Africa’s Most Beautiful Beach?

Picture in your mind the ideal beach: Pristine white sand as far as the eye can see, warm azure-colored water, enough of a breeze to take the edge of the tropical heat, and not a manmade thing in sight. And did we mention the possibility of having that beach all to your own?

We’ve found it: Sailfish Bay on the Indian Ocean coast of Mozambique.

Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort can arrange a perfect getaway to Sailfish Bay as part of a cross-island journey that includes many of the island’s natural treasures and cultural landmarks.

Led by veteran guide Lourenço Zivane, the first stop is a string of small, brackish lakes that shelter many bird species — including herons, egrets, ibis, gray headed gulls, and even the occasional flamingo — as well as catfish, tilapia and crocodiles.

The giant dunes behind the lakes, created by relentless winds that blow westward from the Indian Ocean, tower more than 300 feet (100 meters) above the surrounding terrain. And they continue grow in both height and width, slowly covering more and more Bazaruto.

Samango monkeys inhabit the area around Lago Imbite and you might be lucky enough to spot an entire troupe scampering across the adjacent dunes.

But the main event is Sailfish Bay. Framed by two sandy headlands — Ponta Gunica and Ponte Govane — the hook-shape bay sparkles with blue-green water and waist-high whitecaps.

Parking the Anantara safari vehicle in the lee of the dunes, Lourenço leads the way through a gap in the sand to a pristine white-sand strand. The only other humans you’re likely to see are locals fishing with cast nets near the bay’s southern end.

If the breeze is up, Sailfish makes for great board, wind and kite surfing. If not, take a long walk along the shore, picnic beneath the dune-top pine trees, or try counting the little red crabs that scurry at the edge of the surf.

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