Dunes De Dovela

Perched atop the tallest dune, you'll find the bar, lounge and open-sided dining room. The two thatched buildings are separated by a lovely, shaded patio, adorned with bar stools around high tables and cushioned wooden benches. The lounge has a couple of wicker chairs and couches and a small library, while the dining room offers indoor and outdoor seating, both with extraordinary views of the coastline. The staff will happily pitch a shade net for you down on the beach and bring you a couple of cold ones to get you through the heat of the day.

Three upscale wooden rondavels (circular huts) are well-spaced along the top of a forested dune, with superb views of the surrounding bush and the beach below. King-sized or twin bed configurations are draped with mosquito nets, while wide windows and double doors let in lots of light. There's plenty of wardrobe space, as well as a desk and a fan. En-suite bathrooms, which lead out to an outdoor shower with beautiful wooden finishes and sea views, have deep bathtubs and double basins. Private decks out front have armchairs and coffee tables. There are also four semi-luxury dome tents pitched on raised wooden platforms. Each tent is surrounded by dune forest and has a view of the sea. The 3x3m tents are equipped with double or twin beds and a clothes drawer. The terraces have two camp chairs and a table. The shared ablutions have showers and toilets, with towels and toiletries provided.

Start by exploring the irresistible Indian Ocean, right on your doorstep. Diving can be arranged through one of the experienced operators in Inhambane, and promises some very diverse and impressive sightings. Between June and October there's a good chance of seeing humpback whales, which you can get quite close to on a whale watching tour. Alternatively, grab a mask and snorkel and explore the reef just offshore from the lodge. When you've walked along the beach for as far as your eye can see, take a stroll through the dune forest to Lake Dongane (just a kilometre inland) where you can paddle its pristine waters in a kayak. Take a guide with you if you're keen to learn more about the local community, flora and fauna along the way.