Overview
Discover paradise on the East African seaboard. The award-winning Dugong Beach Lodge is situated along the Southern Mozambique Coast, within 30 000 hectares of pristine marine and wildlife territory, in the Vilanculos Coastal & Wildlife Sanctuary. As the first privately managed specially protected National Park in Mozambique, the diverse eco-system of wilderness and wetland is bound to mesmerize. The lodge boasts 14 luxuriously appointed chalets, powder white beaches and crystal clear water, providing a barefoot luxury experience like no other.
Daily flights are available from O.R.Tambo International to Vilanculos. The trip from the Vilanculos Airport to the boat takes approximately ten minutes and guests are transported on a safari vehicle. The boat transfer to Dugong takes approximately 45 minutes.
Accommodation
Luxury Rooms
The lodge offers 14 luxuriously appointed, air-conditioned chalets with direct access to the beach via individual pathways.
Two of the chalets have a private plunge pool whilst all of the chalets have a private deck furnished with day beds for relaxation with panoramic ocean views. Romantic private dinners with majestic views of the star studded skies can also be enjoyed under the secluded canopy.
General
The Archipelago is a malaria area and it is advisable to wear protective clothing such as long sleeve tops and trousers in the evening. Ensure that you consult your doctor or pharmacist about a suitable malaria prophylactic. All personal medication should be brought with you, as well as suntan lotion, sun block creams, malaria tablets, antihistamine creams and any other medication you may require, as there is no pharmacy.
Due to the remoteness of Dugong Beach Lodge power is obtained from a combination of solar and generator power. The generator operates during the day until the afternoon and again from sunset until approximately half an hour after the last guest has gone to bed.
The water has been professionally tested and although it is safe for drinking, mineral water is available.
Accommodation Features
Dugong Beach Lodge Specials
Facilities
Daily meals are served in the dining room and on the main deck in either buffet or à la carte style. Dugong Beach Lodge has a variety of other exclusive dining experiences available on request, including exciting picnic excursions to different nearby islands, as well as meals set up on the jetty overlooking the ocean. Beach picnics and dinners are also part of the tradition at Dugong, while those on romantic getaways are promised luxury and intimacy as each chalet has a private deck where dinners can be enjoyed.
Corporate meets beach within this remote location. Dugong Beach Lodge is the perfect venue for small incentive or executive breakaways. Boardroom style arrangements can be made for more formal meetings – you may, however, be distracted by the picturesque view!
Guests can cool off in an interflowing swimming pool or lounge around on any of the comfortable sunbathing loungers and hammock. The island-style bar with martini seats offers guests a wide selection of drinks that can be enjoyed whilst basking at the spectacular views of the ocean. Two of the chalets have a private plunge pool.
Dugong Beach Lodge embraces all kinds of island-style relaxation. The magnificent main deck is accompanied by a jetty that takes you out over the water and lets you experience the tranquillity of this hidden sub-tropical paradise. Both areas are ideal for sundowner cocktails.
The lounge is located in a central open-air space that provides guests with a comfortable area in which to unwind, at any time of day. The elegantly decorated lounge can be closed with sliding glass doors to provide a warmer atmosphere for those cool evenings. Guests can absorb the amazing view of the ocean, while reading a book from the selection provided in our library. Individuals seeking entertainment can choose to relax in front of the television with an array of DVDs or decide to play one of the board games provided.
Activities
On-site
Sundowner Dhow Cruise: After your drink requirements have been taken, the boat departs at 16h30 from the lodge and follows the channel south to Marape fishing village. Along the way you will see nature unfold and watch the sun set. The boat can accommodate up to eight guests.
Beach Walks: With the lodge situated in a 30,000 hectare sanctuary, feel free to discover the magnificent area. Please contact management on your departure and we will provide you with a radio for communication and a map to guide you on your venture.
Snorkelling: It is recommended that you snorkel in front of the lodge around the jetty during incoming tide or even better, at high tide. You will find gear that should fit your requirements on the deck to experience Dugong’s “fish tank”.
Kayaking: Take a small boat and paddle away. This activity gives you an opportunity to venture after dolphins or head south to drift between the mangroves and enjoy the silence. For the more active, a long paddle north along the coast to Pelican Bay can be enjoyed.
Massage Treatments: Various massages options are offered to help you relax. A list of treatments is available at reception and needs to be booked 24 hours in advance.
Nature Drive in the Sanctuary
The wildlife in the sanctuary includes Livingstone’s Eland, Blue Wildebeest, Plains Zebra, Giraffe, Nyala, Red Duiker, Steenbok and Grey Duiker. The large flocks of Flamingos and Pelicans are a sight to behold and all of these animals live in harmony in this conservation paradise.
Day trips from Dugong
Island Excursions: The boat can be hired for island excursions. You will be provided with an experienced skipper who knows the tricky channels and destinations.
Deep Sea Fishing: A half hour trip will take you to the fishing grounds in the deep blue, where there is an excellent chance of landing the fish of your dreams. Try your angling hand at many different species of game fish including Wahoo, Darado, Yellow Fin Tuna, King and Queen Mackerel as well as billfish (Sail fish and Black Marlin). The boat can accommodate up to four anglers.
Diving: If you would like to see the bottom of the ocean and experience the marine life up close and personal, this activity is for you. If you are lucky you might be able to get up close to the nearly extinct “Atlantic Dugong” (which resembles a sea lion). A diving license is required to partake in this activity as well as 24 hours prior notice.
Visit to local Fishing Village: Experience a true Mozambique Fishing Village and see the variety of fish caught by the local fishermen.
Contact Us
Physical Address:
Vilanculos Coastal & Wildlife Sanctuary,
Mozambique
Tel: +27 (0) 12 443 6700
Fax: +27 (0) 12 361 5674
Website: www.dugongbeachlodge.com
Contact Form
Directions to Dugong Beach Lodge
Dugong Beach Lodge is situated on the East-African Seaboard, on the coast of Mozambique within the boundaries of “The Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary”.
Scheduled daily flights to Vilanculos International Airport on Pelican Air in pressurized turboprop aircraft take 2 hours from Johannesburg International Airport (JIA) (International Departures counter 55) and one and a half hours from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP).
Boat transfers from Vilanculos International Airport to Dugong Beach Lodge take 30 – 40 minutes (depending on the tide) Guests should be advised that wading into the water (to about knee level) may be required, depending on the tide. Please ensure to keep this in mind and dress correctly on the day of travel (sandals and easy roll up pants or shorts are advised). As an alternative, guests can freshen up and change clothing once they get to Vilanculos. Breath taking scenery and the sighting different sea creatures can be enjoyed on the relaxing boat journey to the lodge.
Dugong Beach Lodge Reception: +27 (0) 12 000 0595
