It urged members of the public to avoid contact with the water.

“The spill is near to 40 Victoria Road. Please avoid contact with the water in this area, until further notice. Any person who uses the sea in this area does so at their own risk.”

“Any form of full-contact recreational activity such as swimming, diving, water skiing, surfing, paddle skiing and windsurfing may increase the risk of gastrointestinal problems as well as skin, eye, ear and respiratory irritations,” it warned.

The department said it was working to resolve the spillage and would inform the public once the area was safe again.

African News Agency/ANA

“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.

For more information on Dana Tour’s service offering click here

“In Africa, especially Southern Africa, it’s so easy to combine your wilderness safari with some postcard-perfect beach bliss. So, why not try a bit of both?” asks Natalie Tenzer-Silva, Director of Dana Tours in Mozambique.

“This alluring combination is especially ideal for couples and honeymooners looking to level up on the romance. It’s also a fun combination for families, as the variety in experiences will be sure to keep everyone entertained throughout the trip,” she added.

The team at Dana Tours recently offered up their top picks for the perfect beach and safari combo destinations:

Best of three: Kruger, Swaziland and Mozambique

This 12 day journey starts off at Shishangeni Private Lodge in the world renowned Kruger National Park. From here, the adventure continues to the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary close to Mbabane in Swaziland, which will reward you with gorgeous mountain views and panoramic landscapes. It ends off with a good dose of fresh sea air at Machangulo Beach Lodge in Mozambique, where you can find that much sought after room with a view.

Twice as nice: the Kruger and Bazaruto

Being neighbours, South Africa and Mozambique go together really well if you are looking to strike the right balance with a safari-beach based holiday. If your heart is set on the Kruger National Park, you can easily try an 8 day getaway from there to Anantara Bazaruto. Get your game drive and Big 5 fix, then wash off that safari dust and don your snorkeling mask to continue your nature viewing, as you explore Mozambique’s vibrant marine life.

All about Mozambique

Mozambique is ideal for those looking to experience a bit of everything without having to travel too far. Gorongosa National Park over the recent years has re-emerged a top-notch safari destination. Great for game drives, boat and walking safaris, wildlife viewing is uninterrupted without massive hordes of tourists. As an 8 day experience, it is effortlessly paired with Bazaruto Island, where you can soak up the sun and to catch up on some relaxation.

From game drives to water sports

This beach and safari combo is great for thrill seekers. Spend 3 nights at your lodge at Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique and take advantage of those morning and evening game drives. Here, you can head out to spot lions, elephants, crocodiles, hippos, buffalo as well as plenty of antelope and bird species. The second leg of this adventure will have you wiggling your toes in the white sands of Ibo Island in Mozambique, as you swim, snorkel, cruise and kayak your way around while exploring the Quirimbas Archipelago.

For more opportunities available through Dana Tours, click here.