Vivid pink bougainvillea’s overhang the charming Italian styled villa. Steep vines cling to the walls as they crawl upwards, following the sun. The view from my balcony is to forever as my gaze lingers on the inviting Bombay Sapphire waters of the Indian Ocean. The Bazaruto Archipelago islands scattered on the horizon. I sip on my champagne and remove my watch. I am at Casa Rex and here, time no longer matters.
My skin tingles as the ocean breeze flows between the plantation shutters – that view. That turquoise water. It is beckoning me. I must explore.
Climbing down the steeps stairs, the beach is at my feet. The water like a bath, warm and inviting. The tide retracting quickly. Small pools between sand ripples form, capturing unexpecting sea delights. Shells, invertebrates and small fish flit about. Local children squeal and chase each other, playing hide and seek around the hull of a rusty fishing boat. Tilted on its side in its final resting place, the water gurgles out of its eroding hull.
Walking to the water’s edge, fisherman return to shore in their flaking, rickety wooden boats. Sweat drips from their brow, nets dragging behind them. Calling to one another to assist with their catches, buckets are passed from person to person, larger fish are threaded on ropes or sticks and are carried to their next destination. Proud grins spread across their faces as they catch me watching them. I know I am going to like this place.
Situated approximately 750km north of Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, and 500km south of Beira, the town of Vilanculos is accessible and convenient. It retains its coastal charm and vibrant culture with its unique blend of African, Portuguese and Arab influences.
Casa Rex, my home for the next five nights, is located just outside the centre of the colourful town of Vilanculos, nestled perfectly within the bay. A stunning villa styled property, hunkered within lush gardens, this alluring beachfront accommodation provided more than an idyllic setting.
Wooden carvings and local handiworks speckled throughout the property provided a sense of cultural respect and pride, the coconut and zesty flavours floating on the air from the award winning kitchen made my stomach growl in anticipation.
The sun begins to set. I stake claim on a wooden deck chair by the sparkling pool, tropical cocktail in hand. Drinking in this view, drinking in my cocktail, my breath is taken away. The tide is now turning and slowly rolling back in. A cool breeze filters through. I connect to the free WIFI and post a picture of my piece of paradise to share with those who questioned, ‘Why would you go to Mozambique?’
The sun begins to dip. My stomach tells me it’s hungry and it’s time to taste some of the local Mozambican flair. Heavily influenced by Portuguese flavours combined with some of the freshest seafood, my mouth waters in eagerness.
Coconut prawns, curries, fresh fish, tapas style dishes and peri-peri chicken are laid in front of me. The food is delectable. Paired with local wines, I know I won’t be going to bed hungry tonight!
The indulgent deserts will need to wait until tomorrow as I desperately try to find room to squeeze in one last mouthful.
Walking back to my room, the click of geckos against the gentle surge of the lapping tide fills the still night. Lamps glow in my room, welcoming me. An elegant mosquito net is draped over my plush bed. I feel like royalty and float off into dreamland, conjuring up images in my mind of what is to come over the following days…
Awoken by my alarm early, I wanted to capture the sunrise. And capture it I did. Golden splashes paint the sky, orange swirls nudge their way in and together they dance as the swaying silhouettes of the palm trees groove with the ever changing sky.
As the light filters through, that blue water appears before me again. Calling me. Demanding I explore its dazzling marine life.
An adventurer at heart, this tranquil property drew me in with its vast array of water and cultural based activities on offer. It was time to explore and discover the wonders of this blissful region.
A traditional dhow trip with the locals was how I began my day. The rickety wooden boat with its flaking bright paint, gliding with the breeze out to Margaruque Island.
Home to crystal clear beaches and white sand dunes, this island was infectiously beautiful. A thatched beach hut provided shade between drift snorkelling trips over the vivid coral reefs. This is barefoot luxury at its best.
Kite surfers zipped by in the distance and dive boats zoomed out beyond the heads in search for the elusive whale shark. I made a mental note to include these activities in my time here.
Horses clip clopped along a beach front on a nearby island as several dolphins danced not far off shore. Truly magical.
The tide began to turn, it was time to head back to Casa Rex, where the smiling staff would be waiting to hear about the days adventures whilst I sip on a refreshing cocktail on the terrace.
What would tomorrow bring? A relaxing spa treatment followed by beach bar hopping? Perhaps a market tour and visiting a local orphanage? Decisions, decisions, decisions.
But first, it was time to head back to my little piece of paradise that is Casa Rex, to unwind and soak in that view again.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
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