Mozambique

The Archipelago consists of four main islands: Bazaruto Island, Benguerra Island, Magaruque Island and Santa Carolina Island.

The islands are covered by large sand dunes and freshwater lakes (nesting grounds for beautiful black-winged flamingoes) and to keep environmental damage to a minimum visitors can only stay in one of a handful of private lodges which offer excellent scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and sailing.

Crystal white beaches squeak beneath your feet and just offshore, in warm waist deep waters, one floats amidst coral gardens of infinite beauty and colour, examining and being examined by shoals of fish that move amongst the corals like clouds of living jewels.

Declared a National Park in 1971, the Archipelago boasts among its wildlife, 180 species of birds, endemic butterflies, suni antelope and freshwater crocodile. The protected reefs and beaches support dolphin, dugong, gamefish, giant lobster and several species of marine turtle.

All of the islands support populations of traditional fisherman and their families, many of whom are not permanent residents and may migrate between the Archipelago and the mainland in their pursuit of good fishing waters.

The Bazaruto Archipelego is the perfect beach destination to combine with any southern African safari in Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and South Africa, where there are direct flight from the Kruger National Park into Vilanculos (gateway to the archipelago).

The Quirimbas Archipelago stretches for 100 kilometres along the north Mozambique coast. These tropical islands contain some of the richest coral reefs in the world and provide habitat for an abundant array of marine life. The Quirimbas Archipelago consists of 32 tropical coral islands stretching from Pemba (the capital of Cabo Delgado Province) to the Rovuma River, which forms the natural frontier between Tanzania and Mozambique. The area has never been developed and remains an unexplored tourist paradise.

Pemba is the access point for the Quirimbas Archipelago and although more remote and less frequented than Bazaruto Archipelago, the snorkelling, fishing and diving in the surrounding water is second to none for the most of the islands feature phenomenal vertical drop-offs, some of up to 400 metres.

Marine activity aside, the Quirimbas have enormous cultural and historical value, with a combination of Arabian, Portuguese, and African influences. The magnificent old fortresses on Ibo Island boast intriguing historical and fascinating sites. With mangroves, coral and palms this island tells a story of slaves, pirates and ivory.