The tiny and 'unassuming' African seaside village that's a hidden gem in gorgeous country

Mozambique may not make the list of top holiday destinations for many Brits this , or even over the summer, yet one of its villages is a hidden gem ripe for exploration. Tofo, which lies in the south of the southeastern country, is a stunning setting which mixes sandy beaches with gorgeous greenery.

A large number of tourists visit Tofo especially to see its striking wildlife, including manta rays and whale sharks, which live in the Mozambique Channel. This body of water makes of part of the Indian Ocean and lies between Mozambique and its island neighbour Madagascar. It is from the Channel that the warm Mozambique Current flows south, and this was also the site of the Battle of Madagascar in , when the Allies won an important victory to stop the island's ports falling to the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Nowadays, the area is more tranquil, boasting a range of wildlife for tourists to witness, primarily through diving in its warm waters.

In Tofo centre, there are a number of bars which come alive in the evenings, as well as restaurants featuring fresh local seafood with a piri piri twist.

All these amenities are available in the village, and the fact that it is not a well-known tourist hotspot means that there is a peaceful feel to Tofo for travellers.

Financially, it is also a realistic option for solo holidaymakers, with travel writer considering the trip that Mozambique was the only country she had visited where she did not have to pay double to book a bungalow for a single person.

She was able to buy a coconut for around a tenth of a British penny, a mango for half this price and a "whole fish big enough to feed three people" for just £4.50.

Addis recommended scuba diving in Tofo, as it is less crowded than hotspots like the Maldives and the Philippines, while a local outlet charges around £40 including rental equipment for a trip.

Surfing is another popular option for those wishing to share waves with the dolphins and join a handful of skilled surfers who frequent the little-known but fantastic spot.

notes that the sheltered area in the bay of the "unassuming" village is protected from the elements, offering gentle waves safe for intermediate and even novice surfers.

Locals also offer their boats for hire if tourists want to visit offshore islands.

Addis said: "The boats are simple, with sideways sails and rudders made out of old wood. It won't be fancy, but it will be beautiful. Bring your own beer, sit back, and enjoy."

Lonely Planet add that tourists can book dhow tours to the nearby Pig Island, offering a chance to climb aboard a traditional African sailing boat which may even have an old advertising poster as a sail.

Pig Island itself is home to fewer than a thousand people and has no source of freshwater other than rain.

Back at Tofo, quad bikes are also available to hire for around £40, which allow tourists a quick way to get around the local area, opening up enclaves and beaches inaccessible from Tofo's bay.

While summer in Mozambique runs from November to March, Tofo is a year round destination.

Temperatures can reach 30C in the summer with humidity of about 80%, but even in winter, which runs from April to October, the mercury can creep up to 25C with low humidity and a short rain season from late June to early July.

There is important Foreign Office advice to heed if travelling to Mozambique, as the UK government advises against all travel to some parts of the country.

There are warnings in place advising against all travel to some districts in the northern Cabo Delgado province due to attacks by groups with links to Islamist terrorism, and advising against all but essential travel to some surrounding areas.

However, these areas are over 1,000 miles (1,600km) away from Tofo, which is an area the government advises Brits to check travel advice before venturing to.