A Beach Hideaway with Adventure

If you have a bucket list full of water sports and animal encounters, then White Pearl Resorts in Southern Mozambique is the place to be.

Situated just 100 km South of Maputo and only 25 km from the South African border, this exclusive escape is a rarity, as more often than not in Mozambique, visitors have to travel great distances by road or by air to reach any of the fivestar lodge and hotel experiences in the country. Thanks to new road infrastructure, White Pearl can be reached quickly and easily by car from Kosi Bay or by flight from Maputo International Airport.

Sandwiched between a protected marine reserve on the rare, untouched stretches of coastal wilderness South of Maputo and the most Southern national park in Mozambique, the exclusive treasures of White Pearl are not limited to its spectacular skies and breathtaking scenery. The beauty goes beyond the endless beaches and far-reaching views of the aquamarine Indian Ocean. The resort also holds the promise of another treasure: the opportunity to witness endangered animals such as bottlenose dolphins, whales, and sea turtles, as well as hippos, elephants, and exotic birdlife.

Rolling a bush and beach break into one, White Pearl Resorts not only offers ocean-based adventures such as diving and ocean safaris, but also game drives at the adjacent Maputo Special Reserve, a spectacular wetland and coastline biodiversity hotspot and the newest wildlife destination in Mozambique. Guests may enjoy the raw natural beauty of a pristine piece of paradise and a number of exhilarating animal experiences.

Take a Dip with Dolphins

Challenging surfing and reef diving for the title of the premier activity in Mozambique, swimming with dolphins has proven a favourite for years. The waters around White Pearl are brimming with marine creatures such as whale sharks and fur seals, as well as the famed bottlenose dolphin.

In the water, these dolphins are renowned for their acrobatic leaps and inquisitive behaviour – they have even been known to swim right up to and try to play with people. If you are especially lucky, they can swim in large pods as big as 100 dolphins, which makes for an exceptionally memorable dip. If donning a wetsuit and mingling with these aquatic clowns is not your thing, you can also just spectate their antics from the boat. Venture out on an early ocean safari offered by the resort on a daily basis to enjoy this memorable experience.

If you need a little more time underwater, Winter is the perfect time for diving. Strap on your scuba gear and submerge yourself in the subaquatic paradise of Mozambique. Superb diving

ensures those who are keen underwater fans can get up close and personal with the pristine coral reefs and the creatures that call the waters here home. PADI courses are available at the Dive Centre for those that need to learn the ropes, or are just wanting a refresher course.

Whale Watching

From July to November each year, two majestic species of whales – the southern right and humpback – visit the waters of White Pearl Resorts. Hundreds of pods make the annual pilgrimage from the deep depths of Antarctica to the warm tropical waters of the Indian Ocean; because of the coral reefs in the waters of the resort, the area is prime real estate for whales to mate and give birth.

You do not have to travel far to see 40 tonne creatures breaching and tail-flicking in the cobalt-coloured water here and new mothers showing off their already twometre calves. Unlike most other whalewatching destinations, the experience does not end there at White Pearl. You can also get into the water yourself and come face-to-fin with humpbacks and listen to the song of courting males underwater – their low notes can carry up to 100 km through the open ocean.

Nesting Turtles

Witness the most endangered sea turtles in the world during nesting season. Every year between November and February, the shores of White Pearl Resorts are favoured with the presence of the magnificent leatherback and loggerhead turtles during nesting season.

Both declared critically endangered species, this is a rare and exclusive experience. Guests have the unique opportunity to see these turtles laying their precious eggs while actively playing a role in the conservation of these docile creatures. And if they are lucky they may get to witness the nestlings hatch and experience a sighting of the little ones’ first encounter with the ocean.

A New Safari Destination in Mozambique White Pearl Resorts also offers unforgettable adventures in the bush with daily game drives into the adjacent Maputo Special Reserve, one of the most scenic and pristine conservation areas in Africa. Get up close to the majestic fauna of Africa and see big game such as hippo, elephant, and crocodile in the wild.

The more underrated members of the animal kingdom are just as crucial to the spectacular display – including a variety of herbivores such as waterbuck, zebra, kudu, nyala, wildebeest, impala, giraffe, and warthog as well as incredible bird life.

Seeing these beautiful creatures in their natural environment is the kind of experience that turns even the most apathetic of animal lovers into an Attenborough wannabe. Relax in Style

Although there is a seemingly endless menu of activities for you to enjoy, White Pearl is designed so that doing as little as possible and simply enjoying the incredible location is very much a part of the plan.

Relax in one of the 22 beach bungalows that blend into the lush environment. Interiors are an exercise in pared-down modern style, featuring a blue-andwhite palette with hints of glamour in the decorative details and décor nuances. Each suite has a private plunge pool, wrap-around sundeck, outdoor shower, air conditioning, a 24-hour private butler, and, most importantly, uninterrupted Indian Ocean views – thus ticking all the boxes for the guest who seeks both style and sanctuary.

For more information, please visit www.whitepearlresorts.com.