Situated on Africa’s east coast Northern Mozambique covers the main dive areas of Pomene, Praia do Tofo and Vilanculos. With miles of pristine beaches and largely untouched dive sites in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Alongside the chance to go on safari (albeit there are better safari locations over the border in South Africa and Botswana).

Northern Mozambique has a hot tropical climate with a rainy season from October and March, with the dry season running from April to September. There is little temperature variation between there seasons with average temperatures ranging from the low 20°C (68°F) getting up to 30°C (86°F) during the hottest summer days.

June to October

This is generally the driest time of the year and also the period of best water visibility.

Diving in Mozambique in the warm, crystal clear Indian Ocean waters and its islands provides some nice diving locations with relatively unspoilt coral reefs, sea temperatures vary between 30°C in summer to 21°C in winter and the structure of the reefs offer pinnacles, overhangs and coral arches.

Marine life to look out for includes; barracuda, manta rays, moray eels, sharks, huge schools of kingfish, giant lobsters, and numerous species of reef fish are commonly seen. The whale shark, the largest fish in the world which can reach lengths of up to 14m and weigh up to 15 tons, can be spotted between December and April. And if you are very lucky you may encounter the odd dolphin.

Having said this some dive centres can be lax on safety and can have poorly maintained equipment, so please be careful and review dive centres online before travelling!

Direct flights from North America and Europe can be purchased at a reasonable price.

• Safari
• White Sand Beaches
• Snorkelling

The good dive sites and other activities such as safaris can be some distance apart. Dive centre quality can be a bit hit and miss, crime can be an issue including hand bag theft on the beaches.