Mozambique

Just about the size of Turkey, Mozambique lies in the southeastern part of Africa and is bordered by Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west and Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest. To the east, Mozambique's 1,500 mile coastline of pristine white beaches is lapped by the warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean and is one of the main attractions of the country.

Vasco da Gama first explored here in 1498 and by 1505, Mozambique was a Portuguese colony. Independence from Portugal came in 1975 but the first few years of independence were turbulent ones. Unrest brewing in neighboring countries like South Africa and Zimbabwe spilled into Mozambique resulting in a long civil war which saw more than 1 million Mozambicans perish and more than 1.7 million leave the country for refuge in nearby countries. When the civil unrest ended in 1992, displaced Mozambicans began to return to their country in what is still considered the largest repatriation in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Visitors are drawn to the exquisite islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago - often referred to as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Five islands - Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Bangue and Paradise - form the Bazaruto Archipelago. Bazaruto and Benguerra are the larger of the islands and are protected within a national park in the Indian Ocean. Along Bazaruto's eastern strip you'll find enormous sand dunes. Travel further inland and the number of freshwater lakes and their accompanying variety of water birds will mesmerize you.

To the very north of Mozambique is the province of Cabo Delgado. It was here in 1964 that FRELIMO (Liberation Front of Mozambique) soldiers attacked an administrative office and touched off the beginning of the struggle for independence. Today it is the home of the Maluane project - one of the last unspoiled and unexploited wilderness areas on the East African coast. This community-based project began in 2001. Maluane has a large elephant population, a wide variety of antelope and unrivalled marine life. The project works with the local community in ways to manage the safe and peaceful co-existence of human and elephant populations. They work with farmers to cultivate crops that are of no interest to elephants, thereby reducing elephant destruction.

Mozambique's glorious beaches and unsurpassed marine life make it the perfect spot to relax after a safari - or just getaway from the hussle and bussle. Outstanding coral reefs delight snorkelers and divers and world-class angling including big-game fishing (tag and release) and saltwater fly-fishing challenge anglers at all levels. Add a few days to your next holiday.