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We believed in the power of tourism
to tackle global challenges.
GULUDO WAS BORN TO PROVE IT.
In remote Northern Mozambique, Guludo provided guests with a profound sense of place while staying in barefoot luxury.
Behind the scenes, we worked with 60,000 people to reduce extreme poverty and our model went viral in sustainable tourism circles.
In April 2019 the region fell victim to the #ClimateEmergency.
Kenneth, the strongest cyclone to reach Africa, made landfall on Guludo's beach."
Included in the
100 best hotels of the world
Sunday Times, 2012
In 2002, we stepped onto guludo's bay in northern Mozambique. The beauty and poverty took our breath away. The community welcomed us. The scene was set.
"Too young to be embarrassed by their own idealism, and determinedly deaf to all the cynicism. They didn’t know enough to know that what they proposed was impossible, and so they did it."
Charles Foster, 2007
"
Elephants stole our mangos and humpback whales breeched behind tropical islands, fringed with pristine coral reefs.
The barman told legends of people turning into animals & how life was, before the lodge.
This was transformational tourism; everyone left the lodge changed.
THE LODGE"everything you need and nothing you don’t."
Guludo's beautiful design, from world renown architect Richard Nightingale, quickly won awards. High roofs, sea breezes, beach views, alfresco en-suite bathrooms with a stunning “loo with a view”; a joy to experience and a masterclass in how to create beautiful design that didn't cost the earth and showcase for local artisans. Nine beachfront "bandas", a restaurant, bar and dive centre overlooked Guludo's breathtaking bay. Days were filled diving on pristine reefs, exploring remote islands, feasting on exquisite seafood and connecting with our local community.
OUR IMPACT
While Guludo created economic opportunities, Nema work with 16 local communities to address poverty and sustainable livelihoods.
EDUCATION
Before: 2% of children attended secondary school.
Construction of 5 Primary Schools
350 secondary scholarships
1,300 school meals a day in 5 schools
20 vocational scholarships
HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE
Before: No access to safe water or transport to health centres
2 ambulances for 40,000 people
42 water points for 21,000 people
1 community health post
Rehabilitation of 2 maternity wards and 1 clinic (post cyclone)
HEALTH EDUCATION
Before: Life expectancy 38 years.
Malaria workshops and nets for 11,000 mothers
9,000+ HIV household workshops
8,000+ Nutrition household workshops for mothers
11,000+ Hygiene and sanitation workshops
Youth Football & DRAMA HIV awareness for 12 communities
SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS
Support and development of cooperatives including; soap making (x2), Crafts (x6), Agriculture (x5), Bakery (x2), Tailoring (x12)
3,500 cashew trees planted
Data collection: humpback whales & key reef species (10yrs)
Support in the creation & protection of 2 marine sanctuaries
"
It is the most beautiful, craziest, most uplifting place I ever visited...
... It is mojo-restoring, life-enhancing and horizon-expanding.
TOURISM AWARDS
Guludo won each of the most respected Sustainable Tourism awards from around the globe.
Conde Nast Traveler World Savers Awards 2010
‒ Winner Small Lodges & Resorts
‒ Winner for Health
‒ Highly Commended for Education
World Travel & Tourism Council: Tourism for Tomorrow Award 2010
‒ Winner Community Benefit
Global Angles “Angel Award”
- Best Charity Partner (for Nema Foundation)
Conde Nast Traveler World Savers Awards 2011
‒ Winner Small Lodges & Resorts
‒ Winner for Poverty Relief
‒ Winner for Education
‒ Highly Commended for Health
Travel & Leisure Global Vision Awards 2011
‒ Winner Grassroots Outreach
Conde Nast Traveler World Savers Awards 2012
‒ Winner Small Lodges & Resorts
‒ Winner for Poverty Relief
‒ Highly Commended for Education
TODO! Award for Socially Responsible Tourism, ITB
- Winner 2009
- Responsible Tourism Awards
- Winner, Best for Poverty Reduction 2009
‒ Highly Commended, Best for Poverty Reduction 2007
‒ Highly Commended, Best for Poverty Reduction 2006
2005 - BCCB Award for architectural design
25th April 2019
CYCLONE KENNETH
"
April 25, 2019, a date etched in my memory. The day Cyclone Kenneth made landfall on our beach, the strongest cyclone to ever hit Africa. The eye of the storm tore through Guludo and all the communities we work with. In these few short minutes, that must have felt like a lifetime, 17 years of work was gone, razed to the ground.
"
The lodge, gone, the schools and clinics, gone, all our staff's homes, gone, everyone's livelihoods, gone...
The injustice that those who have contributed the least to the root cause of the climate crisis are the ones who have suffered the most, is what has driven us to look beyond the rubble. To create something greater.
CONTACT
© Guludo Beach Lodge 2019