Just 200km north of Maputo lies the lovely little town of Xai Xai (pronounced "shy shy") which is the capital of Gaza province. This is where the mighty Limpopo River meets the Indian Ocean in a wide, biodiverse estuary that's filled with life and fascinating to explore.

The beaches around Xai Xai are stunningly beautiful and its far less commercialised than many of Mozambique's other "holiday" towns. Thanks to the Limpopo estuary, there are a collection of fresh water lakes within an easy drive of Xai Xai where you can paddle ski, kayak and windsurf. Or just kick back on the water's edge and enjoy some amazing birding from the shore. You can also charter a boat for some fresh water fishing if you like!

South of Xai Xai is the Wenela Tidal Pool, with its natural rock tunnel and blow hole that links it to the Indian Ocean. A reef runs parallel to the shore at Xai Xai, making its beaches wonderfully protected and offering amazing diving and snorkelling opportunities with small pools forming at low tide.

Praia do Xai Xai, some 12km from town, is also a wonderfully protected beach offering safe swimming, as does Chongoene Beach around 8km north of town. Or try the small resort of Bilene on a vast, 27km lagoon bordered by a stunning, white sand beach.