Ratty's Rambles: Paradise on Earth found in Mozambique

Oh to be the friends of people who have ‘island paradise getaways’!

The Wilson family found themselves on a rather hair-raising road trip from Johannesburg to Vilanculos in Mozambique to spend some time with friends who have a share in the most idyllic place in the world – The Sanctuary. This rather special part of the world is a 30 minute boat trip from Vilanculos - not exactly an island but a jutting out finger from the mainland and situated within the Bazaruto Archipelago. You can only get there by boat from Vilanculos.

The Mozambique border patrol was by far the most fascinating experience I have personally had in Africa – we all stared in wide eyed wonder at the screaming, jostling and negotiating going on around us, topped by the border police chasing – at top speed – the very kindly gentleman who was helping us with our insurance papers. What can we say – he was wanted by the police! Wow…life in Africa is never dull.

The rest of the long road trip was just as exciting – watching out for cows, goats, the odd croc…humans! You name it, everything and everyone crosses the main roads in Mozambique at any point they see fit. You have got to have your wits about you when travelling in this part of the world. It has to be said though, that a trip to Mozambique is not complete without stopping off in Maputo to enjoy some extra hot spicy prawns and Portuguese peri-peri chicken.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Vilanculos but it was more bustling and chaotic than I imagined it would be– we couldn’t even leave the car at the shops as there were at least 20 people crowding us trying to sell something. I was glad to get to the meeting point on the beach to get the boat across to The Sanctuary. I wasn’t expecting such a small boat but nevertheless, I was up for adventure even though my back and stomach weren’t feeling quite up to the crossing – wow, felt like an old lady when I got off. Note to self: must find my sea legs!!

All woes were completely forgotten when I arrived! Looking up at Curlew Lodge nestled amongst the tropical foliage overlooking the turquoise sea, I felt I had stepped into a Robinson Crusoe book. It was pure heaven. I remembered when I was at school and had to write a piece on “My Utopia”. Mine went along the lines of “My Utopia - a tropical island paradise all to ourselves, not another soul in sight - with palms waving in the wind, endless turquoise seas, long stretches of white sand, striking sunsets, dolphins frolicking in the waves… and tree trunks made of chocolate” (ok, apart from the tree trunks of chocolate, there was no doubt that had found my Utopia here complete with dolphins frolicking in the waves).

We spent our days boating around the various islands, enjoying long lazy days on deserted beaches, swimming, snorkelling, taking long walks and exploring the various islands. In the evenings, our very smiley chef would see what 'the catch of the day' was and we would perhaps enjoy fresh fish over the fire after sundowners on the deck watching the magnificent sunsets. It is hard to explain a tropical paradise on paper so I hope you will enjoy the pics I have included that tell their own story of our experience of the THE BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO.