Very often the thrill of having both a land and sea adventure and spotting both wildlife and sealife in on travel experience is highly improbable.
“This is often the case especially when the allure of Africa is to experience the continent’s vast wilderness or to kick back on its endless white beaches. Most of the time it is ‘either or’ – either bush and wilderness or beach,” says Natalie Tenzer-Silva of Dana Tours.
However, adds Tenzer-Silva, in Mozambique, location is everything. “Whether it is for a family holiday or even for MICE travellers, Mozambique offers the best of both ‘beach’ and ‘bush’, which is especially ideal for those indecisive holidaymakers looking to make the most of their time within Southern Africa.”
So, pack you flip flops, but also your binoculars, as you consider these top beach and bush experiences in Mozambique.
A safari on the beach
Anvil Bay, an exclusive barefoot beach camp situated on an untouched stretch of coastal wilderness in Mozambique’s most southern national park is the ideal luxury beach and bush combo.
For those who want to head out on new adventures, Anvil Bay is the ideal gateway to explore the lakes, forests and savannas. Beach fanatics can head out on the open water for an adventure at sea, while wildlife enthusiasts will delight in overland safari opportunities.
Anvil Bay offers an innovative ‘Fat Sand’ bike activity to explore the coastline. Riding on the beach is best done around low tide when the going is a bit easier. Or hop into a kayak or onto a stand-up paddle board for an ocean adventure, or go body boarding, embark on an ocean safari or snorkel the reefs. Opportunities for shore and ocean fishing are also available.
From July to November every year the Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales make their annual migration along the Mozambican coastline on their way to and from their winter breeding grounds.
Located within the Maputo Special Reserve, Anvil Bay is also known to host one of the last remaining coastal herds of elephant and is a truly unique area to explore on safari as it combines lakes, wetlands, sand forests, grasslands and mangrove forests with a coastline. The reserve also features an exceptionally high number of endemic species of fauna and flora. The species found to be the most abundant are hippo, reedbuck, elephant, crocodile, red duiker, blue wildebeest and zebra, while the giraffe, nyala, kudu, bushbuck and waterbuck populations are growing.
Gorongosa and the Quirimbas
Gorongosa National Park has successfully been restored as a wildlife hotspot and its forests and savannahs are home to lions, hippos and elephants, as well as a variety of antelope species and birds.
For a ‘best of both worlds’ experience, combine a visit here with some time at Ibo Island Lodge which is situated in the Quirimbas Archipelago. Found just off the Northern coast of Mozambique, it is well-known for its coral reefs and waters inhabited by dolphins, whales and endangered dugongs. Here, you can go swimming, fishing, snorkeling, SUPing, kayaking or tubing as you soak up the sun along the island’s pristine beaches. If you’re up for a bit of scuba, some of the best Quirimbas dive sites are conveniently located near to Ibo Lodge.
The Kruger and Bazaruto
Instead of just combining beach and bush experiences, why not consider combining two countries in one trip.
By exploring the Kruger National Park in South Africa and Bazaruto Island in Mozambique, you will not only have some variety, but also to strike the right balance between safari activities and beach-time relaxation.
If your heart is set on witnessing the Big 5, the Kruger National Park in South Africa is conveniently located a stone’s throw from Mozambique. Venture out from Plain’s Camp on morning and evening game tracking a variety of animals. Then, step right into nature at Rhino Post where you can trek out on immersive safari walks led by armed tracker-guides.
From the Kruger, it’s off to Bazaruto Island in Mozambique, where you can kick back at the beach while staying at the elegant Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa. Spend some time at the wellness sanctuary for a relaxing massage then head out on a hobiecat sunset cruise with sundowners served crisp and cold. For an added dose of water-based adventure, consider a snorkelling trip to Neptune’s Nursery.
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