With its pristine beaches and ideal bathing spots, Mozambique is the perfect destination to round off an eventful safari experience.

The coast of Mozambique was controlled for centuries by the Arabs, who used it as a place to trade raw materials and slaves. The Portuguese later took control, leaving Ibo Island and Ilha de Mocambique as witnesses of their rule. Mozambique finally gained independence in 1975 – and a sixteen-year civil war broke out the following year. The end of the war in 1994 and reconciliation with South Africa marked an economic upturn for Mozambique.

The country is home to some 30 million inhabitants, around a tenth of these live in the capital Maputo. Although tourism here is still in the very early stages, several excellent lodges have already sprung up along the coastline.