Mozambique

Mozambique is East Africa's ultimate beach destination and an increasingly compelling safari addition. Its 2,500-kilometre Indian Ocean coastline harbours some of the most pristine marine environments in the western Indian Ocean, from the turquoise waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago to the remote coral atolls of the Quirimbas.

The country's marine life is extraordinary — whale sharks, manta rays, humpback whales, dolphins, dugongs, and five species of sea turtle all frequent these waters. The coral reefs, particularly around the Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos, rival the Maldives for beauty while receiving a fraction of the visitors.

On land, Gorongosa National Park represents one of the most inspiring conservation stories in modern Africa. Devastated during the country's civil war (1977-1992), the park has been painstakingly restored through a partnership between the Mozambican government and the Carr Foundation. Wildlife populations have recovered dramatically, with lions, elephants, hippos, and rare African wild dogs now roaming the park's diverse habitats of floodplain, miombo woodland, and limestone gorges.

Mozambique's cultural appeal adds another dimension: Portuguese colonial architecture, vibrant markets, exceptional seafood, and the warm, unhurried pace of island life create a destination that perfectly complements the intensity of an African safari.