Machangulo Beach Lodge: a little piece of paradise

There aren’t many places where you arrive at your hotel by speedboat, but Machangulo Beach Lodge is one of them. The lodge is intimate and secluded and yet we are only a one-hour boat ride from Maputo. Machangulo is surrounded by three amazing nature reserves and two marine reserves, and looks out to the strait that separates the Zambezi River and Maputo Bay from the Indian Ocean. The tip of the Machangulo Peninsula is actually land’s end and it makes for a breathtaking setting.

The lodge is nestled in forested dunes and overlooks a spectacular white-sand beach. In season we can spot dolphins and humpback whales offshore. There’s a pool near the beach where guests like to relax, and we have paddle boards, kayaks and snorkelling gear. Sometimes we pack our guests up with a picnic and drop them at a secluded spot on Machangulo beach or take them by boat to Inhaca Island. Our nine luxury thatched lodges feature traditional, colourful batik prints and feel very authentic. All the rooms look out to the bay, and there are big decks and hammocks. We are family friendly, with children’s menus, and there are larger villas with private plunge pools for families or groups.

A favourite with guests is the dhow cruise. It’s a very romantic sail – especially at sunset. We pack a cooler box with snacks and drinks and guests sail off to Flamingo Bay on a hand built wooden dhow. I feel very happy, working in such a beautiful place with my colleagues and just half an hour from the village where I was born.