Untouched Mozambique
Talking about bucketlists, Mozambique is Africa’s new rising star. The country is almost untouched and offers its guests a paradisiacal travel experience. Fantastic beaches, shining coral reefs and natural landscapes: Mozambique is not considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world for nothing.
Bazaruto Archipelago
The totally tropical Bazaruto Archipelago is formed of five islands, and Benguerra, 14 kilometres from the mainland, is its second biggest. An untouched landscape of pristine shores, crystal-watered seas and swaying palms, roads are merely tracks in the sand around here. Sail the sapphire waters in an old wooden dhow boat, or go subaquatic and scuba-dive your way around the coral reefs and sparkling shoals of fish. Inland, the landscape is made up of forests, freshwater lakes, wetlands and savannah.
More than 160 species of fish live in this area, not to mention the rare dugong, the fork-tailed seacow. But also the king fish (officer’s perch), manta rays and five different species of dolphins can be observed here in their natural environment.
This country is developing fast, so do not delay your travel plans! Here follow the best places to stay at Benguerra Island.
Getting to Benguerra takes time, with the most efficient route being to fly from Johannesburg or non-stop from Kruger Park to Vilankulos before hopping an eight-minute helicopter ride or ferry to Benguerra Island.
Azura Benguerra
Azura hotel is a castaway fantasy: a remote retreat of luxury thatched villas on the sunny shores of Benguerra Island. Join in with island life, and help out with one of the many conservation projects, or just sit by the clear blue lagoon and watch the tide roll in and out.
&Beyond Benguerra
This boutique resort offers just 12 casinhas, two cabanas, and one three-bedroom casa; the resort is refreshingly intimate and cheerfully decorated.
Perfect beaches aside, there’s horseback riding, sunset cruising on a traditional dhow followed by dolphin, and big game fishing to be sampled. Don’t miss a visit to see the flock of flamingo that inhabit a nearby freshwater lake—especially with a “castaway picnic” to accompany you there and beyond to a completely secluded beach.
Kisawa Sanctuary
Kisawa Sanctuary, has an entire five kilometres of beachfront, opened just a few months ago and is one of the finest luxury island lodges in the southern part of Mozambique!
The whole atmosphere here is one of casual elegance and I especially love the attention to detail; everything from the shaggy thatched roofs and light calming interiors, the celebration of the Mozambique culture, the fresh and sumptuous meals, to the professional staff that look after you.
The resort itself was designed with sustainability in mind, to have a light footprint, be at one with the environment and intertwine with the surroundings. For me, Kisawa combines everything that I look for when planning a vacation by the ocean: forward-thinking design, ultra-luxurious, fabulous wellness spa, privacy and personalized service, and conservation of the local ecosystem. All this alongside a beach destination, what more could you wish for?
Kisawa has 12 residences which are a mixture of one-, two- and three-bedroomed luxury suites. They are all extremely private and spacious with lots of light pouring into your room and they all face the beachfront, have day areas with infinity plunge pools and a personal service team.
The last gem I would like to share with you is the first Banyan Tree opening in Africa, namely in Mozambique. This is schedules for 2023.
Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira
Situated on the private island of Ilha Caldeira, located just 11km off the coast of Mozambique. Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira is a 5-star ultra-luxury private island, offering 40 private pool villas overlooking the Indian Ocean. Inspired by the diverse local cultures, nature´s soothing colors, and native materials, their private pool villas offer comfort in perfect balance with the tropical surroundings.
Previously uninhabited, the island is located within the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago, which happens to be Africa’s largest marine reserve and home to dugongs, green and hawksbill sea turtles. This stunning location, surrounded by large corals provides a world-class diving site in a luxurious setting.
