VAMIZI ISLAND ANNOUNCES DIVING PACKAGE AT ONE OF WORLD’S BEST DIVE DESTINATIONS

Vamizi Island, an eco-active African island in the Indian Ocean waters of Mozambique, with 15 extraordinary dive sites, announces a vacation for divers that offers beginners, intermediate and advanced divers eight fully-guided dives with a seven-night stay throughout 2013.  Rates start at $4190 per person and go up to $5870 per person depending on the time of year.

The package includes seven nights’ accommodations in an ocean-facing villa; all meals; soft drinks, local beer, wine, basic spirits, bottled water, daily laundry serve and guided activities including shore-based snorkeling, sea kayaking, birding, walking trails, beach picnics, dhow sailing and Hobie Cat sailing.

Opened in 2005 and located in Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago, the Lodge is already known for its diversified dives, especially Neptune’s Arm, voted one of the world’s top ten dive sites.  Many diving experts have deemed it the best dive they have ever experienced.  A short boat ride from the Lodge, this underwater island envelops spectacular scenery with a canyon plunging more than 200m deep with steep cliffs and filled with colorful marine life.

While there are now 15 dive sites, more are being discovered all the time, including sites for all diving abilities.  The island boasts a pristine coral reef, deemed one of the healthiest coral reef eco-systems in the world, abounding with what ecologists call “indicator species” – species so sensitive to changes in the marine climate that they serve as the proverbial “canary in the coal mine.” The reefs – a seascape of mountains, valleys, plateaus and cliffs – teem- with an array of whales, dolphins, turtles and reef sharks to Gregorian corals and giant clams. A survey carried out on the waters of Vamizi identified 46 genera of coral species and more than 400 species of fish. This kaleidescope of colorful sea creatures is a must for any serious diver. But the sheer beauty of Vamizi and its surrounding crystal-clear waters appeals to anyone who loves island living.

Vamizi is located in Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago and is only seven and a half miles long by about a mile wide.  Vamizi Island Resort is the only resort on the island, a conservation project in partnership with WWF and funded through carefully considered low impact, high-end tourism.  Each of the 13 one and two bedroom villas was constructed of local building materials and by the local community to blend into the landscape.  The island has one of the longest turtle conservation operations in East Africa and fishing is sustainable.  The integration of local knowledge and traditions with world-class scientific understanding benefits everyone:  the community, wildlife, and visitors.

For complete itinerary, rates for specific dates and transfers to the island, call +44 1285 762218 or visit:  www.vamizi.com

For reservations:  reservations@vamizi.com

VAMIZI ISLAND: A FAR-FLUNG ISLAND IN UNIQUE MOZAMBIQUE

Miles away from almost everything, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Vamizi Island beckons those who seek the barefoot luxury and adventure that only an African Island can bring.  Even though it is one of the largest islands in the Quirimbas Archipelago, Vamizi is just seven and a half miles long and about half a mile wide.  Thirteen timber-villas of one or two bedrooms are strung along pure white sand beaches, 230 feet apart, to provide real privacy.  It is the only Lodge on the island, enhancing its remoteness.  A pristine coral reef, a phenomenon almost unheard of in today’s world, keeps the surrounding waters of the island crystal clear. 

As a partner of the prestigious WWF, Vamizi Island is a conservation project funded through carefully considered low impact, high-end tourism.  Each villa was constructed of local building materials and by the local community to blend into the landscape.  Vamizi has one of the longest turtle conservation operations in East Africa and fishing is sustainable.  The integration of local knowledge and traditions with world-class scientific understanding benefits everyone:  the community, wildlife and visitors.

Opened in 2005, the Lodge is already known for its diversified dives, especially Neptune’s Arm, voted one of the world’s top ten dive sites.  A short boat ride from the Lodge, this underwater island envelops a canyon with steep, deep cliffs, filled with colorful sea life - a “must” for serious divers everywhere.  Other activities include exceptional blue water game fishing, humpback whale sightings in season, snorkeling, sailing, lagoon kayaking, nature walks with the resident WWF guide to learn about the conservation program, face and body treatments and yoga.  Or one can simply do nothing but drink in views of the sky, sea and beach.

In the spacious villas, billowing white muslins drape enormous beds.  Deep sofas, colonial style chairs and day beds accented with cushions provide a homey feel.  Each villa is set 98 feet from the beach with a vast deck overlooking the beach and a gazebo on the edge of the beach.  Air conditioning is not needed so gentle sea breezes whisper through latticed windows.  It’s the ultimate Robinson Crusoe house with more comfort.

Vamizi Island Lodge also features three private villas of five bedrooms each, ideal for friends traveling together or families looking for a true barefoot experience.  These villas, named for local birds, are even more secluded than the Lodge.  Designed by a well-known South African architect, they are stylish and inviting with the smartest of African motif, though still very laid-back.  Bliss here is instant beach access, plunge pools and a dedicated hospitality team to tend to every need.

Cuisine at Vamizi Island is deliciously created from Mozambique-grown fruits, vegetables and herbs and surf-fresh seafood, highlighted with premium wines from South Africa.  Dinners are lantern lit in the main thatched-roof open dining room or sumptuous grills on the beach.  For lunch, guests have a choice of the main dining room or a relaxed buffet in the ‘castaway’ restaurant on the south side of the island.  Guests may also opt for a ‘shipwrecked’ picnic on a remote, secluded beach.

The whole island of Vamizi could be called a spa, nurturing both above and below the water. Beauty therapies are uniquely Vamizi, using natural recipes from the local ladies as well as a few oceanic inventions - minerals ground from Vamizi roots, local seaweed masks and sea salt scrubs. A full range of massage therapies include bespoke yoga massage, reflexology and heated herbal stone massage as well as Indian head massage, deep tissue, Swedish and aromatherapy massages. Vamizi retreats are held regularly, encompassing professional yoga instruction and sublime food. The next retreats will be November 11 - 17, 2012, and January 20 - 26, 2013.

For an enchanting combination of simplicity and indulgence, the Tusitiri dhow, based at Vamizi can accommodate up to 10 people and is available for overnight safaris. (Dhows are traditional wooden vessels originally used for carrying textile and spices in the Indian Ocean.) Nights are spent under the stars on comfy bedrolls laid out on the deck and delectable meals are taken al fresco. Half and full day excursions are also available. Meticulously restored Tusitiri is one of the finest examples of dhows in East Africa today.

Rates at Vamizi Island Lodge start at $590 per person sharing per night in the Lodge low season and $490 per person sharing per night in the Private Villas low season, based on eight persons sharing for six nights.  Guests going to Vamizi may fly Vamizi’s scheduled plane roundtrip Dar Es Salaam or Pemba, starting at $525 roundtrip from Pemba and $750 roundtrip from Dar Es Salaam. Private charters are also available.

For additional information, visit www.vamizi.com.

EXPERT AFRICA SHOWCASES BICYCLE OPTIONS: EXPLORE AFRICA AT YOUR OWN PACE

London, England (04/12) - Expert Africa, one of the leading designers and operators of personalized tours to Southern Africa, has outlined several places that offer the opportunity to explore by bicycle. Wind rushing through the hair…rays of sunshine caressing the skin…and the world before you – pedal on.

Zambia:

Amid the lush rift valley enclosed by steep escarpment walls, is Zambia’s South Luangwa. Tafika Camp, located on the banks of the Luangwa overlooking the South Luangwa National Park, offers one of the more adventurous biking options: mountain-bike safaris. Bike rides usually leave after afternoon tea and consist of a small group - usually not more than four guests. The group is led by a highly experienced cyclist and accompanied by an armed National Park scout. These bikes are also used to visit the nearby Mkasanga village and the local school and clinic that Tafika supports. Visitors are introduced to the village elders who are always pleased to show the guests around.

On the Livingstone side of Victoria Falls, the very peaceful Islands_of_Siankaba is built on two densely forested islands, linked by suspension bridges. This lodge provides mountain bikes with frames made out of bamboo - the bamboo is almost as good as carbon, with a much lower carbon footprint. The bikes are used by visitors to see the local villages and school, as well as to take in the 1.5km nature trail.


Malawi:

Likoma Island, located in Lake Malawi, is home to implausibly clear waters, sandy beaches and secluded coves. The one lodge on this island is Kaya_Mawa with rooms widely spread around a golden beach and the two rocky headlands that bind it. Kaya Maya provides two kinds of bikes for visitors to explore the island: mountain bikes and quad-bikes. Both of these bikes can navigate the small footpaths that criss-cross the area without the interference of traffic. Lots of the other islanders bicycle, so the bikes are a great way to blend in with the local community. They are also much less ostentatious than 4WDs when arriving in a local village – the traveler feels less self-conscious and the villagers are more accepting.

Expert Africa offers an eight day package combining both Tafika Camp and Islands of Siankaba, as well as Kaya Mawa in Malawi with rates starting at $5,647 per person sharing. This is on an all inclusive basis and includes flights and transfers from Johannesburg.


Mozambique:

In northern Mozambique, the rugged and untouched tropical coastline is dotted with small villages and a few beach lodges. One of these lodges is Nuarro Mozambique. The beach is a short walk down the hill from Nuarro; and, the bush is filled with natural paths that lead to each of Nuarro’s chalets. Venture into the local villages by bicycle, accompanied by a member of the staff who comes from the area. Thus, you will receive a very warm welcome and numerous requests for photos. Many also utilize the bikes to travel to a rather remote lighthouse.

Expert Africa offers a seven day package at Nuarro Mozambique for $2,121 per person sharing. This includes full board accommodation, non-motorized activities which do not require a local guide, as well as flight and transfers from Johannesburg. Motorized activities with local guides are additional and payable locally.


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

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.