Discovering Mozambique: A Family Adventure in Paradise

Once a month for the next few months, you’ll hear from the vibrant women who make up the Leopard team, about their favourite holiday experiences in Africa. I hope that you’ll get to know the team a bit better through these personal accounts and also appreciate their passion for Africa and its diversity. Each Leopardess has her own special interests and we draw on each of these in order to help plan absolutely detailed and tailor-made trips to Africa for our clients.
– Diana

Here’s Daphnée’s account of her many visits to Mozambique.

I have a deep love for swimming in the ocean and exploring coral reefs. That’s one of the reasons I’ve decided to share my passion for my favourite African country, Mozambique, with you.

On our first family getaway to Mozambique, the most magical moment of our stay was our boat trip to Benguerra Island, located about 45 minutes from Vilanculos. On the way, we were lucky enough to spot a dozen dolphins cutting through the water effortlessly next to our boat. After anchoring in the archipelago, we went snorkeling at Two Mile Reef. While we marvelled at the multicolored fish and coral, a crew member prepared a private barbecue for us on a deserted beach in Benguerra. The crystal-clear water and sparkling white sand reminded me of time I’d spent in The Whitsundays islands, in Australia. It was simply heavenly, like a living postcard.

The beaches of this archipelago are also a favourite refuge for dugongs, a species of manatee renowned for its shyness and difficulty to observe. I was lucky enough to stay in two sublime lodges, Azura on Benguerra Island and Anantara on Bazaruto Island. At the end of my stay, I also enjoyed a short helicopter flight from Vilanculos Airport over the Bazaruto archipelago. We flew over shades of turquoise and white, watching the turtles from above, which looked like brown spots in this fantastically colourful sea.

Our second family trip to Mozambique was shorter, as we simply had to renew our visas. We chose the Machangulo peninsula, just opposite Maputo and an hour’s flight from Johannesburg, which was logistically ideal. Besides being easily accessible from Joburg, I also recommend this pristine destination to nature lovers and snorkellers. You access Machangulo by boat from Maputo. The crossing takes 30 minutes and the welcome you receive on the other side is once again very warm, with singing and dancing. Mozambicans have a real sense of hospitality. They are such friendly people!

While at Machangulo, we spent a whole day snorkelling in the shallow waters of the marine reserve on Inhaca Island, just off the peninsula. We saw a large number of lion fish, and the corals were intact, unlike those on Mauritius, for example, which are gradually losing their colour. Machangulo Lodge is perched on top of a dune, offering breathtaking views of the sea. We took long walks along the beaches, climbed the dunes and introduced the kids to bodyboarding right in front of the lodge – a perfect spot!

Our most recent trip to Mozambique was last Christmas. We set off from Johannesburg and rented a 4×4 equipped with two tents on the roof and camping gear. It was a totally different way of discovering the country! Our goal was to reach Vilanculos, the country’s little paradise, after covering almost 2000 km. We travelled with another family, so there were four adults and seven children in total.

We had some great moments, like a trip on a dhow (a traditional boat) to snorkel and see seahorses. It was the first time I’d ever seen one! The children were also amazed. These strange little creatures live in seagrass meadows clinging to seaweed and remaining motionless!

We had a great time interacting with the locals, especially in the markets, hairdressers and small restaurants. Communication was sometimes difficult, because Mozambicans speak Portuguese and I’m not fluent in that language, but I learned a few words.

Mozambique is the seventh poorest country in the world. So, I strongly suggest that you and your children pack an extra, small suitcase to donate to the community. A great trip is not only about the comfort of your accommodation and the idyllic scenery, but also about sharing with the local communities and enjoying the smiles you receive. Mozambique is a blissful destination and will provide you with a family holiday experience that you’ll always remember.
– Daphnée

Happy travels,
Diana, Daphnée and the rest of the Leopard Team

P.S. Reply to this email if you’d like us to curate your perfect family holiday, romantic getaway or solo escape in Mozambique. Alternatively, let us know which African holiday destination you’d like us to write about next.