Highlights of Mozambique: Maputo, Bazaruto & Tofo

Today you explore lively Maputo, Mozambique's captivating capital. On a guided city tour you take in its Portuguese-African landmarks, the striking iron railway station attributed to the Eiffel workshop, the Art Deco and colonial buildings of the old town, the cathedral, the fort and the botanical gardens. You wander the bustling markets, the colourful Feira de Artesanato craft market and the lively food stalls of the central market, soaking up the sights, sounds and aromas of the city. For lunch and dinner you feast on Maputo's legendary seafood, giant grilled prawns, fresh fish and famous peri-peri chicken. The blend of African warmth and Portuguese flavour is captivating throughout the day. As evening falls, you return to your hotel, perhaps for a sundowner on the Marginal. Rest well, for tomorrow you fly north to the turquoise islands of Bazaruto.

Today you fly north up the coast to Vilanculos, the relaxed beach town that is the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. After a transfer to the airport and a scenic flight over the Indian Ocean coastline, you arrive in Vilanculos, a laid-back town of sandy streets, palm-lined beaches and colourful markets, from where dhows and boats set out to the dune islands offshore. You settle into your beachfront accommodation and spend the afternoon relaxing, swimming in the warm sea, strolling the long beach, exploring the lively local market, or watching the dhows come and go against a backdrop of turquoise water. The pace slows and the island beauty begins. As the day ends, you enjoy a relaxed dinner beside the ocean. Rest well, for tomorrow you sail into the magical Bazaruto Archipelago.

Today you sail into the magical Bazaruto Archipelago, one of the Indian Ocean's great treasures. Aboard a graceful traditional dhow or boat you cross impossibly turquoise, translucent water within the protected marine national park to the golden dune islands offshore. You snorkel over vivid coral gardens alive with tropical fish, wade across shimmering sandbanks revealed at low tide, climb towering island dunes for sweeping views over the archipelago, and keep watch for dolphins, turtles and the rare dugongs that graze these rich waters. A fresh seafood lunch is served on a beach or sandbank. The colour of the sea and the grace of the dhows are unforgettable. As the day ends, you transfer to your lodge on Bazaruto Island itself. This evening, savour the island peace and starry sky. Rest well amid the beauty of Bazaruto.

Today you enjoy the beauty of Bazaruto Island at a relaxed pace. The largest island in the archipelago is a place of soaring golden dunes, freshwater lakes, flamingo-dotted flats and long empty beaches lapped by warm turquoise water. You might climb the great dunes for spectacular views, walk to hidden inland lakes, snorkel or dive the surrounding reefs, take a guided nature walk, or simply relax on the beach and swim in the clear, warm sea. Keen anglers can try the archipelago's famous fishing, and the whole island invites unhurried exploration and blissful rest. The peace, space and beauty are restorative. As the day ends, you gather on the beach for a spectacular sunset over the water. This evening, savour fresh seafood beneath the stars. Rest well amid the beauty of Bazaruto Island.

Today you journey south to Tofo and the historic town of Inhambane, one of the world's great marine hotspots. After a boat transfer back to Vilanculos and a scenic flight down the coast, you arrive near Inhambane, an ancient, palm-shaded town on a beautiful bay, layered with Arab, Swahili and Portuguese heritage. You transfer to your beach accommodation at nearby Tofo, a legendary stretch of golden sand and turquoise water beloved by divers and beach lovers alike. You settle in and spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, swimming, or strolling the sandy village with its market, cafes and dive centres. The relaxed, salty energy of Tofo is instantly appealing. As the day ends, you enjoy a seafood dinner beside the ocean. Rest well, for tomorrow you head out to meet Tofo's whale sharks and manta rays.

Today you head out on an unforgettable ocean safari from Tofo, into some of the richest waters in the Indian Ocean. By boat you launch through the surf and cruise the warm, plankton-rich sea in search of gentle whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean, and huge, graceful manta rays that glide up from the deep. When these magnificent, harmless giants are found, you slip into the water to snorkel alongside them as they cruise serenely through the blue, an experience that is humbling and exhilarating in equal measure. Dolphins, turtles and, in season, migrating humpback whales may also appear. The encounters stay with you forever. As the day ends, you return to the beach, exhilarated. This evening, savour fresh seafood and swap stories of the giants of Tofo. Rest well beside the ocean.

Today you enjoy the reefs of Tofo and the historic charm of Inhambane. In the morning you can dive or snorkel Tofo's vibrant coral reefs, alive with tropical fish, turtles, morays and rays, among the best diving in Africa, or simply relax and swim from the beautiful beach. In the afternoon you visit the atmospheric old town of Inhambane, one of Mozambique's oldest settlements, wandering its quiet streets of pastel Portuguese colonial buildings, visiting the old cathedral and mosques, and taking in the dhow-filled bay where wooden boats still ferry passengers across the water as they have for centuries. The blend of marine adventure and layered history is captivating. As the day ends, you return to Tofo for a final relaxed evening. This evening, savour a seafood feast beside the sea. Rest well.

Today you enjoy a final, flexible day on the beautiful beach at Tofo. You might take another ocean safari or dive in the hope of more whale sharks and mantas, snorkel the reefs, take a surfing or stand-up paddle lesson, or join a horse ride along the sand. Equally, you may choose simply to relax, swimming in the warm turquoise sea, walking the long golden beach, browsing the village market for crafts and cashews, and soaking up the salty, laid-back energy of Tofo. This flexible day lets you savour the ocean and reflect on the beautiful coastal journey you have made. As the day ends, you gather for a spectacular sunset over the sea. This evening, savour a final seafood dinner beside the ocean, reflecting on Maputo, Bazaruto and Tofo. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow.

After a final morning beside the ocean at Tofo, perhaps a last swim or a stroll along the beach, you are transferred to Inhambane airport for your flight to Maputo or Johannesburg and your onward international departure. You leave having experienced the very best of southern Mozambique, lively Maputo with its Portuguese-African architecture, markets and seafood, the turquoise dune islands and dhows of the Bazaruto Archipelago, and the whale sharks, manta rays, reefs and historic charm of Tofo and Inhambane, all warmed by legendary Mozambican hospitality. The images stay vivid long after you land, the graceful dhows on turquoise water, the golden island dunes, the gentle giants of Tofo and the pastel streets of Inhambane. Mozambique offers beauty, warmth, adventure and relaxation in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this beautiful Indian Ocean coast.