Mozambique: the most beautiful coast in Africa!

2023-11-04 09:32:37

With more than 2,500 kilometers of coastline, Mozambique conceals a fascinating range of heavenly beaches with preserved biodiversity. The proof in three with some of the most idyllic spots in the country.

We start this beach tour in Vilankulo, one of the most famous destinations in Mozambique. This pretty seaside resort, still very authentic, runs along pristine beaches lapped by the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean, and faces the Bazurato archipelago. Five pink coral islands carefully guarded within a natural park, a true marine sanctuary. To delight in these gems, settle down at Casa Babi. A lovely guesthouse located on one of the prettiest beaches in Vilanculos, which offers stunning views of the bay.

After years spent in the field of and IT, the shared passion for diving of Sabrina (Franco-Italian) and Denis (French) led them to this little paradise. They took over the Odyssea Dive diving center there, before creating Casa Babi in 2011, with the intention of offering divers and non-divers alike a family experience, where guests would feel at home. The bet more than succeeded! Very comfortable waterfront rooms, all overlooking the sea, a pretty little swimming pool, exquisite cuisine, a diving center and kite surfing school… And at any time, from the terrace, the dining room or the swimming pool, a fantastic view of Bazaruto Bay.

A unique landscape in the world, fascinating foliage of blue and white, sandbanks then lagoons, as far as the eye can see… Fusion of the sky, the waves and the earth, with the air of a mirage, of hallucination… The sails of the dhows emerging like Berber tents, pitched in this strange desert… Ballet of boats and men, lost in this immensity, crushed by the sun… An impressionist masterpiece in perpetual movement, according to the tides, the seasons and the winds, propitious to the most vibrant contemplation…

After a few walks, on foot or on horseback, along this living picture, accompanied by one of the friendly doggies of Casa Babi, after having duly observed the life of the local fishermen and the women superbly draped in colorful capulanas, head towards the Bazaruto Archipelago. An hour by boat, an Eden of immaculate white sand, immense dunes, turquoise waters and coral reefs.

The walk there is unforgettable, and the world-renowned diving or snorkeling is just as memorable. The clear and generous waters are the kingdom of dolphins, humpback whales (between June and September), loggerhead, leatherback and green turtles, strange dugongs and more than 2,000 species of fish.

Head south to get to the Dovela Dunes. A superb Eco lodge located in the heart of a preserved environment, managed with passion by Thomas, one of the founders of the place, and Alexandra, his partner. Dominating an immense line of dunes covered with primary coastal forest and bordered by a lake, the lodge offers a breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean. This magical place is the story of a crazy adventure, that of two childhood friends from Touraine, who had always dreamed of building a place of their own, in accordance with their convictions and in an exceptional site.

After extensive prospecting on the coasts of Mozambique, they chose this completely virgin place, and decided to create a sustainable, eco-responsible project there, which would benefit the surrounding populations. Dozens of villagers are thus trained in painting, carpentry, masonry and participate in the project. A titanic work lasting several years, initiated by the construction of a 13-kilometer track through dunes, which resulted in the construction of several luxurious bungalows. Located 50 meters from each other, they have a private terrace with sea views, and have been designed to be in harmony with the wild environment. Another option, dome tents installed on wooden platforms, again with a private terrace and equipped with double beds, small cozy bubbles set in the middle of nature. The main part of the lodge consists of a large reception, a panoramic terrace with hammocks and comfortable sofas, a bar and a restaurant open to the sea breeze. The stay is full board, and particular care is taken with meals. Products from the sea and surrounding villages are cooked with talent, mixing French know-how and local influences.

With its rounded shapes and the materials chosen, mainly wood and thatch, the lodge blends wonderfully into the surrounding nature, without distorting the landscape. It is part of a vast project to preserve the coastline and the unique dune ecosystem. The water supply is thus done through a borehole, gravity then taking care of the distribution and ensuring minimal losses. The 100 hectares of dunes constituting the lodge area are monitored by the villagers associated with the project, to prevent trees from being felled there in particular.

The proposed activities are in harmony with the challenges of preserving this unique place. Below, the magnificent Manhame beach stretches as far as the eye can see. Sheltered from waves and currents by a reef, it is ideal for swimming or a short snorkeling session. The dunes are ideal for long walks in this extraordinary ecosystem. A guide will accompany you to discover the trees, plants and animals, many of them endemic, that the dunes contain. In addition to many species of birds, you will meet the friendly vervet monkeys. From June to October, don’t miss the grandiose spectacle of humpback whales, some of which choose the site to reproduce.

To complete this short tour of the Mozambique coast, we go slightly north to reach Tofo, a picturesque fishing village bordered by a sumptuous beach. We settle in at Baia Sobnambula, one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Tofo, located in a magnificently renovated old Portuguese house, perched on stilts and leaning against the green hill. From the terrace, you enjoy a magnificent view of the white sand beach and the ocean. Solid wood, curtains, decor that is both simple and refined, palm trees and bougainvillea, hammocks and wooden armchairs… the bungalows and rooms invite you to relax in total relaxation with great elegance.

Special mention to the incredible green bathrooms and the delicious breakfast. As well as the cuisine in general, succulent… To vary the pleasures, go to the Tofo-Tofo restaurant, a real institution where the catch of the day will be prepared to perfection!

Situated on the banks of the Mozambique Channel, the Tofo region is home to some fantastic diving sites. Giant manta rays, potato groupers, clown fish, barracudas, white tip sharks, zebra sharks will be part of your underwater encounters. Tofo is particularly famous for its whale sharks. Its tip, very rich in plankton, is assiduously frequented by these harmless colossi, the largest fish in the oceans… The immense Tofo beach is also a surfer’s paradise. Its turquoise rollers are the ideal terrain for trying your hand at sliding. Tofinho, the neighboring beach, subject to powerful winds, is a delight for kitesurfers.

Tofo remains a paradise village for insiders. With the exception of a few backpackers and diving enthusiasts, few travelers know its intoxicating charm. The village has managed to preserve its authenticity, which does not prevent it from having a number of small restaurants and stylish bars. We stroll between the multicolored stalls of its craft market and its azure-tinted houses, we watch the local fishermen leave in boats, we splash in its natural swimming pools dug by the waves, we witness the ballet of crabs and birds playing with the tide, we ride into the setting sun, or we simply let the white sand slip through our fingers to forget time…

Babi House:

Double room with ocean view and breakfast from 215 euros

Dovela Dunes:

Bungalow for two people with full board from 465 euros

Sonambula Bath:

Double room and breakfast from 215 euros