A trip to Mozambique is a great way to experience one of the last low-key tourist destinations on earth. Despite their growing popularity as a diving destination, the islands off the coast of this southern African country retain an aura of simple serenity.
Your Choice
Adding Mozambique on to your southern African safari is easy and a great way to wind down after all the excitement of the mainland. You can choose from two island groups while planning your trip:
- The Quirimbas comprises 30 small islands from Pemba to Palma offering a variety of intimate resorts and hotels. You will still find every luxury you desire at these paradisiacal resorts, except it feels like you are one of the first to discover them.
- Bazaruto has just a 6 pack of offshore delights to choose from, including Benguerra and Magaruque. Here you will find more sophisticated resorts, but even these lack the commercialized feel of many other seaside destinations. What they don’t lack is private plunge pools, thatched salas with daybeds and outdoor showers for two.
Relaxation, Exploration or Excitement
If you are looking for solitude, warm hospitality, clear oceans with healthy reefs, and miles of glorious white sand beaches, any of these islands will provide.
Each offers a range of activities suited to its unique attributes from thrill packed water sports to total relaxed solitude.
Snorkeling, fishing and diving are standard past times on every island, and excellent, freshly caught seafood is guaranteed to be on the menu. Other recommended activities which will depend on your choice of destination include dune boarding, horse riding and catered picnics on the beach.
Luxury on Tap
Azura Benguerra goes all out with island hopping by boat or helicopter, massages at the resort’s spa and trips out to see the ruins of the Old Paradise Island Hotel. At this resort you can even look forward to French wines with your dinner. That’s as close to civilization as you’ll get though, as this prestigious property still provides the kind of intimate escape that will appeal to your Robinson Crusoe aspirations.
The great news is that Mozambique is now more accessible than ever. The low cost airline Fastjet is the latest to start offering flights here and there’s no need to worry about a visa until you arrive.
On the down side, it won’t be long before more travelers catch on about this lost paradise island adventure. Act fast if you still want to experience a Mozambique without the crowds.
