Extra Activities
Extra activities are hosted by third party operators, and include activities like seahorse safaris, sunset dhow cruises, horseback riding and swimming with horses, and Scuba diving.
You can feel free to enquire about these activities. The Scuba operators will collect you from the lodge, whilst the other activities may require additional transfer back to the mainland or adjacent areas
SCUBA Diving
SCUBA excursions can be hosted by Odyssea Dive in Vilankulo www.odysseadive.com which can collect you from the Lodge to experience dives on the San Sebastián reef system. Reef depths can vary from 15m to 40m, and experienced divers with advanced certification are recommended for these excursions.
Sunset Dhow Cruises
Sunset dhow cruises is a general activity offered by most establishments in the area, and whilst we have never done these ourselves, mostly due to being out all day and arriving back at our accommodations rather tired after a long exciting day exploring the archipelago, it is apparently an extremely blissful experience as you quietly glide over the surface of the bay accompanied by a magnificent sunset. We will gather more information on this on our upcoming visits and update the website accordingly
Seahorse Safaris
Seahorse Safaris is a brilliant initiative conducted by a local community group to assist in protecting these tiny but highly charismatic species that live on the seagrass meadows within the bay. Poaching of seahorses used to be rife but is nowadays severely punishable by law, and these beautiful little creatures are now largely left in peace. Visiting this site would require crossing the Bay to the Mangalisse area south of Vilankulo where you will meet up with local guides, with eagle-sharp eyes needed to find these extremely well camouflaged critters. The water clarity is not always ideal and photography is difficult due to the seahorses’ small size, but it is a heartwarming experience to find one and at the same time support a worthwhile conservation cause
Swimming with Horses
From seahorses to horses in the sea, for equestrian lovers Vilankulo is known worldwide for its magnificent horses, originating from a heartwarming story of the Retzlaff family who walked these horses to Vilankulo during the political upheavals that occurred in Zimbabwe, and is well documented in their book 104 horses.
The family stable several horses on the mainland where you can enjoy a ride along the magnificent beaches, and even go swimming with the horses as they apparently enjoy these warm waters as much as any aquaholic. Rider weight is limited to 85kg, and inexperienced riders can also participate by being led by guides.
These excursions take place on the mainland
