Pleb (informal) Paradise (noun)
-an ordinary person – A place similar to heaven
This week I am featuring a holiday destination that is an affordable paradise experience for the plebs, for people who need to get away, for families, for me, and for you.
For the past week I experienced what paradise is truly like; one that is secluded and rural, one with beauty as natural and untouched as you have ever seen it. I was fortunate enough to go with my parents, and so the driving and packing was taken care of (thanks Dad). As rural as Mozam is, I found it to be a breath of fresh air. We were living in rustic simplicity, completely living off the land and the local resources. The local people are humble and friendly, never once did they impose on us or become rude. These locals earned so much of my respect as they survive solely off the money they make bargaining items they have made, grown or hand picked such as: prawns, crayfish, dresses, shells, fresh portugese rolls, fruit and even airtime.
Fresh Crayfish anyone?
The language barriers force you to be more creative. Hand drawn pictures in the sand and rather embarrassing dance moves and gestures are very needed. Needless to say, our bargaining and maths skills were constantly put to the test, with their currency 3 Metica to R1.
A few things that I experienced for the first time:
- Crayfish (250MT per kg)
- Fresh coconuts (free, if you could climb up the tree).
- 4×4 drives to restaurants for dinner, ON THE BEACH
- Restaurants ON THE BEACH
- Waking up in a lodge that is ON THE BEACH
- R&R (Tipo Tinto Rum and Raspberry soda, not for the faint hearted).
- The wait for locals to come to your doorstep with food items that decide you options of food for that day
I think that my first amazing Mozambique experience can have full credit given to the lodge we stayed at; Barra Dunes. A self-catering, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 8-sleeper lodge that has everything you need to relax and fully absorb the beautiful ocean views
My family and our lodge
Waking up every morning in a bed draped with a delicate white net, a picturesque view that could only be described as breathtaking, and the sound of rolling waves and rustling palm trees created a feeling that was surreal. Why have a dream when you can wake up into one?
A bedroom
The complete solitude and peace that I experienced here made me forget about the claustrophobic shopping centres, the crowded traffic-laden highways and the filthy streets back at home. It was incredible.
Enough jabber, what’s the deal?
Apart from the whole trip being a deal for me; the fresh food, the full living on the beach experience and the quarter price version of a Mauritius holiday, Barra Dunes is currently having a brilliant holiday deal.
From July until November:
- Pay for 5 nights, stay for 7
-
Pay for 7 nights, stay for 10.
Rates are available their webpage, http://barradunes.com/
The deal is available right through the September holidays until the end of November. Right next door at Areia Branca lodge, there is a bar, a pool and kayaks to hire. Endless routes for you to explore on your quad bikes and 4x4s combined with snorkelling, diving and windsurfing opportunities, it becomes well worth the car or plane trip.
The bar and pool at Areia Branca
This trip was an absolute treat. With the experience I had at Barra Dunes, Mozambique has now become one of my favourite holiday destinations. A getaway that in my opinion, is far better than the typical commercial, expensive ‘touristy’ vibe in other countries.
PARADISE
Quad bike heaven
Sunrise
Sunset Image courtesy of Areia Branca
Save and The City 