UNIQUE MOZAMBIQUE: KAYAK WITH EXPERT AFRICA IN PRISTINE WATERS

Mozambique (03/12) – Mozambique is one of Africa’s hidden gems: fine sand that squeaks underfoot, remarkable mangrove forests and tropical islands surrounded by turquoise waters and vibrant coral. With a permanent tropical ocean current running north to south along its 2,000 km coastline, water excursions are a must for visitors.

Expert Africa, one of Southern Africa’s leading designers and operators of personalized tours, has explored and studied Mozambique’s pure coast line, gathering a fun list of places to kayak the smooth waters well off any beaten track.


1. Quirimbas Archipelago: This string of small islands is in an exceedingly remote area of Northern Mozambique – Expert Africa believes that it’s the last large stretch of East African coastline where the marine environments are ecologically pristine and largely unexplored. Located within Quirimbas National Park, Ibo Island Lodge offers overnight kayak safaris where guests can sleep in mobile fly camps on tiny deserted islands, as well as excursions by sea kayak into the cool mangrove forest and through the winding canals – both accompanied by excellent guides. These opportunities are great to explore the further reaches of the park and usually entice the more adventurous traveler.

Ibo Island Lodge’s standard mobile island hopping safari is based on a seven night package that includes three nights at Ibo Island Lodge. This is $2,968 per person, based on two people sharing and includes local aircraft transfers, full board with four nights hopping by traditional dhow or kayak, three nights at Ibo Island Lodge, snorkelling and a guided tour of Ibo Island. When island hopping, guests will stay in a mobile camp (crew assembles the camp, cooks and looks after guests).

Should travelers only wish to visit Ibo Island Lodge, nightly rates start at $335 per person sharing, and include meals, guided historical island tour, non-motorized water sports (unguided kayaking and use of snorkel gear) and daily transfers to the private beach. Guided sea kayak excursions are $30 per person.

2. Nampulu Province: Few visitors come to the stunning province, and those who do usually head straight for its rugged and untouched coastline, which is dotted with small villages. Both Nuarro Mozambique and the luxurious Coral Lodge 15:41 offer kayaking into the mangroves. The coastline around Nuarro is a mix of rugged coral rock, giving way to little coves and secluded beaches. Guests can spend a morning exploring by kayak and arrange for a picnic lunch on one of the tiny deserted beaches nearby. The lagoon in front of the Coral Lodge is home to mangroves and sea grass that provide a nursery for a large number of fish – kayak here alone or with a member of the Coral Lodge team.

Nuarro Mozambique’s rates start at $295 per person per night, and include a buffet breakfast, two course lunch, three course dinner, dhow cruises, kayaking, snorkeling, bush trails and bike rides. Rates at Coral Lodge start at $425 per person sharing per night, including all meals, all non-motorized activities and a guided tour to Ilha do Moçambique.

3. Bazaruto Archipelago: A marine national park covers most of the archipelago, a chain of four large islands strung out in the Indian Ocean - two of which are uninhabited. These islands are surrounded by a maze of sandbanks and corals reefs in the turquoise seas. Pestano Bazaruto Lodge lies at the northern tip of Bazaruto Island, the largest island of the Bazaruto archipelago. There is a distinct laid-back feel here with kayaking as one of the many water activities. Benguerra Island is famous for its unspoiled white beaches and is comprised of forest, savannah, freshwater lakes, wetland eco-systems and a two-mile long coral reef. The island is home to approximately 140 bird species and was declared a National Park. Marlin Lodge, located one of the island’s most beautiful areas overlooking tranquil Flamingo Bay, is another kayaking candidate. Vilanculos is a coastal town on the mainland and the gateway to Bazaruto Archipelago. Within the Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the mainland but accessed by boat, is the Dugong Lodge. The lodge resides on a long beach in the area and is for travelers who are looking to relax – water activities, such as kayaking, are payable locally.

Pestana Bazaruto Lodge rates start at $502 per person per night – kayaking is an additional fee. Marlin Lodge’s rack rate is $580 per person per night and includes meals, selected drinks, non-motorized water sports and laundry. Dugong Lodge rates start at $390 per person sharing per night, and includes meals and non-motorized water sports.


For more information, contact info@expertafrica.com or visit www.expertafrica.com.