun evening can be spent in one of the city’s many jazz bars or listening to Marrabenta music.

Today Mozambique is most known for its beautiful sandy beaches and phenomenal diving. Most notably are the Bazaruto and Quirimbas Archipelagos. Proclaimed a national park in 1971, the Bazaruto Archipelago is a group of six islands formed from sand deposited by the Limpopo River, which has since shifted its course. The Quirimbas lie off the northeastern coast of Mozambique and the archipelago consists of twenty seven islands. These islands are known for their high-quality diving and deep sea fishing sites, including phenomenal drop-offs, some up to 400 metres.

Mozambique was wiped off the tourism trail for twenty years under the shadow of war, but is now on the rise again and looking forward to a bright future.