Bulbul Homestay<\/strong><\/a>, named after the bird of the same name, is completely off-grid. The chalets are built with local materials, water is pumped from the well, and the water for the delightful outdoor shower under the endless starry skies is heated by a wood-fired boiler. A dream for nature lovers. Diederik is the handyman and Arcenia the cook. All the food here is local Mozambican cuisine, prepared with love and care using fruit and vegetables from the local community, fish from the local fishermen, and meat from local farmers. The charming and friendly staff will do everything they can to make you feel at home.\u00a0<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/uniquemozambique.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/donkey-shower-homestay-mozambique.webp” alt=”The best local Homestay and food in Mozambique Africa” title_text=”donkey shower homestay mozambique” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/uniquemozambique.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/staying-in-a-local-Homestay-Mozambique-3.webp” alt=”Staying in a local Homestay in Mozambique Africa ” title_text=”staying in a local Homestay Mozambique 3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_heading title=”The Rythm of Nature” admin_label=”Heading” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|–et_global_heading_font_weight|||||||” title_text_color=”#FF6B5A” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Life here is determined by the rhythm of nature. In the morning, the sun rises like a big red ball out of the ocean, and at the end of the day, the big red ball sinks into the lake. In the afternoon, when the sun is at its highest and the land sighs under the heat, it is time for siesta and rest. After sunset, the temperature drops quickly, and the nights are pleasantly cool. Here, no need for air conditioning. That’s not possible anyway, because, as mentioned, the place is completely dependent on solar energy.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/uniquemozambique.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sunset-at-the-lake-Bulbul-Homestay.webp” alt=”African sunsets at the lake Zavala district Mozambique Africa” title_text=”Sunset at the lake Bulbul Homestay” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_heading title=”Amsterdam in Mozambique” admin_label=”Heading” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|–et_global_heading_font_weight|||||||” title_text_color=”#FF6B5A” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
We met Diederik and Arcenia when we first moved to Mozambique. We had bought a car in the capital Maputo and were looking for a place to stay on the way back to Vilanculos. Bulbul Homestay is exactly halfway, so it was a good place to stop for the night. We got talking to Diederik and it turned out that our lives had crossed paths years ago. He lived next door to a good friend of ours in Amsterdam, just around the corner from our own house, where we spent almost every weekend when we lived in Amsterdam. We went to the same places, restaurants, and bars. Diederik turned out to be a similar age as Gerry and shared the same love of music. We shared interests and views. It was a very nice meeting here in Mozambique. A new friendship was born.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/uniquemozambique.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/A-little-bit-of-Holland-in-Mozambique.webp” alt=”A little bit of Holland in Mozambique Nederlanders in het buitenland” title_text=”A little bit of Holland in Mozambique” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/uniquemozambique.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Bulbul-Homestay-Mozambique-2-1.webp” alt=”A little bit of Holland in Mozambique Nederlanders in het buitenland” title_text=”Bulbul Homestay Mozambique (2)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
The family lives here with three children, the oldest of whom is now studying in Maputo. They live here surrounded by nature, amid the Mozambican countryside, circled by coconut palms, the Indian Ocean, and saltwater lakes, in the middle of the African community. The children grow up in complete freedom, just like we used to in Friesland, jumping and swimming in the lake, walking to school themselves, experimenting with plants and animals, and building fires on the land.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”The silence of nature” admin_label=”Heading” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|–et_global_heading_font_weight|||||||” title_text_color=”#FF6B5A” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
The silence and tranquillity here can sometimes take a bit of time to get used to, especially for those with busy lives in Europe. Earlier this week I had two guests visiting who loved it here but didn’t quite know what to do with themselves; there is no entertainment. It takes a while to get into the rhythm of nature, and the silence can sometimes be overwhelming. Of course, I catch myself doing that too. Between my work and daily activities such as eating and showering, I regularly think\u2014now that I’ve been here alone for about two weeks\u2014 \u2018and what now?\u2019. Our mind is always bugging us, making us believe all kinds of things, especially the \u201cneed\u201d to be doing something. In a tranquil place like Bulbul, you become very aware of that.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
Still, I notice that the longer I am here, the easier it becomes to go live with the rhythms of nature, getting up with the sun in the morning and going to bed early in the evening.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/uniquemozambique.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Bul-Bul-Homestay-nature-retreat-Mozambique-1.webp” alt=”Retreat Africa Local Homestay and food” title_text=”Bul Bul Homestay nature retreat Mozambique” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_heading title=”Africa’s ultimate Night Sky” admin_label=”Heading” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|–et_global_heading_font_weight|||||||” title_text_color=”#FF6B5A” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
The starry sky here is incredibly beautiful due to the lack of light pollution, and lying in my bed at night, listening to the wind and the wild waves of the Indian Ocean in the distance, is a recipe for a wonderful night’s sleep.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/uniquemozambique.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Endless-starry-skies-Mozambique-Africa.webp” alt=”Stargazing Africa, Africa’s gorgeous night sky” title_text=”Endless starry skies Mozambique Africa” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_heading title=”Mozambique is Safe and Relaxed” admin_label=”Heading” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|–et_global_heading_font_weight|||||||” title_text_color=”#FF6B5A” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
Friends are concerned about me being here all by myself in the African bush. I’m not completely alone, as guests come regularly and one of the workers stays around for the night. But no, I feel completely at ease here. Mozambique is a very safe and relaxed country, and Mozambicans are very kind and helpful people. The community is also very close-knit and small, and it’s common knowledge that I’m staying here, so people keep an eye on things. That’s a nice thought.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/uniquemozambique.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/housetitting-local-Homestay-Mozambique.webp” alt=”My time housesitting in a local Homestay in Mozambique” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_heading title=”A Solo Retreat in Africa by the Indian Ocean” url=”https:\/\/bookretreats.com\/r\/6-day-ocean-mind-ocean-life-solo-meditation-retreat-in-mozambique” admin_label=”Heading” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|–et_global_heading_font_weight|||||||” title_text_color=”#FF6B5A” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
Tomorrow I will take the local bus to Vilanculos again. Back to the \u201ccity\u201d! There, Gerry and I will welcome our first guest this week for a solo retreat, a mindful vacation combining mindfulness meditation, unique experiences, and local food. I’m really looking forward to it!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
Do you also want to experience the silence and tranquillity of African nature and combine your vacation in Mozambique with unique places and homestays?<\/p>\n
Or perhaps join us for a unique solo retreat<\/strong><\/a>. Please contact me. We look forward to welcoming you!<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/uniquemozambique.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Mindfulness-meditation-in-Mozambique.webp” alt=”What to do in Mozambique, Africa? Book a private Mindfulness Meditation session on an idyllic sandbank in the Indian Ocean” title_text=”Meditation off the coast of Vilanculos (photo credit: Bahia Mar Hotel)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6Ijg0MyJ9fQ==@” button_text=”Book your unique holiday in Mozambique with me get in touch” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_font=”–et_global_body_font||||||||” button_use_icon=”off” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Off the grid in Mozambique: A Local Homestay where nature sets the pace.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m currently house-sitting at a local homestay in rural Mozambique \u2014 a place where time slows down and nature takes the lead. Overhead, clouds drift lazily while a bird of prey circles patiently, scanning the earth below. Birds chatter in the trees, cows call softly in the distance, and a calm saltwater lake wraps gently around me.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5905,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[34,59,57,58,30,37],"class_list":["post-5842","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-africa","tag-food","tag-homestay","tag-local","tag-mozambique","tag-travel"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/uniquemozambique.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5842","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/uniquemozambique.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/uniquemozambique.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uniquemozambique.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uniquemozambique.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5842"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/uniquemozambique.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5842\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uniquemozambique.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5905"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/uniquemozambique.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5842"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uniquemozambique.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5842"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uniquemozambique.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5842"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}