The Road Less Travelled in Mozambique

Expedition Support and Advice, Film Locations and More in Mozambique

Kevin Record is the founder of Mozambique Travel. He has played an integral role in the planning and supporting of numerous remote expeditions and voyages of discovery throughout Mozambique for more than 25 years. It all started in November 1993 when Kevin left London and embarked on a yearlong personal trans-Africa journey through the western and central regions ending eventually in Cape Town.

Seven months later, in June 1994, he arrived in a war-torn Mozambique, his intrepid journey coinciding with the opening of a select few borders a month or two previously. He was an early explorer amongst only official UN personnel and landmine-clearing teams in the country at the time. The roads were horrific but as he moved through the country, the wonder of it all completely overwhelmed him.

The people, the landscape, the sensory beauty, the culture and history all had such a profound impact on Kevin that he fell in love with Mozambique, still untouched and rising from the ashes of a civil war. Having visited 22 countries on his trans-Africa, in his mind none came even close to what he had seen in Mozambique. His many personal and physical discoveries developed over a number of years into a passion for sharing Mozambique with others. He aimed to promote Mozambique as a destination for more adventurous explorers and eventually brought thousands of tourists to this beautiful country.

Kevin spent the next year and a half, from late 1995 to the end of 1996, on a fishing boat exploring and diving the remote Quirimbas Archipelago and living on Ibo Island. He returned in 1999 to start a small-scale tourism project on Ibo. This culminated in the construction of a four star 14-bedroom boutique hotel, Ibo Island Lodge that was launched in 2006. In 2019 he came close to opening his second project he had visualized and built on Mogundula Island, a five-star private luxury Quirimba resort. For reasons beyond his control this was never realized.

Expedition Advice and Professional Support in Mozambique

In 2002, the legendary sea kayaker and founder of Paddle Yak Sea Kayaks and Real Cape Adventures, Johan Loots, approached Kevin to host the first-ever exploration of the Quirimbas by sea kayak. Kevin dived right in, coordinating all logistics, flights, accommodation, and vessel support, and he personally supervised this pioneering expedition. His ability to manage challenging itineraries in remote Mozambique set a new benchmark for adventure travel. From sourcing reliable vessels to ensuring safety protocols, Kevin demonstrated the kind of detailed planning and problem-solving that would later define his career. This groundbreaking journey opened the Quirimbas to new forms of sustainable tourism and showcased Mozambique as a world-class destination for kayaking expeditions, marine exploration, and guided adventure logistics.

Trans Mozambique Kayak Trip

In 2003, Kevin provided personal and professional support and expedition advice to the incredible unsupported trans-Mozambique sea kayak expeditions. This four-month pioneering journey began in Cape Town, rounded the South African coast and explored the entire shore of Mozambique, an amazing 2600km on the Indian Ocean and another long overland journey to northern Mozambique.  

Sailing Traditional Dhows from Zanzibar to Mozambique

In 2007, Kevin commissioned two 15-meter dhows from the legendary Zanzibar boat builder and fundi, Mponda. With only six local crew, he sailed them from Nungwi to Ibo Island in just 13 days, navigating strong currents and unpredictable Indian Ocean weather. This remarkable journey reflected both his seamanship and his determination to revive traditional maritime culture in Mozambique. Dhows have been central to Indian Ocean trade for centuries, and Kevin’s voyage honored this history while proving their ongoing relevance for tourism and expeditions. Similar vessels can be custom built, equipped, and delivered to any destination along the Mozambique coastline, where they continue to offer authentic safari-style experiences for travelers seeking adventure, cultural connection, and sustainable sea transport.

Peter Van Kets Quirimbas Sea Kayak Expedition

In 2008, the renowned explorer, Peter Van Kets, commenced a 280 km trans-Quirimbas sea kayak expedition. Kevin and Ibo Island Lodge supervised and managed all equipment, support vessels, logistics, and travel plans. Three intrepid explorers on this three-week excursion kicked off from Vamizi Island and paddled south to Pemba during strong north monsoons. This expedition highlighted not only the raw beauty of the Quirimbas Archipelago but also the importance of meticulous planning in such demanding marine environments. Kevin’s logistical expertise ensured that the team could focus on exploration rather than survival, while Ibo Island Lodge provided vital support along the route. The project demonstrated how Mozambique could host world-class adventure travel experiences in remote areas, showcasing the Quirimbas as a global destination for sea kayaking and authentic marine safaris.

Livingstone Source-to-Sea Zambezi Delta Reconnaissance in Mozambique

In 2021, the UK tour operator Africa Exclusive approached Kevin to do a reconnaissance for part of their Livingstone source-to-sea expedition. This adventure would follow Livingstone’s route up the Zambezi by dhow. Kevin provided the following to the operator:

• Met with local officials and arranged permissions.

• Surveyed the safari areas and Coutadas around Marromeu.

• Sailed a local dhow to the mouth of the Zambezi from Marromeu, sourcing overnight stops and places of interest.

• Located Mary Moffatt’s grave at an isolated abandoned Catholic mission station, Chupanga, on the banks of the Zambezi River.

• Supplied route notes and itinerary suggestions to the tour operator.

This reconnaissance showcased Kevin’s deep understanding of remote river systems and cultural history in Mozambique. His ability to combine official clearances, historical research, and hands-on navigation allowed operators to design a compelling new safari product. For Africa Exclusive, this meant transforming a visionary expedition into a safe and practical journey, cementing Kevin’s reputation as the leading authority for complex expeditions in Mozambique.

Specialist Guiding Services and VIP Travel in Mozambique

Kevin has personally guided several VIP guests and groups to mainstream, remote, and off-the-beaten-track locations throughout Mozambique by vehicle, boat, private fixed wing, and helicopter charters over the last 20 years. His expertise is unmatched, and he is trusted by international operators for seamless luxury travel and safe logistics in a country where infrastructure can still be challenging.

These include numerous destinations in Mozambique:

• Northern Mozambique – Niassa Province, Nampula, Nacala, and Ilha de Mozambique

• Central Mozambique – Vilanculos and Inhambane, Quelimane, Angoche and Pebane, Beira, Gorongosa, and Chimoio

• Bazaruto Archipelago – the islands of Benguerra, Bazaruto, and all surrounding isles

Beyond the destinations themselves, Kevin has researched and designed detailed routes, sourced cultural highlights, and identified hidden gems for bespoke clients. He then meticulously plans and personally implements all logistics, ensuring nothing is left to chance. Always on the ground, Kevin handles every detail, from vehicle breakdowns to last-minute flight changes. For discerning travelers seeking a highly customized, secure, and authentic experience, he remains the foremost authority for VIP guiding services in Mozambique.

Emergency Response and Humanitarian Logistics in Mozambique

On 25 April 2019, Cyclone Kenneth struck Cabo Delgado Province and, more intensely, the Quirimbas Archipelago and the mainland opposite the islands. It was recorded as Africa’s strongest storm in the last 100 years, wreaking extensive damage and human suffering. Ibo Island Lodge immediately became the epicenter of rescue efforts and provided a vital base from which NGOs and emergency services could operate.

Kevin personally delivered the first food on the mainland to cyclone victims on 03 May 2019. From there, he coordinated sourcing of food and emergency supplies with Save the Children, WFP, UNHCR, UNICEF, Red Cross, MSF, and many others. Within 10 days of Kenneth hitting the coast, Kevin had established an emergency base for the safe delivery of food in a dangerous security zone with Arco Iris Mozambique on Mogundula Island. His dhows and logistics enabled the delivery of more than 80 tons of food, medicine, and essentials.

Arco Iris distributed more than 80 tons of food and numerous supplies including basic medical care to a number of coastal villages thanks to the professional logistical support from Kevin, his 3 dhows and Ibo Island Lodge.

Liz Gliem, Cyclone team leader Arco Iris Pemba had this to say:

“Working with Kevin after the cyclones in 2019, we found his connections and help unmatched in both practical and relational levels. His heart to help the most desperate coupled with his expertise in the area and logistical support allowed us to work in a capacity beyond our imagination. He was professional in all areas providing transport with local boats, including crew, and helping us achieve our goal of reaching the most isolated.”

In a personal capacity, Kevin remained involved with the supply of food and humanitarian aid to the victims of Kenneth throughout 2019, raising over USD 40,000 for essential supplies and delivering them himself to the villages along the coast. These efforts were unfortunately halted with the deterioration of the security situation to extremely unsafe in December 2019.

4×4 Off-Road Adventures and Overlanding Support in Mozambique

Kevin has provided expert support and route advice for numerous off-road and, in many cases, extreme overland journeys throughout Mozambique. His experience spans everything from early crossings into Tanzania before the construction of the Unity Bridge at Negomano, to complex logistics for navigating the treacherous Rovuma River. These pioneering adventures required not just vehicles but also deep knowledge of tides, terrain, and local permissions.

Today, Kevin continues to assist overlanders and adventurous self-drivers by arranging detailed itineraries, advising on the safest and most scenic roads, and highlighting cultural and natural points of interest. He offers updated intelligence on fuel stops, accommodation, border posts, and road conditions that often change with the seasons. More importantly, Kevin provides ongoing live support for travelers when unexpected challenges arise, whether mechanical, environmental, or logistical. For explorers who want a reliable, on-the-ground contact, his guidance ensures every off-road trip in Mozambique is safe, rewarding, and memorable.

Quirimba Dhow Safaris and St Lazarus Banks Charters

Kevin pioneered sea kayak and mobile island dhow safaris in the early part of 2002. This developed into a substantial tourism product showcasing the Quirimba’s Archipelago. It soon flourished as a 60 departure-a-year operation for multi-island 3 to 4-night safaris for friends, families and seriously adventurous travellers. Fly camps were set up on 4 islands with walk-in tents and hot showers, with local community involvement and participation. 

From 2016 to 2019, Kevin also arranged and managed two live aboard catamarans that serviced the remote St. Lazarus Banks, 60 nautical miles off the coast of Ibo Island. The 40-foot and 56-foot luxury yachts were both fully serviced vessels which were chartered by small groups for fishing, spearfishing and diving charters.

These two products were niche and extremely successful – but unfortunately cut short by the security crisis in the region at the end of 2019.

Film and Media Production Support Services in Mozambique

Over the years, Kevin has managed and supported a wide variety of film and media productions in Mozambique, including major wildlife documentaries, travel features, cultural projects, and adventure-based shoots. His responsibilities have spanned scouting remote locations, securing government permits, organizing transport by air, land, and sea, and coordinating accommodation and catering for production crews in challenging environments.

Kevin’s deep local knowledge and network of contacts across Mozambique ensure that filmmakers gain access to authentic locations and stories while navigating complex logistics with ease. He has facilitated filming in sensitive areas such as national parks, marine reserves, and cultural heritage sites, ensuring compliance with conservation and community protocols.

From international broadcasters to independent filmmakers, Kevin offers tailored logistical solutions, bilingual support, and on-the-ground troubleshooting. His ability to solve problems quickly and keep productions running smoothly has earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable film and media fixers in Mozambique. For crews seeking unique African stories, his services are invaluable.

Kevin has done location sourcing for several potential film shoots including Survivor SA and Survivor USA. In 2013, he organized a specialist expedition for Gem Hunter to the Montepuez area of Northern Mozambique. This included visas, all location and film permits, permissions and meetings, vehicles, drivers, accommodation and security for the filming of the Double Blue Aquamarine episode. 

Please contact Kevin for location scouting, logistical support for filming/crews and film permits throughout Mozambique.

Remote Logistics and Project Support

Kevin successfully supervised and directed the sourcing of materials, labour, logistics and building for Ibo Island Lodge (2004 -2006) and Mogundula Private Island (2017-2019). These luxury destinations are both situated in extremely remote and challenging locations in Mozambique with no infrastructure, poor roads, low skill base and zero equipment available. His do-or-die attitude realized both projects under very challenging conditions.

In late 2021 on contract, Kevin restored a vital jetty and other infrastructure upriver at Natacote for an island project in the Primeras and Segundas Archipelago situated off Pebane. This was an even remoter area than those previously mentioned, involving challenging logistics. It required fragile and careful liaison with a very isolated local population and authorities.

Adventure Tourism Development in Mozambique

Kevin has been closely involved in the growth and development of adventure tourism in Mozambique for more than two decades. From pioneering sea kayak expeditions in the Quirimbas to supporting mountain treks, dhow voyages, and 4×4 overland safaris, he has consistently introduced innovative ways for travelers to experience the country’s wild and untamed landscapes. His early work with adventure outfitters and lodge operators laid the groundwork for Mozambique to be recognized as one of Southern Africa’s rising adventure destinations.

With a unique understanding of both international traveler expectations and local realities, Kevin has helped create itineraries that balance challenge, safety, and cultural immersion. He has contributed to designing eco-friendly adventure packages that support conservation initiatives, involve local communities, and highlight Mozambique’s natural diversity—from coral reefs and mangroves to remote mountain ranges. Today, Kevin continues to provide consultancy for operators and private groups seeking to develop authentic, sustainable, and memorable adventure travel experiences across Mozambique.

Plan Your Next Journey to Mozambique with Expert Guidance

Turn your dream of exploring Mozambique into reality with Kevin’s unrivaled expertise and support. Whether you are a filmmaker, adventure traveler, tour operator, or VIP guest, Kevin delivers personalized logistics, insider knowledge, and seamless travel solutions across this extraordinary country. From remote Quirimbas expeditions to luxury safaris and cultural journeys, every detail is carefully managed for your safety, comfort, and enjoyment. Discover Mozambique’s hidden gems with a trusted specialist who has spent decades shaping unforgettable journeys. Kevin’s extensive local network ensures authentic experiences, meaningful cultural encounters, and smooth operations in even the most remote destinations. Get in touch today to plan your bespoke Mozambique adventure with expert guidance, meticulous planning, and reliable on-the-ground support.

Explore. Dream. Discover…