After years of neighbour cover-up, Mozambique began to take up a position on African travel maps, especially among American travelers seeking a fresh combination of safari and oceans.
The idea of pairing bushes with beaches is not new. But what changed is the growing demand for more immersive experiences outside of traditional itineraries, with improved flight visits within the country, as well as some new or relaunched properties that offer something new and unique.
The classic portfolio and aviation partner Safari Air will launch in June and will take two flights between the Gorongosa National Park (Via Beira) and Vilanculos on the southern coast of Mozambique. This route will run from April to November every year (Monday and Wednesday).
The classic portfolio of Suzanne Bayly refers to the island near the coast of Vilanculos, which makes it easier to experience the best of Mozambique from the rich wildlife of Gorongosa to the amazing beaches of Banguela. ”
For travelers who are accustomed to multiple transfers between safari and island resorts between countries and even regions, this peer-to-peer connection can be very attractive when planning a trip.
African wild dogs in Gorongosa National Park. Image source: Daviesphotos/Shutterstock
Purposeful safari
Since the Civil War in the late 20th century, Gorongosa National Park has accepted one of Africa’s most ambitious restoration plans. The long-term partnership between American philanthropist Greg Carr and the Mozambique government has been rebounding since 2008, and the tourism industry has played an increasingly role in maintaining this progress.
“Guests can spend time at the conservation center to learn more about their work on wildlife restoration,” said Shaun Stanley of Stanley Safaris. “A project they are working on involves pangolin. Before release, guests may even go out as part of their recovery. ”
Stanley added that his company works only with properties engaged in real protection: “We need guests to understand that these experiences are not staged; they all depend on the work needs at any given time.”
Accommodation options include Muzimu Lodge (open year-round) and Chipari Camp (launched in May), both designed around small-influence safaris, focusing on walking trails, bird watching and professionally-led activities rather than watching large-scale games based on vehicles only.
The new Chicari Camp, formerly known as Gorongosa Wild Camp, was built in a natural watering hole called Chicari Pan. It will offer eight spacious canvas safari tents, as well as two elevated trees kelp tents, perfect for families or couples traveling together. All structures are connected by wooden sidewalks overlooking the wetland area, with elephants seasonally gathering next to a flock of wading birds. Activities include game drives that track lions or wild dogs; rowing along the season from camp and seasonal boating along the Urema Flooplains, emitting excellent birding during the wet months, when lilies bloom in the surrounding pots.
The leisurely island of Bengra
A short jump from Vilanculos boat or helicopter takes passengers into Bazaruto Archipelago Marine Park, five islands on the southern coast of Mozambique, known for their protected marine ecosystems and remote beaches.
Among them, Benguerra Island stands out. It is the second largest island in the archipelago and one of the easiest to access, a favorite of travelers looking to combine Indian Ocean islands with continental safaris. Compared to the well-known or increasingly difficult coastal areas of the north, Benguerra offers convenience and excellent biodiversity, including freshly offshore hills, turtles and vibrant coral reefs.
The island will see reopening Azura Marlin Beach In May; the property has been closed since the fire destroyed most of its infrastructure a decade ago. This small retreat offers only 10 villas, from the steps along the white coast, and its design elements are inspired by local traditions that skillfully incorporate it into modern comfort.
Guests here can enjoy private Butler-host service, as well as access to water-based activities such as snorkeling of two miles of coral reefs, mountain sailing, horseback riding along coastal trails, boring attractions, community visits and gazing at locals and all-day picnics by neighboring islands (including Passi or Pasdis Island).
Guests living in Gorongosa National Park can participate in exploring the walking safari in the surrounding area on the classic portfolio property. Image source: Classic works
Jonty Medcalf of Timbuktu Travel said that despite occasional political uncertainty elsewhere, islands near Vilanculos are still popular because they are logically easy…and guests want different kinds of island escapes instead of them being able to go home. He added that many are moving from passive beach vacations to more active things: “People want to dive, snorkeleton, kayaking – not just lying around and doing nothing. ”
This observation coincides with a broader model pointed out by Andbeyond’s Nicole Robinson: “There is an increasing demand for immersive accommodation, where guests can combine rest with Marine Safaris or work directly with local conservation programs.”
Similarly, the Pearl Justice of America’s Extraordinary Journey says she’s increasingly seeing clients abandoning classic beaches for a softer safari experience – places where you sleep late, take a walk, visit the community, get a spa treatment. She added that it still feels like “in a safari” but no binoculars are needed all day.
Meanwhile, Robinson points out how the expectations of guests around the island expansion also develop.
“There is definitely an increase in health-centric accommodation,” Robinson said. “Guests are increasingly paying attention to opportunities related to marine research projects such as coral reef restoration,” [like those run through our Oceans Without Borders programme]. ”
For consultants who go beyond the standard Kruger-Sangchibar pairing, or just interested in providing customers with crowded alternatives, Mozambique offers real-world potential not only to improve logistics but also to have more diversity built into shorter routes.
