The Far South of Mozambique

The southern coastal area consists of broad lowland plains leading out onto long sandy beaches. Barrier lakes edge much of the southern coast providing for bathing, swimming and watersports in a safer environment than that or the open sea, although the ocean beaches are close by for those who prefer the sound of the breaking waves. Some of these lakes, such as the Sao Martinho Lagoon at Bilene, are salt water estuaries which may be cut off from the ocean by sandbars. These lagoons usually have beautiful white sandy beaches ideal for sunbathing. Some of the lakes such as many of those further north at Chidenguele near Xai-Xai are fresh water.

Maputo

Maputo is the capital of Mozambique, situated in the south of Mozambique. It is a convenient place to fly from internationally and there are daily flights connecting Maputo to other areas of Mozambique and South Africa.

South of Maputo

Maputo Elephant Reserve

The entrance to Maputo Reserve (commonly known as Maputo Elephant Reserve) is situated on the road to Ponta D'Ouro from Maputo. The reserve covers an area of 700 km² and was formed to protect the remaining elephants in the area and several species of turtles which lay eggs here. Wild game is skittish and difficult to spot however the area is full of birlife and is little visited offering a true sense of "bush adventure". Access roads and roads in the park require 4x4 and apart from an area just inside the entrance where you can usually get water there are no facilities in the reserve. It is possible to take guided tours from Maputo.

North of Maputo

Marracuene

Just 50km north of Maputo is Marracuene, a popular overnight stop for tourists travelling from South Africa or Swaziland to locations north of Maputo. Accross the ferry at Marracuene is Jay's Beach Lodge, if you're looking for something more than an overnight stop this is the place to head.

• Birding
• 4x4 Trails
• Nature Trails

Bilene

Bilene is a popular holiday village situated on the banks of the salt water Sao Martinho Lagoon which is almost entirely seperated from the ocean by a large sandbar. A channel to the ocean is kept open at all times and it is possible to take boat trips out to the ocean although the sandy beaches around the lagoon are such that few people do. Camping accommodation is also available for those with their own 4x4 on the shores of the Indian Ocean some 10km from Bilene at Laguna Camp where there is beach access and safe parking for boats. Fuel and basic food supplies are available from the Petromac garage on the beach front road although both are cheaper in Maputo and Xai-Xai, there is also an adjoining bakery and cafe. See below for other places to eat and drink in Bilene.

A wide range of activities are available through Aqua del Mar, based at Praia do Sol lodge. Since many activities are subject to minimum numbers we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

• Snorkelling & Scuba Diving
• Water Ski-ing / Snake / Wake Board
• Fishing (Deap Sea, Spear Fishing and Shore angling)
• Windsurfing
• Booze or Sunset Cruise
• Windsurfing
• Kayaking
• Whale Watching
• Microlight flights

There are plenty of places to eat & drink in Bilene including the following:

• Praia do Sol: situated out of town on a sandy road. More info...
• Complexo Aquérius: Cafe and restaurant with swimming pool and good views over the lagoon beach.
• Sao Martinho Resort: Beach bar & restaurant situated down the steps fromthe beach road
• Complexo A Capitol: in the village before heading down to the beach road.
• Pousada Sao Martinho: also in the village before heading down to the beach road has a basic bar open to the public and a restaurant in town by the beach.
• Bakery, Pizza & Ice Cream Take Away: next to the Petromac garage on the beach front road.

Zongoene

Zongoene beach is situated just south of the Limpopo River and the lodge here serves as a good alternative to accommodation at Xai-Xai.