Vamizi Villas: Information from the owner

Oceans Without Border small journey - Discover significant conservation and community initiatives

After a delicious breakfast (and tide dependent) make a splash as you embark on a kayak excursion in the Vamizi Estuary. Gain insight into the importance of estuaries and mangroves, and the role coastal ecosystems play in absorbing CO2.

Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch and then meet up with the Vamizi conservation team to peruse the vast expanse of beach, clearing debris and litter, and seeing the effects of beach erosion. Gain an understanding about some of the key conservation challenges faced by tropical islands, and global marine life, and interact with a group of women from the local fishing village to better understand their needs and challenges.

Visit a school in one of the communities, learn about their alternative income projects and their island life In the evening enjoy a discussion on reef ecology and learning the techniques to survey a reef

Castaway Picnics

Indulge on a mouth-watering array of scrumptious picnic delights at one of the numerous secluded picnic spots scattered around andBeyond Vamizi Island. This is the ultimate desert island experience.

Community Visits

Immerse yourself in the local customs and traditions of the fisherman communities on andBeyond Vamizi Island on a guided tour.

Fishing

andBeyond Vamizi Island is surrounded by deep water and healthy coral reefs which provide a bountiful habitat for a multitude of fish species. More than 50 sport fishing varieties are present and, while some species are migratory, most do not have to venture far to feed and are present in large numbers year round. The beauty of fishing at Vamizi is in its remoteness - there are almost no other fishing boats in the area allowing guests virtually exclusive rights to the waters. Embark on a thrilling deep-sea fishing excursion, ethically run blue water spearfishing trip or a catch-and-release fly-fishing adventure.

Guided Nature Walks

andBeyond Vamizi Island is home to a great variety of flora and fauna. There are a number of trails through the coastal forest and along the beach, stopping off in deserted sandy coves for a cooling swim. To get the most of these walks, it’s best to go early in the morning with your resident guide who will point out samango monkeys and giant coconut crabs as well as a multitude of forest and coastal birds.

Kayaking

Choose from a selection of single or double kayaks and embark on a guided or solo kayaking adventure through the island’s estuary at Muntu Nkulu. Glide effortlessly over glass-like water whilst colourful coral reef fish, turtles and cowrie shells pass just beneath you. Alternatively, drift silently through the mangroves in search of kingfishers, green herons and fish eagles.

Massage: Africa Hand and Foot Treaments - African Footprint Ritual

Melt away stress and rejuvenate your tired legs with this foot treatment which will leave your feet feeling hydrated, softened and silky smooth, ready to conquer the African bush. Your feet is soaked in an African Joy energizing salt soak, scrubbed with rejuvenating peppermint and eucalyptus scrub and embalmed in African Shea Butter. Relax as you receive a shoulder and scalp massage and finish the treatment with a cooling foot gel to put the final spring in your step

30min
60min

Massage: Africa Hand and Foot Treaments - African Handprint Ritual

The ultimate hand ritual. Your hands are polished with a pure Peppermint & Aloe Vera polish and cuticles restored with indigenous healing oils. Your hands are then embalmed with African Shea Butter. Relax as you receive a shoulder and scalp massage and finish the treatment with a nourishing Pinotage hand oil massage, leaving your hands feeling soft and rejuvenated.

30min
60min

Massage: Earth Glow Body Polish and Wrap

Re-awaken your senses through gentle exfoliation and envelope your body with inspirational blends of natural African essential oils and botanicals. We start the treatment with a dry polish followed by a full body polish to alleviate tension and renew skin. We then do the wrap and an indulgent full body massage using our powerful collection of indigenous African oils and balms.

Choose African Potato for its Ancient Healing powers, Marula Neroli for a Sensory Indulgence, Kalahari Melon for its Hydrating Properties, Mongongo Nut to Detox or Cinnamon & Orange to Firm and Tone

90min

Massage: Healing Earth African Shea Butter Ritual

African Shea Butter has been long hailed for its powerful healing and nourishing effects. Relaxing nourishing and energizing this full body massage targets specific areas or tension and muscular discomfort employing deep tissue techniques where pain is dramatically alleviated.

Full Body and Scalp 75min
Back, Neck and Scalp 45min

Massage: Quiet Mind Journey

You are required to create a personal affirmation to reclaim an unconditional acceptance and love for yourself and reconnect with your soul to release all negative energy from deep within. A unique blend of
aromatherapy and plant oils chosen specifically by you, combining deep tissue massage techniques to bring relaxation to tired, aching muscles allowing the body and soul to return to perfect equilibrium. Choose from a blend of aromatherapy oils to either destress, hydrate, relax or detox.

Full body: 90 min
Back and Neck only: 30 min

Massage: Soul of the Earth Celebration

Re-awaken your Soul with a combination of powerful African aromatherapy oils and botanical body balms combining traditional African Calabash and Bamboo tools with human touch and rhythmic movement in this indulgent ritual, the ultimate source of relaxation to bring balance to your mind, body and soul in the heart of Africa, the cradle of mankind, through touch and vibrational sound therapy using ancient sound tools and techniques.

Choose African Potato for its Ancient Healing powers, Marula Neroli for a Sensory Indulgence, Kalahari Melon for its Hydrating Properties, Mongongo Nut to Detox or Cinnamon and Orange to Firm and Tone

Full body and Scalp: 90min
Back and Scalp: 60min

Massage: WildChild Beauties and Buddies

A WildChild needs pampering too

Soak those tired little feet in Healing Earth’s Lavender and Jasmine bubble bath, followed by a Mango Orange scrub, toe nail grooming and mini foot tickle and rub. To recharge your energy a 15min back, neck and shoulder massage with pure Aloe Vera Gel will guarantee to send our budding rangers off on their next adventure in the African Bush. Finish your treatment with an African Tribal Face Paint and if you choose to, leave with your own Beauties and Buddies Pamper Kit to remember your adventure in the wild and remind you of how important it is to Care for the Land, Wildlife and People of this world.

Treatment 30min
Beauties and Buddies Pamper Kit

Oceans Without Border small journey - Explore the beauty of andBeyond Vamizi Island

A brief orientation session and presentation will be hosted in the evening to prepare you for your next few days. Additionally, enjoy a short presentation and discussion on the importance of mangroves and estuaries; what the threats are and how we can be a part of the solution.

Oceans Without Border small journey - Immerse yourself in the kaleidoscopic depths of the ocean

Learn about turtle conservation at andBeyond Vamizi Island and do an early morning turtle nest survey, understanding why this is important for these turtles to breed, flourish and ultimately survive.

Grab your snorkel gear and jump on to a boat for some time in the sparkling water, putting into practise your reef surveying techniques for the day. Learn how the measurements are done and recorded and the importance thereof. Learn how to compare a damaged reef to a pristine reef. Our coral reef systems are vitally important to sustaining marine life and creating fish breeding habitats. However, with global warming, these systems are under threat.

After your day of being a marine biologist, sink into absolute tranquility on a sunset dhow cruise followed by a presentation on traditional fishing methods, and the impact of industrial fishing and how we need to protect our waters, and the inhabitants populating them.

Oceans Without Border small journey - Learn about fishing conservation or go diving on pristine reefs

Wake up early to head out with the local Fisheries Council and Vamizi conservation team, on a fish tagging expedition in the marine sanctuary. The local Fisheries Council established a Marine Sanctuary, surrounding much of the eastern side of the island. Continuous research is conducted to monitor the positive impact this has on growth in terms of size and abundance of fish species.
Alternatively, for the advanced divers in the group, a diving expedition to Neptune’s’ arm is a must-do experience. Named among the top dive destinations in the world this exquisite reef features beautiful drop-offs, canyons and pinnacles. Gain insight into the Vamizi reef system and also some of the challenges faced by marine research projects.

A fresh, delicious lunch awaits you at your villa, and an afternoon of sun, sea and serenity, or you can opt to enjoy a fascinating community visit. To have a real impact on conservation, the communities that are dependent on the eco-systems are vital to their protection. Spend time with the women that live on the island and visit a school, learn about their alternative income projects and their island life.

This afternoon is yours to relax, go for a snorkel, a second dive, or explore the island at your leisure.

Following your adventure, sit back and enjoy the thought provoking screening of the documentary Cradle of Coral. This documentary was filmed to showcase the sublime beauty and diversity of the marine eco system, and the immense danger to the fragile reefs, due to coral reef bleaching.

Oceans Without Border small journey - Put on your conservation hat for a fun-filled adventure

A day of exciting adventures awaits you as you venture into the great watery unknown! The evening before you will be given you bearings, coordinates, distance and a selection of fuel, equipment and food, with a task attached. Your thrilling expedition begins by being whisked away to a remote island about 2-hours away from andBeyond Vamizi. You will be required to put into practise the knowledge and skills you have learnt over the past few days – don’t worry, you will be supported throughout your journey by you guide and capable Vamizi team! Participate and engage in fun and significant tasks along the way, and feel like you have been luxuriously shipwrecked as you enjoy a delectable castaway picnic lunch served a pristine beach.

Sailing and Traditional Dhow Sunset Cruises

The regular trade breezes and calm seas afforded by the reef to the north of andBeyond Vamizi Island ensure the conditions for sailing are almost always perfect. A selection of Hobie Cats and dinghies are kept at the Dive Centre. Alternatively, more relaxed sunset cruises on a traditional dhow are a fabulous way to see out the day with a glass of chilled wine, whilst searching for dolphins and turtles.

Scuba Diving

andBeyond Vamizi Island’s waters contain a plethora of marine life and have been deemed one of the healthiest coral reef eco-systems in the world. A combination of wild underwater landscapes, the bounty of tropical ocean currents and an abundance of aquatic life, makes Vamizi a truly world-class diving holiday destination. Dive sites are being discovered all the time, catering for all abilities from the novice to the experienced diver and Vamizi’s PADI dive masters and instructors are always on hand to guide or teach.

Snorkelling

Grab a snorkel, mask and a set of fins to explore the healthy coral reefs around andBeyond Vamizi Island. The best snorkelling spots are reached by motorboat with a guide, but there is also outstanding snorkelling to be had from the shore. This is a wonderful activity for both children and adults alike!

Turtle Watching and Releasing

andBeyond Vamizi Island is home to green sea turtles that come up onto the beach to nest at night. If you’re lucky enough to be there in season, you can witness this amazing sight. When the eggs hatch some baby turtles may be trapped in the sand and these stragglers are saved and released by the Conservation Team; a fantastic activity for children to be involved in!

Whale Watching

Between July and September each year the humpback whales pass andBeyond Vamizi Island on their epic voyage from East Africa to Antarctica. They bring their new-born calves with them and the new families enjoy frolicking in the deep water channels around the island. The whale watching trips offer the perfect opportunity to see these incredible animals up close

Yoga and Treatments

Treat yourself to soothing spa therapy session or enjoy a private yoga class in the privacy of your villa.