Mozambique Hotels

Mozambique is a country on the Indian Ocean coast of Southern Africa. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Tanzania to the north and has inland borders with Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Swaziland. Mozambique's eastern coastline along the Indian Ocean is more than 1,000 km long, a fantastic draw for scuba divers, fishermen, sailors and beach lovers.

Mozambique has 10 provinces that can be grouped into the following three regions: Northern Mozambique encompasses Cabo Delgado, Nampula and Niassa provinces. Central Mozambique is home to Manica, Sofala, Tete and Zambezia provinces. Southern Mozambique is made up of Gaza, Inhambane and Maputo provinces.

Almost five centuries of Portuguese colonization came to a close for Mozambique with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration by European inhabitants, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development.

It's now slowly working towards building stability and an economy, and is slowly positioning itself as a major tourist destination. With all it has to offer, the future looks bright. Mozambique is one of Africa's up and coming hot spots, with stunning beaches, excellent diving and magical offshore islands.

Go snorkelling around the Bazaruto Archipelago, sail on a dhow through mangrove channels or laze under the palms in the Quirimbas Archipelago, take an off-beat safari in the wilds of Gorongosa National Park, wander along cobbled streets past stately colonial-era buildings on Ilha de Moçambique, sip a café espresso at one of Maputo's lively sidewalk cafes, watch the silversmiths at work on Ibo Island or dance to the country's trademark Marrabenta music.

For almost two decades, many of these attractions were inaccessible due to a protracted guerrilla war. Now dark times are in the past, and Mozambique is one of Africa's rising stars, with an upbeat atmosphere, overflowing markets and a 2500km coastline waiting to be discovered. If you're inclined to something tamer, stick to Southern Mozambique where roads and transport links especially with neighbouring South Africa are good and accommodation options abound.

For more adventure, head across the Zambezi into the wilds of Northern Mozambique, one of Africa's last frontiers. Getting around here takes time, but the paradisiacal coastal panoramas and sense of space, the sheer adventure of travel and – for those with a healthy budget some of the continent's most idyllic island lodges make the journey well worthwhile.