Mozambique

Sometimes only talked about in terms of it's islands, Mozambique offers so much more than this although the country does happens to boast some of the finest islands and beaches in the Indian Ocean! A new wildlife reserve has opened up and there are exciting developments in this wonderful country. The Lugenda Wildlife Reserve, in the Cabo Delgado province of Northern Mozambique, is an untouched and undiscovered 45,000 square kilometre expanse of land teeming with wildlife. Lugenda Bush Camp, is situated within this magnificent reserve on the eastern bank of the Lugenda River amongst the Ngalongue Mountains (towering inselbergs or island mountains). Lugenda has just four East African tents and offers game drives and walking, with incredible birding. There is also a lodge planned to open in the Quirimbas National Park, which boasts 4 of the big 5 game species.

Our coastal favourites in the Bazaruto archipelago, are Benguerra, Marlin and Azura Lodges , whilst further north, Medjumbe and Matemo lie in the Quirimbas archipelago, whilst for sheer barefoot luxury, and a more European influence, Vamizi Island and Quilalea are situated in the Pemba vicinity. There are a handful of lodges, all catering for different tastes. On Benguerra Island, there are family friendly, reasonably priced, lodges to more safari style lodges". Further north there are several excellent places now open close to the northern reaches of Pemba, such as Quilalea and Vamizi Island Lodge. Vamizi has the most wonderful beach, and both Vamizi and Quilalea offer excellent scuba diving and fishing. Vamizi has these large villas, and really is the last word in barefoot luxury. They also have a resident marine biologist who is tracking the green turtles. Then, how can any holiday to Mozambique be complete without a visit to Ibo Island? This is Zanzibar island of old, with its traditional history of slave traders and spice trading. In fact, there is still a dhow that operates the original route from Dar es Salaam, calling upon Ibo, with its 3500 inhabitants. Here one lives in a village, with the most beautiful, colonial architecture and its Arab, Portuguese, French and Indian influences. Stay at lovely Ibo Lodge, with its converted cottages dating back to 1830. They have lovely guides who take you around the island and enthusiastically relate the historical elements that took place. Most impressive of all, though, is the concerted efforts of conservation combined with community projects, which puts Mozambique in the forefront of intelligent tourism. We also have a private house which sleeps up to 15 guests, and is perfect for perhaps two famillies travelling at Christmas or during the August school holidays, or simply a group of friends celebrating a big birthday! It also offers the most wonderful beach!

Accessible by air from Johannesburg or (especially as this links Mozambique with an East African safari) Dar es Salaam or Nairobi, they offer the perfect hideaway and suit clients simply trying to get away from it all, to those more interested in focused scuba diving and fishing. There are lots of sporting activities for the children, too. One can go for long walks across miles of white, deserted, sandy beach or barter for a ride in an Arab dhow with the locals. A dhow sundowner, with flamingos taking flight all around, is unlikely to be quickly forgotten! Mozambique is a country where one can justifiably spend a lovely two week holiday, or it can be added to the end of a safari.