Located between the dazzling Indian Ocean and wild African bush, Guludo Beach Lodge overlooks undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Mozambique. In the north of the Quirimbas National Park, Guludo boasts incredible wildlife, both above and below the warm waters edge. Perfectly situated to discover these wonders, guests can dive the pristine coral reefs, explore the islands, soak up the rich local culture and take in the vast African bush.
Guludo has been built using strict ethical principles that have ensured the host communities and environment receive maximum benefit through the lodge. Guludo's design is based on local architectural styles, using exclusively local materials guaranteeing minimal environmental impacts.
Guludo Lodge consists of 3 spacious tented bandas overlooking the beach and make the most of the views and cooling sea breezes plus more 'solid' Adobe Bandas with cooling white washed walls. They all have views through to the ocean and have thatched roofs. Each of the bandas have an alfresco marbled bathroom. There are two suites for families or honeymooners which consist of two bedrooms (or a bedroom and lounge room) joined together.
Activities on offer here include swimming, diving, tours of Ibo and Rolas islands, guided bush walks, beach archery, sunset dhow cruises and visits to the local village. There is also an elephant outlook overlooking the Quirimbas National Park, from where guests can expect to see not just elephants but also antelopes, primates, warthogs and maybe big cats. Cuisine at Guludo's restaurant is based on fresh local produce including lots of seafood.
Prices for activities are subject to change.
Rolas Island trip This is the most popular activity here and you meet some of the Guludo fishermen who use the island as a temporary base, you can go with the 'old man coconut crab' into the Rolas Coral Rock Forest to see some of the famous crabs for yourself. In the middle of the island is simple shade and panoramic views. The island is 10 mins from Guludo in speed boat or 1 hour by sail. Fantastic sandy spit area and small reefs for snorkeling off the beach. Pay the lodge for the boat transfers ($70 in speed boat, $35 in dhow, per person).
Mangrove trip. South of Guludo are huge mangrove forests with endless channels where you find crabs and primates. A local guide will pole you through into the heart of the forest with just the sounds of the birds, monkeys and rippling water. This is a 40 min drive south of the lodge and costs $25 per person.
Dhow sailing. Go for a sunset sail on the lodges traditional dhow 'Mustajabo' hand made in the village. Watch the sun set over the land while sipping an ice cold beer. Generally this trip sets sail from the lodge around 4pm.
Bush walks. Guludo is amazing in that it is set between the African bush and the Indian Ocean. A local guide will take you through old coconut plantations, wetlands, forest and an elephant highay to a lily pond, home to an array of birds and monkeys. Bush picnics can also be arranged to a place where you can see elephants.
Village visits - this is an important part of Guludo. Far removed from other 'village tours' this is not staged or sanitised, just village life as it really is. Learn how to pound cassava, make clay pots, weave mats and cook traditional food. In the small kiosks you can buy local fabric and take it to the tailor who will make shirts, dresses and hats. Walk past the chief's house, the mosque and visit a home, the primary schooland community centre. Several of these places have been built with the helpe of NEMA (see below). The village is a 15 min walk, has a population of about 1,300 and based on subsistence livelihoods. Football matches - The Guludo village verses Guludo staff and guests is a match never to be forgotten! This is a great chance to enjoy the partnership between the lodge and the village, games take place in the afternoons, bring trainers to wear.
'Beauty on the beach' Experience traditional 'muciro' face mask and hair braiding. Women around Guludo have been painting their faces for centuries with 'murico' to make their skin soft. Discover yourself how it works! The ladies also offer body massages and during treatments Guludo's finest potter, Zora, makes pots from scratch to sell to guests.
Beach Archery - learn how to use a traditional bow and arrow with expert tuition from an ex-hunter.
Humpback Whale Watching. From late June to early October, Humpbacks pass in the waters on the shoreline. You can often see mothers teaching their young to spy hop, breach or tail slap.
Fishing. Learn to fish using traditional techniques and go to the best fishing spots. Any fish caught could possibly end up on your plate courtesy of the lodge chefs!
NEMA Charity. This is a UK registered charity funded partly by Guludo Beach Lodge and offers a great approach to empowering communities. Guludo villages lies ina region where life expectancy is 38 years and infant mortality is 30%. Each year food shortages threaten thousands of people. Medical infrastructure is poor and no one knows the HIV infection rate or how many children die of malaria needlessly. Donations to the charity are greatly received or you can bring items to donate to the village - ask for details. Guludo Lodge is providing a new school with library, playground, small farm and a meal for each child daily.
