Welcome
Rooms and suites facing the volcano of Santorini, a pool above the sea and breakfast on the terrace. Book directly at the best price, taxes included.
Discover the LodgeHidden behind the dunes of the Indian Ocean, Naara was created to be small – just ten safari tents raised on the banks of the Chidenguele lagoon, between dune forest and white sand. For over fourteen years, we have welcomed travellers seeking silence, fresh water, the ocean nearby, and a genuine Mozambican rhythm of life.
Here, the architecture doesn’t compete with the landscape – it dissolves into it. Open-air tents to the dune wind, to the changing light throughout the day, to the distant sound of water: every detail has been designed to awaken the senses and bring the guest closer to the nature that surrounds them. We don’t just sell a bed or a view – we sell the experience of feeling Mozambique, slowly.
We are certified by Fair Trade Tourism and work alongside the Chidenguele community – in the kitchen, on excursions and in the conservation of the dune. Luxury, here, means leaving the place as untouched as we found it.
Naara was born from the hands of Leila Oliveira and Pablo Renk. Pablo, an architect, designed and built each tent over three years, using local materials. Leila has been working for over two decades in community development in Southern Africa, and she leads the Naara projects alongside Chidenguele. The two live at the lodge and manage everything personally, every day.
10
Luxury Tents
14+
Years of History
2km
To the Ocean
From the safari tents to the family villa, every space is designed to welcome nature in. Here, luxury is measured in the quiet of dawn, the breeze across the dunes and the ever-changing view of the lagoon.
Free Wi-Fi throughout all rooms
Air conditioning and private balcony overlooking the lagoon. The bathroom opens onto an interior garden, with an outdoor shower – for bathing under the starry sky of Chidenguele.
USD 160–187 per night
depending on the season
Two suites, a living room and a fully equipped kitchen open onto a spacious veranda overlooking the lagoon — ideal for families seeking privacy and comfort together.
USD 235–395 per night
Subject to season and number of guests
Nestled between the lagoon, the dune and the ocean, imagine your day at Naara: mornings of still water, afternoons of sand and community, evenings of spa and nights lit by candlelight. Every moment can be designed to your liking – from included activities to adventures booked in advance.
Find peace and immerse yourself in nature, reflected in the lagoon that gives the Naara its name.
Canoes and stand-up paddleboards are free to use whenever you wish. For more adventure, boat trips, waterskiing, wakeboarding and banana boat rides can be booked.
Choose your own trails: along the beach between the dune and the sea, through the dune forest, or to the Chidenguele community.
A guided visit to Chidenguele, led by members of the community themselves.
Massages and outdoor rituals, to the sound of the dune forest.
A private table over the lagoon, with local flavours and wine by moonlight.
We create a space just for you – shade, chairs, towels and a cooler with the drink you’d like to bring. From there, it’s just a step into the water: snorkelling and diving in the natural pools that form at low tide, amongst corals and colourful fish, just a few minutes from the lodge.
Book Your Beach DayAt Naara, we offer much more than massages – it’s a selection of treatments designed to leave you completely refreshed. Each treatment can be booked individually, or combined into packages that invite a full day of relaxation.
Open vehicle, like a game viewer, for a welcome that’s already part of the Naara experience.
Alternative arrival via water, subject to prior booking.
The Naara is located in Chidenguele, on the banks of the Nhambavele lagoon, hidden behind the dunes of the Indian Ocean – 260 km from Maputo via EN1, approximately 60 km north of Xai-Xai. A sandy track leads to the lagoon’s edge; the ocean is just 2 km away.
260km
From Maputo
60km
North of Xai-Xai
2km
To the Ocean
From day one, the Naara kitchen was born from a simple idea: to cook with what the earth and sea of Chidenguele have to offer. The fish and shellfish arrive fresh, brought directly by local fishermen. Many vegetables and fruits come from the neighbouring community; others are grown in our own garden – all organic, all harvested at their peak. We offer a diverse menu, combining traditional Mozambican flavours with an international touch. Guests particularly recommend our grilled prawns and lobster, or our extensive seafood platter featuring lobster, prawns, squid and fish.
With a range of traditional Mozambican dishes and a contemporary international menu with local influences, there’s always something delicious on offer. Our guests especially recommend the grilled prawns and lobster, or our extensive seafood platter featuring lobster, prawns, squid and fish on one plate.
The Naara was founded by people with decades of experience in community development in Southern Africa. This is evident every day, not just in words.
Previously, families in the community walked up to an hour along sandy roads to reach clean water. Naara built a 45-metre well with a pumping system, now managed by a water committee from the community itself.
Before there was a school in Nhandimo, children walked more than 15 km each day to attend lessons. The Naara helped build the first local primary school, which is now the starting point of the Community Walk.
Over 15 families from Chidenguele benefit from direct employment at the Naara. We also support local fishermen in the purchase of their fish and shellfish, and train guides from the community to lead lodge tours.
Our support for the community is ongoing: we facilitate education for children and adults in Chidenguele, providing regular school supplies and ensuring transport for patients to the hospital when needed.
25% of the value of each Community Walk directly benefits the Nhandimo community.
A glimpse of the Naara – see all the photos.
Find everything you need to know about the Naara before you arrive at Chidenguele.
The Lodge
Information
Founded by architect Pablo Renk, Naara was born from a personal dream: to build a lodge with his own hands, respecting the landscape and the community of Chidenguele. The work began in June 2010 and, over two years, every detail – from local materials to the design of the tents – was designed to integrate into the surrounding nature. Pablo lives in Chidenguele and continues to manage the lodge personally, guaranteeing a close and genuine service to each guest.
Experiences shared by travellers on Tripadvisor.
On their honeymoon, they appreciated the peace beside the lagoon, the comfortable tent and the attentive team.
She highlighted the lagoon view, the food and the welcoming team as part of a relaxing stay.
He praised the service, restaurant and activities on the lagoon and beach.
Summaries of public reviews. Read the complete accounts at the source.
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Distinctions celebrating the Naara experience.
Awarded to Naara Eco-Lodge & Spa
By booking directly with Naara, you guarantee the best available rate, upgrades are subject to availability and you’ll receive personal attention from our team before you even arrive.
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