Rating: Simple
Located between the dazzling Indian Ocean and wild African bush, Guludo Beach Lodge overlooks one of the best beaches in Mozambique. The design of the lodge is based on local architectural styles and it has been built using local materials. The lounge and dining areas are thatched and open-sided so you can enjoy sea breezes and ocean views as you relax and enjoy the delicious cuisine. There is a bar serving beer, wine and spirits.
You will be staying in either an abobe banda or a banda suite. Both offer generously prportioned accommodation including en-suite bathrooms and verandas with hammocks and sunloungers. The suites are composed of 2 bandas and are ideal for families. They have a lounge and snug and a private courtyard.
While at Guludo you can swim, snorkel and dive in the ocean. There is a PADI dive centre omn site catering for all levels of experience. The lodge arranges boat trips to Ibo and Rolas islands, guided bush walks, village visits and sunset dhow cruises. There is a bush lookout with views over Quirimbas National Park and wildlife including elephants, antelopes, primates, warthogs and maybe big cats. Humpback Whale Watching. From late June to early October, Humpbacks pass in the waters on the shoreline.
Open: Guludo Beach Lodge is open all year.
Location: The lodge is in the Quirimbas National Park in northern Mozambique. The nearest international airport is Pemba, 80kms to the south. Journey time to the lodge is just under 4 hours by road and about 45 minutes by ‘plane to Matemo Island followed by a short boat ride to Guludo.
Rooms: There are adobe bandas and banda suites at Guludo, 10 in total. The adobe bandas are right on the beach with large double doors opening onto a shaded veranda with sun loungers, hammocks and views of the ocean. Inside there is a raised sleeping area and a large open air bathroom with a shower and twin basins. There is a separate toilet. The suites are still more spacious consisting of 2 adjoinng bandas. They have a lounge and mezzanine snug and an outdoor courtyard. These suites make ideal accommodation for families.
Activities: Swimming, snorkelling and diving are popular. The lodge has a PADI dive centre which runs a full range of services. While at Guludo you can visit the local village and take cruises to neighbouring islands including Ibo with its fort and grand villas. There is a bush lookout with views over the Quirimbas National Park where you may see antelope, warthogs, monkeys and maybe big cats. From June to early November humpback whales can be seen from the lodge. You can round off the day with a sunset dhow cruise.
Facilities: The main lounge and dining area has views over the ocean. It is open-sided to allow the cooling sea breeze to pass through. There are comfy sofas in the lounge. There are indoor and outdoor eating areas. The bar serves beer, wine and local spirits. There is no electricity, in the evenings the lodge is lit by lanterns. There is solar power. Dining: Meals are taken at individual tables indoors and outdoors.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome. Babysitting can be arranged.
Health: This is a malarial area.
Communication: There is internet access but this is for office and emergency use only.
This lodge has won multiple awards for its efforts with both the environment and the local community. They make a difference to local people & aim for minimum impact on the environment on all levels.
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0"Beautiful setting on a sweeping white sand beach, palm trees, and quirky, individual accommodation in thatched bandas. These had lovely touches like hammocks, sunhats, a toilet with a view of the Indian Ocean and a shower made from an elaborate pully system of bamboo and coconut! All of this was made from local materials by local villagers. Service and hospitality second to none from the owners (Amy and Neal), through the activity manager and down to all the lodge staff, most of whom come from the local village. Plenty of activities to suit most ages and abilities, from diving to archery, beauty treatments and dhow sails, and no pressure to take part in anything if you didn't want to. Village football was one of the highlights! The food was really good, maybe not amazing, but considering the small kitchen, was always fresh, beautifully presented and tasty. However, if you don't like fish, then maybe ask for the vegetarian option as all meals are made with locally caught seafood. Soft drinks were complimentary too, which is not always the case in such lodges. The relationship with the charity, Nema, is apparent everywhere, and the owners speak with passion about it which is really inspirational. This, and with the whole place being made from local products, makes this a true eco-destination."