The Sanctuary, San Sebastian Peninsula, Mozambique – Plot 21

If you have a pioneering spirit, a sense of adventure and a passion for wide open spaces, there is a special piece of Africa you could call your own in Mozambique. What makes The Sanctuary on the San Sebastian peninsula truly unique is its visionary ethos: sustainable conservation in conjunction with community development funded through authentic, low-density eco-tourism. It’s a win-win-win formula.

Now imagine being part of this: a 42 000 hectare conservation and protected area that abuts the iconic Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, where dugongs, dolphins, game fish and five species of turtle ply its warm waters. While on land, a rich mosaic of wetlands and mangroves, freshwater lakes and dunefields meet tree savannah and Miombo woodlands – and wildlife roams with absolute freedom amongst all this there is a plot for sale.

Located just 20km south-east across the bay from Vilanculos, The Sanctuary has been a declared protected area under private management since 2000 so its future is secure. There are also plans afoot for the imminent declaration of a wider conservation area extending all the way from Bazaruto to Pomene, which will ensure a massive, world-class protected area.

In all, there are just 54 residential and 3 commercial sites in the entire 42 000 hectare sanctuary. Residences here are solar powered with backup generators, water is laid on and the excellent sand roads are maintained weekly. Architectural guidelines are in place to ensure the ‘tread lightly’ ethos and use of local, natural materials wherever possible.

This is a call to true nature lovers, birders, kayakers, kite boarders and game fishermen who savour splendid sunsets and wide open spaces – and have a deep love and understanding of Africa. This is your space and place to be part of an authentic lifestyle that creates sustainable conservation and community benefits. All while enjoying your own slice of idyllic African earth in The Sanctuary.

What we love:

• Access to The Sanctuary is facilitated by the close proximity of an international airport at nearby Vilanculos
• Sanctuary staff will meet you at the airport and escort you to the harbour to your waiting boat
• A short hop by boat across the bay puts Sanctuary sand between your toes in as little as 30 minutes
• Porters provide assistance with your luggage as part of the transfer service
• A grocery provision service includes purchase, collection, delivery to the Sanctuary by boat, and delivery to site 24 hours before your arrival
• All dwellings project a tropical Indian Ocean construct and comply with eco-friendly architectural guidelines

Activities:

• Whale season: August to November
• Turtle nesting season: November to January
• Manta ray and whale sharks: All year around
• Scuba diving and snorkelling:  2 Mile Reef
• Water-skiing, wakeboarding, tubing and SUP-boarding
• Canoeing through the mangroves
• Bush drives, bush walks, game viewing, bird watching
• Fly fishing and spinning, deep sea fishing

The Sanctuary also offers a range of additional support and administration services to homeowners:

• Opening of bank accounts
• Transfer of shares within Mozambique companies
• Building licenses and public works approvals
• Recommended building contractors
• Assistance in obtaining the title deed for a property once developed
• A comprehensive home management service
• Arrangement and co-ordination of building maintenance projects on behalf of owners

Price: $225000 (plot 21)