Beach experiences

Dubbed the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean', the Bazaruto Archipelago is nothing short of picturesque. Ask anybody and they'd tell you, one of the best ways to take in this dreamy destination is from a dhow. The traditional way of getting around these seas for thousands of years, dhows have become synonymous with Africa's east coast. From the island's quiet beaches of soft white sand you'll watch local dhows sail to and fro on the turquoise waters. As the wind fills the wistful, curved sails, you'll cruise across the water, toasting another splendid day as the sun turns the sea from gold to pink to dusky blue. Keep your eyes peeled for flocks of pelicans, sea turtles, rare dugong and dolphin dancing in the waves! Temperate and steady most of the year (with the chance of rain between January and March), there isn't a 'bad' time for a dhow cruise.

Float above thousands of colourful fish in Africa’s great Lake Malawi. This huge body of freshwater hosts perhaps the largest number of fish species of any lake in Africa. Due to the Lake’s high alkalinity, it also has an amazingly high proportion of endemic brightly-coloured fish. This makes for an amazing snorkelling experience in the clear, turquoise water beside your lodge. There are also few plants and organic material in the lake, which makes for amazing visibility above the sandy and rocky bottom. Dive into the waters and get lost in this gin-clear paradise, as you search out new species of fish, or just sink to the floor and let your body float up to the surface as all your troubles melt away.

Depending on your plans for the day, head out in the early morning or late afternoon to explore the dunes, island roads and beaches on horseback. In the category of unique activities, this ranks highly on our list. You'll get a feel for the natural rhythm of Bazaruto as you navigate overgrown paths abuzz with birdlife, and canter past glassy lakes and across powdery white sand beaches. You could even go swimming with your horse and it doesn't much more magical than that.

Pemba island was quickly made famous when The Manta Resort installed a unique floating room with an underwater bedroom. And you can believe all the hype because floating out above the coral reef on your own “private island” is exciting enough, but sleeping four metres under water surrounded by colourful marine life really brings this ocean holiday to a new level. Share your morning coffee with vibrant and energetic reef fish, breakfast on the top deck followed by a dip in the warm Indian ocean. What a way to start the day!

Dig your toes into the sand, take in the glow of the sun (or sunset) and let your senses be heightened by the surroundings, all while enjoying a tasty meal. Whether you'd like to start your day with laidback and breezy breakfast or end it with a private dinner under the moonlight, what better place than a beach on the coast of Mauritius?

With a variety of reef and big game fish, the waters offer a stunning experience for both beginners and advanced fishermen. We're happy to report that the fishing here is informed by the marine reserve's conservation policies and is done on a catch and release basis. Head out on a fully-equipped fishing boat to catch everything from sailfish, wahoo and giant trevally (up to 50kg) to giant black marlin - it's one of the best places to do so! The conditions are good all year round but peak season for big game fishing is between mid-September and late December.

The waters of Lake Malawi are free of tides or currents and excellent for sailing. Winds are rarely very high but there's always a breeze for sail boats. If you're not confident of your own sailing skills, board a skippered catamaran or yacht to experience the freedom of sailing with the wind in your hair.