MOZAMBIQUE

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After a number of turbulent years, the country is now again being recognised as a great place for a beach holiday and a number of quality lodges have opened, mainly on the offshore islands. Accommodation is still limited and in high season demand certainly exceeds the capacity - so early booking is essential.

Access to the islands is by direct daily air service from Johannesburg to Vilanculos on the mainland coast and then by boat or float plane to your resort. A twice weekly service also operates from Johannesburg via Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (Nelspruit) which allows the perfect combination of a safari with a relaxing break on the beach. It is also possible to transfer by road from the Nelspruit area to Maputo and then to one of the island resorts. This is a fascinating drive through rural African scenery and you will see en route the restructuring of the country.

For the island resorts in the north of the country, air services operate to Pemba and these give access to the resorts in the Quirimbas Archipelago and lodges on the mainland.

The capital of Maputo, formerly known as Lourenco Marques, evokes some of the atmosphere of its Portuguese colonial past with its wide streets lined with acacia and jacaranda trees. Places to visit include the imposing Cathedral, City Council Chambers, Fortress and Museum of Natural History. The superb Polana Hotel overlooking the bay is acknowledged as being the place to stay.

Above all, the islands are a place to relax. There is tranquillity combined with good accommodation, fine food with an emphasis on locally caught sea food and water sports including some excellent diving. Finish off the day with sundowners on a dhow as it sails through the warm tropical waters of the Indian Ocean.

MARLIN LODGE
The resort is situated on Benguerra Island and has 14 Luxury Beach Chalets and 3 Executive Suites stretching along the white beach of Flamingo Bay. Each chalet has en suite facilities and private patio. A walkway snakes to the main area in which is the lounge and dining room. Dinners range from semi formal in the dining room, to tables laid out on the beach with an avenue of palm fronds and flaming torches. Cuisine is with the emphasis on seafood. In the gardens is a fresh water swimming pool. Activities include fishing (saltwater flyfishing and big game fishing), scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing, sailing, island hopping, dune boarding, guided island drives, dhow cruises and bird watching. There is a fully equipped dive and snorkel centre at the lodge.

DUGONG BEACH LODGE
The lodge, accessed by boat or light aircraft from Vilanculos which is across the bay, is set on the mainland within the Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary and has a diverse eco-system of wilderness, wetland, powder white beaches and crystal clear water. There are 10 beautifully appointed framed tented rooms each with en suite bathrooms and a private patio. Facilities include a bar by the fresh water swimming pool, lounge, dining deck beneath the African stars and a Gazebo at the end of the jetty which is the perfect setting for sundowners or a private dinner. Snorkelling, pedal boats and paddle ski are complimentary and a wide choice of chargeable activities such as deep sea fishing and diving can be arranged.

BENGUERRA ISLAND LODGE
This idyllic island getaway is encircled by silver beaches and coral reefs. The main lodge is flanked by 13 casitas and cabanas built on stilts with reed walls, thatched roofs and each has a private plunge pool and outdoor deck overlooking the sea. Meals are a relaxed affair with the emphasis on locally caught seafood. This is a snorkelling and diving paradise. There is a fully equipped diving facility which will take you to unspoilt reefs. For the more adventurous, there’s the thrill of a night or wreck dive. Other activities include saltwater fly-fishing, sailing on dhows, trips around the island to picnic sites and bird watching. Mainland visits can be arranged to visit the local market.

AZURA
This top-of-the range lodge is located on Benguerra Island and the retreat comprises of 14 villas, 11 infinity villas looking towards the sea and 3 luxury villas only steps from the beach, plus a two bedroom Presidential villa. They all feature butler service, an outdoor ‘sala’, private sundeck and a small pool. Fine cuisine focuses on locally caught seafood such as prawns, crab and crayfish. Activities include snorkelling, scuba diving, saltwater fly and deep sea fishing, swimming with dolphins and sailing on their traditionally built 40ft dhow. Other activities include picnics on deserted beaches and touring the island. The African-themed spa treatment list includes a rub down with ground coconut shells or diamond dust and a head to toe tamarind and aloe massage.

IBO ISLAND LODGE
Ibo Island is steeped in history, rich in culture and nominated as a World
Heritage Site. Access from Pemba is by light aircraft and the lodge is located
close to the town with prime views over the waterfront. Three original historic mansions with high loft ceilings have been stylishly renovated to accommodate 14 en suite air conditioned bedrooms. Wide verandahs are furnished with soft cushions and teak furniture and the open air lounge on the terrace is a perfect place for relaxation. Dining features the freshest of seafood as well as traditional specialities served on the roof terrace and affording stunning views. Swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and other activities are available at a nearby beach which
is reached by motor boat or traditional dhow.

QUILALEA
This private island sanctuary nestles in the Quirimbas Archipelago and is reached by a light aircraft transfer from the mainland town of Pemba. The 9 spacious villas are built in an authentic tradition in stone and thatch to ensure cool tropical comfort. Each has a private deck with unimpeded panoramas of the sea. Dining menus revolve around the daily catch and meals are served on the open terrace, on the beach or in the privacy of your villa. The island has its own ‘Marine Pavilion’ which is a fully equipped fishing and PADI dive centre. Expert scuba dive instructors lead underwater safaris through the colourful coral gardens teeming with tropical fish. Deep sea and sports fishing is offered. Local drinks included.

GULUDO BEACH LODGE
This is a tropical, barefoot paradise, on a deserted, powder white beach. The lodge is set between the wild African bush and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean on the mainland northern part of the Quirimbas National Park and is reached by light aircraft from Pemba. The nine spacious banda bedrooms, with ensuite facilities, are under palm-thatched roofs and have an expansive panoramic view through the netted walls, creating a feeling of being outside whilst inside. Dining is an interactive experience; watch the fishermen sell their catch and talk to the chef about the evening’s menu. Activities (payable locally) include scuba diving on the pristine coral reef, discovering the local community, relaxing on the tropical beach and visiting the nearby Rolas and Ibo islands.

MEDJUMBE PRIVATE ISLAND
This tiny pristine island in  Quirimbas Archipelago, only 1 km by 500m, has stunning beaches, coves and bays together with breathtaking coral reefs.  There are just 13 beautifully appointed air conditioned beach chalets, each with private plunge pool and outdoor showers; all only a few steps away from the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The main lodge houses the restaurant, lounge, bar and swimming pool. The activities centre offers superb diving opportunities, deep sea game fishing, sunset cruises and various excursions. This is very much a ‘hideaway’ place and perfect for a honeymoon or complete relaxation where time is of no consequence. Access is by a 40 minute light aircraft from Pemba