Mozambique is a tropical paradise, with a vibrant culture, friendly people, a myriad of cultures and an intriguing history. Bordered by the Indian Ocean, the palm-fringed pristine white beaches are lapped by warm, enticing crystal clear waters.

This is also a diver's dream, as the 2,500 km coastline boasts over 1,000 species of marine life and hundreds of beautiful coral reefs still unexplored.

Just 30 km offshore, the Bazaruto Archipelago is one of the most beautiful places on the African continent, complete with azure waters, sandy beaches, palm trees, and pristine coral reefs with tropical fish.

Made up of just 4 main islands, and 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, game fish, giant lobster and several species of marine turtle. The calm waters are perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling, as the marine life is simply spectacular.

Back on shore there is plenty to do: horse riding, 4x4 guided trips around the island, hiking, sand boarding, and of course the all important lying in a hammock and soaking up the atmosphere.

Further north lies the ancient port city of Pemba, also popular with watersport and diving enthusiasts as a coral reef lies close to the shore. Pemba is a vibrant town, and is famous for its large local market or souk, where you can buy anything and everything from the thousands of stalls.

Offshore from Pemba lies the remote Quirimbas Archipelago - a chain of 27 islands that stretch for 250 km along the northern Mozambican coastline, and which are virtually untouched and unexplored.

The Quirimbas National Park, which includes 11 of the islands and a tropical mainland forest, provides a protective sanctuary for the coral islands, flora and fauna in the area, including feeding and nesting grounds for sea turtles, dugongs, dolphins, sharks and whales.

Ibo Island is one of the best known of the islands, and has a fascinating history of slavery, magnificent old fortresses, coral reefs and mangrove swamps.

Mozambique has a warm, tropical climate, with an average temperature of around 28°C. Most of the rain falls in the summer months, between October and April, and it is also very humid and hot during these months. The winter months are generally more pleasant, as they are cooler and drier.

Whether you want to enjoy the wealth of watersports of offer, such as snorkelling, water-skiing, wake boarding, sea kayaking or hobie cat sailing, or explore the ocean depths, or enjoy a sunset cruise on a dhow, or embark on a cultural tour, or relax around a beautiful swimming pool, or you just want to sip cocktails while watching the sun slip beneath the Indian Ocean - however you choose to spend your time in this amazing country, you will soon realise that Mozambique truly is a paradise all on its own.