Welcome
My story‘Muthu ndi Muthu nga Vhatu’ – You are human through the contact with the people around you
Tshivenda proverb (Venda language- north of South Africa)
Misson
It’s my mission is to help you discover, experience and get inspired by Mozambique in a relaxed way – this beautiful, unspoiled country on the warm Indian Ocean with its lovely people. I want to make sure you can travel safe and carefree. Directly from Mozambique and based on my own experiences, travels and connections here, I help you put together your personal customized trip.
Early beginnings
Originally from Friesland in the Netherlands, my first step onto African soil in 1995 was nothing short of magical. The vibrant colors, breathtaking sunsets, warm-hearted people, and the untamed beauty of the land captivated me. This journey led me to a traineeship at the Centre for Ecotourism at the University of Pretoria, where I made friends for life.
Africa’s allure only grew stronger with every visit. I guided tours for LITO Travels (now Djoser) and, during a trip to Zimbabwe in 2000, met my friend Cathy, who introduced me to my future husband, Gerry. Together, we explored Southern Africa extensively. My love for Africa also guided my professional path, leading me to a traineeship at the Sub-Saharan Africa Department of the Dutch Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
In 2005, Gerry and I set off on an unforgettable overland adventure from Malawi to Mozambique, a journey that introduced us to the country’s untouched beauty and stunning beaches, far from the usual tourist paths.
Embracing Mozambique’s beauty
In 2017, we discovered the enchanting Ilha de Mozambique and the breathtaking Quirimbas Archipelago, a journey that transported us centuries into the past. After leaving our corporate lives in Amsterdam in 2010, we settled in the south of Portugal, which felt like Europe’s version of Africa. While I adored Portugal (and still love it!), my mind often wandered to Mozambique, with its pristine beaches, fresh seafood, and the blend of Portuguese influence.
But what was our purpose?
Life is full of unexpected turns. In early 2021, we returned to Mozambique and fell in love with Vilanculos, a tranquil town offering stunning views of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Its relaxed vibe inspired us to explore new possibilities. With Gerry completing his studies, we launched Mindwise.
As we immersed ourselves in MindWise, we saw the growing need for rest and relaxation as well as discovering the country’s abundance of wellness opportunities. This led to the creation of Unique Mozambique, a service to help visitors explore the area’s wonders and experiences of Mozambique.
Sustainability and Local Partnership
Growing up in the Dutch countryside, I developed a strong interest in sustainability, inspired by my mother – who was always experimenting with different food (which we did not like as children!) and my love for naturally grown food. I enjoy gardening, good food, and hospitality, and I studied sustainable tourism. For me, sustainability means interconnectedness, as seen in the African Ubuntu philosophy, which emphasizes equal partnerships and mutual learning.
This belief inspired me to start Unique Mozambique. I focus on supporting local businesses to ensure tourism benefits Mozambicans directly. By working with local partners and transfer companies, instead of self-drives or international agents, I help keep revenue within Mozambique to support small businesses and families. Being locally present also lets me handle issues and offer better support when needed.
Wellness, Relaxation and Mutual Learning
One of the reasons for moving to Mozambique was to try to live more mindfully, reconnect with nature and ourselves and put our own learnings into practice by helping other people to become more aware of our busy minds. Stress is probably our biggest killer and our mind our biggest enemy! We all need some time off and self-care at times. This is why I focus on a stress-free, relaxed break where all your organizing is taken care of. It is also why, together with Gerry, we have developed some very unique wellness packages where not only you can relax, but also learn about awareness, how to live more in the present moment and seeing things for what they really are. I believe we can learn a lot from Africa and I am excited to share that with you.
Personal Approach
With Unique Mozambique, I want to share my love and passion for traveling, and Africa in particular, in a personal way based on the values described above. My motivation is to introduce you to Africa and this special country, with its friendly and relaxed people where stress seems absent, the ocean is different every day, and the ancient trees continue to rise above the land like wise masters.
With 50 years of work and life experience in my travel bag, my mission is to facilitate your own unique experience; to help you plan your relaxed stress-free time here in Mozambique. I have always had a curiosity about other places, people and their stories, have worked in very different jobs and been very fortunate to visit a lot of places, from budget to luxurious. I have a critical eye and carefully design my itineraries and packages. I visit and pick all places personally. At the end of the day it is always about the people and the experience. All of these experiences enable me to facilitate your own unique experience. Whether you would like to arrive by local bus or private plane, want a family holiday, honeymoon or self-care retreat, I help you organize it.
Unique Experiences
So, while this whole page is about me and our story, it is also about you! Share your story with me or with us – what you are looking for, what you would like and what you need.
That is how we can create unique experiences.