Manta Discovery

Days 1 & 2. Inhambane, Southern Mozambique [D (Day 2 only)]

Depart London for Johannesburg and connect onwards to Inhambane in Mozambique. You spend the next seven nights at either Barra Lodge, Pomene Lodge or Flamingo Bay both being only a short drive from the airport.

Barra Lodge

One of the most picturesque areas of Mozambique, with spectacular views of pristine beaches and the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean, Barra Lodge is a secluded unspoiled beach bordered by the Inhambane estuary on one side and the sea on the other. Barra Lodge is comfortable but basic, with traditional en-suite casitas made of thatch, brick and reeds nestled among groves of coconut trees, with exquisite beach and sea views. Whilst listening to the sea indulge your taste buds with the fresh seafood which dominates the restaurant menu. The bar hosts pub lunches as well as an ideal place to relax and watch the sunset or participate in beach volleyball. Activities include a room with TV, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, pool table, table tennis and darts.

The fully equipped PADI dive centre has all the necessary facilities including a training pool. There are fifteen reefs to dive all within reasonable proximity to the lodge. Dive depths vary from 8 to 30 metres allowing for all levels of dive qualifications. Pelagic fish species abound, sharks, mantas, Whale Sharks and rays are common and the reefs are also home to a huge variety of corals and monster coral fish. There is kayaking in the nearby mangroves and a quad bike trail, as well as horse riding and a luxurious liveaboard yacht.

Pomene Lodge

605 kilometres north of Maputo and 170 kilometres south of Vilanculos, remote Pomene Bay Lodge is situated in one of the most picturesque, and unspoiled, spots in Mozambique.

Situated on a narrow peninsula, the lodge has the Indian Ocean on one side and the crystal clear waters of a spectacular mangrove estuary on the other. All accommodation is just a few steps away from the white sand beach of Pomene Bay.

The bar is a perfect spot to relax at the end of the day and watch the sun set over the estuary and meals can be enjoyed al fresco on the restaurant balcony - with fresh fish and crab on the menu.

There are 12 world class dive sites, with many more to be explored and a astounding density and variety of marine life. The dive centre provides all scuba equipment, airfills and regular departures to the reefs with depths varying between 8 and 30 metres and PADI courses can be arranged.

Flamingo Bay Water Bungalows

The lodge is situated on stilts above the crystal clear waters of the lagoon at Barra Point. This eco paradise is home to flocks of flamingos, tropical fish and the very rare Dugong. The twenty over-water chalets are spacious and well appointed with balcony, wide opening sliding doors, ensuite facilities and air-conditioning. At high tide you can descend by ladder, from your chalet, by into the ocean below to swim or to snorkel. Flamingo Bay has its own restaurant, bar, lounge area and swimming pool, golf carts take you from the main reception area to each individual chalet.

Snorkel from your balcony, kayak, scuba diving, catamaran trips, charter boat fishing dhow trips, mangrove exploring, horse riding, water sports and quad bike trails (all activities are done from the nearby Barra Lodge).

Please note there is no beach at Flamingo Bay but Barra Lodge beach is stunning and only a five minute drive away by complimentary transfer.

Days 3 to 8. World class diving [B, D]

This area of the Mozambique coast is famous for its rays and Whale Sharks and especially Manta Reef, one of the finest diving spots on the Mozambique Coast and perhaps in the world. On this large reef with dives ranging from 18 to 35 metres can be found three Manta cleaning stations. Sighting of Manta and Devil Rays are common as well as Whale Sharks, sharks and various pelagic fish. This reef regularly produces world class diving! The largely unexplored reefs within close proximity to the lodges offer endless discoveries for scuba diving and snorkelling.

Day 9. Depart for UK via Johannesburg

Day 10. Arrive home