Extraordinary Africa>Mozambique>Mozambican Coast>Coral Lodge
The first thing you need to know about Coral Lodge is that it’s quite a journey to get here. A flight to Nampula, followed by a 2-3 hour journey to the port, then 40 minutes in a beautiful creaking dhow to the lodge. When you hop out, you’ll need to wade ashore, and it’s roughly the moment your toes hit the sand that every moment of your journey seems worth it.
What’s Coral Lodge really like?
Coral Lodge’s location is glorious- just a boat ride away from Ilha do Mozambique, the former colonial capital and sandwiched between a lagoon and a sweep of beach overlooking the ocean. There are just ten beautiful villas at Coral Lodge, five facing the lagoon and five out to sea, but all elegantly decorated in a simple, natural style, typical of many barefoot lodges along this coastline. There’re high thatched roofs, stone floors, wafting mozzie nets and an air conditioner just over your bed to keep you cool. Over in the main lodge, there’s a wonderfully warm atmosphere amongst the staff, many of whom come from the local village. Here you’ll find the main bar, swimming pool, and dining room, where wonderfully fresh food is served. And if you want to see how the chef does it- just ask for a cookery lesson, he’s more than happy to oblige!
What can I do at Coral Lodge?
In spite of Coral Lodge’s incredibly remote setting, there’s a remarkable number of things to do here For anyone even remotely interested in history, we’d seriously recommend a visit to Ilha do Mozambique. If local culture’s more your bag, wander along to the nearby village, Cabaceira Pequena, home to many of Coral Lodge’s staff. There’s snorkelling and canoeing on the lagoon, diving out on the offshore reef, and fishing, windsurfing and sailing on the Indian Ocean. Oh, and if you’re lucky enough to stay between August and October, there’re migrating whales offshore too. And if that’s all too much, well, there’s always a massage.
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