SANCTUARY
Dugong Beach Lodge is situated on the East-African Seaboard, on the Coast of Mozambique within the boundaries of the “Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary”. This 30 000 hectares of pristine Marine and Wildlife territory is the first Privately Managed Specially Protected National Park in Mozambique. The waters seen from Dugong Beach Lodge are also part of the Bazaruto Marine National Park. This archipelago became a National Park in 1971, revealing a wide variety of beautiful sea creatures in both shallow and deepwater reefs, including Great Leatherback Turtles, Sailfish, Angel Fish, Manta Ray, Dolphins and most importantly, the nearly extinct Atlantic Dugong (which resembles a sea lion). This diverse Eco-system of wilderness and wetland, with its powder white beaches and crystal clear water provides a barefoot luxury experience like no other, all in a hidden corner of sub-tropical Africa. Also found on land are Livingstone’s Eland, Blue Wildebeest, Plains Zebra, Giraffe, Nyala, Red Duiker, Steenbok and Grey Duiker. Deep-sea fishing of Marlin and Barracuda is truly spectacular and the large flocks of Flamingos and Pelicans are a sight to behold. All of these animals live in harmony in this conservation paradise and are truly a “Gift to the Earth” as stated by the WWF. Dugong Beach Lodge offers the perfect island holiday, whether it be for a honeymoon or leisurely travel with family and friends.
ACCOMMODATION
The Lodge offers 14 luxuriously appointed, air-conditioned chalets with direct access to the beach via individual walkways. Two of the 14 chalets have a private plunge pool. All rooms have twin beds or double beds, luxurious en-suite bathrooms, an outdoor shower, as well as a view of the ocean. Each chalet has a private deck furnished with day beds for relaxation and a secluded canopy where private dinners can be enjoyed.
All rooms are equipped with:
Ceiling Fan, Air Conditioning, Mosquito Net, Mini Bar, Hairdryer, Mini Safe, Tea/Coffee Facilities and Mosquito Repellent.
FACILITIES
The centrally located lounge is an open-air space that provides guests with a comfortable area in which to relax, at any time of day. The lounge can be closed with sliding glass doors to provide a warmer atmosphere for cooler evenings. Guests can absorb the amazing view of the ocean, while reading a book from the selection provided in our library. Individuals seeking entertainment can choose to relax in front of the Television with an array of DVD’s or decide to play one of the different board games provided.
Guests can cool off in an interflowing swimming pool or lounge around on any of the comfortable sunbathing loungers and hammock. The island-style bar with martini seats offers guests a wide selection of drinks that can be enjoyed whilst drinking in spectacular views of the ocean.
Daily meals are served in the dining room and on the main deck in either Buffet or a La Carte style. Dugong Beach Lodge also provides a variety of other exclusive dining experiences on request including private meals in guest rooms or on private decks, picnic excursions to different islands, as well as meals set up on the Jetty overlooking the ocean.
ACTIVITIES
- Bangwe Island Excursion – Margaruque Island Excursion
- Windsurfing – Sundowner Cruise
- Ocean Safaris – Nature Drives & Walks
- Hobie Cat – Cowry Point Excursion
- Bird Watching – Diving (outsourced)
- Snorkelling – Kayaking
- Dhow Cruise – Fishing
- Island hopping
- Crab Fishing
ARRIVAL
On arrival at Vilanculos airport guests will be met by a member of the Dugong Team and transported to the beach for a 45-minute boat ride to the Sanctuary. Guests should be advised that wading into the water (to about knee level) may be required, depending on the tide. Please ensure to keep this in mind and dress correctly on the day of travel (sandals and easy roll up pants or shorts are advised). As an alternative, guests can freshen up and change clothing once they get to Vilanculos. Breathtaking scenery and the sighting different sea creatures can be enjoyed on the relaxing boat journey to the Lodge.
HOW TO GET TO DUGONG BEACH LODGE
Guests who would prefer to drive – Vilanculos is approximately 700km North of Maputo. It would be best to do the trip over two days with a stop at Inhambane, since the journey can be quite long. Daily flights are available from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Vilanculos Airport (except on Sunday). Flights are also available from the Kruger National Park and charter or private flights can easily be arranged. Transfers from the airport to the Lodge must be booked at the time of making a reservation and are charged separately. It must be noted that, at times, there may be a delay in the transfer to Dugong Beach Lodge should passengers be arriving at different times on different airlines.
VISA AND TAXES
The Mozambique embassy has confirmed that all foreign passport holders now require a Visa prior to arrival. Tourist Visas or Business Visas can no longer be done on arrival. International travellers flying to Mozambique will need to apply for a Visa prior to arrival. South African passport holders will be able to receive a Tourist Visa on arrival; however Business travellers must apply for a Business Visa prior to departure. You will be liable for passenger tax, immigration tax and airport tax. Please confirm rate prior to departure. Ensure that you have the correct amounts in CASH – either in US $ or ZAR, since credit cards are not accepted at immigration at the airport.
All guests visiting the Lodge – situated in the Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary – will be liable for a Conservation Fee of approx. US $15 per person per stay. This cost is NOT included in the accommodation rate and is payable directly at the Lodge upon Check-In or Check-Out.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
The Archipelago is a malaria area and it is advisable to wear protective clothing such as long sleeve tops and trousers in the evening. Ensure that you consult your doctor or pharmacist about a suitable malaria prophylactic. All personal medication should be brought with you, as well as suntan lotion, sun block creams, malaria tablets and antihistamine creams as there is no pharmacy.
GENERAL
Solar Power/Generator
Due to the remoteness of Dugong Beach Lodge power is obtained from a combination of solar and generator power. The generator operates during the day until the afternoon and again from sunset until approximately half an hour after the last guest has gone to bed.
Water
The water at Dugong Beach Lodge has been professionally tested and although it is safe for drinking, mineral water is available.
Weather
The Mozambique coastline broadly follows a southern African weather pattern, with rainfall mainly occurring between December and March. Humidity can be very high during this period. In April or May rainfall subsides and humidity drops, with better weather spreading gradually from the South to the North. June to October is often characterized as perfect tropical weather, providing almost no rain, clear skies and plenty of sun. June, July and August are Mozambique’s coolest months, although temperatures may still reach up to 30°C during the day. September and October see a climb in temperature, while still remaining dry. November is a month of transition and less predictable with some November months remaining sunny and others bringing early rainfall.