Sava Dunes

We’re bound to be biased towards Sava Dunes. After all, it is owned and managed by our good friends Lily and Conraad who also own and manage Rukiya Safari Camp (our Safari base in South Africa). However, that bias is not based solely on our friendship, but moreover on the personal warmth, professionalism and ‘eco-chic’ styling that the couple bring to both destinations.
As the name suggests, Sava Dunes nestles in sand dunes amidst a long and secluded stretch of pristine beach on Mozambique’s Eastern coast between Tofo and Barra. An intimate boutique beach lodge, sympathetically designed in keeping with its environment. Where guests can relax and unwind in luxurious surroundings alongside an isolated expanse of sandy beach.

This eco-friendly lodge is truly off the grid, relying on solar power and solar water heaters, but for those who desire to stay connected with the outside world then WIFI is found in the main lounge. There are five individual chalets each with private balcony and stunning Ocean views, connected by a raised wooden walkway to the main lounge and dining area with L shaped pool. The Ocean not only contributes to the serene ambiance that emphasizes Sava Dunes, but also provides a delightful gentle sea breeze and relaxing background music from waves rolling against the sandy beach.
Personal service and warm hospitality are the bywords for Sava Dunes operations. Day's start with tea and coffee served on your private balcony, where the sun rises across the Ocean offering up sightings of Dolphins and Whales, seemingly displaying just for your pleasure.
Meals are served either by the poolside or the balcony of the main lounge. And, as is to be expected from any lodge managed by Lily and Conraad, the quality of cuisine is both stylish and delicious. Fresh local produce makes up the mainstay of the menu on offer each day.

Whether your desire is to simply relax and chill, or for something more energetic, Sava Dunes can deliver. You can unwind and swim by the pool or Ocean (which thankfully stays at a pleasant temperature all year around). Perhaps take a stroll along the beach, or just relax in a hammock on your private balcony. And if you would like to snorkel or try a wave board, then the lodge has equipment available for your use.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the frequent Whale sightings (seen throughout the Whale season July - November), make this area one of the locations to see Humpback Whales.
During this period, each day can bring many and frequent Whale sightings. You can lie back in the shade of your private balcony, with a cool glass of whatever takes your fancy, as Whales display below, the ultimate in stress-free Whale watching.

If you take a 20-minute walk from the lodge along the beach in either direction you are only likely to meet an occasional local fisherman casting his line into the surf. Yet take a twenty-minute drive through the palm tree groves to Tofo and you’ll find local markets, dive centers and boat based marine operators.

The lodge can also book a variety of other marine activities with a specialist marine operator based in Tofo. Probably the most popular of these is a Marine Safari, where you join a small boat trip looking for the abundant megafauna found in this unique, yet relatively undiscovered, portion of the Indian Ocean.
Whale Sharks, Dolphins and Manta Rays are present all year, and where ethically viable, you are invited to snorkel and swim with these wonderful creatures. Add to that list the nearby coral reefs with their own mini eco-systems, which are also are great for snorkeling or scuba diving, and you have an abundance of wildlife to discover on your Safari.
During Whale season, these Marine Safaris also include boat based Whale watching and again, where ethically viable, your guide will invite you to enter the water to snorkel alongside these gentle mammoths.
Travel North from Sava Dunes, around the headland towards Barra and you’ll find a large calm estuary where you can also swim or snorkel. Sea horses and a plethora of fish are found here. You can also enjoy a fisherman’s lunch on one of the islands, or boat-based bird watching in the mangrove forests. Perhaps returning to shore in a Dhow in time for sundowners at Sava Dunes, followed by a sumptuous three course dinner accompanied by the sound of waves rolling onto the beach. What a day to remember.

We can offer four to six day packages that includes return flight and transfers to Sava Dunes from South Africa, which can be taken as a stand alone trip or added to any of our South African safaris.