Although 5 days is rather short, travel straight to Pemba. Pemba is the capital of Cabo Delgado and home for 3 different ethnic groups (Macuas, dominant in Mozambique, Makondes, traditionally warriors and hunters, tatoos all over, sharpened teeth shark style, excellent handycraftsmen and traditional dances inside their neighboorhood like Mapiko, at Alto Gingone, and last but not the least, the Mwanis, a group resulting from a mix of natives, arabs, european, indian, etc, who live on a thin coastal line from Pemba to Mocímboa da Praia). Pemba is home to the one of the biggest natural bays in the world. You can watch it from a spot at the highest point in town, in front of the Governor's Residence. Early morning, it looks like a mirror and you might witness small fires around it as well. Pemba itself is a nice town. Small. Not much there but nice and friendly people. At Wimbi Beach, you can find one of the best spots for swimming, having a nice fresh meal (fish, lobster, prawns, etc), scubadiving or having fun in the evening at Aeroclube... If you want a more relaxed beach without that "many" people, you can always try Maringanha or Chuíba. Nevertheless, going to Pemba without visiting either Ibo or Quirimba is a miss. Ibo still owns an atmosphere of its past which is rather heavy over there. Beautiful sights there to the mainland mixed with what it once might have been. In the fort, which was also used as a prison and a fort for the portuguese armed forces, you can find locals selling silver necklaces and ear rings, as they say. Next to it, a visit or stay at Quirimba is a must. It is quite possible they are not around any more but I had the fortune and pleasure to meet the Gessner's, old german couple who were self sufficient (almost) in that island. Nice bungallows, an air strip and a sort of paradise on earth. The Indian Ocean on that part of the world really is something unforgettable.

Go to Pemba or Vilanculos! Best spots in Mozambique! Try: www.raniresorts.com Cheers!

Inhambane is a beautiful place to vist, as is Maputo with lots of museums and architecture to look at, it is also a fantastic cultural experience, look out for the goats travelling on the tops of loads on lorries and trucks!

Tofo by far is my favorite spot... The nicest beaches in my opinion, great local food, and Fatima's hostel on the beach is super affordable and awesome.

Fly direct to Pemba and visit the quirimbas-an experience you'll never forget or regret

Thank you all. I think Maputo to Bilene it is. If time allows I'll try Inhambane. Any recommendations on lodging or it is easy to just wing it??

Bilene... i think that is how you spell it... closer then Inhambane and exactly the place you would like by your description... there is a warm lagoon that seperates you from the sea... many local places and very friendly locals not busy at all!!! i would go back if i could!

cant tell u much bout mosambique, But Melville in Joburg is the best spot for a night life experience, go to 7th ave, Melville 0n a fri or sat nyt(if you enjoy crowds) There is a variety of genres of music people n drinks Hope it helps

Inhambane is good. Maputo is special, even though you said you don't like crowds, it's comfortable size and should be experienced. If you like magnificent, pristine beaches, spend a couple of days on Santa Maria Island.

Inhambane is not too far, ig you get a good transfer. Nice beaches, f... beautiful waves. It`s perfect