About Nuarro Mozambique
Just north of Nacala and set within a marine reserve, Nuarro Mozambique is a lodge with a strong focus on ...
... responsible and eco-tourism. Opened in June 2009 with just one restaurant-bar area and six chalets, it has since grown to incorporate a total of 12 chalets, a beach bar and a separate restaurant area. The design is rustic, with traditionally built structures using lots of natural materials and solar lighting, yet it is also very comfortable.
Nuarro Mozambique is perfect for those who love rustic simplicity twinned with good quality. The comfortable rooms, well-built main areas and friendly service are fantastic – although the fact that everything is sourced locally means that odd pieces of material or light fittings don't match perfectly. In addition, the solar power is limiting, so Nuarro is not for those who need minibars, hairdryers and air conditioning.
It is also worth remembering that a lot of the staff come from the local community and for them the concept of a lodge is an entirely new experience. Guests may need to be patient with their attempts at English – the team are very friendly and try hard but it can often take a few minutes to make yourself understood.
Our view
Nuarro Mozambique is perfect for those who love rustic simplicity twinned with good quality. The comfortable rooms, well-built main areas and friendly service are fantastic – although the fact that everything is sourced locally means that odd pieces of material or light fittings don't match perfectly. In addition, the solar power is limiting, so Nuarro is not for those who need minibars, hairdryers and air conditioning.
It is also worth remembering that a lot of the staff come from the local community and for them the concept of a lodge is an entirely new experience. Guests may need to be patient with their attempts at English – the team are very friendly and try hard but it can often take a few minutes to make yourself understood.
Country manager: Mozambique
Traveller reviews of Nuarro Mozambique
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View galleryNuarro Mozambique: Our full report
Just north of Nacala and set within a marine reserve, Nuarro Mozambique is a lodge with a strong focus on ...
... responsible and eco-tourism. Opened in June 2009 with just one restaurant-bar area and six chalets, it has since grown to incorporate a total of 12 chalets, a beach bar and a separate restaurant area. The design is rustic, with traditionally built structures using lots of natural materials and solar lighting, yet it is also very comfortable.
Nuarro in the local language means 'hole', and the lodge takes its name from the holes formed in the surrounding coral rock. At low tide, water exploding through these holes looks almost like a geyser.
Almost everything at Nuarro is made locally so as to support the communities in the surrounding areas. Each of the lodge buildings was constructed by local craftsman, working without nails and using the traditional technique of erecting wooden poles, packing them with rock, and plastering this with mud and clay; the roofs were then made of thatch. The same system is employed to build many of the houses in the surrounding villages, but at Nuarro they have achieved a very high-quality finish. A lot of the tables and chairs were also built locally, and uniforms are made from Mozambican fabrics by a local tailor.
Nuarro also tries to assist the community by funding various development projects. Five dollars for every bed night and two dollars for every activity provide assistance from international NGOs to run a sanitation and hygiene programme, coordinated by a volunteer nurse based at the lodge. Nuarro is involved in education, too: already they have built two school rooms for children in grades one and two, and they plan to add further classrooms when they can. Prior to this the nearest school was 25km away and many children didn't manage to go to school at all.
At Nuarro Mozambique itself, the main areas are situated well apart. The beach bar, set on a broad, open-sided deck and painted with a beach scene, has a traditional fishing boat hanging above it. Alongside various tables and chairs are a couple of comfortable cream sofas around a low coffee table. Adjacent are a small shop stocked with locally made crafts, a simple massage room where treatments can be arranged, and an activities centre.
On the other side of lodge, on a small coral-rock peninsula about a ten-minute walk away, the restaurant is a large, open-plan room with polished stone floors and a high thatched roof. The views from either side are across open sea – where we could see passing humpback whales while we had lunch! There are a couple of cream sofas here, too, and an additional sunken lounge area made out of stone. The bar, made to look like a boat, is also sunk into the ground – like a ship half buried in the sand. A wooden deck extends to the front, set with tables and chairs for dining.
The beach at Nuarro is a short walk down the hill: a lovely long stretch of yellow sand which is great for beachcombing and rock-pooling at low tide. The sand is coarser than you will find on Mozambique's islands but it is still stunning. At low tide, when swimming is not particularly easy, parts of the beach are broken up by coral rock.
Paths cutting a natural path through the bush (making as little impact on the terrain as possible) lead you to each of Nuarro Mozambique's 12 spacious chalets. These are spread quite far apart and tucked into the surrounding bush, so are very private, yet still with sea views. All are built in the same traditional style with red mud walls inside and out, and thatched roofs.
Inside are polished stone floors, a writing desk and table, a small wicker sofa and a comfortable bed under mosquito netting. Most of the soft furnishings are made from local materials, including the quirky hand-crocheted floor rug and the sofa cushions. Though most of the chalets are the same, some also have a mezzanine floor which can house twin beds – perfect for families who want to be in one room together.
The chalets have lighting and a standing fan powered by 24-hour solar electricity, and you can also charge batteries in your room, but items such as hairdryers cannot be used as they require too much power.
Brightly painted bathrooms are at the back of the chalets, partially separated by a wall but with a view right through the room to create an open-plan layout. As well as a shower and a washbasin set into a stone surface, there is a dry composting toilet which has a proper seat – and does not smell at all!
All the chalets at Nuarro have a private veranda with a couple of wooden chairs and a hammock. All have direct access to the beach, too – where most have private sunloungers with shade; we were told that these would be supplied for all the chalets soon.
Activities at Nuarro are highly varied. Water-based activities include snorkelling from the shore – or by boat if guests wish to go a little further afield; kayaking into the mangroves; dhow sailing and diving. The house reef in front of the lodge offers excellent diving on four sites which can be accessed from the shore. Then there are another three sites within the bay, just a short boat ride away, and a further three outside the bay. For those keen to do a lot of diving there are also some sites further afield but conditions at these can be challenging so they are suitable only for experienced divers. Though the diving arguably lacks some of the larger pelagic fish, sharks and rays, we found an abundance of smaller fish and some of the most pristine hard coral we have seen in Mozambique.
Back on land, it is possible to venture into the local villages either on foot or by bicycle, accompanied by a member of staff who comes from the area. Thus you will receive a very warm welcome and numerous requests for photos – it's a lovely experience.
Non-motorised activities are included in the cost of your stay, but motorised activities such as diving and snorkelling from a boat are an extra cost. There is also a small extra charge of about US$5 if you want to take a guide on a village visit or snorkelling.
It is important to note that there is no fishing at Nuarro. The lodge has spent a long time working with the local community and protecting the bay in front of the lodge, and no fishing is allowed within this marine reserve whilst Nuarro tries to repopulate the area.
Geographics
- Location
- Nampula Province, Mozambique
- Ideal length of stay
- It is worth spending five–seven days at Nuarro Mozambique, as there is quite a lot to do here.
- Directions
- Nuarro is a four-hour drive from the nearest international airport at Nampula, which has scheduled flights by South African Airways, Kenya Airways and LAM. The drive consists of two hours on a tarmac road, and two on dirt. There is also an airstrip just a five-minute drive away but you would need a charter flight to access this which is more expensive.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- As much of the food as possible at Nuarro Lodge is locally sourced – bought from nearby villages or from suppliers in Nampula or Nacala – and we found it to be fresh, tasty and hearty. Nuarro is able to accommodate dietary requests with prior warning.
For breakfast guests can expect freshly baked bread, cereals and a full English ordered from the waiter.
Lunch is a light option with a set main course and a dessert. When we stayed we had a very tasty prawn salad followed by chocolate mousse.
For dinner we had three courses, with a choice of sweetcorn soup or fish carpaccio as a starter. The main course was steak cooked to order with mashed potato and stir-fried vegetables. A chocolate brownie with chocolate sauce rounded it all off. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Yes – but there are no phones in rooms so room service must be pre-arranged.
- Drinks included
- No drinks are included in the rate at Nuarro, apart from specific juices with meals and water on activities.
Special interests
- Solo Travel
- Nuarrro is probably the best place we feature for solo travellers in Mozambique.
- See ideas for Solo Travel in Mozambique
- Beach holidays
- The yellow sand of Nampula's beaches and beautiful reef in front of the Lodge are ideal for activities on the beach and in the water. Get ready for one of the best beaches in east Africa, with pristine shores and crystal-clear waters.
- See ideas for Beach holidays in Mozambique
- Diving & snorkelling
- There is good shore diving in Nanatha Bay in front of Nuarro Lodge, with four dives over lovely reefs. Then there are three sites by boat within the bay and three just outside. Divers will find lovely corals and lots of juvenile fish, though sharks are less in evidence.
- See ideas for Diving & snorkelling in Mozambique
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Nuarro has a minimum age of eight years old, although younger children may be able to stay at the discretion of the management.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Children under eight are not usually allowed to stay at Nuarro.
- Special activities & services
- Nuarro has no special services or facilities for children.
- Generally recommended for children
- Nuarro is suitable for older children and teenagers who are able to entertain themselves.
Communications
- Communications
- There is weak cellphone reception at Nuarro, but they do have satellite coverage which allows WiFi in the beach bar, which is complimentary for guests. The lodge has a laptop that guests can use.
- TV & radio
- The TV in the activities centre is out of use at the moment (it was broken by a gecko!) but they plan to replace it in due course.
Sustainability
Nuarro’s Community Spirit
Located on the shore of Nanatha Bay, Nuarro Lodge is committed to offer unique experiences for guests while placing the local community at the core of their operations. Built by locals with natural materials and powered by solar energy, the 12 chalets are placed along the dunes for privacy and minimum environmental impact. Nuarro works closely with the local community of Nanatha, ensuring that people benefit from the growth of eco-tourism. The lodge has employed 80 friendly locals and donates a percentage of their earnings to fund jobs, the Anan community centre and to develop agriculture. Locally-sourced products are sought after wherever possible, such as toiletries for guests or fresh coffee beans, thus generating more job opportunities for the community of Anan.
Recently, a new and exciting agriculture initiative has kept the whole team at Nuarro’s on their toes, looking at developing a partnership with local farmers to buy fresh crops.
Additionally, Nuarro has facilitated the construction of a community centre where 450 children now go to school as well as the Anan Clinic, with the aim to increase awareness of hygiene and sanitation issues. Guests are invited to partake in village visits and engage with locals, or even make symbolic donations such as school supplies or toys for children.
See more great sustainability projects in Mozambique
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The dive team at Nuarro are fist aid trained and have a first-aid kit on site. For more serious issues there is a hospital in Nacala, which is two hours by car. Nuarro has no links to flying doctors but they can call a local flight charter company if necessary.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- Nuarro has security on the beach, at the back of the lodge and in various positions elsewhere. There are usually nine guards on duty at any one time and the reception has a safe for valuables.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are dotted around the main areas and there is one in every chalet. Several members of the team are trained to use them
Activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge
- Money
- Nuarro will exchange very small amounts of British pounds, US dollars, euros and South African rands into meticais.
- Accepted payment on location
- Guests can pay for extras at Nuarro in cash (US dollars, euros, British pounds, South African rands and meticais) or by Visa card, but not by Amex or MasterCard.
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Nuarro Mozambique's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Nuarro Mozambique.
Other lodges in Nampula Province
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Coral Lodge
Coral Lodge 15.41 is a luxury lodge in a remote part of central Mozambique and is a great base from which to explore the historical Ilha do Mozambique
Terraco das Quitandas
Terraço das Quitandas is a small idiosyncratic boutique hotel, stuffed to the ceiling with beautiful antiques and perfectly located to explore Ilha do Moçambique.
When to go to Nampula Province
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Nuarro Mozambique in Nampula Province
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Mozambique in January
January is one of the wettest, hottest and most humid months in Mozambique, with average daytime temperatures reaching the low 30s °C, dropping only to around 24°C at night. Although the rain falls mostly as tropical downpours in late afternoon/evening, with the rest of the time sunny, there are definitely better times to visit.
Diving is generally good, but visibility can be limited. Dolphins are abundant, but humpback whales have moved out and this is the last month with a reasonable chance of spotting whale sharks and manta rays. On beaches, turtles lay their eggs and by the end of the month some are beginning to hatch.
After the busy Christmas/New Year period lodges are almost empty, so it’s a good time to avoid the “crowds”.
- One of the wettest & hottest months, with high humidity
- Diving is fair but visibility can be poor
- Great for dolphin viewing
- Turtles laying eggs, which begin to hatch by end of month
- The low season so lodges much quieter, but for a reason
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in January
Mozambique in February
The hot, wet weather continues, with rainfall at its peak in February in the south, and temperatures as high as those experienced in January; this is also the start of the cyclone season. Such storms are relatively rare but when they do occur they bring widespread devastation and disruption. Although the sea is wonderfully warm, beaches can be pretty windy and diving at this time of the year can be more challenging, with choppier waters and sometimes pretty poor visibility.
As such, lodges tend to have good availability. The chances of seeing manta rays and whale sharks are minimal now, but turtles are still laying eggs followed by hatchlings making a dash for the ocean.
- Rain & hot weather peaks, as does the humidity
- Start of the cyclone season
- Diving conditions can be more challenging
- Great month for turtle watching
- Warm seas
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in February
Mozambique in March
Rainfall is still high, peaking in the north – where it continues for longer than in the south – and the threat of tropical cyclones remains (2019 saw Idai wreak havoc). Temperatures fall ever so slightly but it’s still hot, with daily temperatures averaging 30°C and nights around 23°C. It’s still pretty humid but this begins to drop away towards the end of the month when the weather generally starts to improve.
Diving, as in previous months, can be OK with warm seas, but conditions are unpredictable, and visibility is still only fair. Of the key marine species, only dolphins are now regularly seen and the last of the turtle hatchlings make for the sea. Availability is usually good, but when Easter falls in March, lodges can get booked up early.
- Rainfall eases but still a chance of significant downpours
- Cyclones remain a threat
- Diving is reasonable, but visibility can be hit and miss
- Turtle spotting excellent
- Although low season, Easter can get booked up quickly
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Mozambique in April
Although rain still lingers in the north, the rainy season in the south draws to an end. Temperatures are still high but as the rain peters out, humidity drops considerably and so it feels much more comfortable. There is still a small risk of tropical cyclones (as in 2019, when cyclone Kenneth hit), but these are usually extremely rare.
Diving conditions improve with increased visibility and the sea is still warm, so April can be a lovely month for diving or a beach holiday. It is also excellent for fishing, with most of the game fish species being present. Lodges begin to see more visitors and can get especially busy over Easter.
- Rainy season comes to an end in the south
- Good weather for a beach holiday sets in
- Diving, improves with increased visibility & warm seas
- Excellent fishing conditions
- Visitor numbers begin to increase, especially around Easter
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Mozambique in May
As the rains cease in the north, May marks the start of the dry season across Mozambique (although the odd freak cyclone has been known to make landfall, this is exceptional). The days are warm and sunny, with low humidity and temperatures around 27°C, while evenings start to cool to around 16°C. It’s a really good month to visit coastal areas and as such the lodges get a bit busier and prices start to rise.
Diving continues to improve with good visibility and calm waters, and the excellent game fishing conditions continue. Lastly, Mozambique’s biggest international music festival, Azgo, takes place in Maputo during May.
- Start of the dry season: virtually no rainfall & humidity drops
- Diving continues to improve with good visibility & calm seas
- Excellent fishing conditions continue
- Azgo international music festival in Maputo
- Lodges get busier & prices increase
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Mozambique in June
Good weather continues with pleasantly warm days, clear skies and a bit of a breeze – ideal for a relaxing beach holiday. Diving conditions are near perfect with good visibility, though note that sea temperatures are dropping by a couple of degrees. Southern right whales start appearing along the coastline. The excellent deep-sea fishing continues. On Ibo Island in the Quirimbas Archipelago, 24 June sees the Feast of St John the Baptist – celebrated as Kueto Siriwala (“to not forget your roots”) day. Expect dhow races as well as traditional music and dance.
Lodges are getting busier and with Mozambique’s month-long summer holiday beginning in late June, it’s advisable to book well in advance. This is one of the best months and prices increase, reflecting the move into this peak season.
- Weather now very good
- Southern right whales start appearing along the coast
- Diving conditions are superb
- Kueto Siriwala festival on Ibo
- Lodges getting busier & therefore prices higher
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Mozambique in July
The dry season is now in full swing so clear blue skies abound. Warm, sunny days and cool evenings continue, with average temperatures between 25°C during the day and 16°C at night. July is definitely one of the best months to visit the Mozambique coast, though beaches can be a little windy. Humpback whales begin making their long annual migration from Antarctica to the warmer waters off East Africa to calve; if you’re lucky you may get to see them, especially at the end of the month.
Diving and snorkelling conditions are reaching optimum levels with generally excellent visibility, though the water is now chilly by Mozambique standards. Fishing is still very good for most game species. Lodges are filling up due to northern hemisphere school holidays.
- Warm sunny days & cool evenings
- Diving conditions now almost perfect
- Humpback whales begin arriving
- Fishing still very good
- School holiday time, so lodges are filling up
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Mozambique in August
As in July, the days are lovely and warm – great for lying on a beach, though there’s a slight chill to the evenings and the sea is at its coolest at around 16°C. This is one of the best times to visit Mozambique, and is a great month for diving as visibility now reaches its peak, but it can be a bit windy. Humpback whale numbers are increasing, and manta rays and whale sharks start to appear, though are not a common sighting.
Fishing drops off a bit but some species such as sailfish and queen mackerel are still taking bait. August is very popular – probably the busiest month – so lodges can be quite full and family-friendly resorts will have more children around.
- Days still nice & warm with cooler, but pleasant evenings
- Optimal diving conditions.
- Whales numbers increase; the odd manta ray & whale shark may be seen
- Fishing starts to tail off a little
- Lodges at high occupancy levels, so can be busy
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Mozambique in September
In September, temperatures begin to climb and warm, sunny days continue, although evenings are still cooler (averaging around 28°C in the day and 19°C at night); this is historically the driest month in Mozambique. Whale watching is getting even better as numbers increase and, as in August, diving and snorkelling conditions are excellent with great visibility.
Sightings of whale sharks and manta rays begin to increase, and while dolphins are seen throughout the year, September is the start of the best dolphin-viewing period. The fishing is good with marlin, sailfish and kingfish all possibilities. Although the school holidays have ended it is still high season and still a popular month – it’s our favourite month here.
- Arguably our favourite month
- Temperatures start rising – the weather is beautiful
- Superb diving & snorkelling conditions continue
- Sightings of whale sharks & mantas rays pick up
- Great for dolphin viewing & whales still present in good numbers
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Mozambique in October
October is the hottest of the dry months with daytime temperatures peaking at around 30°C and evenings feeling balmy at around 20°C. With the heat building, the rains can begin right at the end of the month. The fishing is very good, especially for the bigger game fish like marlin.
October is also considered the best month for whale watching, and one of the best for dolphins, which are present in good numbers. The chances of seeing whale sharks and manta rays also increase as the seas warm up; this, and the next two months, are best for sightings. Like August and September, October is also excellent for diving and snorkelling, with superb visibility, thus it’s another popular month, and carries peak season prices.
- Hottest of the dry months
- Excellent whale & dolphin watching
- Chances of seeing whale sharks & mantas increase
- Diving conditions remain excellent
- Fishing for certain game fish species is very good
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Mozambique in November
As the dry season ends and the wet season starts, the weather becomes a lot more unpredictable. Days are very hot with humidity increasing, though rainfall is still fairly low. November heralds the return of turtles coming ashore to nest and lay their eggs. With visibility still pretty clear, diving and snorkelling conditions remain good. There is still a decent chance of seeing humpback whales before they begin heading off towards the end of the month, whilst sightings of whale sharks and manta rays remain good, and dolphin sightings excellent.
Fishing for certain species, especially kingfish and marlin, remains excellent. It’s no longer high season so prices of some lodges come down.
- Days hot but weather becomes a somewhat unpredictable
- Diving still good
- Start of the turtle-nesting season; humpback whales begin to leave
- Good month for dolphins, whale sharks & mantas
- Lodge prices starting to come down
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Mozambique in December
Days are still hot, with rising humidity making it feel a lot stickier. Average daytime temperatures hit 31°C+, with evenings around 23°C. December is one of the rainiest months, but expect short sharp thunderstorms as opposed to lengthy rainfall. The turtle-nesting season is now in full swing, so seeing females laying their eggs becomes a possibility. As humpback whales head back south, sightings become scarce, but dolphins, whale sharks and manta rays are still present in good numbers.
Fishing for marlin, bonito and kingfish is still excellent. Sea visibility is generally good, but it can become a little hit and miss as the sun and warm seas encourage plankton blooms. Christmas and New Year are very popular periods despite invariably carrying price supplements.
- Days are hot & a lot more humid
- Turtles laying their eggs on beaches
- Whale season is now largely over
- Dolphins, whale sharks & mantas are still present
- Christmas & New Year get booked up early, & cost more
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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