Because I’ve always wanted to…
Greetings laterally!!
In June I decided to travel to a relatively unknown area of Mozambique and then onto Lake Malawi. What I discovered was truly sensational and this has provided laterallife with a varied back-drop of ideas for holidays but most notably the summer and October half terms where the climate is just perfect with minimal humidity!! Flying into Joburg and then onto Nampula in Northern Mozambique, my first port of call was a stunning hotel called Coral Lodge – just the spot to get over a long journey.
A short hop up the coast and I arrived at Nuarro Lodge where the humpback Whales had just arrived in the local bay. Here one has formidable scuba diving, dhow sailing and a stunning stretch of beach.
My route to Malawi took me back to Ilha de Mozambique which for many centuries was the old capital. A historically fascinating island being severely unspoilt and here in my view, Terraco das Quitandas – is the laterally selected place to stay and explore the ancient Portugese fort, cobbled streets and faded architectural splendour reminding me of what Stone Town, Zanzibar may have looked like!!
Flying westwards across the country via Lichinga, you eventually emerge from the hills of the Rift valley at the shore of Lake Malawi. 25 minutes in a speed boat and you arrive at Nkwichi a magical eco-lodge nestled into the hills of the Manda Wilderness reserve – definitely come here to write your memoirs and forget about the world!!
My final stop was a 45 minute boat trip to Likoma Island from Nkwichi. A dodgy customs hut welcomed me into Malawi per se and then lo and behold around the corner is the sumptuous bay and lodge called Kaya Mawa! – Nothing quite prepares you for this little gem!! Nkwichi and Kaya Mawa are very close to each other and very different but both equally superb in their own way.
For a sample itinerary aimed towards couples and families with children featuring some of the highlighted properties below please click here.
Whilst not advocating a stay at all these properties in one trip, they do classically represent a fascinatingly unspoilt area of Africa and the lake properties combine superbly with a safari in the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia as well as the famous Victoria Falls.
Hoping you all had a wonderful summer and I look forward to sharing with you next month, my and Helen’s extensive journey around Brazil this August.
Laterally yours,
Coral Lodge
Situated on a sandy peninsula opposite Ilha de Mozambique, this 10 villa family run lodge is a magical place to stay. Accommodation runs both along the beach and around the tidal lagoon. Snorkelling, kayaking through the mangroves, diving, dhow sailing, whales from late june and island visits to Ilha de Mozambique are all very much on the activities menu. Both accommodation and food are superb. Dining on the beach by the lagoon at lunch or at night is truly memorable.
Nuarro Lodge
A quick scenic flight up the coast drops you right into this well-run eco lodge. Unspoilt beach and reefs with excellent diving as this area is a marine reserve. Humpback whales arrive from late June in the bay adding an extra excitement! A beautiful local dhow spins you out into the bay to see these giants breaching as the sun sets over the coast line. The local reef of Baixo do Pinda can be viewed from the local lighthouse at sunset.
Terraco das quitandas
To be in this area and not stay or visit the island of Mozambique would be a crime!! TDQ is in my view the definitive place to stay!! Vasco da Gama was the first person to arrive here and the Portugese remained for many centuries thereafter. The imposing cannonaded fort and its ancient surrounding town deserve a full day of exploring. Sunset on their roof terrace before a feast of local prawns and the odd cold beer well worth a go!!
Nkwichi Lodge, Mozambique
A breath-taking eco lodge set in the heart of the Manda wilderness conservation reserve on the shores of lake Malawi. With its unique styled accommodation, squeaky sand beaches, tropical coloured lake fish called cichlids, gorgeous fresh water to swim and snorkel in and star studded evenings eating al fresco on the beach all makes for another one off lateral experience in life!!
Kaya Mawa, Malawi
Situated on the south-westerly tip of Likoma island on lake Malawi. This breath-taking cove with excellent views from the bar and restaurant has a supreme variety of accommodation. Facilities are very extensive with lake scuba diving, water skiing, snorkelling and small dinghy sailing all available. Family accommodation is wonderfully catered for and for those travelling as couples there are choices that simply dazzle one!!
Sabbatical News
The 2013 Sabbatical planning season has certainly kicked off and we’re busy being creative with trips to Australia, Borneo, Indonesia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico and Ecuador. Please click here to view our newly designed Sabbatical brochure – hot off the press!.