While Mozambique has had more than its share of difficulties – not least of which was a long, horrific civil war – the atmosphere is upbeat, and reconstruction has proceeded at a remarkable pace. The country’s modern face reflects a unique blend of Africa, Arabic, Indian and European influences – its cuisine is spicier, its music more tropical, and its pace more laid-back than its former British neighbours. Mozambique’s coastline is one of the longest on the continent, with endless stretches of white-sand; palm fringed beaches and unexplored offshore reefs.

Mozambique is one of Africa’s undiscovered jewels; wild, beautiful and undeveloped. There are unbridged rivers, rutted roads and areas that are inaccessible to even the hardiest of travellers. On the coast, there are mile upon mile of white palm fringed beaches, which can be reached only by dhow and whose sole visitors are fishermen and nesting turtles. Air travel has opened up some of these areas to a new type of visitor.

Off the shores of Mozambique there are a number of archipelagos, including Bazaruto, which has developed small exclusive hotels. Known to few, Bazaruto has sugar white beaches and turquoise seas full of rainbow coloured fish.

For those with a sense of adventure then they should consider a visit to the untouched north of the country, now accessible via direct air link from neighbouring Tanzania. Off the coast the islands of Quirimba Archipelago are pristine, known to few, and visited only by a handful of guests. Tangled green creepers tumble to the water from low coral cliffs; white sandy beaches are littered with shells and frequented only by turtles. There are butterflies, tropical flowers, monkeys and birds. Apart from the local fishermen paddling in dug-out canoes, there are no people to be seen anywhere.

A marine sanctuary, the turquoise waters are rich with coral and fish. Ribbon eels, spotted sweetlips and yellow banded snappers are some of the 375 fish species you might see. There are green and hawksbill turtles, humpback whales and the rare dugong. This is a special area of Mozambique that is a place to be visited soon, before it is discovered by the rest of the world.