Mozambique is an up-and-coming tourist destination: a diamond in the rough that is rapidly being polished to a sunny shine, attracting tourists from all over the world. Divers love world-class diving. Beach lovers love pristine beaches. Backpackers love hostels and beachside accommodation. Luxury lovers love it for the privacy and luxurious accommodations and idyllic resorts.

Travelers who enjoy activities such as diving, water sports and adventure travel are always hungry for new places to explore and conquer. In these days of easy travel, it can be a challenge to find new and unique places to outdo your friends, so perhaps Mozambique provides the solution.

Mozambique is a diverse and still developing country and there is no doubt that the main reason for its growing popularity is the spectacular Mozambican coastline. The nearly 2,500 km (1,550 miles) of unspoiled beauty and palm-fringed beaches meet the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, along with its lagoons, coral reefs and hundreds of unspoiled islands. There are plenty of activities besides diving and snorkeling, including sailing, sport fishing, saltwater fly fishing, canoeing, water skiing, jet skiing, and windsurfing.

Mozambique is a former Portuguese colony on the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean and separated from Madagascar by the Mozambique Channel. Divers can experience swimming with whale sharks, humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays, turtles and dugongs, and the brave can opt for shark encounters. It is also popular with nature lovers and those interested in bird watching and wildlife photography. Be sure to read about the environmental concerns in the area and the rules and regulations in place to protect and preserve the natural beauty,

When traveling to less developed countries, it is always important to remember that the medical facilities may be below the standard that we are used to. In Mozambique, serious problems may require a medical evacuation to South Africa. Therefore, when choosing travel insurance, make sure it includes medical evacuation by air ambulance and emergency repatriation. Check the insurance policy wording carefully for exclusions or restrictions on diving and water sports activities, especially as it pertains to liability. There’s no doubt that any type of insurance has bewildering terminology that can be difficult to read, so if in doubt, always call for clarification.

In the unlikely event that the beaches and islands get boring, there are plenty of other activities to explore. Try a dhow cruise or safari trip, or explore the colorful markets. Many visitors prefer to stay in the south of the country, near the capital Maputo, where the roads and transport systems are better and there is access to a wider range of modern facilities. When it comes to nightlife, there is plenty to do with jazz bars and street cafes or dancing the night away to the exciting Mozambican marrabenta rhythms.

Accessing funds can be difficult without prior research and planning. See the best way to carry money or access your funds in Mozambique. The best times to visit are between May and November, when the weather is a bit cooler and temperatures range from 24-27% u02 DAC in coastal areas.

Most visitors and backpackers head north from Maputo to the beautiful beaches and backpacker accommodations in Tofo and then on to places like Vilankulo and the Bazaruto archipelago. Adventurers or those seeking the utmost in privacy and exclusivity may prefer to take the road less traveled and venture further north into the country, where the landscape becomes even more natural and unspoiled and there are fewer tourists.

This gem of a country with its dreamy beaches, islands and coral reefs is a place to visit while it is still relatively undiscovered by mainstream tourism. The locals are friendly and eager to give visitors a big smile and a warm welcome. While you’re busy packing your snorkel, fins, and sunscreen, don’t forget your sunglasses, because such beauty can be dazzling!