Friendly people, magnificent beaches, a balmy tropical climate, fabulous seafood, crumbing yet still elegant colonial buildings… these elements and more combine to make Southern Mozambique an utterly beguiling travel destination. In the capital, Maputo - one of Africa’s prettiest and most personable capitals - you can sample the lively local nightlife, peruse the enormous Municipal Market or feast on fresh king prawns along the seaside Avenida Marginal. just a couple of hours out of the city, the port town of Imhambane has some intriguing old Portuguese architecture, as well as a wide lagoon where you can take a dhow over to the neighbouring village of Maxixe. The seaside destinations of Tofo, Barra and Pandane each have their own charms - visit Tofo for surfing, Barra for its sublime beach and adventure activities, and remote Pandane for incredible snorkelling.