Mozambique Holidays
Since the mid-1990′s Mozambique has been one of the highlights of many visitors’ trips to southern Africa. The major draw has been the 2,500 km long palm-fringed coastline which boasts numerous superb beaches fringed by lagoons, coral reefs and strings of small islands, whilst the remote Niassa Reserve and Gorongosa National Park are beginning to attract increasing numbers of safari enthusiasts.
Bazaruto Archipelago
A chain of five islands in the Bazaruto Channel broke away from the mainland back in the mists of time and Ilha de Benguerra is just one of these tropical and historical islands.
Gazetted back in 1971 as a National Park, Benguerra Island offers an idyllic and tranquil setting within the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and is home to just a handful of lodges. The area is famed for its beautiful beaches, superb snorkelling, diving and deep-sea fishing as well as large tracts of unspoilt forest, wetland and savannah.
Our recommended lodges in the Bazaruto Archipelago include:
Azura Benguerra
Benguerra Lodge
Marlin Lodge
Indigo Bay
Dugong Beach Lodge
Gorongosa National Park
Situated in the heart of Mozambique, some 3.5 hours drive from the coastal city of Beira, the 4,000 sq. km Gorongosa National Park is one of the most scenic and wildlife rich areas in the country.
The wildlife sightings in this re-emerging safari destination are constantly improving: lion, elephant, buffalo, sable, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, cheetah, nyala, reedbuck and one of Africa’s highest concentrations of oribi are all present. Specials include the Gorongosa baboon and the Fire mongoose. In addition 400 bird species are found at Gorongosa including Pel’s fishing owl, Narina trogon & Palmnut vultures.
Explore Gorongosa operates both day & night game drives, walking, boating & canoeing safaris within the park.
Our preferred camp is:
Explore Gorongosa
Lugenda Wildlife Reserve
The Lugenda Wildlife Reserve, in the Niassa province of Northern Mozambique, is an untouched and undiscovered 42,000 sq. kilometre expanse of land teeming with wildlife.
The area is a birders’ paradise and includes the rare Angola pitta (Pitta angolensis), Pel’s fishing owl (Scotopelia peli), and an abundant raptor population. Rovuma River is an Important Bird Area and over 370 bird species have been identified already. Big game such as elephant, buffalo, hartebeest, eland and zebra can be seen on drives. Other game such as impala, wildebeest, hippo, lion, leopard, warthogs and spotted hyena can also be seen.
Our preferred camp is:
Lugenda Bush Camp
Maputo
Named after the 16th century Portugese Trader, Lourenco Marques, the city of Maputo was founded in 1876. Its growth was slow until 1895, when a railroad linked it to Pretoria and the gold-rush areas of South Africa and by 1907 it had become Mozambique’s capital city. Peace came to Mozambique in the 1990’s after decades of internal strife. And since then the country has had to work hard to develop economically. While tourism is becoming an increasingly important part of economical development, the industry is still small, and Maputo remains a largely undiscovered destination.
You’ll find a vibrant, colourful African city where the roads are lined with makeshift stalls, old colonial buildings and modern office blocks. The city is a melting pot of several cultures, with a strong South African influence. The Bantu and Portuguese cultures dominate, but the influence of Arab, Indian and Chinese cultures is also felt. The cuisine is very elaborate, owing especially to the Portuguese and Muslim heritage. If eating fresh crab curry or piri piri chicken and watching a lively world go by appeals, then Maputo might just fascinate you.
Our preferred hotel in Maputo is:
Polana Hotel
Quirimbas Archipelago
The remote Quirimbas Archipelago in northern Mozambique is home to a multitude of small islands with a wealth of marine life and unspoilt beaches. Far from the madding crowds this is one of the few areas of the world where you can discover truly idyllic island settings, with the ocean horizon dotted with the silhouettes of dhow sails.
Our recommended lodges in the Quirimbas Archipelago include:
Vamizi
Quilalea
Ibo Island Lodge
Londo Lodge
Matemo
Medjumbe
Guludo Beach Lodge
Ponta Mamoli
Ponta Mamoli is located on Mozambique’s Lagoon Coast about 100 km south of the country’s capital city, Maputo and 25km north of the South Africa border with easy access from Kosi Bay.
With its pristine beaches surrounded by untouched tracts of bush it is an area unlike any other area in Mozambique. Warmed by the Indian Ocean current moving south from the equator, the clear waters and subtropical climate provide travellers with an enticing beachside escape.
A number of rare and varied ecosystems can be found in the area, including magnificent unspoilt expanses of beach, endemic rich woody grasslands, dry savannas, swamp forests, fresh water coastal lakes and floodplains characterised by expanses of reedbeds, bulrushes and papyrus.
Whether diving on exclusive reefs, deep-sea fishing, horse riding, snorkelling, or just beachcombing, Ponta Mamoli is both an exciting and accessible beach destination .
Our recommended lodge in the area is:
White Pearl Resort
Azura, Benguerra Island
Location: Benguerra Island, Southern Mozambique.
Rooms: 16 luxurious Beachfront Villas – 3 Luxury Beach Villas, 11 Infinity Beach Villas, Villa Amizade & the Presidential Villa.
Facilities: Watersports centre & Spa.
Activities: Scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, Land Rover island drive, sunset dhow cruise, excursions to Pansy Island.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our view: Azura feels small and intimate making it a perfect honeymoon destination. The beach is beautiful and the rooms are only a few steps away from it! The Luxury Beach Villas and the Infinity Beach Villas have their own plunge pool, whilst the Villa Amizade & the Presidential Villa have private swimming pools. The Head Chef has worked for the Fat Duck and Birkenhead House and the food at Azura is fresh and very elegantly presented. This is a first class lodge with a superb setting – recommended!
Benguerra Lodge
Location: Benguerra Island, Southern Mozambique
Rooms: 13 luxurious guest rooms – 1 Villa, 2 Cabanas, 10 Casitas
Activities: Swimming (in the pool & ocean), diving & snorkelling, fishing, dhow cruises, castaway picnics, Land Rover drives, bird watching, island walks, village visits, sea kayaking, yacht day trips, horse riding.
Children: Children above 8 year old are welcome at Benguerra.
Our View: Benguerra Lodge is one of the most established lodge on Barazaruto island. It is a fantastic option for those in search of “barefoot luxury” style. The newly refurbished rooms are very spacious (especially the Casitas) and offer great privacy. All rooms are only few steps from the beach and they all have their own plunge pool. The Casitas also have a huge timber deck with a dining area; perfect for a long romantic dinner!
Dugong Beach Lodge
Location: Dugong Lodge is situated on the mainland coast within the the boundaries of the Vilanculos Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern Mozambique.
Rooms: 12 air-conditioned chalets
Facilities: Swimming pool, wellness treatments.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome at Dugong Lodge.
Our View: Dugong Beach Lodge offers comfortable and good value for money accommodation. It may not the best lodge to stay at if you are planning to go snorkelling or diving, but it is a great option if you are looking to relax by the beach in a lovely coastal setting.
Ibo Island Lodge
Location: Quirimbas Archipelago, Northern Mozambique.
Rooms: 9 rooms in 3 villas
Facilities: 2 swimming pools, colourful gardens, west-facing rooftop terrace overlooking the bay.
Activities: Birding, cultural tours, cycling, dhow safaris, historical tours, visit of the community projects, sea kayaking, visits to the mangrove forest, sailing, snorkelling, diving.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome at Ibo Island Lodge.
Our view: Ibo Island Lodge is a fantastic option for those who are keen to discover Mozambican culture and history. This sleepy hideaway has seen minimal development and whilst the crumbling ruins of colonial Portuguese buildings are slowly being restored, the island retains a wonderful atmosphere of a land which time has forgotten.
Indigo Bay
Location: Bazaruto Island, Southern Mozambique
Rooms: 44 air-conditioned Chalets & Villas, either beachfront or set higher with views of the bay
Facilities: Sat water swimming pool, watersports centre, tennis courts, activities centre, wellness centre & gym.
Activities: Snorkelling, scuba diving, sport fishing, wake boarding, water skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, hoby cats, sunset cruises, dhow sailing, island nature drives, cultural visits, bird watching.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome at Indigo Bay and there is a dedicated Kids’ Club.
Our View: Indigo Bay Island Resort & Spa is one of the largest beach lodges in the Bazaruto Archipelago, but is spread across a large area and retains its sense of exclusivity. The air conditioned rooms can be welcome during the hotter seasons and its wide range of activities will appeal to couples and families with children alike.
Londo Lodge
Location: On the sheltered side of a wild, remote mainland peninsula, 25 minutes speedboat ride from Pemba, Northern Mozambique.
Rooms: 7 individual, spacious, comfortably furnished villas set around the hillside with ocean views
Facilities: Swimming pool, cliff edge spa.
Activities: Snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, mangrove river trips, water skiing, canoeing, bird watching.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome at Londo Lodge.
Our View: Londo Lodge is a unique coastal hideaway, privately owned and managed by PJ and Evelyn, that attracts escapists and nature lovers looking for a peaceful, exclusive environment. The coastal bush behind the lodge is home to various monkeys and antelope and there is some excellent snorkelling around the croal heads off the dazzling white sand private beach. The lodge also makes an ideal base for small groups or families looking for a private and tranquil retreat.
Marlin Lodge
Location: Benguerra Island, Southern Mozambique.
Rooms: 17 rooms – 14 Luxury Beach Suites, 3 Executive Beach Suite
Facilities: Swimming pool, scuba diving & watersports centre, beauty & wellness centre.
Activities: Scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, dhow cruises, island tours, horse riding, kayaking, hobycat sailing, windsurfing.
Children: Children over the age of 9 are welcome at Marlin Lodge.
Our view: Marlin Lodge is a very attractive beach lodge situated on a wonderful stretch of white sand beach. With regular refurbishments and upgrades the guest accommodation has improved dramatically over the years and is a highly recommended good value option for honeymooners & couples, especially those who are active and enjoy a wide selection of watersports.
Matemo Island Resort
Location: Quirimbas archipelago, northern Mozambique.
Rooms: 24 palm thatched air conditioned chalets
Facilities: Swimming pool, spa.
Activities: Scuba diving, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, kayaking, cultural excursions, walking & birding, spa treatments.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View: One of the larger beach lodges on its own beautiful island.
Medjumbe Private Island
Location: Quirimbas Archipelago, northern Mozambique.
Rooms: 13 beach chalets
Facilities: Private plunge pools, main swimming pool, activities centre.
Activities: Scuba diving, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing & kayaking, walking & birding, sunset cruises by boat or local dhow.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View: A small, stunning coral island in the remote Quirimbas Archipelago.
Pemba Beach Resort & Spa
Location: Pemba Beach Resort & Spa, near Pemba town.
Rooms: 60 sea-facing Classic rooms, 32 Courtyard rooms (partial sea views), 2 Royal suites with full sea views & 8 self catering villas
Facilities: Restaurant, swimming pool, spa, activities centre, gym & tennis courts.
Activities: Fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing, sausage skiing, tube skiing, wind surfing, Hobie-Cat sailing, kayaking (single and double), excursions in small fishing boats, sunset cruises & spa treatments.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View: The best accommodation on the mainland near the town of Pemba, with a beachfront location and attractive gardens.
Quilalea
Location: Quirimbas Archipelago, Northern Mozambique
Rooms: 9 luxury island villas, all ocean facing
Facilities: Swimming pool, spa, walking trail.
Activities: Snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, dhow sailing, bird watching, beach picnics, fishing, walking trails, Ibo Island tours.
Children: Children are welcome at Quilalea, but children’s facilities are limited.
Our View: Azura at Quilalea is a remote hideaway lodge on its own private island to the north of Pemba. Recently refurbished, the lodge offers spacious and luxurious accommodation, good service and excellent cuisine and one of the best house reefs on the east coast of Africa (wonderful corals and marine life are present just a few steps off one of the various beaches). An interesting walking trail leads around the circumference of the island and it is also possible to visit the fascinating town on Ibo Island by speedboat.
Vamizi Island Lodge
Location: Quirimbas Archipelago, Northern Mozambique.
Rooms: 13 luxurious thatched, open air villas.
Activities: Sea kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, dhow sailing, beach picnics.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome at Vamizi.
Our view: Vamizi is a wonderful hideaway island in the far north of the remote Quirimbas Archipelago, far from the madding crowds. Accessible by light aircraft either from Dar es Salaam (in Tanzania) or Pemba (in Mozambique), the essence of a stay at Vamizi is to relax in barefoot luxury – the very spacious villas are set back a short distance from the exquisite beach and the cuisine is superb.
White Pearl Resort
Location: White Pearl Resort, Punta Mamoli, Southern Mozambique.
Rooms: 22 Pool Suites
Facilities: Restaurant, beach bar, pool bar, swimming pool.
Activities: Fishing, horse riding, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming with dolphins, walking on idyllic beaches, turtle viewing, in-room massage treatments.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Our View: An excellent choice of beach lodge which is easily accessible either from Maputo or driving north from Maputaland in South Africa.
The extensive coral reefs host a dazzling array of marine life and the warm, blue waters of the Indian Ocean are a natural magnet for a relaxing break after a safari in Botswana, South Africa, Zambia or Zimbabwe.
Culturally Mozambique provides a contrast to other countries in the region with its blend of African, Arab and Portuguese influences, especially noticeable in the excellent Afro-Portuguese cuisine, and the Mediterranean charm lives on in a tropical African setting creating a warm and lively atmosphere.
Although the endless stretches of white sand and turquoise seas have been the main reason to visit Mozambique to date, the country’s game reserves and national parks are starting to come on stream again although they currently attract only the most adventurous wildlife enthusiasts. Both Beira, known as the heart of Mozambique and one of the oldest cities in southern Africa, and the colonial-style city of Maputo with its wide tree-lined streets and remarkable wealth of architectural styles, are also lively and vibrant places to explore.
Quirimbas Explorer
This is a mobile camping trip which is perfect for a group of friends with a particular interest or a family seeking a different kind of tropical holiday. It explores a coastline fringed by tropical islands on board a sturdy Arab dhow complete with professional English speaking guide with an experienced Mozambican dhow skipper and crew. Sea kayak or sail up wide coastal river mouths teeming with red listed bird species and pristine mangrove forests. Snorkel off deserted white sandbanks and turquoise seas. Sleep in mobile fly camps on uninhabited tropical islands and chef conjures up fresh seafood and traditional cuisine over an open fire under island stars. The adventure ends on the mystical and ancient Ibo Island. This trip can be prefaced with a safari in southern Tanzania (Selous or Ruaha) and finished off with some time at a luxury lodge such as Quilalea, Matemo, Medjumbe or Vamizi (all at additional cost).
Day 1 – Arrive Pemba (Mozambique) & road transfer to Mucojo. Dhow transfer – overnight Mogundula Island mobile camp
Day 2 – Swimming, snorkelling & kayaking around the island – overnight Mogundula Island mobile camp
Day 3 – Explore Quirimbas archipelago by dhow – overnight Ulumbwa beach mobile camp
Day 4 – Sail by dhow to Ibo Island – Ibo Island Lodge – overnight Ibo Island Lodge
Day 5 – One full day on Ibo Island – cultural & heritage tours, guided bird walks, sand bank excursions for swimming & snorkelling, massages – overnight at Ibo Island Lodge
Day 6 – Light aircraft flight to Pemba
2012 price from £ 1,538 per person sharing
(Price based on two people sharing a twin/double excluding the cost of international flights London/Dar es Salaam/Pemba & Pemba/Dar es Salaam/London).