Edition 47: Summer 2009

In this edition of Travel Africa, we have teamed up with Mozambique accommodation expert Simon Wicks of the Mozambique Travel Service and Madbookings.com to help you find the perfect place to stay on your next adventure.

Quirimbas Archipelago
Comprising 27 small islands and crystal clear warm azure waters lapping on empty white beaches, this stunningly beautiful archipelago lies off Mozambique’s north coast. Here everything is relaxed and laid-back, with locals using dhows to get to and fro. Like the Bazaruto Archipelago in the south, the islands’ waters are world-class for diving, snorkelling and deep-sea fishing. Eleven of the southernmost islands in this chain form the Quirimbas National Park.

Vamizi Island Lodge (double villa with full board from £700) Each of Vamizi’s ten exclusive villas offer sea views, king-sized beds, spectacular bathrooms and elegant luxury – you’ll find it difficult to leave.

Ibo Island Lodge (double room from £375) Located on one of the few inhabited islands, Ibo Island lodge is a combination of three old colonial buildings that have been lovingly restored. Ibo offers more than just a beach holiday, it is an experience that feels like a step back in time. Arab traders had a settlement here as early as AD 600. History reaches out to you and comes alive as you visit the old fort, where silversmiths beat old coins into jewellery.

Guludo Beach Lodge (double villa with breakfast/dinner from £250) This unique award-winning lodge uses sustainable tourism to help the local community, teaching them new skills and helping to educate local children. The lodge is an ingenious blend of contemporary luxury and traditional. Although on the mainland and not on the archipelago itself, Guludo is part of the Quirimbas National Park. It sits on one of the most beautiful beaches in Mozambique. There are plenty of snorkelling and diving opportunities.

Pont Do Ouro
The small village of Pont do Ouro is tucked away in the very southern corner of the country, and is only accessible by 4WD. However, it is only 10km from the South African border, and has oodles of ways to spend your time: swimming with dolphins, scuba diving, fishing and lazing on the beach. There are a couple of wonderful places to stay.

Vista Alta (double room from £110) With only five luxury rooms, each with their own view over the beach, this is a perfect place to escape the world. There’s also a spa on site.

Tartaruga (double room from £92) This tented camp is set in forested sand dunes, which is only a short stroll through some trees to a deserted beach.

Vilankulo
Vilankulo is a bustling seaside town, which is best known for being the gateway to the Bazaruto Islands. However, a night spent here is never a night wasted.

Casa Rex (double room from £140) Focusing on personal service, and hosting what is arguably the best restaurant in Vilankulo, the Casa Rex is a lovely place to stay. Its luxury rooms overlook the islands.

Maputo
Mozambique’s capital, with its distinctly African feel and Indian Ocean shoreline, is a city that should be explored. Here are a couple great accommodation options.

Indy Village (double room from £68) Set in the quiet upmarket part of the city, it is a tranquil haven with gardens, swimming pool and children’s play area.
Cardoso Hotel (double room with breakfast from £70) Set on the hill overlooking the bay of Maputo, this option offers a good combination of service and value.

Bazaruto Archipelago
Just a few kilometres offshore from Vilankulo, and set in tranquil turquoise waters, are the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago. The four main islands and their surrounding waters now form part of a national park. Thanks to the rich marine life, the area is a diver’s, snorkeller’s and fishing lover’s paradise. There are only a handful of accommodation options on the archipelago.

Indigo Bay Resort and Spa (double room from £450) On Bazaruto Island, this top quality resort has beautifully appointed beach villas, swimming pools, tennis courts and a water sports centre offering guests a whole host of activities: snorkelling and diving trips, sunset cruises and even golf.

Azura Lodge (double villa with full board from £750) Gracing the western shore of Benguerra Island, Azura takes service and style to new levels. This small, boutique operation has just over a dozen luxury beach villas, each with its own private plunge pool and deck. The lodge is part community owned and works hard to provide education and life skills to those who live on the island. Exceptional food, delightful local spa treatments, a host of activities round out this unforgettable island experience.

Inhambane
Although one of the country’s oldest settlements, and a rather charming place for a stroll, Inhambane is a less attractive place to spend the night than the nearby beaches of Barra and Tofo.

Barra Lodge (double room with breakfast/dinner from £130) One of a few places dotted along the sands of the 26km-long Barra Peninsula, Barra Lodge is a long-standing favourite and caters well to families. There are plenty of activities available here, including horse riding, snorkelling and diving. Self-catering options are also possible.

Linga Linga Lodge (four-sleeper self-catering chalet from £120) Across the bay from the Barra Peninsula, this lodge is set on a remote section of beach and is nestled amongst swaying palms. Linga Linga collects guests by boat from Inhambane and transfers them to this small hidden paradise.

Tofo Beach Hotel (double room with breakfast from £125) Set squarely in middle of Tofo, a small seaside village with a strong surfer and diver community, Tofo Beach Hotel offers simple, but good-value accommodation. Family rooms and crib facilities are available.

Café No Mar (double room from £70) Set in cool green gardens, this small lodge overlooks the surfing beaches. Although the price isn’t 1st class, the service certainly is. There’s also quality home-cooked food on order.

Remote North
The vast area in north Mozambique on the Tanzania border between the coast and Lake Niassa is a relatively unexplored wilderness area with few roads. Set in the middle of this sweeping expanse is Niassa Reserve, a relative newcomer on the safari scene.

Lugenda Wilderness Camp (double room with full board from £575) This is the only safari camp in the region, and is accessible by small plane. The tented camp has minimal impact and will make you feel that you are alone in the whole world.

Lake Niassa
Better known as Lake Malawi, Niassa is Mozambique’s name for this great lake. However, there are few similarities to the shorelines on different sides of the border. Mozambique’s portion of the lake’s shore has seen little development, with only one accommodation option of note.

Nkwichi Lodge (double chalet with full board from £365) Winner of ‘Best Small Hotel’ at the 2008 Responsible Tourism Awards, Nkwichi is as comfortable as it is eco-friendly. They’ve done incredible work supporting their local communities and the surrounding environment. Enjoy nature, swim in the clear waters of the lake and absorb the peacefulness that makes Nkwichi a magical haven.