Mozambique is a sensory overload of beauty, wilderness, culture and flavour flanked by 2400kms of silky white beaches. Dotted along the astonishing coastline, little pieces of African paradise have floated out into the azure Indian Ocean to create the last remaining wild island paradises in the world. Azura Benguerra and Azura Quilalea are the best possible places to experience the abundance, luxury and seclusion of an authentic and discerning tropical island holiday.
Discover Mozambique now
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A profusion of wonder
Much of Mozambique is a coastal plain across which southern Africa’s mystical rivers – Limpopo and Zambezi – fan into their Indian Ocean estuaries. The country is a cornucopia of languages, colours, flavours and cultures – from the San in the 1st century AD, then, 1000 years later, the Bantu on the land and the Arabs on the sea before the Portuguese arrived in the 1400s. In 1993, Mozambique emerged from a turbulent period of colonialism and civil war to join the Commonwealth of Nations and, despite facing challenges this remarkable country has never looked back.
Mozambique’s wildlife and national parks – Nyasa, Gorongosa and Limpopo – attract large numbers of tourists annually. It is, however, the untrammelled coastline, shimmering tropical archipelagos and stunning marine reserves that draw discerning travellers in search of wilderness, seclusion and storybook treasure islands.
Islands of legend
Iconic Africa has found two gems floating out in the cobalt balmy blue of the Indian Ocean.
Azura Benguerra
Azura Benguerra, in the Bazaruto Marine National Park, is an eco-friendly boutique island retreat of unsurpassed luxury. There are just 17 beach front villas, all with private pools and just steps from the lapping ocean. The villas are individually hand crafted masterpieces of natural wood, palm and jekka that nestle seamlessly into the dune vegetation.
When you are not unwinding in your villa or luxuriating in the spa, you could be out exploring the island’s fascinating fauna and flora, interacting with local people or picnicking on a remote island. You might be out on the water – snorkelling, diving, game fishing or sipping sundowners on the deck of a wooden dhow.
Azura Quilalea
Further north lies the Quirimbas National Park and the uninhabited tropical island Eden of Azura Quilalea. The nine beach Villas are lavish yet understated testaments to African chic – each with a thick palm roof for coolth and private deck just steps from the impossibly inviting Indian Ocean. The staff exudes the best of African hospitality in a relaxed atmosphere of elegant barefoot indulgence.
You can spend your days lazing on a secluded cove with a picnic, kayaking through the primal mangroves, reading in a hammock suspended from an ancient baobab. You could also virtually live under the water – snorkelling or diving – on the 17 exclusive island reefs boasting an astonishing diversity of marine life – turtles, tropical fish, eels, dolphins and rays.
As the sun sinks over Africa, you might find yourself sipping an island cocktail from the stern of a dhow while a pod of Southern Right Whales breach out to sea.
Travelling to Mozambique
Iconic Africa will arrange the most convenient way to for you to travel to Mozambique dependent on your itinerary. There are daily flights to Vilanculos (for Benguerra) and Pemba (for Quilalea) from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport. From these centres, it is an exciting helicopter flip over the ocean and onto the islands. If you are travelling from the Kruger area, there are two flights a week into Vilanculos.
Why the Mozambique islands
- Ultimate seclusion
- Unspoiled ocean wilderness
- Lots to do or nothing to do – your choice
- Relaxation on the world’s last tropical island paradise
Mozambique is a symbol of hope, beauty and possibility. Benguerra and Quilalea present the most luxurious and secluded ways to relish the legendary islands drifting off the ancient coast. Iconic Africa is waiting to immerse you in the splendour of a Mozambique island holiday.