Handpicked Mozambique

With a coastline that stretches down the country’s entire Eastern flank, it’s no surprise that Mozambique’s is the Indian Ocean’s third longest stretch – and what a stretch it is.

Given the relative lack of infrastructure here in comparison to neighbouring South Africa, there are vast swathes of golden sand that remain practically untouched by human hand. Get ready for bumpy sand dune tracks that spill out onto empty beaches, for seas teeming with marine life and for pockets of unexplored archipelagos.

One of our (many) favourites is the rugged Ponta Mamoli, a 3-hour drive – or a hop, skip and a jump in a helicopter – from the capital, Maputo. We walked miles of sandy shores without seeing another person and stopped off at one of the lovely beach lodges that pepper the coastline for a well-earned beer and plate of prawns.

The south of the country is a surfing Mecca, too, with shore and reef breaks for surfers of all abilities. Head north for less inhabited spots and a touch more wildness but know that, whichever part of Mozambique’s coast you end up on, it won’t be like anything you’ve seen before.

In the Gorongosa, Mozambique has a national park that is undoubtedly on the rise. Although animal populations were decimated by the civil war that ravaged the country in the last century, they’re thankfully on the rise again and this oasis in the centre of the country is the best place to see what’s offer.

There are hippos, crocodiles, impala, waterbuck, antelope, warthogs (a Love To Explore favourite on account of their resemblance to our founder, Ludo), and over 300 species of birds. If you’re lucky – and particularly eagle-eyed, you may even spot lions and elephants.

For a national park unlike anything we’ve seen before, visitors have to visit the Bazaruto Archipelago. This protected area is a marine Mecca and, on account of its location away from the mainland, has been able to escape the ravages of the civil war. Nowadays, it’s simply one giant playground for dolphins, flamingos, crocodiles, fish eagles, turtles and the elusive dugong. It’s home to only 3,500 people and much of the area can be explored by traditional dhow-safaris. If that doesn’t get the adventurous juices flowing, we’re not too sure what will.

The jewel in the crown of East Africa’s capital cities, Maputo is a gem of a city in Mozambique’s south – and a must for travellers before they head north. Combining Portuguese-style architecture with a contemporary African vibe and waterside setting, be prepared for tree-lined avenues, jacaranda-shaded pavements and hundreds of bars and cafes to while away the hours.

Pop into the Chissano Gallery to soak up some of the sculptor Alberto Chissano’s (one of Mozambique’s most famous sons) works – as well as his remains and, for those in need of a further art hit, the National Art Museum is home to a fascinating collection of paintings and sculptures by nationally-renowned artists.

We’d recommend, too, cluing yourself up on some of Mozambique’s more complex and sinister history. The Praça dos Heróis Moçambicanos has an incredible, almost 100-metre long mural dedicated to the revolutionaries of the country, and the Portuguese fort provides a living example of colonial history – and all of its associated elements.

When in doubt in Maputo – as in so many other places – we always tell our clients to simply stroll about. This is a city with hidden depths and a continuously fascinating heart. And, if in doubt, we can almost guarantee that there’ll be a bar around the next corner.

An unexplored, endlessly gorgeous and sparsely-populated heaven for hikers is how we’d describe Mozambique’s hiking opportunities – and that could be an understatement.

With trails of anywhere from an hour to 5 days, there’s something for everyone here and the variety of landscape on offer is a sight to behold. In the north of the country, hardy hikers will find Mount Namuli, a sacred site that can be climbed – with local customs in mind – with the help of a guide. It’s a place of wonderful wildness, expansive views and the very real feeling that you’re the only person in the area.

For those who prefer a more leisurely stroll, there are a number of tour operators in the south of the country who offer hikes along the coastline, lasting anything from half a day to almost a week. Hop between bays and coves, cool off with a dip and refresh yourself with an ice-cold Impala lager at the end of the day. Whatever sort of walking it is that you’re after, we’re pretty certain that Mozambique will have the answer and that Shanks’s pony is about the best way to see this amazing country.