Combine your trip to South Africa with a touch of paradise in beautiful Mozambique. Begin with a few days in the charming capital Maputo before taking a speedboat (45 minutes) to the idyllic Machangulo Peninsula. Once there, there is high-quality accommodation, miles of golden deserted beaches and breathtaking surroundings – all of highest quality and class.

Alternatively, spend a few days on the mainland of Vilanculos and visit one of the fabulously beautiful, glorious and unspoilt paradise islands of Bazaruto and Benguerra. At this paradisiacal archipelago, just outside Vilanculos, you can scuba-dive, snorkel, fish, go on a horseback safari and / or experience a traditional Dhow ride (ship with one or two masts). In addition, you will be able to enjoy some of the most beautiful sunsets that can be seen – and that from your own beach Villa. Once again, everything is of the highest class and quality.

Upplev Sydafrika has visited most of the lodges in and around Machangulo and Vilanculos. We have gathered some lodges that we highly recommend below.

Machangulo

White Pearl Resort

White Pearl Resort, for five stars traveller, is a beautiful resort at Ponta Mamoli, only 90 minutes by transfer from Maputo. The luxurious White Pearl Resort, beautifully situated in a sheltered bay, offers the most exceptional service and impeccable accommodation. The resort offers many activities including horseback riding on the beach.

Accommodation: All 22 luxury suites have sea views, are beautifully decorated with the most amenities one would expect, including a private pool. Some suites have direct access to the beach. Children of all ages welcome.

Price indication: from U$ 750 per person sharing/night fully inclusive during high season. Other prices may apply during low and peak season.

Anvil Bay is the place for those travellers who want a slightly simpler camp and accommodation right on on the beach under canvas and thatch. Anvil Bay, a private and exclusvie barefoot beach camp, where most things are happening right on the beach. No pool. Anvil Bay offers top service and delicious food. There are many activities to enjoy, for example, beach cycling, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, etc.

Accommodation: Anvil Bay consists of 11 Casinhas with stilted wooden decks each with its own stretch of beachfront, all with style and finesse. The Casinhas are located just steps from the beach. In-room amenities include a minibar and an indoor and outdoor shower. Children of all ages are welcome.

Price indication: from U$ 450 per person sharing/night full board during high season. Other prices may apply during low and peak season.

Machangulo Beach Lodge

The family owned Machangulo Beach Lodge is beautifully situated on the hill with an outstanding view from both the restaurant area and all rooms. The lodge is surrounded by 3 amazing nature reserves and 2 marine reserves. The tip of the Machangulo Peninsula is literally lands end and provides a breathtaking setting. Nice pool area with superb service and food. Machangulo Beach Lodge offers a variety of exciting activities, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, Dhow tour, fishing. Also excursions to the nearby village of Santa Maria and Inhaca Village as well as picnics with different themes. Trained Padi instructor for diving courses available.

Accommodation: Machangulo Beach Lodge consists of 9 spacious rooms, all with verandas and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Inhaca Island. All rooms have air conditioning and a minibar. Children of all ages are welcome.

Price indication: from U$ 440 per person sharing/night all inclusive during high season. Other prices may apply during low and peak season. Some of the activities / tours are included in the price.

Vilanculos

&Beyond Benguerra Island

The paradise destination &Beyond Benguerra Island is beautifully situated on Benguerra Island. In addition to the pleasant restaurant, there is a spa and a colorful traditional Dhow, which has been converted into a picturesque beach bar. A lot of exciting activities, such as helicopter sightseeing, scuba diving, snorkeling, hoursback riding safaris, picnics, sailing, etc. are offered at &Beyond.

Accommodation: This idyllic paradise consist of 13 luxury Villas, 2 Cabana and 10 Cashinha (bigger than Cabana) and one Casa Familia Suite. All with their own plunge pool and looking out onto a sandy beach, set on a deep lagoon unaffected by the tides. This exclusive beach getaway is ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Children all ages are welcome.

Price indication: from U$ 920 per person sharing/night all inclusive.

Azura Benguerra Island Resort

Azura Benguerra Island Resort is located on the beautiful, second biggets island, Benguerra Island. The resort has a nice restaurant and bar and a special wine cellar. A butler-hosts to look after your every need, fish and seafood fresh from the ocean, and just footsteps from the beach and sparkling turquoise Indian Ocean. Azura Benguerra Island Resort offer many fantastic activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, picnic on any of the Islands etc. There is a nice Spa at the resort.

Accommodation: Azura consists of 20 luxurious villas, with 5 different categories in different sizes, all with their own private pool and proximity to the beach. In the villas there are amenities such as air conditioning, minibar, indoor and outdoor shower. Azura Benguerra Island Resort welcomes children of all ages.

Price indication: from U$ 695 per person sharing/night all inclusive.

Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort

Anantara Bazaruto is located on the Bazaruto Island, the biggest island of the five on the Archipelago outside Vilanculos. There are two restaurants at the resort as well as a unique spa that is beautifully situated on the hill overlooking the lagoon. An adult pool and a family pool. The island also has a 9-hole golf course and and tennis court. A lot of activities are offered at the resort such as bird watching, dune boarding, island excursions, diving, snorkeling, fishing etc.

Accommodation: Anantara consists of 44 Villas of which 29 Beach Villas and 12 Deluxe Sea view pool villa as well as 3 larger villas. Children of all ages welcome.

Price indication: From U$ 738 per person sharing/night all inclusive during high season. Other prices may apply during low and peak season.

Villa Santorini

Villa Santorini is situated 20 minutes from the Vilanculos Airport. Beautifully located with stunning panoramic views across the expanse of Vilanculos Bay. It consist of a private martini pool and outdoor dining area on the patio. The multifaceted living area, comprising a lounge, TV room and library, ocean facing deck with martini pool, secluded patios, wind-protected courtyard pool, 24-hour guest beverage-kitchen and a range of communal and intimate dining spaces, provides guests with a wide range of ensemble and private living, relaxation and dining options. Villa Santorini consist of a beautiful 2-bedroom Chapel, a 3-bedroom beach Villa da Praia, ideal for honeymoon couples, romantic getaways and small groups.

Accommodation: The white walled Main Villa consist of five sea-fronting, air-conditioned, en-suite bedrooms, each with a private balcony. The Chapel and beach Villa is ocean facing with its own open plan lounge, kitchen and dining room and en-suite bathroom. Children all ages are welcome.

Price indication: from U$ 639 per person sharing/night (low season), Other prices may apply during high season, all inclusive.

Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel

Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel is situated only 10 minutes from the Airport in Vilanculos. With the emphasis on style and comfort, it is both luxurious and personalised. Your choice of either a spacious, fully serviced en-suite room, an optimally equipped self-catering pied à terre, or combinations of both, will provide you with an perfect base from which to explore the beauty of your surroundings. There is a nice restaurant, spa and wellness centre at Bahia Mar.

Accommodation: Bahia Mar consist of 4 suites/room with sea view. All have air conditioners, mini bars and TV’s, verandas. Some have private plunge pools and indigenous gardens enhance your outdoor enjoyment and, of course, the magnificent Indian Ocean is right on your doorstep. Children all ages are welcome.

Price indication: from U$ 279 per person sharing/night during high season, inclusive breakfast and transfer return to the Airport. Other prices may apply during low and peak season.