Tan 'n Biki Bilene Mozambique

Nestled in the dunes of the gorgeous Mozambican peninsula island of Macaneta, Tan ‘n Biki offers a one stop holiday destination for visitors hungry to take in the beauty of the Mozambique coastline. Bring the family, bring your friends or simply slip away for a romantic getaway…

email: bilene@go.mozbookings.com

Only 35km from Maputo and 500km from Pretoria, South Africa, and against the backdrop of 50km of unspoilt beaches Tan ‘n Biki offers visitors the chance to share in the sights and sounds of Mozambique in our luxury chalets or camping facilities. Tan ‘n Biki’s friendly local staff, immaculate facilities and host of activities offer an idyllic way in which to relax and unwind while drinking in the mysteries Mozambique has to offer.

With the Nkomati River and the Indian Ocean as its borders, Macaneta is the jewel in the crown of the Maputo province, and for centuries has fulfilled the role of weekend getaway and holiday destination for locals and even former colonialists. Macaneta offers pristine beaches, whale watching, game fishing and it is also home to the delicate breeding grounds of the giant leatherback turtle.

With its doors now open to the rest of the world Macaneta is a must see – And what better way to share it than with all of us at Tan ‘n Biki.

Accommodation at Tan 'n Biki Bilene

Tan ‘n Biki provides our guests with a range of accommodation options designed to meet their express expectations of the perfect Mozambican holiday experience.

Tan ‘n Biki offers gorgeous luxury log cabins with breathtaking sea views right through to well shaded camping facilities for the family as well as self catering chalets. So whether you want a romantic weekend breakaway, a fun filled family holiday, or simply a place to relax and unwind under the African sun – we have something for everyone.

Sea View Log Cabins
Nestled on the side of the white dunes of Macaneta our log cabins offer striking views of the crisp Indian Ocean below. Built by the people of Macenta themselves the cabins provide a uniquely Mozambique experience, are fully equipped to meet your needs, have their own bathrooms, are self-catering and a mere two to three minutes stroll away from the shoreline. Perfect for those wanting a romantic breakaway, the erstwhile traveller or the avid whale watcher.

Self-Catering Chalets
Ideal for the family or a group of friends, the chalets are uniquely positioned throughout the property and provide you an opportunity to drink in the flora of Macaneta while experiencing your African holiday. Only a five to ten minute walk from the beach they offer a welcome reprieve from the bountiful Mozambican sun after a fun filled day spent by the sea. The open plan chalets are fully equipped, have their own bathroom and come in a range of configurations from four to six bed layouts as well as six bed two-bedroom styles.

Camping Facilities
For the more adventurous at heart Tan ‘n Biki offers 20 large well-shaded campsites, that provide families or groups of friends the opportunity to camp in style without being too crowded or cramped. All sites have their own braai, water point and electricity point, they offer semi-privacy and are well looked after by the friendly local Tan ‘n Biki staff and are also just a mere five to ten minute walk from the beach.

Ablution facilities
Understanding the needs of our campers we recognise that an ablution facility can make or break your holiday experience. It is with this that at Tan ‘n Biki we have taken great pains in ensuring that our ablution facilities are of the highest standard, with hot and cold water in abundance and constantly cleaned and maintained, you will not be disappointed.

Accommodation Options
Camping with electricity and water
1 x 4 Bed open plan chalet (no bathroom)
4 x 6 Bed open plan chalets with own bathroom
2 x 6 Bed 2 bedroom chalets with own bathroom
2 x 4-6 Bed 2 bedroom luxury chalets with own bathroom and aircon
5 x 6 Bed 3 bedroom luxury log cabins with sea view and own bathroom
2 x 8-10 Bed 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom luxury log cabins with sea view

Activities and Facilities at Tan 'n Biki

Facilities
Don’t be fooled, a Mozambican holiday needn’t be a bush whacking one with no running water, limited ablution facilities and one starved of creature comforts. At Tan ‘n Biki you will feel no different than if you were holidaying off of the South African coast or a beach in South America.
We take the fuss out of holiday planning by providing a range of services and facilities that will ensure you experience the perfect holiday.

Ablutions
Deemed to be the best in Mozambique we pride ourselves in clean, beautifully decorated facilities that include …
5-Star ablution facilities
Constant hot and cold water

Camping
With wonderfully shaded camp sites that will shield you from the harsh Mozambican sun we provide…
24-Hour electricity
Ample braai facilities

Outdoor
Wanting to spend some time sun worshipping or if you simply want to take a break from the ample beach activities take advantage of…
3 Sparkling pools
Gorgeous lawns and deck chairs
Launch site for private boats and sea faring equipment

Entertain
Enjoy sumptuous Mozambican styled seafood and delicacies or try your hand at making your own legendary “Rum & Raspberry” cocktails…
Canimambo seafood and Portuguese style restaurant with DSTV
For purchase: cool drinks, beer, some liquors, Pao (bread), Gelo (ice) and charcoal

Convenience
We provide creature comforts you would expect from a 5 star hotel right here in the recesses of the dunes of Macaneta…
Internet access
Cellphone reception
Foreign exchange
Shuttle to and from Maputo Airport

Where is Tan 'n Biki?

GPS CO-ORDINATES
S 25 44' 56, 98" / E 32 44' 29, 71"

Fly or drive?
Dependant on the nature of the holiday you want to take you can either fly or drive in to Mozambique from South Africa or any of the neighbouring countries.

Fly
Maputo International Airport has direct flights from Johannesburg, South Africa. Flights are less than two hours and vehicles are available for hire from the airport or alternatively you can make use of the Tan ‘n Biki Shuttle Services although booking is essential.
Flights are offered through Kulula.com, LAM and SAA.

By Car
From Johannesburg the trip will take anywhere between 7 – 10 hours by car, border time included, Pretoria is a bit quicker. You DO NOT need a 4x4 to get to Tan ‘n Biki, there are main roads from the border right through Maputo to the Marracuene ferry crossing, where you will need to board the vehicle ferry to cross the Inkomati River.
The main road on the island has recently been rebuilt with drainage on both sides and a regularly maintained surface. In addition the road through the sand dunes to Tan ‘n Biki has been compacted, making it easy to drive on, without the need of a 4x4 or deflating your tyres.

If travelling by car you will need:
Passport
Valid International or South African drivers license
Vehicle Registration Forms
Third Party Insurance (available at border or travel company)
Two reflective triangles, large variety
Reflective jacket
Please click here for our travel tips page for additional information on travelling by vehicle.

Getting to Tan ‘n Biki
Take the N4 to Nelspruit. Carry on passed Malelane and Komatipoort straight to the Lebombo border post.
After entering into Mozambique keep on the N4, you will pass through two tollgates, the first tollgate is about 45km from the border, the second tollgate is 54 km from the first tollgate. Follow the N4 until you get the Xai-Xai board (pronounced Shai-Shai) where you must turn left!

Stay on this road for 33km, after which you will find a village with the name “Marracuene”. Here you will find a Petromoc Garage on your left hand side of the road. The road then makes a bend to the left, on the right hand side you will see a pink house, then a billboard with two hippos, and a newly erected bank called Millennium Bim. At Millennium Bim you turn right. (There is a small white concrete stone that says Marracuene Lodge 4km on your right hand side).

Drive down to the T-junction and turn left, then keep right at the next slipway, which will take you down a hill over a railway line until you get to the Nkomati River. Here you get onto the ferry with your vehicle and it will take you (both) to the other side.
After disembarking drive straight for 6km until you get to a sort of T-junction, here keep right (sign boards start here) and continue for about 600m. Turn left when you see the Tan ‘n Biki signboard and an old boat wreck.

From here follow our signs, which will lead you directly into our camp!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have running water?
Yes we do have running water; however we do not treat or filter, meaning that you drink it out of your own accord.

Is there electricity on the island or do you use generators?
Yes we do have electricity and all of the chalets have electricity as well.

Do we need to bring all of our own food and if so what are we allowed to bring?
Its best to bring your supplies from South Africa as there are no shops or supermarkets on the island, only Spaza shops with basic goods. However there is both a Shoprite and Pick ‘n Pay in Maputo that are as fully equipped as any store you may find in South Africa.

Can you bring meat in?
Yes you are allowed to bring your own meat across the border and into the country but please ensure it is vacuum packed or it may be confiscated.

Do I need a 4x4 to get to Tan-‘n-Biki?
No a 4x4 is not necessary to get to the lodge however if your car is very low or you have very low profile tyres you could experience problems boarding the ferry.

Can you scuba dive at Tan ‘n Biki?
Not at Tan ‘n Biki but you can do it at Inhaca Island, and we provide a boat trip service to the island. Booking is essential.

I hear the police in Mozambique like to lock up tourists. Is that true?
No, some might try to use this to scare you to get a bribe, but this practice is being eradicated across the whole country.

I hear the beach is far from the site. How far?
Not at all, our site is situated directly adjacent to the beach. The chalets closest to the beach are a mere 150m and the furthest are 500m.

Do I need a visa to get to Mozambique?
If you are a South African citizen then no you don’t, but most foreigners do need one. Please check with your consulate or the Mozambican consulate in your country.

I want to bring my children to Tan ‘n Biki, is it safe for them in a malaria area?
This is a malaria area, however we haven’t personally experienced any amongst ourselves as yet. Taking medication is a personal decision and one that should be taken in consultation with your local doctor. Tan ‘n Biki is however very child friendly and many of our guests are families.

Do you have credit card facilities?
We do have a credit card machine yes, but the service is very erratic and it isn’t always working so we would urge you to bring cash with you or arrange to pay before you arrive via EFT.

If the ferry is broken can we still come?
Yes, there is an alternative route passed Maragra, but this trip is quite long and can only be offered by previous arrangement.

What times does the ferry operate?
Ferry operation times are 06:00 – 19:00 seven days a week. Extended hours can be arranged in peak seasons and for special occasions, but please give us fair notice if this is the case.

I hear there is a lot of cholera in Mozambique. Do you have it at Tan ‘n Biki?
Cholera is being eradicated in Mozambique, and as we get our water supply directly from the ground, there are no acrid open water sources or open sewerage in our area. We have never had any reports of it on the island.

Is it safe to swim in the sea?
The waters of Macaneta are gorgeous and it is great to swim in the ocean especially at low tide. However we are dealing with the sea so never turn your back, test the currents to ensure they are safe to swim in at any given time and always watch children as there are no life guards on the island.

What activities do you have for the children?
The beach, the beach sand, more sand, the ocean, stunning safe open areas for them to explore and be kids as well as our swimming pools, lots of doggy friends and a jungle gym currently under construction.