Wakene Beach Estate

If you can’t get enough of being out on the water, Ponta Malongane should be your first stop for fishing charters, spear fishing and scuba diving before you swim along the coast to Ponta do Ouro (or a half-hour drive) – there’s a mile-long break here, so it’s a must visit for beach buffs and surf seekers, plus it’s a local hot spot for kite surfing and quadding on the sands. Fancy spending some time meeting the locals? Book yourself onto a dive tour to get up close with the neighbourhood dolphins and sharks. Maybe you’re more of an on-land wildlife fan… you’re sorted for that here too. The site is a little under an hour from the western gate of the Maputo Special Reserve – make tracks as quickly as poss for guided tours and the chance to see hippos, giraffes, zebras and part of the reserve’s 200-strong herd of elephants. Stay out in nature by crossing the South African border at Kosi Bay (45 minutes away) and continuing on to iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, an hour from base, to explore the palm forests, swamps and reed channels and keep a wary eye out for lurking crocs and the Big Five. Not your style? Have a city day in Mozambican capital Maputo (under three hours away) for the Tunduru Gardens, museums, galleries and shopping.