 The
6-8 sleeper chalets are situated on the secondary dune amongst a
plantation of palm trees. Cool breezes add relief from the hot,
sultry days. Although the chalets are situated a mere 200m from
the beach, (steep walk back up from the beach) - sea views are visible
from the upper deck only.
Guests are advised that 4x4 or 2x4 vehicles (bakkies) with diff
lock are required as we are situated along 2.5km of very sandy road.
Normal passenger vehicles with a low ground clearance will get stuck!
The units are serviced daily and have drinkable borehole water,
gas and 24 hour electricity. A security guard patrols the lodge
in the evening.
Local vendors visit the lodge daily with a supply of produce and
curios on offer – these range from fresh fruits of the sea
(prawns, crayfish, fish, calamari) as well as freshly baked bread
& rolls and seasonal fruits & vegetables, sarongs, artwork
and carvings. We do advise visitors to help protect the ocean and
not to purchase the shells.
English is widely spoken in public places
Activities include:
Beach (approx 200m away)
Boat/marine slipway (within 2km)
Boat trips (within 5km)
Horse-riding (within 5km)
Quad bike hire (within 5km)
Fishing charters (within 5km)
Ocean safaris (within 5km)
Restaurants (plenty in area) 
Scuba diving (within 5km)
Snorkelling
Sunset cruise (within 5km)
Dhow trips (from inhambane to maxixe)
Massages (within 5km)
Craft markets (inhambane, barra & tofu)
Airport transfers by arrangement
For the energetic there is loads to do – all within a 5km
radius. The quad bike trail ride is a tranquil two hour jaunt through
the lush habitat to Tofu and back – this includes a stop at
the local craft market.
Inhambane is world-renowned for its spectacular dive sites, scuba-divers
from far and wide explore the continuous wonder of the numerous
reefs which are alive with a profusion of sea life – from
manta-rays to pansy shells. A number of resorts in the area offer
resort dive courses – for those who prefer to stay on top
of the water – the snorkeling is outstanding!
The Ocean Safari adventure on offer by various outfits in the area
is a truly memorable experience – especially if you are able
to spot and swim with whale sharks – the gentle giants of
the sea. For the jet-ski enthusiasts, you have a choice of riding
the calm bay waters or tearing across the ocean swells.
Go for pure nostalgia reminiscent of ancient times – hire
a dhow and sail across the bay to Maxixe where the skipper will
wait while you dine at the popular harbour restaurant in Maxixe.
The numerous restaurants in the vicinity all offer a wide selection
of the freshest seafood cooked in the traditional Portuguese fashion
– or buy your own succulent seafood straight from the dhow
fisherman when the fleet lands on the beach.
For the less energetic, while away your days strolling on the soft,
white sands, collecting seashells or hop aboard the catamaran cruise
and sail away into the sunset!
Directions:
Montanha Lodge is situated in Ponte de Barra, Inhambane, Mozambique
approximately 480 kilometers (6-7 hours drive) from Maputo. The
road from Maputo to Xai-Xai is good and has recently been re-surfaced.
However, heading North after leaving Xai-Xai the road has not yet
been upgraded and is badly potholed for approximately 60-80kms.
Speed limits are enforced in the numerous towns and speed traps
by radar are frequent and immediately payable in cash. Avoid driving
at night on these roads - besides the potholes - many local vehicles
do not have front or rear lights.
From Maputo, follow the EN1 to Xai-Xai. This is the main road heading
North. It is recommended that you re-fuel in Xai-Xai. Once in Inhambane,
with the bay on your left turn right at the main road (Broad Road
– DA Independecia) – continue to the circle and turn
right (going around the back of the circle). Cross over a derelict
railway line and continue with this road which will eventually bear
right (Inhambane airport will be sign-posted straight-ahead). Continue
with this road for approximately 20kms until you reach the cross-road
with Babalaza Restaurant on your right. Continue straight ahead
with the hard sand road (approximately 5-7kms) and turn right at
Montanha Lodge sign-board which is situated with various signboards
on right-hand side of road.
We recommend that you deflate your tyres to approximately 1 bar
at this point as the road to Montanha Lodge is very sandy –
suitable for 4x4 or all-wheel drive vehicles which have sufficient
road clearance. Passenger vehicles will get stuck! Montanha Lodge
is situated approximately 1½ km along this lighthouse road
on the left hand side – shortly after the Vodacom aerial.
Direct flights from Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo Airport on
LAM are available as well as from Lanseria Airport on Travelmax.
Travel Tips:
Passports
Passports are required for all visitors to Mozambique. South African
passport holders do not require a visa if the stay is less than
30 days. Other nationalities need to apply for visas. These may
be obtained at consular offices or at the various points of entry
into the country. Please note that visa applications applied for
at point of entry can take time - we recommend obtaining your visa
at least 2 weeks prior to departure. Passports must be valid for
at least 6 months.
Vehicles and Vehicle Papers
Montanha Lodge is situated along a 2 kilometre sandy road –
suitable for 4x4 or all-wheel drive vehicles with sufficient road
clearance. Passenger vehicles will get stuck! Original vehicle registration
papers are required if you are self-driving. If the vehicle is not
your own, a letter of authorization from the registered owner is
required.
Insurance - Third Party
Compulsory third party insurance (approx R150.00 per vehicle) may
be obtained at the border – alternatively these may be purchased
at various SA Outdoor Warehouse Retailers – ask your local
store for details. If you are towing a boat, motorcycles, jet-skis,
(including the trailer), you will require a temporary import licence
– this will cost approximately R80.00 per vehicle.
Insurance - Medical
Medical Insurance is recommended. If your current medical insurance
does not cover travel, please contact T.I.C. on +27 11 780 3300
or visit www.travelinsurance.co.za – be sure to include air
evacuation from Mozambique in your cover.
Currency
The currency in Mozambique is Meticais. The approximate rate of
exchange is R1 = MZM2800 - however, this rate fluctuates regularly.
There are normally foreign currency exchange outlets at or just
before the border points. US$ as well as SA Rand are widely accepted
– credit cards are not.
Malaria
Mozambique is a malarial area – please consult your doctor
regarding the required prophylactics
The Law & Driving
Toll fees are payable in Meticais, Rands or US Dollars. Road Travellers
are frequently stopped at police checkpoints.
Please note the following to avoid being fined:
•Wear seat belts at all times
•Display your emergency triangles in a visible place
•Tow vehicles require a red triangle on the front bumper and
on the back of the trailer
•Keep to the speed limit – fines are payable immediately
•Have your drivers licence, third party and vehicle registration
papers handy
•No firearms are permitted in Mozambique
•Driving is not permitted on the beach unless you are launching
a boat
Cellular Coverage
Cellular communications are covered by all the major networks and
local SIM cards are readily available for purchase.
Provisions
Various shops in the area sell a selection of necessities including
beverages, wine, chocolates, batteries, snacks, airtime, etc. A
small supermarket has recently opened shop in Inhambane where fresh
meat and supplies may be purchased.
What to bring:
Passport, Identity Book and Drivers Licence
Copy of confirmed reservation notice
Original Vehicle Registration Papers & Vehicle Third Party
SA Vehicle clearance form from border & temporary import licences
for motorcycles, boats, jet-skis and trailers
2 Triangles per vehicle & duplicate car keys
Decals/Triangles for tow vehicles – front of tow vehicles
and rear of towed vehicles
Tyre pump and pressure gauge, tool kit and basic spares and tow
rope
Flash light, batteries and small first aid kit
Camera, Sun Block, Sunglasses, Beach Umbrella and Caps
Malaria prophylaxis, insect repellent and medical insurance if required
Bath and beach towels, snorkels, masks and fins
Food and beverages, firelighters, charcoal & ice-packs
Garbage Bags, Soap, Toilet Paper
Dishwash liquid, Handwash powder & Multi-purpose cleaner
Email for Reservations:
montanha@mozbookings.com
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Montanha Lodge is positioned atop the tall dunes which line the
turquoise patterned waters of the warm Indian Ocean in the trendy
Mozambique resort destination of Barra which is situated in Inhambane,
Mozambique.