MOZAMBIQUE: WHERE PARADISE MEETS REALITY

Forget the geography lesson; our Mozambique holidays focus on the coastal regions and islands that offer unparalleled beauty. Two jewels in the Mozambique crown are the Bazaruto and Benguerra Islands in the Bazaruto Archipelago and, soon, the private island of Ilha Caldeira.

Often referred to as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," this southern paradise boasts Benguerra Island, one of our favourites. It's here that you'll find some of the finest beach holidays in all of Africa. Exclusive accommodations, tranquillity, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets await you.

The Bazaruto Archipelago consists of six idyllic islands off the coast of Vilanculos, the gateway coastal town. Four of the larger islands, namely Bazaruto, Benguerra, Santa Isobel, and Santa Carolina (formerly known as Paradise Island, the only actual volcanic island), host just a handful of small villages. The other two, Bangue and Pansy Shell Island, are uninhabited.

All these islands are your canvas for relaxation, adventure, and exploration. The turquoise waters surrounding the archipelago are protected as a marine national park, preserving a unique aquatic environment. Along the sandy shores, luxurious lodges await, offering the perfect setting for beach picnics, sundowners, and candlelit dinners.

While indulgence is high on the agenda, there's much more to experience in the Bazaruto Archipelago. Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts will be in their element, exploring uncrowded dive sites with depths ranging from 12 to 30 meters. Here, you can encounter groups of dolphins, humpback whales, whale sharks, sharks, manta rays, and turtles. Fishing enthusiasts will also find paradise here, as the waters are ranked as the best Marlin fishing destination in the Eastern Indian Ocean.

For a taste of local life, set sail in a traditional dhow around the islands or go horse riding, where you might spot island wildlife like small antelope, flamingos, pelicans, otters, and even crocodiles in the inland island lakes.

Mozambique may seem remote, but it's surprisingly accessible. You can catch flights to the coastal town of Vilanculo from Johannesburg International Airport, with two flights a week also departing from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. It's a beautiful way to wrap up a bush adventure and embark on an entirely different kind of journey.

So, if you're seeking a destination that combines stunning natural beauty, aquatic adventures, and relaxation like no other, consider Mozambique for your first-time African travel experience. The "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" is ready to welcome you to its paradisiacal shores.