Mozambique

Set inside the boundaries of the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine Park in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Mozambique, Bazaruto Island is home to some of the most stunning beaches we've laid eyes on. The water here is warm and turquoise blue, and the white sandy beaches are backed by swaying palms and towering sand dunes, creating a postcard-perfect vision of paradise. Part of a larger archipelago that is known for its amazing diving experiences, the coral reefs around Bazaruto are also excellent for snorkeling. The island can be reached by boat or small plane, and the accommodations range from budget guesthouses to the luxury & Beyond Benguerra on a neighboring isle. The property offers lodging in various sizes of posh, thatched-roof huts that work well for couples on honeymoon or families vacationing with the kids.

The delicious Cuisines of the Mozambicans has been greatly influenced by the Portuguese, dating back to 1498, when a Portuguese explorer, Vasco Da Gama landed in the country on his way to India. He quickly established Portuguese ports and trade centers that introduced crops like cassava (a starchy food), cashew nuts and Paozinho (bread rolls). A lot of flavorings and cooking methods were also introduced by the Portuguese; seasonings such as onions, garlic, paprika, chili pepper, bay leaves, wine and red peppers were common items of trade back then. Today, a typical Mozambique Cuisine would include traces of Portuguese influence. It is commonplace to find Prego (steak roll), pudim(pudding), rissois(battered shrimp) and the widely eaten inteiro com piripiri( Chicken sauce),. Other staple foods eaten by the Mozambicans include ncima(maize porridge), Cassava and rice served with vegetable, fish, beans or meat sauces.

Dotted along the Mozambican coastline are 32 idyllic islands that make up the Quirimbas Archipelago. Here, a plethora of marine life, ranging from turtles and dugongs to whales and dolphins, and a thriving coral reef beckon to diving enthusiasts. The magnificent Quirimbas National Park offers nature lovers the opportunity to explore a vast expanse of enchanted forest. The Quirimbas boast enormous cultural and historical value. The islands represent a melting-pot of Portuguese, Arabian and African influences, while historic landmarks such as the old fort on Ibo Island tell tales of slavery, pirates and the ominous ivory trade.

Gorongosa National Park is a preserved area in the Great Rift Valley of central Mozambique. Its forests and savannahs are home to lions, hippos and elephants. Lake Urema and its surrounding wetlands and rivers attract scores of water birds. The multitiered Murombodzi Falls spills over jagged rocks on the slopes of Mount Gorongosa. Limestone gorges and bat-filled caves define Cheringoma Plateau

Maputo is the capital of Mozambique, and it sits on the coast of the Indian Ocean. If you love history and you want to see the preserved Portuguese neo classical architecture, then Maputo is the place to be. The city is deep-rooted history dates back to the 1500s when it was only a fishing village. Over the centuries after its foundation by the explorer Lourenço Marques, it transcended into a Portuguese colony and a critical port city. Upon gaining independence, it became the capital city of Mozambique. With its fusion of Mediterranean architecture and influences from African, Indian, and Arabic cultures, Maputo is the most cosmopolite city of Mozambique and the Mozambican cultural capital. It is suitable for visiting all year round since southern Mozambique is usually a milder rainy season. However, if you want to travel the northern part of the country as well, you should consider visiting between May and September.