About Guludo Beach Lodge (currently closed)
Guludo Beach Lodge is a fascinating lodge, located on a stunning stretch of coastline in northern Mozambique.
It is simple in comparison to the other properties in the Quirimbas, but it is absolutely charming and amongst the best examples of responsible tourism we have seen.
Guludo Beach Lodge is a rustic place and not to everyone's taste – those who like the finer things in life might find the lodge a little rudimentary. But if you don't mind the lack of electricity, and enjoy the concept of a true eco-lodge then this place is superb. It is full of character and does so much good for the community that you can't help but feel like you have contributed something when you leave. The ingenuity behind the build and fittings is incredible and you can see why this place has won awards for its design and contribution to ongoing conservation and fighting poverty.
Stop press: Being in an area that the British FCO had on its list of countries that it advised against all but essential travel to for a while, Guludo Beach Lodge received a further devastating blow in 2019. On 25th April that year, Cyclone Kenneth made landfall in Mozambique, with the eye of the storm ripping through Guludo and the surrounding communities it was so closely linked with. It was the strongest cyclone to ever hit Africa and sadly it completely razed the lodge and villages to the ground.
Thus, we are very sad to say that we cannot feature this lodge in any itinerary. Please call us for the latest details and alternative options.
Our view
Guludo Beach Lodge is a rustic place and not to everyone's taste – those who like the finer things in life might find the lodge a little rudimentary. But if you don't mind the lack of electricity, and enjoy the concept of a true eco-lodge then this place is superb. It is full of character and does so much good for the community that you can't help but feel like you have contributed something when you leave. The ingenuity behind the build and fittings is incredible and you can see why this place has won awards for its design and contribution to ongoing conservation and fighting poverty.
Stop press: Being in an area that the British FCO had on its list of countries that it advised against all but essential travel to for a while, Guludo Beach Lodge received a further devastating blow in 2019. On 25th April that year, Cyclone Kenneth made landfall in Mozambique, with the eye of the storm ripping through Guludo and the surrounding communities it was so closely linked with. It was the strongest cyclone to ever hit Africa and sadly it completely razed the lodge and villages to the ground.
Thus, we are very sad to say that we cannot feature this lodge in any itinerary. Please call us for the latest details and alternative options.
Country manager: Mozambique
Traveller reviews of Guludo Beach Lodge
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View galleryGuludo Beach Lodge: Our full report (currently closed)
Guludo Beach Lodge is a fascinating lodge, located on a stunning stretch of coastline in northern Mozambique.
It is simple in comparison to the other properties in the Quirimbas, but it is absolutely charming and amongst the best examples of responsible tourism we have seen.
The ideology of Guludo is clear – for the presence of tourism to benefit the local community and environment. When the owners, Amy and Neal, were looking for a site for their lodge in 2002 they were looking for a beautiful stretch of coastline in an area that could really benefit from tourism - so an area that was living in extreme poverty. They chose the location not just for its beauty and potential as a beach lodge, but for the good that could be done in the surrounding areas.
An example of their commitment to conservation and ongoing community projects is Nema: the charity that they set up to help support their ongoing projects. 5% of the revenue from every guest's stay goes directly to Nema, as do any guest donations. So far this has helped them to provide clean drinking water to over 12,000 people, supply 4,400 mosquito nets to the mothers of young children, fund 79 secondary school scholars and it continues to feed 550 children one nutritious meal a day at school.
But Guludo Beach Lodge offers a lot more than sustainable tourism – it is also a lovely beach lodge in a remote location.
The main lounge and dining banda sits above the beach, with views over the sea. Its construction is simple, with open sides, stone floors, high thatch roofs and locally made furniture. The lounge sits at one end of the room, with low sofas molded out of stone and covered in large scatter cushions made from local fabric. Wooden tables and chairs are doted around for dining, some under the thatch roof and some outside on the terrace in front. There is no electricity at the lodge and in the evenings this area is lit solely by storm lanterns – it is very atmospheric.
The bar is at the opposite end to the lounge, and is a beautiful dark wooden top. It is well stocked with local beers and wines and spirits. Next to the bar is a set of shelves made from reclaimed dhow wood, where you will find small trinkets and curios made by local people – and nearby is Guludo's book swap.
Though the design of the bar and lounge at Guludo Beach Lodge is simple, it is really nicely done and the result is a rustic, stylish area that is welcoming and comfortable.
Guludo is a place to be active, as well as to relax; some activities are included in the rates here, whilst others are an extra cost.
Included in the cost of your stay at Guludo Lodge are:
- A visit to Guludo Village – where you can go into the local community and learn a little more about what Nema is managing to achieve. You will receive a warm welcome and often have revealing insights into how the people here live.
- For even more interaction, visitors can return in the evening to the “Guludo disco" – and enjoy a few local beers and a dance.
- If asked one of the villagers, an ex-poacher, will encourage you to try your hand at beach archery.
Activities that cost extra include:
- Guided boat trips into the nearby mangroves – which were U$45 per person when we last visited in October 2008.
- Day-trips to Ibo Island, which a fascinating island steeped in Portuguese colonial history.
- Day-trip to Rolas Island, for stunning beaches, snorkelling and the change to explore and perhaps find one of the huge coconut crabs that live here!
- Scuba-diving. A short walk from this main area is the Guludo's dive centre, where the resident dive instructor and activities manager can help arrange a variety of things to do. The diving around the lodge is great and the dive centre is really well equipped – so this is a great base for avid divers. Sites around Guludo such as Rolas Island, Ibo island and the Matemo channel offer stunning coral, abundant reef fish, large game fish, reef sharks and rays. NOTE: As of December 2017 the dive centre is currently closed and will be for the duration of 2018.
There are three room categories at Guludo Beach Lodge:
- Arguably the most popular are the five Adobe Bandas which offer very comfortable accommodation in clean spacious rooms. The high thatch roofs and white washed walls help to give the rooms a cool feel, while the terracotta tiles and locally made soft furnishings add style. The tiles are made by local women, who fire them in a kiln which Guludo built for them and trained them to use. Then Guludo buy the tiles back off the local women – a great example of how Guludo Beach Lodge do their utmost to support local people.
The walls are made from mud and lime – so no concrete is used at all. The 'hatching' pattern at the front is made from fish basket weave and produced by local people.
There is hanging space for clothes, and a hatch in the wall through which your morning coffee will be passed. You can open up the front of the banda to make the most of the sea views, or close it for increased privacy. Then in front is a wide veranda where a hammock and some beach loungers invite you to relax.
- The Tented Bandas are spacious tents, which are simpler than the bandas but great value. They have a high thatch roof over the canvas to help them keep cool, and mosquito gauze walls so that you really feel like you are sleeping outside.
- There is also a family and a honeymoon Suite both of which offer more space and more privacy. Here design is broadly similar to that of the Adobe Banda – with whitewashed walls, rustically tiled floors and thatch roofs. But the family suite has an additional room for children and the honeymoon suite has a private outside lounge area where a 'bed under the stars' can be set up.
All of the different rooms at Guludo Beach Lodge share very similar open-air bathrooms. These have tiled floors, reed walls and are vast! Each bathroom has twin sinks, a shower and a toilet with a view of the sea. Hot water for the shower is delivered by housekeeping in the morning and evening – and then a clever lever system controls the flow of water. It reminded us a little of the Flintstones – ingenious yet simple engineering, which needs no electricity but which works perfectly.
The food and service at Guludo is good – friendly staff try really hard to make sure that you have a great stay. Almost all of the staff are local people who are new to tourism and so have had to learn everything from scratch. The result is that neither the service nor the English are perfect, but the individuals are trying so hard that you can't help but find any mishaps endearing. The fact that Guludo are training local people from scratch is an example of their commitment to the area. It is part and parcel of the experience here.
Activities
Families & children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are very welcome at Guludo Beach Lodge.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions here.
- Special activities & services
- Most of the activities at Guludo are child friendly – they can go and play football in the village, learn beach archery and snorkel.
- Equipment
- No
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes – especially if you want your children to experience a different culture. Guludo can arrange for children to the village to try out local crafts and visit a local school.
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- The food at Guludo Beach Lodge is sourced locally wherever possible and so the meals are wonderfully fresh and tasty as a result. The menu isn't complicated, but it is varied and the food is cooked really well.
Breakfast is served from 7am – first course is a plate of fruit and fresh bread. Then you have a choice for the second course – either a healthy bowl of muesli; a cooked breakfast with eggs of your choice, mushrooms and baked beans; or pancakes with a filling of bananas & chocolate, honey or lemon and brown sugar.
There is a set menu for lunch which is served between 12:30 and 2pm daily. These meals tend to focus around the catch of the morning and so expect lots of fresh seafood and a tasty desert
Dinner at Guludo is also likely to include lots of seafood. When we were last there, in October 2008, we enjoyed a starter of calamari, main was a fresh fillet of tuna with a tomato sauce. This was accompanied by metapa – a traditional Mozambique dish made from leaves, coconut and peanuts. It tastes very much like a peanut sauce and is delicious! Desert was then a banoffee pie.
If you get hungry between meals, Guludo Lodge serves tea at 4pm with a selection of cakes tea and coffee. Then at 6pm it is time for cocktails and snacks – this is a lovely social time where the guests usually mingle and chat.
We especially liked the local influence in the cooking at Guludo Beach Lodge – there was a great mix of European and traditional flavours. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- No – although they can provide tea and coffee in the morning at your room.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included, a soft drink is about £1.50 and a beer is about £2.
Getting there
- Location
- Pemba & mainland, Mozambique
- Directions
- Guludo Beach Lodge is a 3- or 4-hour drive from Pemba.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Sustainability
A door-opening project for children’s education
Guludo Beach Lodge is guided by the strong belief that a better education for future generations is essential in building a thriving society, and that tourism can be an essential tool of achieving this. Perhaps the biggest positive impact the lodge has brought to the neighboring villages has been through the construction of several primary schools.
With many schools in Mozambique having classes held beneath the shade of a tree, Guludo Beach Lodge, through its own foundation Nema, has gathered the support of tourists, local institutions and international business and in 2016 has opened Lumuamua School. It took Guludo Lodge just five months to transform a mud hut where teachers were oftentimes drunk or simply not attending, in a modern building with 3 classrooms and one double toilet which are now administrated by a new headmaster. The school also provides clean drinking water for the children through and a water catchment system. Nevertheless, the lodge’s support did not end with the construction of the building. To make sure children are attending classes, the lodge offers pupils a daily school meal which covers 75% of their nutrition needs. Furthermore, Guludo makes sure tourists play a central role in influencing children’s education, and provides many ways in which they can contribute. Visitors can donate $10 – the equivalent of one desk, which the lodge urgently needs to finish building another primary school in the nearby village of Crimize, or can donate any amount for the school meals.
Since 2006 the lodge has built two primary schools and feeds 820 primary school children daily. Nevertheless, this is just a glimpse of the conservation work of a lodge deeply rooted in the local community.
See more great sustainability projects in Mozambique
Communications
- Communications
- There is mobile phone reception on the beach, and the lodge has internet access but it's for office and emergency use only.
- TV & radio
- There is no TV or radio here.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a first aid kit on site and in each boat and vehicle. Guludo Beach Lodge also have links to flying doctors and have a heli-pad for emergencies.
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- There is a safe in the office for your valuables.
- Fire safety
- There are extinguishers dotted around.
Useful info
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is Included – it is hand washed and line dried, taking between 24-48 hours depending on the weather.
- Money
- Guludo Beach Lodge can help change Metical (the currency in Mozambique) to pay for things in the village.
- Accepted payment on location
- You can settle your bill at Guludo Beach Lodge in dollars and pounds sterling cash. You can also use all major cards but is a charge of 3.5%.
Guludo Beach Lodge do not accept travellers cheques or Amex.
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Guludo Beach Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Guludo Beach Lodge.
Other lodges in Pemba & mainland
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Avani Pemba Beach
Avani Pemba Beach in Mozambique's small, northern town of Pemba - the gateway to the reefs and beaches of the Quirimbas Archipelago
When to go to Pemba & mainland
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Guludo Beach Lodge in Pemba & mainland
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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