Dugong Beach Lodge

• Lies within the Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary
• Full array of water sports available from the lodge
• Two chalets have two bedrooms and a plunge pool, ideal for families
• More attractive price tag than the Benguerra island lodges

Overlooking the azure blue Indian Ocean, Dugong Beach Lodge is a romantic hideaway offering pristine surroundings, tranquility and warm personal service. Experience a delightful picnic on a deserted island, enjoy leisurely walks on a perfect white-sand beach, marvel at the spectacular vistas at Worlds View or sip cocktails at the martini bar at the pool overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The lodge lies within the Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary on the coast of Mozambique. It lies opposite the Bazaruto & Benguerra Islands close to Vilanculos. This diverse eco-system of wilderness and wetland, with its powder-white beaches and crystal waters is host to a staggering array of marine life including leatherback turtles, dolphins and is one of the few sites in the world where the near extinct Dugong (which resembles a sea lion) is found.

Accommodation at Dugong Beach Lodge

The 14 luxuriously appointed air-conditioned chalets all face the Indian Ocean with direct access to the beach via individual paths. Each chalet has a private deck with day beds for those all important afternoon siestas and inside the chalets have hardwood floors, en-suite bathrooms with huge feature baths and outside showers. Each is equipped with hair dryer, fans and mosquito nets. Two chalets have private plunge pools.

Facilities include a central lounge/dining area opening onto a sun deck with a swimming pool and an island style martini bar with views of the ocean. The boma and deck have open fires for later in the evening. The gazebo, located at the end of the jetty, is the perfect setting for sundowners or private dinners for honeymoon couples. There is a TV and DVD player tucked away in the main lodge, if required, as well as internet facilities, a small library and curio shop.

Activities at Dugong

Water sport enthusiasts can look forward to an array of activities, including deep sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling and kayaks. Shallow and deepwater reefs reveal beautiful creatures such as great and leatherback turtles, sailfish and manta ray, to name a few. Complimentary non-motorised water sports include snorkelling from right in front of the lodge, wind-surfing, hobie-cat sailing and kayaking. There is an additional charge for scuba diving, snorkelling from the boat, water-skiing, saltwater fly fishing deep sea fishing and all motorized excursions such as trips to Bangwe island, Margaruque island and Cowry Point. Other activities include parasailing, sundowner cruises, dhow sailing cruises, nature drives and walks and ocean safaris in season to search for dolphins, whale sharks, whales and other marine life.

Families at Dugong Beach Lodge

Two of the chalets have two en suite bedrooms with their own private entrances and plunge pool (Note these rooms are not interleading). These two bedroom chalets are ideal for families or couples travelling together. Dugong welcomes children of all ages and has a special kids programme. Children may share a chalet with their parents.

The key difference between the more expensive island lodges and the mainland lodges is the accessibility to the snorkelling and diving. Please note that the reefs are quite a distance away (off the Bazaruto archipelago) so if you are a keen diver you might like to consider one of the island lodges instead.

How to get to Dugong Beach Lodge – Travel is easy with direct flights to Vilanculos from Johannesburg or KMI near the Kruger (selected days). From there you take a 30-40 minute boat transfer direct to the lodge.