Arriving on Bengurra Island, Monzambique.

According to Wikipedia, Mozambique (Portuguese: Moçambique), is a country in southeastern Africa bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west and Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest. The capital city is Maputo. Benguerra Island in Mozambique is the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, which broke away from the mainland thousands of years ago. The island is approximately 55 square kilometers (11km long x 5.5 km wide), and lies 14km offshore. It is famous for its unspoiled white beaches, remarkable dive sites, excellent horse riding and incredible fishing– from my visit, I would have to concur!

A view from a helicopter between the mainland and Benguerra Island. The circle with a boat in between is a fishing net.

A dhow at sea in front of Marlin Lodge.

A view from Marlin Lodge. A local man on a dhow.

A local village boy, pushing his dhow.

Guests enjoying a sunset dhow at Marlin Lodge.

My room at Marin Lodge.

Marlin Lodge, Benguerra Island:  Authentic thatched huts on raised platforms overlooking a stunning blue sea.  Each hut has beach access.  Room is fully enclosed with screen doors to fall asleep to the  sounds of the ocean.  Mosquito nets over the beds.  Indoor and outdoor showers.  The food is delicious and fantastic wine selection.  You have the option for dinner or a wine tasting in the private cellar.  There is both a large bar in the main lodge and a thatched beach bar for sundowners.  Communal pool with views of the beach.  Free kayaking, Mokoro boat rides, a sunset sail, tubing, fishing, an island tour (with a local primary school visit,) snorkeling and scuba.  You can become certified for diving.  A small curio shop and spotty wifi in the common area.

A starfish on the beach in front of Marin Lodge. at low-tide. If they aren’t returned to the sea, they may not make it until the tide comes in. From experience, I can tell you they are scaleier than expected, but still squishy. I returned three to the Indian Ocean before I got tired of running across the beach.

Muriel Truter, Askari Travel and me on the beach in front of Marlin Lodge. And just when I thought I couldn’t see anything more amazing on this beach, I spotted…

These adorable children watching their parents fishing during low-tide on the beaches in front of Marlin Lodge.

They were so cute, I had to go closer.

And closer…

I get it, in America this would be considered creepy or stalking young children or something, but they were too cute not to document.  They waved goodbye as we headed to Azura on the other side of the island.

Fisherman at low-tide near Azura.  The large fence like circle is a fishing net.

The fisherman at a distance in front of Azura.

Fisherman returning with their catch.

Rains rolling in over the sand dunes on Benguerra Island.

Students at Escola Doada Pela Azura Primary School, founded by Azura.

Class in session.

Diligent grade one students.

Azura, Benguerra Island:  Very spacious raised thatched huts.  The privacy of the rooms, makes it feel like you aren’t on a large resort.  There were screens to sleep with the doors open, but they had blinds on them, so you didn’t get the view.  Beds have mosquito nets.  In-suite tub and shower, as well as an outdoor shower with two heads.  Each room has it’s own plunge pool and deck, with private beach access.  I wasn’t a fan of the layout of the restaurant, but the service was excellent and food delicious.  There was a large main sitting area and bar, and a spa on property.  Wifi and curio shop are available near reception.  Free kayaking, Mokoro boat rides, a sunset sail, fishing, an island tour (with a local primary school visit,) snorkeling and scuba.  You can become certified for diving.  Presidential villa is also available.  $10 USD of each stay goes to the rainbow fund, helping the local primary children.

Leaving Azura to head back to the mainland via helicopter.

A view of low-tide from above.

Arriving back on the mainland for our journey to Maputo and on to White Pearl Resort.

A dilapidated, Portuguese inspired historic home, in Maputo, Mozambique.

Polana Serena Hotel, a part of Serena Hotels, Maputo:  A large colonial style hotel about 15 minutes from the airport.  The large picturesque pool overlooks the water.  A short walk down takes you along the water way.  Free wifi, breakfast and gym.  Rooms are simple, clean and spacious.  There is  a buzz about the lobby morning, noon and night.

Owner of White Pearl Resort taking us in his helicopter to visit.

A view from the helicopter as we approach the Indian Ocean.

One of the pool areas at White Pearl Resort.

The uninterrupted beach at White Pearl on the Indian Ocean.

Plentiful crabs playing in the surf.

The beach at White Pearl.

The infinity pool at White Pearl.

White Pearl, south east coast: A brand new, lively and large beach resort with 22 chalets.  Each unit had a large deck, individual plunge pool, living room, bedroom, bathroom (tub, no indoor shower) and outdoor shower.  The showers do feel a bit exposed, but management is working to add shrubbery to hide the view from the pathways.  The food and wine selection are delicious, but the service is slow.  Décor was very clean, beachy and modern—think Hamptons in the summertime.  Free wifi in the main area just across from the curio shop.  Two bars and a fun fire pit (live drums without the cheese factor).  Beautiful views of pristine beaches.  Snorkeling and kayaking are included.  Swimming with dolphins and diving can be arranged through the hotel but are extra.  Laundry is not included.  There are no mosquito nets over the bed and unfortunately there aren’t screens on the windows—so you have to chance bugs if you want to sleep with the windows open.  Several family units (or just think multi-room) are set to open before December.