Beach Life: Discover Mozambique with Us
Mozambique offers a scenic and tropical escape, an extensive coastline and a wealth of spectacular marine life. It is an ideal destination for those seeking to escape the chill of the Northern Hemisphere and relax after a busy safari adventure. With a promise of sunshine, flip-flops and short sleeves every day, Mozambique is the ultimate beach retreat where visitors can do as much or as little as they want.
Bazaruto Archipelago
Our journey began in northern Mozambique with a direct 1.5hr flight from Johannesburg to coastal Vilanculos. We smoothly cleared customs and immigration, and were personally escorted to domestic departures for a 10-minute helicopter transfer to the second-largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago: Benguerra Island. This archipelago consists of six islands within the protected marine reserve of the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangué.
Our villas were exactly as described in the brochures: spacious, barefoot luxury with a private deck, plunge pool and a sala area where our afternoon cocktail of the day with snacks was served. The direct access to the beach and the clear, calm Indian Ocean waters made this the ultimate beach retreat. Even though none of Mozambique’s beaches are private, this location provided an intimate experience that felt secluded and exclusive.
Highlights and Activities
- Day 1: Island Hop and Snorkelling Adventure
A full-day island hop took us by boat to explore. We snorkelled at Two-Mile Reef in a marine reserve where we encountered exquisite marine life, vibrant coral and even spotted a sea turtle. We then stopped at Bazaruto Island to climb the famous Bazaruto Dune. The day continued with a beautifully set-up private picnic lunch on North Point, concluding with cocktails beneath the sails of a traditional East African dhow as the sun set into the sea.
- Day 2: Island Tour and Community Engagement
One of the most eye-opening experiences was the island tour, which included a visit to the only school on Benguerra Island. The tour provided a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely untouched by the modern world. Locals still draw water from wells, live off the ocean and maintain a peaceful existence with only two policemen for the entire island. This simplicity of life restored our faith in humanity’s ability to coexist with nature. We were deeply moved by the dedication of the educators who strive to provide a better future for the children through education despite limited resources.
- Day 3: Beach Club Experience and Private Dinner
We made a quick stop at Mozambique’s multi-award-winning Beach Club, Peri Peri, which offered a fun, vibrant atmosphere with local flair at its stunning beachfront location. Our day ended with a candlelit private dinner, beautifully arranged in front of our villa under the twinkling African night sky. We enjoyed a guided star talk, adding a celestial touch to our dining experience.
Vilanculos
Our next destination was Vilanculos, a more established area compared to Benguerra. We spent two nights here and the service, food and accommodation were phenomenal, with attention to detail that exceeded our expectations.
We visited another local school supported by an established luxury Boutique Hotel in the area. The school’s attendance is largely due to the guaranteed meal provided daily to over 400 children and our supplier has assisted also in planting a vegetable garden. This garden not only provides food but also serves as a learning tool for children, teaching them and their parents about self-sustainability.
Inhambane Province
In the Inhambane region, we explored several beachfront properties, each offering unique experiences and settings. This allowed us to better understand the different options available, making it easier to match clients with the perfect location and experience.
The breath-taking ocean views and sightings of numerous whales were a highlight, and the secluded beaches are often frequented only by local fishermen.
The staff, food, location were exceptional and most accommodation offered access to boogie boards, surfboards, kayaks and beach games. Snorkelling equipment was available for exploring Fingers Rock Formation, perfect for a shallow offshore snorkel. Additionally, scuba-diving, whale watching and deep-sea fishing were also available.
We visited a local village, immersing ourselves in their day-to-day living, cooking and coconut beer making, providing a deeper understanding of the local culture and way of life. We also saw a coconut-cutting demonstration, showcasing how locals use this fruit in versatile ways. From climbing the trunks to accessing the water, milk, flesh and oil of the coconut, it was fascinating to see how few tools and little effort are required.
Maputo: City & Beach
We flew from Inhambane to Maputo, the capital of Mozambique where the bustling atmosphere was a stark contrast to the secluded places we had visited. We explored the city with an English-speaking local guide, visiting landmarks, sights and local markets. Portuguese is the spoken language in Mozambique and having an English-speaking guide is highly recommended.
Our final lodge was hidden off the Bay of Maputo. Arriving by boat, we quickly saw that the marine reserve’s iconic mudflats, mangrove estuaries, coral reefs, and rare dune forests were a haven for researchers and divers. The birdlife in the area was equally impressive, with species ranging from Great White Pelicans to African Fish Eagles.
Our beach lodge offered various activities including beach and rock fishing, sea kayaking and snorkelling. A highlight was a picnic and snorkelling outing to Inhaca Island, where the ocean reserve waters revealed a rich diversity of fish and corals. The lodge’s team ensured that our final days were filled with memorable experiences.
As our journey came to an end, we were treated to a slow cruise around Inhaca Island. We enjoyed a surprise seafood barbeque on the beach, prepared by a talented chef using local flavours and freshly sourced produce. Then we headed out to sea for … whale watching! Being so close to these magnificent creatures was an unforgettable experience.
Our last evening on the coast finished with panoramic views and another stunning African sunset on the villa deck: the perfect end to an amazing trip. The next day, we enjoyed lunch at a barefoot beach restaurant where our hosts showed us the best of local hospitality, making us feel like family. Indeed, we almost missed our afternoon boat back to Maputo because we had enjoyed our time so much.
Our driver met and transferred us to Maputo where we spent our last night in the Country, to ensure we were ready for our early morning flight back to Cape Town.
We consider ourselves beyond blessed to have experienced the beauty, culture, and unspoiled nature of Mozambique. This journey speaks to families, couples, honeymooners and safari-goers alike. Mozambique is a destination that offers something for everyone and we will always cherish the memories of this incredible trip.
Recommendations
- Planning for at Least Four Nights:
To fully enjoy the variety of experiences and activities.
- Engaging with Local Communities:
Visits to local schools and villages provide a deeper understanding and a chance to contribute positively.
- Exploring Various Accommodations:
Each lodge or resort offers unique experiences from secluded romantic retreats to family resorts.
- Packing for the Weather:
Mozambique’s tropical climate guarantees warm weather so pack accordingly: light clothing, swimwear and sun protection.
- Experiencing the Marine Life:
Snorkelling, diving and whale watching are must-do activities to fully appreciate the spectacular marine biodiversity.
- Embracing the Slow Pace:
Take the opportunity to relax, unwind and immerse yourself in Mozambique.
