Every now and then something comes along that really breaks the mould – and that pretty much sums up Guludo. This simple beach lodge definitely leans more towards the “barefoot” side of the “barefoot luxury” equation that we specialise in here at Barefoot Breaks. This innovative eco-lodge is genuinely focussed on benefiting both the environment and the local community in the form of nearby Guludo village – as such it gives adventurous travellers the chance to have a great beach holiday, whilst still feeling able to pat themselves on the back for supporting a good cause at the same time!

an experience quite different to that offered by the more traditional beach lodges, but one which attracts rave reviews from adventurous guests who inevitably come away deeply touched by the whole experienceThe lodge used to consist of simple tented bandas - most of these have recently been converted into much more stylish and comfortable Adobe Bandas, with huge king size beds under mosquito nets, a spacious veranda complete with hammock and sun loungers as well as an outdoor shower and basins. The result is that these rooms are now much more to our liking and these are what we would recommend! They’re still very simple mind you and with spotless eco credentials (no electricity or conventional running water for example) and guests looking for luxury touches should probably look elsewhere. Perhaps the most unusual feature of the bandas is their “loo’s with a view” – built on a small platform alongside the banda and with great views of the beach!

The lodge is built along perhaps the finest beach in the Quirimbas National Park – an idyllic 12 km stretch of deserted powder sand fringed with thousands of palm trees. Unlike the majority of lodges in the region, Guludo has deliberately been positioned on the mainland as opposed to one of the uninhabited offshore islands, just a mile or so away from the small village that gives the lodge its name. Actually, in many ways, it is the interaction with the village that makes a stay at Guludo so special and memorable.

For example you could find yourself taking part in a game of soccer – Guludo Lodge staff and guests versus Guludo village – a few hours after you arrive! Get a real glimpse of life here with a visit to the local village, watch the fishermen sell their catch, or even enjoy some “Beauty on the Beach” – the chance to have local women apply a traditional “muciro” face mask of thick white paste (traditionally only painted on virgins, though clearly they must be in short supply as now even grandmothers wear the mask!) or even have your hair braided by one of the local ladies.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the activities on offer: there’s also superb scuba diving on unspoilt reefs through Guludo’s PADI dive school; the chance to be taught the age-old skill of archery on the beach; take a short sail to the stunning little nearby island of Rolas where you can snorkel off the beach and view humpback whales cruising past from July – October; there’s also the chance to spot elephants or perhaps even lions whilst sipping a G&T at the Elephant Lookout, a view site 15 minutes from the lodge overlooking the northern portion of the Quirimbas National Park which has 4 of the Big 5; or just enjoy a cold beer whilst aboard a sunset cruise in the lodge’s own traditional dhow.

Ultimately it all adds up to an experience quite different to that offered by the more traditional beach lodges, but one which attracts rave reviews from adventurous guests who inevitably come away deeply touched by the whole experience.

Truly a lodge where you can holiday with a clear conscience given Guludo’s award-winning social responsibility programs benefitting the local village as well as it’s flawless eco-credentials – this is sustainable tourism at its best

Fantastic isolated location on a superb beach where you can stroll for miles encountering only driftwood and the odd friendly villager

The nearby coral reefs offer outstanding scuba diving and snorkeling

Unique opportunity for interaction with local villagers – it also makes for a great combo with Ibo Island Lodge where you are exposed to the wonderful culture of that historical island

Wonderfully friendly staff at the lodge – most of them employed from the local village – go out of their way to keep guests happy

The accommodation may just be too simple for many people – make sure you’re happy to have no air-con for example

The lodge’s isolated position means that access isn’t the easiest – bank on about a 3 hour drive from Pemba airport (but most people find the drive interesting and attractive)

Whilst it boasts a beautiful location, many people want the extra cachet that somehow comes with staying on an island as opposed to the mainland