Many Europeans and Americans forget that it can get quite cold in Africa. Whilst the northern hemisphere is basking in summer sunshine, we in Cape Town have dug out our coats, rain jackets and thick pullovers and are focusing our energies on making fires and eating soups. Winter last about three months in these parts and whilst the mercury rarely dips below 8°c, the fact that houses have no central heating does focus the mind.
Part of the focus is to escape to warmer climes. Our good friends at Rani Resorts have offered our clients a winter special to the pristine and beautiful island of Bazaruto in Mozambique. South African Airways fly daily to Vilanculos from Johannesburg. From Vilanculos, one normally pays for a 15-minute air transfer to the Indigo Bay Island Resort. With Rani, we are offering you free return air transfers; plus if you stay four nights, a further night is offered free of charge. For honeymooners, the bride pays only 50% of her total stay. Not that I am pushing anyone to get married just for a big discount to this island resort but you get the idea.
Indigo Bay is the archetypal Indian ocean resort. Crystal blue water, white sands, palm trees swaying in the wind. As always in this type of resort, you can do as little or as much as you want. For the more dynamic, there is a wide choice of activities: game fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, dune boarding, horse riding and the list goes on.
The resort itself is divided into 30 beach chalets and 14 villas. They all enjoy sea views and are designed in a contemporary Indian Ocean style with all the mod-cons one can expect. My favourite feature is the outdoor showers.
The real bonus for me, apart from the financial incentive, is that the daily temperature is about 25°c and as it is winter, there are far fewer mosquitoes and humidity is much lower.
I think this might just tempt me out of my winter woollies and rain jacket!
Beat the winter blues-Mozambique style
Polana Hotel
Situated in the heart of Maputo on one of the city's most desirable avenues, the justly famous Polana is a cool and gracious haven that recalls the elegance and splendour of colonial times, one of Maputo's best-loved hotels.Azura Benguerra Lodge
Azura Benguerra boutique retreat offers one a private Island feel with surround whites sand, warm turquoise waters and star studded nights all wrapped up in what can only be described as your own private sanctuary.Pestana Rovuma Hotel
This Maputo hotel is situated in the centre of Maputo opposite the Cathedral and 10 minutes away from the main points of interest in the City, such as the historic Railway Station, the Market, the Fort and the main business zone.Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort
A luxurious resort on a remote and private island offers a getaway that is accessible only by light aircraft, Medjumbe Island being 800 metres long and 350 metres wide with crystal clear warm waters lapping at your feet all day long.Vamizi Island Lodge
Vamizi Island Lodge on a private island in the Quirimbas Archipelago of Northern Mozambique offers exclusivity like no other, this is the lodge that you look at when you want to escape the modern world.Ibo Island Lodge
Ibo Island Lodge in the far northern region of Mozambique located within the magnificent Quirimbas Archipelago offers a luxurious private Island experience surrounded by year round warm weather and waters, a life change experience awaits.andBeyond Benguerra Lodge
An African island paradise awaits for all that visit the small and intimate andBeyond Benguerra Lodge, with the Indian Ocean's turquoise waters lapping at your feet there is simply no better destination to unwind and relax.Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort and Spa can be found on the Bazaruto Island itself, offering up luxurious accommodation and world class facilities including the best scuba diving all surrounded by the unspoilt beauty.