MOZAMBIQUE ISLANDS Paradise awaits...
Mozambique is an ideal Honeymoon destination. The country lies along the southeastern coastline of Africa and boasts 2500 kilometres of pristine coastline, dotted with dozens of islands offering secluded, romantic resorts for that perfect, magical honeymoon.
INHACA ISLAND
Inhaca Island is the closest island getaway, situated in the bay of Maputo, just 40 km from the capital. It is easily accessed with a 10 minute flight from Maputo. There is a small village on Inhaca, with a rather quaint but well-known restaurant called Lucas' Restaurant and a small market. Pestana Inhaca Lodge Island Resort is the only resort on this island, with 40 air-conditioned garden chalets and a large salt-water swimming pool. Excursions are offered to nearby Portuguese Island, a totally deserted island with expanses of beautiful white sandy beaches, and safe bays for swimming.
INHAMBANE - SOUTHERN MOZAMBIQUE
There are direct flights from OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg into Inhambane on a regular basis. The town of Inhambane is approximately 485km north of Maputo. Flamingo Bay Water Lodge built on stilts in the crystal clear waters of Inhambane Bay is an affordable, yet beautifully romantic honeymoon destination.
THE BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO
Approximately 800km north of Maputo lies the town of Vilankulo, (formerly Vilanculos). Vilankulo is the gateway to the romantic islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Places to stay on the mainland include Vilanculos Beach Lodge & Casa Rex.
The Bazaruto Archipelago consists of three larger islands of Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, as well as the smaller Banque and Santa Carolina, (previously known as Paradise Island).
Sunsets, peace and solitude are a reality on the Bazaruto Islands, allowing the visitor to choose what to do - or not to do. Guests can relax on unspoilt, uncrowded, pristine beaches while for the more active there is excellent bird watching, superb diving and snorkelling as well as excellent fishing. Scuba diving in the Bazaruto Archipelago has been likened to diving at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
The largest island in the Archipelago is Bazaruto Island, approx. 37 km in length and 7 km at its widest point. The name Bazaruto originates from a local word; "Ushurutswa", which means "island of the mist"; the Portuguese later converted it to Bazaruto. Legend has it that pearls were collected for the Queen of Sheba off the coast of Bazaruto.
There are two stunning resorts on Bazaruto Island. The Pestana Bazaruto Lodge is situated in a sheltered bay below the lighthouse, and has 30 air-conditioned A-frame thatched chalets, a stunning Spa and two huge fresh water swimming pools with Jacuzzis. This resort on the north side of Bazaruto Island is uniquely situated close to excellent diving & fishing areas of the Archipelago.
Indigo Bay Island Resort & Spa offers luxury air-conditioned accommodation in 30 beautifully furnished Beach Chalets, including the unique Honeymoon Beach Suite with its own private plunge pool right on the beach, and 12 Bay-view Villas. The resort has two infinity swimming pools, one with a pool bar, the other with caves & different levels for added enjoyment for children. A wide range of activities include a beautiful spa, games room, island qolf, kiddies play room, tennis courts and horse trails to complement the scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing & other water sport activities offered.
Benguerra Island is approximately 55 square kilometres in extent. The island was originally named "San Antonio" by Portuguese explorers and was later named Benguerra after a local Tribal chief. There are three upmarket resorts on Benguerra Island:
Azura at Gabriel's with 14 private Beach Villas - each with its own private sundeck & infinity plunge pool, - combine modern chic with traditional Mozambique design. Azura means beautiful blue and the name could not be more apt for this location, on the north west of Benguerra Island, surrounded by miles of pure white sand and tranquil turquoise seas. Recently voted one of the best island resorts by Conde Nast Traveller.
Benguerra Lodge comprises 10 Casitas, 2 Cabanas and the Villa Chibuene - ideal for honeymooners or families - with two double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, personal chef and a private swimming pool. All chalets have plantation shutters, mini bars, lounge area, private plunge pools and direct beach access.
Marlin Lodge, also on Benguerra Island, is constructed from hardwood. Its 14 seascape Luxury Beach Chalets and 3 Executive Beach Suites are connected by wooden walkways. All chalets and suites are air-conditioned, have mini bars and lounges, and en-suite bathrooms, as well as direct access to the beach.
NORTHERN MOZAMBIQUE ~ THE QUIRIMBAS ARCHIPELAGO
Flights from Johannesburg to Pemba in the northern most Cabo Delgado Province have opened up the beautiful unspoilt area of Pemba, and the little-known group of 32 islands that make up the Quirimbas Archipelago, including historic Ibo; a major trading centre in previous centuries when Africa's East Coast was controlled by Arabs, and later became a Portuguese colony.
Two forts guard Ibo, one of them a magnificent example of Portuguese architecture in the 1800s, the other reduced to a ruin. Yet Ibo itself remains a bustling local centre, silversmiths still practicing their fine work outside these forts to offer unique mementos of a special place in Africa. The relaxed and informal Ibo Island Lodge is set amongst beautiful tropical gardens with palms, established trees, bougainvillea and frangipani.
Also in the Quirimbas, Matemo Island Resort with 24 beach chalets is a lovely honeymoon destination. A full range of water sports and island activities are offered. Explore the rich cultural history and diversity of nearby islands of the Quirimbas from this ideal vantage point.
Medjumbe Private Island Resort on a tiny, quaint is the ideal Honeymoon destination with just 13 luxury chalets, each with its own private plunge pool, providing a private island haven unique to Africa and perfect for those romantic getaways.
Mainland Mozambique also offers some beautiful honeymoon resorts. Just North of Pemba town you will find the exclusive Londo Lodge, with a secluded private beach, superb game fishing, fly fishing, scuba diving near coral reefs right in front of the resort, mangrove rivers, lush vegetation, abundant small game and stunning birdlife amidst the true virgin Indian ocean coastline of Mozambique.
MOZAMBIQUE G.S.A.
Representing the Best of Mozambique!
Tel: +27 11 476 4143
