Southern Mozambique has long been popular with self-drive South African tourists, but local travellers are now discovering the idyllic islands and pristine beaches of our neighbour's northern reaches.

South Africans "are looking for new and unique experiences and have heard about the beautiful, undiscovered and less crowded nature of the north," says Fiona Record, co-founder of tour operator Mozambique Travel.

The region is proving popular with both leisure and corporate travellers, and is even seeing a boom as travellers tighten their purse strings.

"With the current downturn we have seen an increase in interest in domestic and regional products, which includes Mozambique," says Wendy Goutier, Thompsons Holidays Product & Contract Executive, Indian Ocean Islands.

The town of Pemba is the gateway to the region, which includes the magnificent Quirimbas Archipelago, and is served by both Airlink and Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM).

"Airlink launched the direct service on 24 March 2007, departing every Tuesday and Saturday," says Karin Murray, Marketing Manager for Airlink. "From Jan 2009 we will reduce the service to Saturdays only due to the low season and low demand up to March 2009."

Despite the current low demand, the direct flight has certainly boosted visitor numbers.

"We estimate a 30 percent increase in arrivals since the inception of Airlink's direct flight," says Michèle Abraham, Marketing Manager for Rani Resorts. "Pemba is steadily increasing in popularity for both corporate (business and groups/incentive) and leisure travellers from South Africa."

So what is the attraction of this region some three hours flight from Johannesburg?

"Mozambique is well known for its pristine beaches and romantic island style hotels and Pemba is no exception," enthused Ms Goutier.

The range of quality accommodation on offer is certainly a major draw card, says Carien van den Berg, General Manager of Flame of Africa: "The hotels that operate in the area are renowned for their superb service and cater for a broad base of travellers from groups and incentives straight through to honeymooners."

Luxury accommodation in an unspoiled tropical location is the main attraction of the region, although there are also cultural attractions, dhow cruises and a range of watersports to keep clients busy.

There is certainly more to the area than lying on a beach, says Ms Record. The activities on offer "include community tourism at Nkwichi and Guludo Lodge; snorkelling and world class cuisine at Londo Lodge; scuba diving at Medjumbe Island and game fishing at Vamizi Island."

Paradise beaches, plentiful seafood and luxury lodges. Sounds like paradise… so what's the downside? Well, the region is mainly geared for the upper-end of the market, with luxury hotels and air transfers standard for most visitors.

"By no means is it a 'cheap' destination, but then you are guaranteed exclusivity and for the discerning traveller that is ideal," says Ms van den Berg.

However, "there are currently some extremely attractive specials in the marketplace," says Ms Record, "and it is important to understand that the north and in particular the Quirimbas Archipelago has been Africa's secret for the last few years.

"It is sought after for its pristine nature, conservation and community-oriented tourism developments that offer discerning visitors the luxury of space."

» This article was originally published in Travel Industry Review, February 2009

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