in praise of PARADISE

Mozambique's San Sebastian Peninsula hosts a diverse array of wild creatures and rich ecosystems, a conservation success story worth celebrating

- CHRISTINE READ

A feeling of euphoria runs through me as our plane tilts, its wings slicing through cumulus as the familiar scene of azure waters beckons below. Once through customs, we make our way down to the harbour and drive through the bustling little town of Vilanculos, a journey that always delivers a heady infusion of African aromas coupled with a humidity that delights the senses.

After a short stop at the local store for supplies, we arrive at the outstretched beach, a wispy line of tall coconut trees swaying gently in the wind and a few friendly hawkers beady-eyed for a quick deal. As we board Curlew Two for the short trip across the bay we are greeted warmly by Skipper Simiao. The tide is out as we weave through aqua-green channels interspersed with a myriad of everchanging, snaking sandbars, so often ribboned with a mix of terns, cormorants and Common Whimbrels – a timeless scene so characteristic of this Bazaruto Archipelago in southern Mozambique.

At last, the verdant, miombo-forested peninsula of San Sebastian lies before us. It is to be an exciting week ahead searching for shorebirds – a veritable smorgasbord of species and sheer density of numbers that the Sanctuary has recently become well known for.