A Journey Through Mozambique’s Hidden Gems: My Unforgettable Adventure
Published: 29 August 2024
As the CEO of Anywhere in Africa Safaris, my travels often take me to the most breathtaking corners of our continent. Recently, I had the privilege of embarking on a six-day adventure through Mozambique, a country that truly captures the spirit of Africa with its pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and luxurious hideaways. This journey, from July 19th to 24th, 2024, was not just a holiday, but an educational visit that deepened my appreciation for this beautiful country. Here's a glimpse into my unforgettable experience.
Day 1: A Warm Welcome to Santorini Mozambique
My partner Roddy and I set off from Cape Town, with a quick layover in Nelspruit where we sipped and ate away our time in the airport lounge, before our flight to Vilanculos, Mozambique. Upon arrival, we cruised through customs and immigrations before being whisked away on an hour-long drive to the pinch-me-quick resort of Santorini, where we were greeted with open arms.
The Main Villa, the heart of Santorini, is a masterpiece of design, with five spacious suites that offer unparalleled ocean views. We were fortunate to stay in the Santa Carolina Suite, the crown jewel of the villa, boasting a king-size bed, a luxurious en-suite bathroom, and a private patio overlooking the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago. It is also the only suite situated on the first floor of the Main Villa, so we felt well and truly spoiled!
Our first lunch was a total surprise, set amidst the resort's vibrant vegetable garden. The afternoon was spent exploring the beach, followed by a romantic dinner under the stars, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: A Day of Marine Marvels
Our second day began with a private fishing charter arranged by Sam, the manager at Santorini. Though the fish were somewhat elusive, the day was far from disappointing. Roddy managed to catch a small barracuda and we were treated to the sight of three Dugongs, often called the "mermaids of the sea" - they gather on the reefs where they gently graze on seagrass, making it possible for you to drift close and marvel at these gentle creatures.
But that wasn’t all we saw - dolphins and whales also frolicked around us on our boat trip! After a half day on the water, I indulged in a much-needed back massage, followed by another incredible dinner. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of sheer aquatic adventure.
Day 3: A Helicopter Ride to Paradise
After a leisurely morning and a bittersweet farewell to the team at Santorini, which can be best described as “an echo of Greek-living in an African landscape”, we headed to Vilankulo Airport for a thrilling helicopter ride to Benguerra Island. The aerial views of the ocean, with its vibrant colors, were nothing short of spectacular.
Upon landing, we were welcomed by the wonderful team at Azura Benguerra Island. Olivia, the manager, took us under her wing showing us all the different rooms and facilities so that I know exactly what would suit different guests in the future. She then introduced us to our incredible host for the duration of our stay - Hala. Nothing was ever too much to ask and Hala was there to make sure we had everything we needed - and more.
Our stay here was the epitome of "barefoot luxury," with our infinity beach villa just steps away from the lapping waves. The villa's high-end interiors blended seamlessly with the natural surroundings, creating a serene escape. It’s a honeymooners' or loved-up couples' ultimate destination, especially when considering what we got up to that evening! We set sail on a traditional dhow cruise, sipping cocktails as the sun set over the ocean—a truly magical experience with warm tones painting the sky and the sea providing ambient music.
Day 4: Exploring the Island’s Wonders
Roddy started the day early, and by early I mean 5am to go on a deep-sea fishing excursion. I opted to walk along the beach where I saw that one could go horseback riding. Unfortunately, I couldn't partake as I had a spa reservation at the Azura Spa, where I indulged in a rejuvenating massage. Later, we headed out with the dive master for an afternoon scuba dive at the famous 2-Mile Reef. Despite the spring tide affecting visibility, the dive was still a fantastic experience, revealing the vibrant underwater life that calls these waters home.
Roddy’s fishing excursion was successful with some good-sized Dorado. I heard all about the Black Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Bonito, King/Queen Macjeral, Prodigal Son (yes, I can’t believe that’s what it’s called), Dorado, Barracuda and Giant Trevally often weighing up to 25 kgs. Obviously, he didn’t catch them all, but these were all possibilities - we will have to come back again.
The day ended with us trying our hand at paddleboarding, followed by cocktails and a delightful dinner under the stars. At this point of the trip I was seriously contemplating becoming a “beach bum” but then I remembered how good it always feels to see the pictures and hear the stories from guests who get to travel here based on my recommendations and arrangements. Sharing Africa with the world is truly my calling in life.
Day 5: A Trip to Paradise Island
Our fifth day took us on an incredible excursion to Paradise Island, a hidden gem in the archipelago. The island, with its evocative ruins and abundant marine life, offered some of the best snorkeling I’ve ever experienced. We swam through massive shoals of fish and encountered numerous sea turtles - all within the protected waters of a marine reserve.
The day concluded with a special Mozambican night, featuring authentic cuisine, along with some not-so-Mozambican cuisine but rather sushi made from Roddy’s fishing haul, and a taste of the famous local rum.
Day 6: A Fond Farewell
Our final day began with a soulful walk along the white sandy beach, followed by an insightful island drive where we visited local communities and learned about the impactful projects supported by Azura's Rainbow Fund. The drive offered a deeper understanding of life on Benguerra Island, showcasing the incredible work being done to support education and healthcare in the region.
This work is often carried out thanks to the levies added to stays on the island. So if you’re ever wondering how your stay impacts the communities this is where it’s going. That’s why I always say, “if you want to leave a legacy, travel to Africa” - you can read more about this in our blog here.
As we packed our bags and prepared to leave, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. Mozambique had captured my heart yet again with its natural beauty, luxurious retreats, and warm hospitality. The helicopter ride back to Vilanculos and our flight home were bittersweet, but I knew I would return to this paradise. I was also reminded just how easy it is to add a Mozambique getaway if you’re traveling to South Africa. It’s just a short flight from Cape Town via Johannesburg or Nelspruit and the officials on both sides are super professional and efficient.
This journey was a testament to the incredible experiences that Mozambique offers. From the luxurious Santorini Mozambique to the barefoot elegance of Azura Benguerra Island, this trip was an unforgettable adventure that I am eager to share with our clients at Anywhere in Africa Safaris. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, Mozambique promises an experience like no other - and better yet, it’s a destination for every kind of guest from adventure seekers, honeymooners, multi-generational groups and families with kids.
*A big thank you to both Santorini Resort and Azura Benguerra for offering me this educational stay.