A marine national park covers most of the archipelago, protecting the exquisite marine life in these turquoise seas. In the far north of Mozambique, north of the coastal town of Pemba, lies the amazing Quirimbas Archipelago: about 12 major islands and 20 smaller, coralline outcrops. Some are within The Quirimbas National Park, but throughout these islands the marine environments are often pristine and largely unexplored. Matemo, Medjumbe and Vamizi islands have long beaches and dive sites. Mangrove-covered Ibo Island features colonial-era ruins, including forts. It's an amazing area to visit with waters inhabited by dolphins, whales and endangered dugongs.

Guidelines On Climate

The May to November winter season is when to go to Mozambique for cooler temperatures and the least chance of rain; December to April is the wet summer season although it generally rains in brief but vigorous downpours after which the sun comes out again. Note that January and February is cyclone season in southern Mozambique and there's every chance of a great deal of torrential rain - we'd advise avoiding the Bazaruto Archipelago at this time.

If the main focus of your Mozambique holiday is game viewing then the best time to visit Mozambique is during the dry months of August and September when the bush has thinned out and wildlife is concentrated around rivers and waterholes.