THE VILLAGE OF CHIDENGUELE

70 km north of Xai Xai, the EN1 road to Beira winds to its closest brush with the Indian Ocean, only 5 km away. The countryside undulates gently, lush and green with pockets of coconut palms towering over cashew nut thickets - freshwater lakes dominate the area. Here, in a clearing, lies the tiny, sleepy village of Chidenguele (meaning "The Highest Point" in the local, Chope language). The village may only have one short street, but its name is emblazoned proudly in white stone on the hill behind the sandy soccer field. The cathedral (!), crisp and white on the opposite hill, seems quite out of place with its stained-glass windows. The rustic, African 'mercado' (market) trickles out a supply of whatever fruit and vegetables are available, but always beer and pau (the legendary Mozambican bread). From the village of Chidenguele, a scenic sand track meanders to the spectacular coastline only 5 km away… to paradise!

PARAISO DE CHIDENGUELE BEACH LODGE

The Indian Ocean meets land at one very special place in Mozambique. Here its azure waters are home to whales, dolphins and turtles while predatory gamefish prowl colourful reefs below. The pristine beaches are endless and washed in waves and sunlight. A thick fringe of tranquil dune forest stands guard high over thickets of ancient, scarlet-fruited cycads, dozing here in the dappled light as they have done for centuries. There is nothing rushed about this place, its tranquil splendour unchanged over a thousand years!

This place is PARAISO DE CHIDENGUELE.

Only 270 km north of Maputo or 70 km north of Xai-Xai and just 5 km from the main road, you can experience the magic of the Mozambican coastline at this small coastal paradise. It's unique, and at the price, it's unbeatable!

SELF-CATERING, THATCHED CHALETS sleep up to 4, 6 or 8 people. They are isolated from one another and tucked into indigenous forest.

OVERNIGHT UNITS, en-suite, are a perfect nightstop for the weary traveller.

The BAR AND RESTAURANT at Paraiso de Chigenguele are legendary. Well stocked, a stunning ocean view and open till late. Sports lovers have access to DSTV. Enjoy fabulous seafood dinners or light meals (‘a la Portuguese) in the open-air restaurant.

Hired help may be arranged on request. Staff are on constant standby to assist with your every need whilst in Mozambique – from fish cleaning to breakdowns (we even pump your tyres!). The lodge itself can be accessed by 2-wheel drive vehicles.

Bring your own gear and enjoy fishing, (rock, surf, fly, fishing ski or deep-sea - this is KINGFISH COUNTRY!), snorkeling, swimming, sailing, windsurfing, sightseeing in local villages, bird watching and hiking, or just relaxing and doing nothing at all!