If Quirimbas were to appear in the dictionary, it would do so along with words such as pristine, remote, unexplored, relaxed and all those lovely things that are becoming increasingly rare in our world. Being at the far northern extreme of Mozambique, this collection of thirty-odd islands and coral heads is understandably less developed than its southern counterpart, Bazaruto. Small beach lodges are dotted around the islands which you reach by small plane from the town of Pemba on the mainland.

Quirimbas can be just as easily reached from Tanzania as from Mozambique or South Africa but it is off the beaten track and ideal if you really want to escape. Some islands are easier than others to get to. The flight itself affords incredible aerial views of the endless beaches and clear seas so it’s hardly time wasted.