Vamizi Island lies off the coast of northern Mozambique, remote to the point
that it was almost never visited for centuries by passing explorers. As a
result, it remains one of the last pristine marine wildernesses left in the
Indian Ocean.

An exquisite lodge has been created from the island's natural landscape,
where a handful of guests can step out of beautiful private beach
villas into a world of powder sands, virginal reefs and secret coves.
Vamizi absolutely epitomises northern Mozambique: big spaces and big views
are integral to the lodge design, with the low walls and lofty ceilings
created for no other reason than to serve that purpose; and the stunning
handmade furniture and natural fabrics are influenced by Zanzibar and the
Swahili coast.


Accommodation:
Vamizi caters for 24 guests in ten beach villas, two of which have been
designed with double suites to provide exclusive seclusion for families or
friends. Each villa opens onto its own private stretch of beach and has a vast
airy sitting room and veranda with deep cane sofas and colonial planters
chairs. Rough-hewn marble slabs surround the showers and in the large
bedrooms, the huge four-poster beds with their crisp Egyptian linens and the
softest pillows have uninterrupted sea views.


Activities:
Wining and Dining.
The central relaxation area and bar are stretched along
the beach and have been created with open sitting areas and little secluded
hideaways. The furniture is Swahili coastal with typical carvings, chunky woods and masses of colourful cushions in heavy, rich hand-dyed cottons.
Inevitably, the ocean holds the key to Vamizi's main larder. The style has
a Mediterranean/Indian Ocean flavour, and the outstanding wine list is in
part sourced from vineyards belonging to some of Vamizi's owners. Guests
can choose to eat overlooking the sea from the dining room, on the beach, or
in the privacy of their own veranda.

Diving and Snorkelling. A marine survey by the Zoological Society of London
in association with the Australian Institute of Marine Science (Great
Barrier Reef) has found 350 species of fish in the reefs around Vamizi, some
of which were new to Mozambique. The diving and snorkelling is out of this
world, with a number of dive sites close to the island. The waters are
crystal clear and the pristine reef completely untouched by the usual
ravages of human interference.



Deep Sea Fishing. For keen blue water fishers, the waters around Vamizi
are World Class. A vertical drop-off beyond the reef between Vamizi and
Rongui islands teams with predator fish, including sailfish, marlin, tuna, giant trevally and Wahoo. For fly fishermen the diversity of fish that take the fly around the island makes it a highly desirable destination.

Wildlife. Vamizi is lush with a unique habitat of pristine coastal thicket
and rich tree cover, which supports more than 100 colourful species of bird.
The island is home to a breeding colony of terns, and samango monkeys and
giant coconut crabs share their space with Vamizi's new residents. Guided flora/fauna walks are available or you can take a mountain bike and explore the island’s interior at your own pace.


Beach and Sea. In amongst the long ribbons of white sandy beaches that
frame Vamizi are secret miniature coves and bays just calling out to be explored or picnicked upon. The 12 kilometre long, 1.5 kilometre wide
island also has space to stretch legs and explore wildlife beyond the
beach. The indigo waters are lovely for swimming. Calm and clear, they
are protected by the reefs that surround the Archipelago. Sea kayaks are available for those wanting to explore further and the sunset dhow cruise is a relaxing way to see another blissful day come to a close.


Conservation:
Conservation and community participation are integral to the Maluane
philosophy. Working with the Zoological Society of London and Mozambican conservation institutions, Vamizi itself supports the largest
community-based turtle programme in the region, with more than 300 nests
protected. The communities have been partners in the project since it
started, and are working with Maluane to develop sustainable fishing practices. With every booking a percentage of the accommodation cost goes to a community and conservation fund. A clinic has been built on the island and construction of a school will commence this year.



Rates:
From US$370 to US$560 per person per night inclusive of all meals, soft drinks, local beers and standard spirits. Daily laundry service, guided activities:- snorkelling, shore based fishing, sea kayaking, mountain biking, beach picnics, dhow sailing, sunset cruises, turtle & whale watching / monitoring (seasonal), birding & community visits. One complimentary scuba dive per person per day.

Excludes flight transfers to and from the island. Use of boat for Deep sea / blue water & fly fishing, wines and premium spirits.

Macaloe and Rongui Islands will open in 2006.

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