DESTINATIONS
Let’s go Anantara Bazaruto
Brian Jackman wrote, “Everything in Africa bites, but the safari bug is worst of all.” Meetings looks at some top bush safari destinations – plus a forest, river and sea safari option – in Southern Africa, which could be just the choice to get your MICE clients coming back for more. Azura Benguerra resort offers 20 beachfront villas, each with a private eternity pool, and friendly Mozambiquan butler-hosts to look after guests’ every need. In addition to providing several activities, it has a Padi five-star dive centre, a spa and a cellar stocked with an impressive collection of imported French wines – the perfect accompaniment for a private beach dinner. The resort is eco-friendly and can claim to be Africa’s first Tesla-powered solar hotel, and has an optional carbon offset programme for guests.
GETTING THERE The easiest way to reach Bazaruto is to fly to Vilanculos International Airport (a 1 hour 30 minute flight from Johannesburg). From there,
BAZARUTO, MOZAMBIQUE
anantara.com/en/bazaruto-island azura-retreats.com/benguerra-introduction If you’re seeking sea safaris and isolated islands for your next MICE event, the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park in Mozambique holds a strong allure. Comprising five small islands covering 143 000 hectares, the protected area is both beautiful and biologically diverse.
ATTRACTIONS The islands of Bazaruto are covered in coastal forest, wetlands and savannas. Birders and divers from around the world come to this national park for the huge array of exotic bird and sea life, including the opportunity to glimpse the region’s last viable population of dugongs.
VENUES AND ACCOMMODATION
Azura Benguerra
Natalie Tenzer-Silva, director of Dana Tours, recommends two venues for MICE events: “Anantara resort can cater for up to 114 guests and can cater for most upmarket MICE events. Azura Benguerra, being smaller, is a magnificent incentive getaway. Both properties offer a variety of water activities, private beach picnics, game fishing (tag and release), snorkelling, diving and dhow safaris.” Anantara on Bazaruto island has 44 villas, some with more than one bedroom, allowing them to sleep a total of 114 guests. The conference facilities can accommodate a maximum of 60 delegates, while a range of incentive activities and excursions, a spa, gym and several luxury dining options (including signature private dining) are available.
16 • MEETINGS l NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 www.theplannerguru.co.za