 Accommodation
Casa Madeira ("house of timber/wood") is a fully equipped
self catering accommodation facility situated in Southern Mozambique,
15km from the Kosi Bay
It is located on a private stretch of beach within a dune forest
with a wooden walkway onto the beach. The unit is fully equipped
with 6 en suite bedrooms comprising 3 rooms with queen size beds
and 3 rooms with twin beds. Four additional pullout beds with mattresses
and linen are available. All linen and bath towels are provided
and the unit is serviced daily by a full time maid.
The kitchen facilities include an upright fridge/freezer combo,
microwave oven, electric kettle, 5 plate gas hob and electric oven.
There is a drinks chiller on the deck and a large chest freezer
in the laundry which includes a washing machine, tumble drier and
ironing facilities.
In addition to the open plan kitchen/lounge, the unit boasts an
81 square meter deck, with a super large alfresco dining table with
benches that offer amazing sea views.
Braai facilities include a portable stainless steel charcoal braai
and a Weber which can be used on the open deck.
A television with DVD player (no DSTV) and a music system is available
for those that would like to make use of this facility.
By arrangement with the Mozambique authorities Casa Madeira is built
within the 100 meter zone of the breakers with 180º views of
the ocean. The unit is built on one of only 10 sites within the
privately owned Wakene Residential Estate. Access to this estate
is restricted by a security controlled boom gate.
Casa Madeira is designed to accommodate larger groups or up to 3
families together on a self-catering basis.
Smaller groups and tour operators can be accommodated at Casa Madeira,
by arrangement, at an individual rate per person.
What to take on a visit to Casa Madeira
Beach towels and sun cream
Mosquito repellant (Mozzie nets available)
Drinking water (advisable although there is a good borehole and
rain water tanks)
All food (limited items can be purchased at premium prices in Ponta
do Ouro (11km away)
Binoculars and camera
Toiletries and bath soap (toilet paper and cleaning materials are
provided).
Fishing rods and bait
Snorkeling gear
Torch
First aid kit
Passports (Non SADC country visitors require a visa which can be
purchased at the border)
Activities
There is a walkway to the beach. Frederico is a great walk just
2km north with wonderful snorkeling and spear-fishing opportunities.
The reef starts in front of Casa Madeira and Dolphins can be seen
regularly off the reef feeding and playing. Swimming with the dolphins
can be organised with specialized boat charters in Ponto do Ouro.
Birding is great in the dune forest area or around the fresh water
lakes behind the dunes.
Swimming in the ocean is recommended with caution in front of Casa
Madeira as there are rip tides. The bays at Malongane and Ponto
do Ouro offer safer swimming, especially for small children.
Fishing from the beach is successful with both bait and lure including
drop shot (no fishing licence is necessary)
Ski boat fisherman and Jet skis should launch from the approved
sites of Ponto Mamoli, Ponta Malongane or Ponta do Ouro after obtaining
licence's from the Maritime officer in Ponta de Ouro. Launching
of kayaks is allowed anywhere along the coast line.
Travel Tips
If you're planning to venture anywhere north of Ponta do Ouro, a
4x4 is essential. Even if you're just going to Ponta, a vehicle
with high ground clearance is a must. Always remember to deflate
your tyres to 60% of their normal road pressure when driving in
sand - as low as 1.2 bar. You can park it in a secure car park at
the Kosi Bay border post and arrange a 4x4 transfer with the lodge
you're staying at.
Malaria
Southern Mozambique is a malarial area, so take precautions. But
if you plan to scuba dive check that you take the right medicine.
Doxycycline and Malanin are considered safe, but consult your GP
before you go to be sure.
Cash or Credit card
Some of the bigger dive charters and lodges accept credit cards,
but it's a better idea to take cash. Rands are accepted everywhere.
You can stock up on most basic items in Ponta do Ouro. There is
a market, butchery and bakery just before you enter town.
Border Crossing
Passport should be valid for at least three months after your intended
return. If you're taking a car over the border, don't forget the
registration papers, as well as a letter of authorization written
by the owner of the vehicle if the car isn't in your name. Third-party
insurance is compulsory in Mozambique - you can buy it at the border.
Cell Phone
You can pick up a faint South African signal from the top of some
of the hills surrounding Ponta do Ouro, but if you want to use your
phone regularly, it's best to activate international roaming. There
is a good Mozambican signal everywhere along the coast, except in
the more remote areas of the Maputo Elephant Reserve.
Vehicles
Each vehicle must be equipped with two red reflective triangles
and a reflective vest. If you are towing, a blue and yellow triangle
must be attached to the front of the towing vehicle and the rear
of the towed vehicle,caravan or trailer. If your vehicle is no more
than six meters long you do not need to worry about reflective signage,
but advise that there be reflective strips on the edge of the bumpers,
white in front and red at the rear. The same requirement applies
in both Zambia and Zimbabwe. These requirements and further advise
can all be obtained from the AA.
Directions
GPS Co-ordinates:
South 26 degrees, 45 minutes and 35 seconds or (-26.759983)
East 32 degrees, 53 minutes and 45.3 seconds or (32.895917)
Casa Madeira is based at the Wakene Residential Estate and is situated
approximately 15 km North of Kosi Bay in Southern Mozambique.
From Durban, take the N2 north. Turn onto the R22 at Hluhluwe and
follow signs to Sodwana Bay and then Kosi Bay. From Johannesburg,
take the N17 to Ermelo, the N2 to Jozini, and then follow signs
to Kosi Bay.
The sandy tracks on the Mozambican side of the border appear confusing
at first, but they're mostly just deviations from two main roads:
the one that goes straight (north) to Maputo, take this one to get
to the Maputo Elephant Reserve and the Santa Maria Peninsula - and
the one that goes right (east) to Ponta do Ouro, Ponta Malongane
and Ponta Mamoli.
The right hand tracks split into sand extreme tracks on the Mozambiquen
side with two distinct directions, the one to the right leads to
Ponto do Ouro and the other to Ponto Malongane. Take the Ponto Malongane
sand track (approximately half an hour's drive to Malongane Village).
Turn left at Blue Bulls bar (Sharks Bar is opposite). Travel North
past Mbenga bar on Right and continue for approximately 15 minutes.
Wakene Signage is on the right.
Email for Reservations:
casamadeiraponta@mozbookings.com
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Casa Madeira - Luxury Accommodation Ponto do Ouro (Point of Gold),
the first of seven points between Kosi Bay and Santa Maria was mostly
abandoned during the recent civil war. 