MOZAWI
FAQ's
Thank you for considering our lodge for your stay in beautiful Mozambique. We've compiled this list of frequently asked questions to help you plan your visit and make the most of your time with us. Below you'll find information on our accommodation, experiences and practical travel tips. If you don't see the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Generally No. The following countries have recently exempted from visas: Portugal, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Canada, China, South Korea, Ivory Coast, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, Spain, United States of America, Finland, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Norway, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Russia, Senegal, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland and Ukraine. Also the 14 countries in the South African Development Community (SADC) region can enter without a visa for up to 3 months/90 days: South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
However you do need USD 11 per person at the border. They accept USD or ZAR. This is important as you can’t pay by card.
There is no real ‘best time’ to travel to Mozawi because it boasts a constant balmy tropical climate. Between June and October is the best time to see Dugongs, Whale sharks, Manta rays and Humpback whales.
Flights
SAA Airlink flies from Johannesburg either direct or via Nelspruit to Vilankulos and LAM (Air Mozambique) flies from Johannesburg to Maputo with a connecting flight to Vilankulos. (The use of SAA Airlink is recommended). A direct flight from Johannesburg takes approximately 90 minutes. Upon landing, you will be requested to hand in immigration and transfer documents. These will be provided to you as part of your booking pack so that you can fill them out beforehand. (SADC passport holders do not require visas to enter Mozambique.
Helicopter transfer
Arriving by helicopter is an amazing experience. The flight across the lagoon takes about 7 minutes. After going through immigration you can directly board the helicopter. You will land directly at the lodge on a natural plain. There are two types of helicopters for 2-4 people. If you are more than that they simply will do two flights. The cost is USD 250 per person. You can book the helicopter directly with us. We work with Wildlife helicopters.
All helicopter flights are operated with strict baggage limitations of 20kg per person.
https://www.wildlifeheli.com/island-transfers
Boat transfer
A member of The Sanctuary will meet you at Vilankulos Airport (with placard saying Mozawi or The Sanctuary) to show you to your transfer vehicle. The driver follows a dedicated route to the Harbour / beach pick up point and may not deviate or stop along the route. The drive is approximately 5 minutes.
Once at the Harbour / beach pick up point, our staff will welcome you and take you to our power boat. The boat ride takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes from the Vilankulos Harbour depending on the tide. It is advised that you wear appropriate clothing for the boat trip (shorts, flip flops, windbreaker, hat, suntan lotion).
The cuisine
Juma, our resident Chef is very good at catering for all culinary preferences. The menu is generally focussed on local seafood, local vegetables and salad, herbs from our own garden. The menu will also include some local dishes which Juma mixes with fish or meat. At the boma night the menu will be meat based and cooked over an open fire. Please advice if you have any special dietary requirement and Juma will accommodate.
Drinks
As Mozawi is extremely remote we can’t stock for everyone’s preferences. During the booking process we will ask you to tell us what you would like to drink during your stay and we will invoice prior to departure.
Yes. The main cell phone provider in Mozambique is Mcel though South African owned Vodacom is also widespread in Mozambique and reception at Mozawi is very good.
Yes. Mozawi has full Starlink connectivity repeated throughout the main areas of the lodge (not all bedrooms). Starlink works excellently. You can do vidcalls and stream without any issues.
You should bring light long trousers and shirts in particular for the time just after sunset when the mosquitos come out. We will provide mosquito repellent but please bring your own sun protection. You may also want to bring water-shoes and flip-flops.
During the booking process we will ask you for your preferences in relation to experiences like fishing, watersports, snorkelling, riding or island excursions. These activities will be charged extra prior to departure.
No. We will arrange for payment of the shuttle from the airport as well as the luggage boys on the harbour. You can tip in South African Rand (ZAR) and US Dollars (USD). Your final drinks invoice can be settled by card.
Gratuity is encouraged and highly appreciated. From chefs, stewards and housekeepers, staff tips are shared accordingly across the team. (kindly hand it to the Manager Celestino). Kindly have Mozambican Metical or USD or ZAR cash prepared to avoid card charges.) As a guideline USD 300-400 is generous for all staff for a week.
Although Maleria is widespread in the Vilankulos area, it is not common at The Sanctuary and Mozawi. It is however highly recommended to use mosquito sprays or creams regularly and especially when passing through Vilankulos.