Into Africa - Mozambique

Venture by boat to the nearby pinnacle reef for a snorkeling trip, and you could swim with the Bottlenose Dolphins that regularly glide through these waters – a sublime experience you won’t easily forget. From July to November each year, you may encounter the majestic Humpback whales in their natural habitat as they visit us on their annual migration. Whale watching is conducted from the comfort of our snorkeling boat as we observe the whales blowing, breaching, lob tailing and playing. Later in the season, you may encounter their newborns too!

Cost as an add-on: $90 per person, per trip (minimum 4 and maximum 10 guests)

Our resort is home to one of the richest turtle nesting sites in southern Mozambique. Between November and February each year, guests have the opportunity to witness an extraordinary feat of nature first-hand. Loggerhead and Leatherback Turtles head to this stretch of coast to lay their eggs, and, a few weeks later, the hatchlings make their first-ever voyage to the ocean. The resort has partnered with the Southern Mozambique Marine Turtle Nesting Monitoring, Tagging & Conservation Programme to monitor and protect these remarkable creatures.

The perfect outing for the early-morning intrepid adventurer. Meet your Game Ranger in the reading room for early morning coffee & rusks to depart at 05h00. Set out for the Maputo Special Reserve, which forms part of the Lebombo Transfrontier Conservation Area. Here, you may see a variety of African antelope species, rich birdlife and possibly the rare black-backed jackal – and there is a great chance of seeing elephants, of course! A light packed breakfast is to be enjoyed in the reserve, most usually at the lake’s edge and perhaps meet some flamingos!

Cost as an add-on: $90 per person, per trip.

Hop onto one of our thick-wheeled fat bikes and cycle along the shoreline. It’s a wonderful way to explore our secluded bay – and great exercise too!

Feel the azure waters rising up below you as you surf the waves, or delight in the serenity beyond the

breakers as you glide along on a stand-up paddleboard. Kayak as a pair and bond as seafaring adventurers or set off in a solo vessel and challenge your inner Con Tiki spirit. Float in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and observe the sea life nestled in the shore break reefs.

Explore the nearby bush trail on horseback, weaving through indigenous flora and fauna and enjoy

spectacular views of the ocean from high-up vantage points, or gallop along our pristine beach and explore the beautiful natural surroundings. Guests with no horse-riding experience will need to complete at least one trail ride before riding on the beach. All rides are professionally managed to ensure an enjoyable experience for all ages and levels of experience. A weight restriction of 80kg – 100kg applies to all horse rides.

$ 55.00 per person, per ride

This trail is a sanctuary for over 433 butterfly species, 3 of which are endemic to Mozambique. Traditional local fishing methods using natural resources may be observed on this trail. A variety of different tree and scrub species that act as a habitat for various small species such as small reptiles, amphibians, birds and small mammals and even some inland marine crab species. Commonly seen are the red tree squirrel, banded mongoose, Samango monkey, water monitors, vine snakes, crocodiles, crested hornbill, Livingston Turaco, crested Guineafowl, and indigenous trees such as the jumping bean tree. Note there is an age restriction of 10+. Meet at reception by arrangement with the guide.

$ 10.00 per person, per walk (min. 2 pax)

This experience is for guests who are passionately curious about the little things in life and want to learn more about how animals have adapted to thrive in this constantly changing environment. The activity has a story telling component that engages mythology. Rock exploration footwear is provided at the activities centre, which is the meeting point.

$ 20.00 per person, per trip (min. 2 pax)

An adventure that starts early in the morning. Refreshments and light lunch is served on board. At the end of the day, we wish you to return home with an amazing catch for the Chef to prepare – fresh from the sea. Best of luck!

$800.00 per boat, per trip (max. 6 guests)

White Pearl Resorts offers unique diving experiences at one of the world’s top pinnacle reefs. A variety of dive spots offer something for everyone, from exhilarating shark sightings to multitudes of fish and vibrant corals. A professional, safe and world class interpretive diving experience.

REEF DIVE
Explore our exceptional and classified diving reefs. Includes full dive gear. $ 85.00

REFERRAL DIVE
Divers who have done part of their training elsewhere already, can complete it here with us. Referral paperwork will be required on site for completion of training. Includes full dive gear. For completion of training and certification, an additional certification fee of $ 35 will be payable. $ 95.00

PADI DISCOVER SCUBA COURSE (1 Day)
Please note that this is not a certification course but is a wonderful introduction to the underwater world. Theory, pool session, 1 dive and all equipment hire. $ 185.00

The reefs in the Bazaruto Archipelago are abundant with a variety of fish and corals, and offer a range of depths and reef topography to suit beginner and experienced divers and snorkellers alike. Azura is positioned closest to the reefs and hence access is quick and easy. Our marine life and corals are often cited as the best off the East Coast of Africa.

Azura has a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre with new top of the range Scubapro equipment. The training pool is perfect for refreshing your diving skills or even trying out snorkelling before you head off to the reefs, and for training they offer a full range of courses and have a PADI Instructor.

This is a fantastic day out and Azura’s signature activity! Snorkelling at Two Mile Reef, where there are hundreds of species of tropical fish, rays, invertebrates, the possibility of Sea Turtles, and Dolphins, humpback whales in season and possibly a dugong...

After snorkelling, arrive at Pansy Island for a tantalising picnic lunch. This Pansy Island is an isolated sand-bar nestled between Bazaruto Island and the Mozambique Channel. Enjoy Pansy Island at your own leisure, bask in the sun, laze around on cushions and beanbags, and swim in the cool clear deep waters. From here it’s as short hop to Bazaruto Island, where we hike up Bazaruto Dune. An easy climb to the top offers unsurpassed 360 degree panoramic views of the Bazaruto Archipelago reef-system. For photography enthusiasts, this location is a must!

The Bazaruto Archipelago has some of the best big game, reef and bill fishing in the Indian Ocean. Species include: Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna/Bonito, King/Queen Mackerel, Prodigal Son, Wahoo, Dorado, and Barracuda. Giant Trevally (GT’s), the local speciality, often top the scales above 25kg. Azura caters for beginner and experienced fishermen/women alike, and operates a strict tag and release policy on protected species. You can choose to go trawling with our local guides, or we can bring in the specialist fishing guides available in the area, who offer saltwater fly fishing, jigging for Giant Trevally, and other specialist techniques.

We leave Azura on Game Drive vehicles toward Red Dune and Crocodile Lakes. En-route we will pass through the Island’s many villages where you have the chance to meet the local people of the local communities. The Island’s lifestyle, history and way of life will be explained to you. If you would like to we will visit Benguerra’s School (built by Azura’s Rainbow Fund charity, all donations are appreciated), and you may then have the unique opportunity to see the local children attend class, meet the teachers, and even the school’s Headmaster. If the drive is conducted on Sunday morning, the Guides may take you briefly to a village church service, which is attended by many of the local islanders.

a Sunset dhow cruise is a beautiful ending to a day on the water, with views over the archipelago and a chance to experience the local mode of water transport.

For those who like to ride, a trek along the water’s edge on the horses based on Benguerra Island and back along some of the island’s tracks and trails is an experience never to forget! Arranged through Mozambique Horse Safaris, there are 9 horses available to suit all levels, from complete beginner upwards.

Go on a self-guided adventure! Take a paddle board and explore the pristine waters off the Bazaruto Archipelago and ride along with the dhows. This is the best way to have fun while around the Island.