Left to Die: Escape from the Amarula

When Islamist insurgents attacked a town in Mozambique in March, civilians and foreign contractors raced to a local hotel for safety. Over three agonising days, they waited for a rescue. But no one came.

In this extraordinary story of extremism, corruption and bravery, journalist Basia Cummings investigates what happened at the Amarula Hotel, and speaks to the people who were trapped inside – and made it out alive.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last refreshed: July 6th, 2025 at 12:40 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

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Oct 18, 2022•3 min

Return to the Amarula

Our three-part podcast Left to Die told the harrowing story of 200 civilians trapped in a hotel in Mozambique under siege by violent extremists. This week, in the Tortoise Slow Newscast, we're looking at what happened next. Listen to the full episode here: https://podfollow.com/the-tortoise-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 21, 2022•1 min•Season 1Ep. 4

The betrayal | Ep 3

Nick's two-day ordeal in the bush hiding from the insurgents – and the question left lying in the dust of the attack: who, really, abandoned them all? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 06, 2021•35 min•Season 1Ep. 3

The escape | Ep 2

The story of Wesley and his brother Adrian, who escape the Amarula Hotel in a car and are ambushed by insurgents as they race to safety. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 06, 2021•47 min•Season 1Ep. 2

The attack | Ep 1

An Islamist insurgency hits the town of Palma, Mozambique. Nick and Wes, two South African contractors, race to the Amarula Hotel and take shelter – along with more than 200 civilians. Slowly, over three horrifying days, it becomes clear: no one is coming to help them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 06, 2021•32 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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