Mozambique Educational 

Have you ever dreamed of that paradise, where the waters seem azure blue and turquoise green? With palm trees, white sandy beaches and open skies full of sunshine?

Then Mozambique is the place for you!

With Caribbean like weather all year around and the friendliest people in Southern Africa, everyone should visit Mozambique at least once in their lifetime. And believe us – once there, you will come back again!

Our Fenja, Nadine and Krupa had the pleasure to experience an educational in February this year and were surprised (again) by the beauty of the country and the warm-hearted people.

Upon arrival at Vilanculos airport you feel welcomed right from the beginning. 

Mozambique will surprise you with its many boat transfers (and even helicopter transfers).

It will give you a perfect start to your journey and the best opportunity to slow down from your everyday fast paced life. Arrive, get on the boat, slow down and relax!

Vilanculos in Mozambique offers long pristine beaches and dazzling views to take your breath away. The beautiful bay has calm and shallow waters which are ideal for water sports and some fun in the sun. Just beyond the bay is the magnificent Bazaruto Archipelago, a chain of islands in a marine national park. The town is a few kilometres inland from the bay where visitors will find restaurants and bars, banks, fuel, markets and basic supplies. The local airport in Vilanculos is busy with daily local and international flights.

Mozambique visitors who would just like to get away from it all will find Bazaruto just the place to relax, sip cocktails and indulge in a delicious seafood beach dinner or perhaps sail away on a dhow for a castaway picnic! There are actually 6 islands within the Bazaruto Archipelago which lie just off the mainland between Vilanculos and Inhassoro. The largest island is Bazaruto, then Benguerra, Margaruque, Santa Carolina (Paradise Island), Banque and Pansy Shell Island.

The hotels in the Vilanculos area and especially of the Island of the Bazaruto Archipelago are very connected to the local communities and villages. Almost 80% of the employees in the hotels are from surrounding villages and have been well trained. The extraordinary service in combination with local knowledge and spirit is inspiring for so many reasons.

Taking it a step further – even local art is being displayed at Azure Hotel and local craftsman have their own shop at Anantara Hotel to sell their own arts and crafts on spot.

Must do while in the area – Visit Pansy Island and „Two Mile Reef“

A paradise of untouched and well preserved reefs. You get to experience the most amazing snorkeling and amazing views of the intact marine wildlife such as clownfish as well as various reef formations.

If you are lucky enough you might even see a Dugong or swim with Dolphins. An amazing marine experience! Go for a walk along Pansy Island’s beaches and try to find the rare pansy shells.

For the more fit – climb the dunes and experience a 360 degree view of the island – just incredible!

Not to miss while at Benguerra – The Dhow Cruise

Dhow sailing is one of the oldest and most traditional ways of getting around along the East African coast. A Dhow is a traditional Arabian boat; its distinctive features include lateen sails and stitched construction. The hull boards are sewn together with fibres, thongs or cords. Chartering of Dhows took place from as early as 600 AD in Mozambique waters and they were the main method of transport on the Indian Ocean until the Portuguese arrived in the 15th Century with their large ships.

You will sail out shortly before sunset and enjoy the tranquil waves and the ocean as the sun sets for the day. With a drink in your hand surrounded by the different guests of your hotel the atmosphere is vibrant and laughter does not come short. A perfect ending to a perfect day!

For the early birds - Sunrise in the Dunes

An early morning of getting up at 4.30 awaits you, but it is so worth it!

You leave the hotel in time to walk up the beautiful dunes of Bazaruto Island. Sit and relax while you wait for the stunning sunrise. Afterwards take your board and slide down the dunes. (Depending on how much energy your have on that early morning – enjoy and repeat)

Getting lost at Paradise Island

Paradise Island, also known as Santa Carolina, is the only completely deserted island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, boasting with an old abandoned hotel dating back to the early 1950’s. It is said that Elton John and many famous artists came here in its hay day to find inspiration for their works. Bob Dylan wrote his song ‘Mozambique’ in the restaurant of the hotel a few decades back.

The hotel opened in 1952 and was home to many rich and famous people. After the Portuguese owner died in the 1970’s no one was found to take it over. Sadly the hotel was left to its own and started to decay surrounded by the rough winds of the sea. During the tour of Paradise Island you can walk through the old ruins of the once so impressive luxury hotel and you can feel the stories and atmosphere of the history of this place.

With time the ocean will continue to take back what was once built to enjoy the same, but until then it is a great experience to explore and discover.

The reefs surrounding Santa Carolina offer some of the best snorkelling in the Bazaruto Archipelago, both off the boat and directly from the shore. As the tide pushes in around the shores of the island, it brings with it many amazing turtles playing in the currents. After some snorkelling and island exploring, a freshly cooked lunch on open fire is served in a catered shady spot and guests can relax, enjoying the last rays of afternoon sun on the palm lined beaches before heading home.