Mozambique offers some of the best snorkelling and diving on earth. Its coral reefs are bountiful and well preserved, and you can find all the big marine life here – whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins and sea turtles. During the dry season, humpback whales come to calve, and you can even swim with them. Mozambique is also great in general for water sports, with sailing, surfing and kiteboarding readily available along the coast.

Mozambique uses the new metical (MZN) which you will need to purchase on arrival. Many establishments accept the US dollar and South African rand, as well as credit cards and PayPal.

Mozambique has two seasons: the dry season, from April until October, is slightly cooler with average temperatures of approximately 20-25°C, while the wet season, from November until March, is hot and humid with peak temperatures of 31°C.

Maputo International Airport is Mozambique’s biggest, with flights from around Africa and a few from Europe and the Middle East. The airports at Pemba in the north and Vilanculos in the south also receive some regional flights. Because of Mozambique’s size, travel within the country is usually by domestic flight.

The south of Mozambique is easiest to travel to. Laidback Vilanculos has its own airport, shops, bars and restaurants, and of course beautiful beach. There is lots to do, from kite surfing to horse riding, as well as tasting all the delicious local food.

For those who prefer tranquillity, we recommend heading out for the Bazaruto archipelago. You have a choice of five islands, each with its rhythms, and all located within the protected marine park with waters that are simply stunning.

The north of Mozambique also has beautiful beaches. Pemba is the gateway to the Quirimbas archipelago just off the coast where private island luxury waits, while Ilha de Mozambique, the old island capital and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit for its history and architecture.

In central Mozambique, meanwhile, Gorongosa National Park, unlike many reserves in Africa, is truly wild with no crowds except for the herds of impala and the occasional lion and elephant. Combine diving with a safari to experience the best of southern Africa.

Mozambique’s rich history can be tasted through its food, a vibrant mix of African, Arab and Portuguese influences. The seafood is fresh and wonderful in variety, and everything is liberally sprinkled with spice. Staple dishes include matata seafood stew, peri-peri chicken (Mozambique is the birthplace of peri-peri), and chamussas, a Mozambican take on samosas. Tropical fruits are also plentiful, with coconut pudding (pudim de coco) a favourite.

Mozambique is known for its kaleidoscope of traditional arts. The annual Chopi Festival in Inhambane showcases Bantu Chopi culture, in particular timbila (wooden xylophone) music and dance as passed down from generation to generation.

To feel the spirit of modern Mozambique, we recommend Maputo’s Marrabenta Festival, which fuses traditional Mozambican dance rhythms, Portuguese folk music, pop and rock for all-round dancing fun.

Minor Hotels can be found in the north and south of Mozambique, on the mainland and private islands. Each is unique in feel – intimate and exclusive, vibrant and social – yet all offer access to spectacular diving and water sports.