In the social media era, it feels like the whole world has already been discovered.
From castaway cays in the Bahamas to the remote wilds of Australian jungle, we’re so used to seeing paradise pop up on our feeds that few corners seem truly unexplored, with pristine nature and a distinct dearth of crowds. Fewer places still combine such natural wonder with world-class service, first-rate design and cultural riches.
And yet, despite its strengths in all of the above, Mozambique has managed to fly under the radar; as a sought-after luxury travel destination, it’s just getting started. With goods to rival safari-and-beach escapes in neighbouring Tanzania, and upmarket, hideaway island lodges like in nearby Madagascar, it offers an unspoilt, luxurious and – crucially – socially and environmentally conscientious getaway for travellers with the budget and impetus to explore outside of the box.
The call of Kisawa
It started, as it so often does, with a trailblazing, ultra-exclusive hotel opening that captures the imagination of the jet set – in this case Kisawa Sanctuary, a 300-hectare vision of unbuttoned island luxury, founded by Swiss-born entrepreneur Nina Flohr. Mozambique’s east-facing Indian Ocean coast – lined with a whopping 2,500km of beachfront, tropical waves and glittering exotic palm-studded isles – boasts the kind of postcard panoramas seen on screen in David Attenborough documentaries. Secluded, undeveloped and home to rich wildlife like manta rays, whale sharks and dugongs, it was the perfect place for Flohr, who’s had a life-long affair with Africa, to set up her retreat – part-hotel and part non-profit conservation effort.
Opened in 2021, Kisawa, which is located 14km off the mainland coast in the Bazaruto archipelago (accessible from regional Vilanculos airport by helicopter transfer) has room rates beginning from £7,100 per night including taxes and service, putting it in the upper echelons of exclusivity; a bold proposal for a destination which had seen limited international footfall to that point.
Its one-bedroom residences include private pool, butler service, all meals and drinks, laundry service, 60-minute spa treatment, non-motorised watersports and activities like sunset dhow sailings. Though of course, like most of the worlds’ leading hotels, the property is unique not so much in aesthetic or service so much as what it provides in the intangible realm.
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“At Kisawa we’ve built a sanctuary that exists in harmony with the environment, where wilderness and wellbeing come together effortlessly,’ says Ayman Gharib, Kisawa CEO. Travellers are reconnected to nature and the surrounding biodiversity on a deep, personalised and 1-to-1 level. That might mean diving in pristine reefs – some of the finest coral habitats in the Indian Ocean – in conjunction with the hotels’ non-profit arm, Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, or witnessing the annual humpback whale migration, or learning to line-fish (kuvedja) by local dhow boat.
The resort also provides a rich cultural immersion, with craftwork and music from Benguerra island, home to around 2,000 locals, weaved into the fabric of the stay. On all levels Kisawa taps into the modern luxury traveller’s desire for meaningful connection and purpose, providing the experience of something utterly unique, as well as socially and ecologically responsible.
From beach to safari
Part of why Mozambique appeals is that it’s been off the radar for so long, making it feel like a fresh discovery even for those who have had the privilege to explore the world. A 16-year civil war that only ended in 1992, and an ongoing reputation for instability and poverty, has kept travellers at bay for decades despite the natural beauty; though recent programmes by newly elected president Daniel Chapo have championed high-end sustainable tourism. His message: Mozambique is once again open for business.
“It’s the kind of destination that feels like a discovery again – remote, raw and quietly sophisticated,” says Jennifer Morris, of luxury operator Abercrombie & Kent, who sells Kisawa Sanctuary as part of its tailormade itineraries. "We're seeing a definite shift toward Mozambique as travellers look beyond the well-trodden safari-and-beach circuit for something more exclusive and design-led.”
Morris also notes that her clients are opting to pair Mozambique with safaris in South Africa or Zimbabwe in multi-stop breaks to “balances wilderness and wellbeing”; a trend also noted by Jeremy Hyman, Mozambique specialist at Audley Travel. He states many clients are combining safaris in South Africa or Botswana before heading to the coast to relax: “Mozambique offers some of the best scuba, snorkelling and boat adventures anywhere in the Indian Ocean.”
It is the incredible coastline that Mozambique is best known for, though despite the reputation for rambling white-sand beaches and crystalline shallows in areas like the northerly Bazaruto, Quirimbas and southerly Maputo Special Reserve conservation area, wildlife is increasingly a draw too.
Ali Holman at tour operator Scott Dunn – which has seen a 150% rise in bookings for Mozambique this year – says “there is the conservation success story that is Gorongosa National Park, which the Carr Foundation has helped to transform from war-torn ecosystem into a thriving wildlife reserve that empowers local communities. The biodiversity of this region is second to none and there are only two camps – Chicari and Muzimu – allowing for an exclusive experience and quiet wildlife encounters free from mass tourism.” On a typical safari, guests can expect to see elephants, lions, hippos and crocodiles, as well as plenty of rare birdlife.
Mozambique of the future
While Kisawa flies the flag internationally for Mozambique’s luxury scene, the cuntry also has a wealth of luxury villas and small-scale hotels – such as White Pearl Resorts and Colina Verde – that can be combined on a plush island-hopping holiday. And in years to come there will be plenty more to choose from, though the government is said to be taking a measured approach to ensure these investments benefit local people and environments in the longer term.
“Sustainability is shaping the destination’s evolution, with new developments placing genuine emphasis on community impact and environmental stewardship,” says Aman Teale, CEO of Minerva Private Travel, a luxury travel agency and lifestyle management company. “A standout example is Aman Karingani, a project that is set to become a landmark monument in Mozambique’s tourism journey.”
When elite resort group Aman recently announced Mozambique as the destination of choice for its first safari retreat, in Karingani Game Reserve – plumping over more established destinations – it really underlined Mozambique’s potential. Aman is hotel group that counts some of the world’s wealthiest travellers among its fans and intimately understands the kinds of experiences they’re seeking.
“The Karingani Game Reserve is not only one of the continent’s most pristine and diverse expanses but also one of the world’s most exceptional destinations” says Chairman and CEO of Aman Group Vlad Doronin. He notes that it’s the perfect place for the brand’s guests to simultaneously connect to nature and experience an ultra-luxury way of living. Just 30 standalone pavilion suites with private pools, as well as Aman residences and a signature Aman Spa, are part of the plans.
Likewise, guests seeking the synthesis of nature and luxury can also look forward to a new private island retreat from plush safari operator Singita, just announced in the Bazaruto Archipelago. The island of Santa Carolina will see £78 million invested towards a 60-bedroom lodge development and further £32 million put towards conservation developments on the island, ushering into a new stage of high-end tourism once work is complete.
The only question is: will you be there in Mozambique to welcome it?
