Mozambique trip | Exclusive stay on Benguerra Island Mozambique

Gauteng is South Africa’s smallest province, but it is the commercial and administrative heart of the country and indeed of the whole of southern Africa.
The name Gauteng is the Sotho name for ‘Place of Gold’. In fact, a huge gold vein was discovered in this province in 1886, and gold quickly became the foundation of the national economy. During mining operations, further riches were unearthed, such as diamonds and coal.
But Gauteng is more than just cities, money and politics. For example, the Sterkfontein Caves were designated a World Heritage Site after bones dating back no less than 3.5 million years were found there. This site is also known as the Cradle of Humankind.

One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, affectionately known to locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', has 11 official languages, and its people are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover Cape Town's gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the community of Soweto, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or taste some of the world's best wines at the numerous wine estates scattered across the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all, the untamed wilderness is amazing: wildlife roams freely across huge unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.

Located in Mozambique's Inhambane province, Vilanculos is a relaxed town with some beautiful beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters. It is equipped with all the amenities needed for a fantastic seaside holiday. This bustling coastal town has its own international airport and is an excellent base for exploring the idyllic islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago. The town itself offers good diving, a wide range of accommodation options and a vibrant nightlife. Visitors can hop on a traditional dhow boat and head to the pristine Bazaruto Archipelago, search for fresh produce and locally made souvenirs at the bustling market in the city centre, and spend the day soaking up the sun on an array of idyllic beaches. Other popular activities include horse riding, game fishing, kite surfing, diving, snorkelling and sailing.

The remote and relatively undeveloped Central Mozambique area is home to some of the country's best secret tourist gems. The main draw of this thriving oasis is the easily accessible Gorongosa National Park, which offers impressive caves and exciting game drives through a wide range of scenic landscapes, inhabited by an abundance of wildlife and bird species. A playground for adventurers and nature lovers alike, travellers to Central Mozambique can hike Monte Binga, Mozambique's highest mountain with stunning views of the Indian Ocean; visit remote Lake Cahora Bassa on the Zambezi River to enjoy excellent fishing opportunities; and head to Bazaruto Archipelago Islands to swim and snorkel in the clear, turquoise waters filled with colourful fish.

This tropical paradise is located on the east coast of Africa with 2,500 km of spectacular coastline. With its idyllic palm-fringed beaches and crystal clear waters brimming with beautiful marine life, this enchanting African country is an ideal holiday destination for adventure, offering a plethora of activities such as snorkelling, sunset cruises, horse riding, dolphin tours and world-renowned diving opportunities. Mozambique's two main cities, Maputo and Inhambane, offer an exotic kaleidoscope of art, music and delicious local cuisine, as well as a vibrant nightlife. Spend your days immersed in the fascinating local culture, enjoying the impressive colonial architecture and interacting with the friendly locals. Those looking for a more remote adventure there are many beautiful less visited areas such as the beaches of Benguerra Island, the historic Portuguese and Islamic architecture of Mozambique Island or the wildlife of Gorongosa National Park. However you choose to spend your time in this exceptionally beautiful destination, you are likely to leave with a heavy heart and a burning desire to return again and again.

The Bazaruto archipelago, located in the warm Indian Ocean off the coast of Vilanculos in Mozambique, is part of a protected marine park and consists of five idyllic islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangue. These small, sandy and exceptionally beautiful islands have some of Africa's best beaches, as well as a number of large dunes and freshwater lakes, which are ideal breeding grounds for black-winged flamingos. Just offshore, visitors can explore a kaleidoscope of colourful corals teeming with exotic marine life - whale sharks, dolphins, turtles and dugongs. Active visitors can go scuba diving, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing and sailing, while history buffs and culture enthusiasts can indulge in the picturesque Vilankulo lighthouse and ruins, built in the Great Zimbabwe tradition.

Benguerra, the second largest island in the idyllic Bazaruto archipelago, is a tropical paradise with long palm-fringed white beaches, green rainforest and temperate turquoise seas drenched with coral reefs. Benguerra was designated a national park in 1971 and wildlife thrives in this pristine environment, including freshwater crocodiles, turtles, monkeys, bucks and more than 150 bird species. The surrounding ocean is drenched in beautiful coral reefs, home to a kaleidoscopic variety of vividly coloured tropical fish and offers some of the most spectacular snorkelling and diving opportunities in the world. These pristine waters are even visited by the rare dugong, an ancient marine animal currently found in only a few locations around the world.