| Introduction to Mozambique
The beaches and coral reefs of Mozambique easily qualify as among the most beautiful and pristine in Africa. Here indeed is an enticing and idyllic destination of superb tropical island resorts, ranging from world-class 5 star to the more rustic but charming smaller lodges.
A glance at the map will illustrate just how easy it is to combine a Big 5 safari in or near South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park with a beach holiday that excites the senses with a surprising array of activities.
The hot-spot for individual tourists is the Bazaruto Archipelago of four islands (Bazaruto, Benguerra, Santa Carolina, Magaruque) just off the town of Vilanculos that provides access from the international airport. There are daily flights to Vilanculos from Johannesburg and also from KMIA Airport near the safari territory of the Kruger Park.
The prime season to visit Mozambique is between April through November. The most lavish and deluxe lodge is Indigo Bay Resort on Bazaruto Island. It is truly world-class and offers 30 beach chalets and 12 bay villas. But Bazaruto Lodge, Marlin Lodge and Benguerra Lodge are all exceptionally charming as is Dugong Lodge on the mainland.
The allure of a beach holiday in Mozambique includes the total exclusivity of private islands; aquamarine waters and an unspoiled marine environment; a famous paradise for anglers; vast pristine beaches; luxury lodges; superb weather in prime time; safe, tranquil and friendly; sumptuous seafood and a rare eco-gem on the natural world.
Activities
Big Game Fishing
The waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago are famed for big game fishing and most of the all-Africa records emanate from here. The prime species are mackerel, barracuda, bonito, kingfish, wahoo, sailfish, marlin and shark. The record here for a Marlin is over 700kg. Possibilities for fishing include spinning off sandbanks, fly fishing, deep sea trolling, rock and surf fishing, bottom fishing, night fishing and spear fishing in beautiful reefs.
Snorkelling & Diving
Just sensational! In the crystal clear waters a kaleidoscope of species may be seen, including lion fish, tropical fish, turtles, rays, lobsters, crayfish,. Diving in these incredible coral reefs is easy as there is no current and at low tide the water depth is just 1m. The sea here also abounds with dolphins and, in August and September, the whales.
Mini Golf
On the shores of the resort lake you’ll find a superb mini-golf layout.
Eco Adventure
The archipelago was declared a wildlife park in 1971 and boasts 180 species of birds, endemic butterflies, Suni antelope and freshwater crocodiles. The protected reefs and beaches support dolphins, the endangered dugong game fish, giant lobster, whales and several species of marine turtle.
Other Activities
- Scuba diving in 37km of suitable reef
- Water skiing
- Para gliding
- Knee Boarding
- Tubing
- Wind Surfing
- Hobie Cat Sailing (16ft catamaran for three people)
- Sailing in 26ft elf yachts
- Ocean ski paddling
- Island-hopping Sunset cruises
- Beach and sand dune picnics
- Beach volleyball
- Crocodile Farm
- Quad Bikes
- Fabulous bird life, including flamingos
- Island nature trails and walks
- Beach tennis
- Sea swimming – exclusive
- Helicopter scenic flights and transfers
- Scuba diving and instruction
- Boat cruises
- Sea kayaking
- Cape Riding Horses on the beaches
- Dhow cruises
White Water Rafting
Rightly acclaimed as the finest one-day white water rafting in the world in the Victoria Falls’ Batoka Gorge. Choose from half-day or full day trips while there are also multi-day expeditions for the hardiest adventurers. The normal season is June through January because of the water levels, though this changes from year-to-year.
River Boarding
This is the pure adrenaline sport of surfing the fearsome rapids in the Batoka Gorge. You’ll be on a body board and accompanied by a qualified river guide.
Canoe the Zambezi
Travel with expert guides on one of the world’s legendary rivers, the upper Zambezi, in two and three-person klepper canoes. Explore the channels and get close to nature in a dramatic way. You may see crocodiles and come within trunk-touching distance from elephants, but you’ll stay at a careful distance from the pods of hippo you are certain to see. A thrilling adventure!
Gorge Swings
A whole series of pure adrenalin thrills located in the nearest gorge to the famous Victoria Falls Hotel.
Microlight Flips
The open cockpit offers a unique vista of the Falls, the Zambezi River, the wildlife and the general area of Victoria Falls.
Bunji Jumping
Go solo or tandem in a thrill-packed experience off the Victoria Falls Bridge with a fantastic backdrop of the mighty Falls. This is an awesome 111m leap with the raging Zambezi River beneath you. Not for the feint-hearted!
The Boma Place of Eating
It may seem unusual to list a restaurant amongst recommended activities but a BBQ meal at this festive spot is a must. Your eating experience includes fantastic traditional entertainment and you will also relish the interactive drumming.
Crocodile Farm and Nature Sanctuary
See crocodiles from babies you can hold to the giants of the Zambezi River. Feeding time is quite dramatic. There is also a small but very educational nature sanctuary.
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