MOZAWI
The Sanctuary, Vilanculos, Mozambique
12 Guests
6 Bedrooms
6 Bathrooms
Solar - Off Grid
MOZAWI - UNTOUCHED NATURAL BEAUTY
Discover an exclusive slice of paradise at Mozawi Lodge, nestled on The Sanctuary within the San Sebastian Peninsula near Vilanculos, Mozambique. This six-villa hideaway combines barefoot luxury with deep immersion in nature, tailored for discerning travellers seeking privacy, elegance and curated experiences.
Set within a 30,000-hectare marine and terrestrial reserve, Mozawi offers complete exclusivity—no neighbours along its bay frontage—just turquoise lagoon waters, mangroves and golden sands stretching to the horizon.
Each of the six villas is designed to celebrate its stunning surroundings: floor-to-ceiling views, expansive private decks, and in some cases open-air showers that frame mangrove branches and ocean light. At the heart of the lodge, a semi-open lounge flows into a bar with 180° bay views, while an 18 m waterfall lap pool invites long, reflective swims. Additional communal touches include a sunset lounge with firepit, beach deck, hammocks, and multiple dining locations-beach terrace, boma, courtyard and more.
Your stay is defined by personalization. Mozawi is offered on an exclusive-use basis for up to 12 guests. You’ll have a dedicated private chef, manager, skipper and staff to assist. Wellness is seamlessly woven in, with beachside massages under palms and a wellness room overlooking the bay.
Activity options draw from both land and sea. Explore The Sanctuary on game drives, paddle around the lodge, snorkel vibrant reefs, fish, or take sunset dhow cruises. Whale watching, turtle encounters and mangrove tours further enrich your itinerary.
Mozawi Lodge invites you to a travel experience that transcends routine—where wild beauty, tailored service and soulful downtime meet. PrivatePlaces.Africa is thrilled to include this jewel among Mozambique’s finest exclusive-use escapes.
Rates
Daily Base Rate (up to 5 Adults) - USD 1,650
Additional Adult per day - USD 330
Additional Children per day (4-8 years) - USD 200
Minimum Stay - 3 nights (7 nights peak season)
Terms and Conditions Apply.
For any assistance or to check availability
Contact us. We're here to help.
+27 82 331 3207 (Helena)
FEATURES AT A GLANCE
Why We Love it: Panoramic ocean views across the turquoise waters
Location: The tip of the San Sebastian Peninsula of Mozambique
Rooms: 6 Bedroom Suites
Swimming: 18-meter lap pool with a waterfall
Children: A fantastic place for children to connect with nature.
Treat: Mozawi also offers six diverse dining options
TESTIMONIALS
WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY
THE ROOMS
The six guest villas are designed with understated elegance, blending natural textures and contemporary luxury to create an atmosphere of serenity. Each villa is spacious and light-filled, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing uninterrupted views of the bay, mangroves or ocean horizon. Interiors are calm and refined, featuring handpicked furnishings, locally inspired décor, and king-size beds draped in crisp linens.
Private decks extend living spaces outdoors, inviting you to lounge in the ocean breeze or stargaze under clear Mozambican skies. Several villas feature open-air bathrooms and showers, allowing you to connect with nature in complete privacy. Thoughtfully positioned to ensure seclusion, each villa offers a sense of intimacy while still being just a short stroll from the main lodge. Whether waking to sunrise over the water or retreating after a day of exploration, Mozawi’s villas provide the perfect sanctuary for relaxation and reconnection.
FACILITIES
Mozawi Lodge offers:
12 seater bar with 180 degree view across the Mozawi bay & lagoon
A large semi-open lounge area
18 meter lap pool with a waterfall
A beach terrasse with a dining and large lounge area
A large sunset lounge with a fire pit on the edge of the dune
100sqm deck on the beach with a lounge, sun-lounge and dining area
3 hammocks in palms
Mangroves and a swinging bed on the beach
Mozawi also offers an incredible six diverse dining options: on the beach terrace, on the deck on the beach, in the boma, in the palm-courtyard, in the main inside area by the show-kitchen and in the sunset lounge.
CATERING
Your dining experiences at the lodge are designed to be unforgettable, offering a variety of unique settings to suit your preferences. You might find yourself enjoying a romantic candle-lit dinner on the beach, during a fireside boma night in our enchanting forest, in the protected palm-courtyard, on the sunset lounge with a fire pit at the edge of the dune or at other al fresco locations with breathtaking views of the bay. Start and end your days at Mozawi's fully equipped large bar.
Your private Chef will prepare locally-inspired seafood or anything else according to guest preferences. If you decide to embark on a deep sea fishing adventure, our skilled chef will prepare your freshly caught fish into delicate sashimi, zesty ceviche, and other culinary delights that showcase the flavors of the sea.
AMENITIES
Panoramic ocean views
Some feature an outside shower
High end fans in rooms
No air-conditioning
Own large deck & lounge chairs
Hand Soaps & Cream
All Linen Provided
ACTIVITIES
On-site activities include:
Hobie Cat Sailing – Enjoy the turquoise waters at your own pace.
Kayaks – Unlimited use for exploring the bay and nearby mangroves.
Rubber Duck Boat – Fun and easy water excursions for all ages.
On-Site Spa & Wellness – Relax with massages and treatments in the wellness room or open-air settings.
Bird Watching – Discover the variety of birdlife inhabiting the lodge and the surrounding sanctuary.
Nature Walks – Explore the lodge grounds and nearby habitats on guided or self-guided walks.
Coastal Walks – Stroll along pristine beaches and take in panoramic ocean views.
Estuary Visits – Experience the tranquil estuary environment with its unique flora and fauna.
EXPERIENCES
Guests can indulge in an unforgettable private sandbank picnic, a truly intimate way to soak up the breathtaking Mozambican coastline. Here, on a remote stretch of pristine white sand, you’ll be treated to a carefully prepared meal, thoughtfully curated to match the setting. Surrounded by nothing but endless turquoise waters and untouched nature, it’s the ultimate escape for those seeking peace and exclusivity.
Whether you choose to lounge under the sun, stroll barefoot along the shore, or simply savour the views with a glass in hand, this experience captures the essence of barefoot luxury. Included as part of your stay, the sandbank picnic combines fine dining with unspoiled beauty, creating a memory that lingers long after the tide has shifted
EXCURSIONS & TRIPS
A stay at Mozawi Lodge unlocks a world of unforgettable excursions, both on land and at sea. Guests can set out to explore the pristine islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, renowned for their dazzling beaches and crystal-clear waters, or head offshore for thrilling deep-sea fishing and seasonal whale watching. Snorkelling at the famous Two Mile Reef reveals a kaleidoscope of marine life, while cultural visits to a local village offer a meaningful connection to Mozambique’s warm and vibrant communities. Back on The Sanctuary, guests can venture out on a guided game drive, discovering the reserve’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
Evenings are made magical with sundowners from the lookout point, where panoramic views across the bay provide the perfect finale to each day of adventure.
GETTING THERE
Getting to Mozawi Lodge is effortless and scenic. Guests can fly from Johannesburg to Vilanculos, a short 1 hour 20-minute journey on Airlink. From Vilanculos, there are two seamless options to reach the lodge: take a helicopter transfer directly to Mozawi, landing on the lodge’s private heli-pad for a dramatic aerial introduction, or enjoy a boat transfer from Vilanculos Harbour, gliding across turquoise waters and taking in the stunning coastal scenery.
Both options are tailored to provide comfort, convenience, and a sense of arrival, setting the tone for a truly exclusive Mozambican escape.
GALLERY
Click each to enlarge
LOCATION
The tip of the San Sebastian Peninsula on the Indian Ocean coast of Mozambique - The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is a 43,900-hectare marine and terrestrial conservation area on the San Sebastian peninsula, along Mozambique’s Indian Ocean coast near Vilanculos. It lies within the Great Bazaruto Key Biodiversity Area and the Inhambane Seascape Hope Spot, highlighting its rich ecological value.
The reserve encompasses diverse habitats including wetlands, mangroves, coral reefs, small islands, tidal flats, lakes, estuaries, forests, dunes, savannah, and Miombo woodlands, which together support a wide range of wildlife and bird species. Established in 2000 as a Fully Protected Area under private management, The Sanctuary is recognised as a leading example of cooperative conservation involving government, local communities, and the private sector.
