Mozambique Beach Tour

Day 1: Maputo.

Arrive in Mozambique and explore the capital, Maputo. Its colonial architecture has seen grander days, the market stalls sell everything from fish to curios and the sidewalk cafes are a convenient place to watch the world go by.

Day 2: Xai-Xai.

Leaving the bustle of the city, head for Xai-Xai. Rural villages illustrate a different way of life. Old men sit watching while women prepare food over cooking fires. The first beach camp is remote and beautiful.

Day 3 - 4: Ponta Da Barra.

The views en route are striking. Inland lakes glisten on one side of the road and a brilliant blue sea sparkles on the other. For centuries Arab and Persian traders exchanged cloth, salt and beads for slaves, ivory and gold in Inhambane Bay. Continue to Ponta Da Barra, a peninsula of long white beaches. The camp for two nights is surrounded by coconut palms. The next day is set aside for enjoying the beach. Relax, tan and swim or enjoy the optional activities of snorkelling, diving or fishing - the choice is yours. The beauty of the location will form a lasting memory.

Day 5: Vilanculos.

In Inhambane, visit the colourful market, then sail a dhow across the bay to Maxixe. You drive on to Vilanculos. Shopping in the local markets is an integral part of the tour and here the fish market yields its catch for a superb seafood barbecue.

Day 6 - 7: Bazaruto Archipelago.

Open your tent, take in the view and walk down to the boat. You sail across to the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, proclaimed a national park in 1971. The protected reefs support dolphins and marine turtles. There are myriads of tropical fish to discover while snorkelling in the warm crystal clear waters. You camp on the islands for two nights, walk deserted beaches and watch the sun slide into the ocean at the end of each day.

Day 8: Vilanculos.

Passing fishermen in their small wooden boats, whose fishing methods have remained unchanged for centuries, you sail back to Vilanculos. Your time on the islands will have undoubtedly formed one of the highlights of your time in Mozambique. This is the last night on the coast.

Day 9: Mutare.

The route now turns inland. Relax and watch the changing scenery during a driving day as the mountains and ridges of the Vumba Range rise before you. From the "Mountains of the Mist" tourists marvel at the view back over the Mozambican Plai.