A combination of bushveld, beach and marine reserve, with zero risk of crowds and a remarkable ecosystem, Dugong Beach Lodge is an incredible spot to explore.
To get to the lodge from Vilanculos airport you will jump onto a boat to make the journey across the bay to this beautifully remote place. Alternatively you can splurge and catch a chopper, and see the extraordinary colours of the water from above!
Here are the things he enjoyed most...
1. Swim & snorkel
Protected by the headland, the water is generally clear and calm right in front of the lodge - perfect for long, lazy swims every morning.
2. Take a game drive
Dugong is part of a large nature reserve and home to sable, eland, wildebeest and other antelope. With the vision to one day become a big five reserve. The bushveld comes right down to the sea, so we heard zebra calling while we were on the beach! The birding is superb too.
3. Take a trip out to the islands with exotic names
Margaruque, Bazaruto, Banque, Benguerra and our favorite, Ilha Santa Carolina or "Paradise Island" with the ghostly old hotel where Bob Dylan once played the grand piano (he even composed a song called "Mozambique")
4. Lounge around
The suites are spacious. The main pool and deck have awesome views. There are salas at the end of long wooden jetties for some quiet time. Don''t rush here, take things slow and give yourself time to soak it all up.
5. Eat seafood and peri-peri sauce
You''re in Mozambique which means you should at least try to eat like a local and sample the spicy flavours inherited from the Portuguese colonial past.
6. Walk the beach at night to see the phosphorescence
Like thousands of little lights being set off each time we step a foot into the shallow water, this is an incredible experience!
7. Lie on your deck and look up at the stars
You have your own private deck in front of your generous suite, situated on stilts above the sand and enjoy the extraordinary display of the Milky Way - really really far from any city lights.
P.S. To actually see the rare dugong you''ll need to go out into the deep sea. These very elusive. creatures are like water hippopotami, the only totally herbivorous mammal in the sea. The breeding herds here are some of the last few remaining in the wild. If you do see one, take a photo and share it with us, please!
Getting to Dugong Beach Lodge is surprisingly easy. There are direct, scheduled flights to Vilanculos airport with Airlink from Joburg and Nelspruit. From there the lodge will whisk you away across the bay to paradise.
