From Ponta d'Ouro to Zongoene: General Information

Location: The main area dealt within this sector is the Maputo Province, boarded in the North by Gaza Province and in the South by South Africa. To the West is Swaziland, and East the Indian Ocean
Main Localities: This sector encompasses Ponta d'Ouro, Ponta Malongane, Ponta Mamoli, Ponta Santa Maria, Inhaca Island, Maputo and around Maputo, Bilene and Zongoene. The Nkomati and Maputo Rivers drain into the Maputo Bay, where you can find Inhaca, Zefina Grande and Zefina Pequena Islands

Ponta d'Ouro, Ponta Malongane & Ponta Mamoli

This region is formed by a series of fish-hook shaped bays, fringed by high sand dunes and covered by dense vegetation. A few coconut trees are dotted around Ponta d'Ouro. There are pine trees all along the coast and in some inland areas as well. They were planted as "sign posts" by the Portuguese explores indicating the proximity of fresh water sources inland

The main languages spoken in this region are Portuguese and Shaangan. English is widely spoken as well as Zulu due to the proximity of S.A. and the flow of tourists

Diving is one of the main touristy attractions along this stretch (see dive operators for this sector). Coral life and large marine animals such as Whale Sharks, Manta Rays and Humpback Whales are daily occurrences in this part of the world (see dive sites for this sector)

During South African school holidays it is usually impossible to find accommodation without advanced booking. There is a very wide range of accommodation found here (mainly geared towards diving and underwater activities). Ponta d'Ouro is a busy, party going destination

Cell phone reception is good in Ponta d'Ouro. Internet access is, at this stage, provided at a few establishments for guests only

Malongane and Mamoli are a bit more isolated and further away from the border but it is worth the effort. The dive is just as good if not better and much more exclusive than Ponta d'Ouro and the surrounds are more peaceful and serene

For accommodation along this stretch, see accommodation for this sector

Cell phone reception becomes much weaker at Malongane and Mamoli. Accessible in high areas only

Emergency Contacts:

• Hospital & Doctors:
  • Manguzi Hospital:, Manguzi Village, S.A., 14km from Kosi Bay Border Post +27 (0) 35 591 1049 / 789 2284
  • Bay Hospital: Richards Bay, S.A. is about 200km from Kosi Bay border +27 (0) 35 780 6111 or +27 (0) 35 789 2284.
  • Recompression Chamber: Richards Bay Harbour, S.A.
    +27 035 905 3420
    Dr. Quinton +27 (0) 82 321 4420
    Dr. Struwig +27 (0) 82 551 5372
    
• Richards Bay Port Control: Richards Bay Harbour, S.A. +27 (0) 35 905 3444 / 753 1991 / 905 3401
• Police: +258 (0) 82 1374150 (Chief of Police, Ponta d'Ouro)
• Sea Rescue: NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institution), Durban, S.A. +27 031 332 9772
• Helicopter Emergency Response: +27 (0) 35 753 1735/ (0) 21 938 3300
• SOS International: +27 (0) 11 541 1000
• DAN International: 0800 020111
• DAN S.A.: +27 011 254 1991

Maputo and Around

The capital city developed due to the construction of the railway line to Transvaal (now there are only weekly trains running from Maputo to Ressano Garcia) in 1898 when the countrys capital was moved from Ilha de Moçambique to Lourenco Marques (today Maputo).

Maputo is a fascinating city oozing history and beauty. There is plenty of accommodation available from backpackers to 5 star hotels overlooking Maputo Bay (see accommodation section for this sector). A great variety of restaurants, cafés, bars and nightlife (see eating and drinking for this sector)

In Maputo Province Portuguese is widely spoken as well as a number of dialects. That is due to the influx of people from different provinces coming to the capital in search of work and further education. The dominating ethnic groups are Ronga and Shaangan

All National banks are available in Maputo

Good shopping all over Maputo. The street markets are great fun, but there are also very well supplied supermarkets

Communication is not a problem around the city area. Land lines are widely available as well as cell phone reception. Most hotels offer Internet services and there are a few internet cafés around town

Services:

See general information on Mozambique.

Inhaca Island, Catembe and Macaneta

Inhaca Island is easily accessed by boat or plain. Transport and accommodation on the island can be organised through travel agencies around Maputo as well as other boat trips (see accommodation for this sector)

Catembe is linked to the main land by road but it is a long and uncomfortable drive. There is a ferry running daily from 0500 to 2000. Good choice of accommodation available

Macaneta can also be reached by ferry (opening times: 0500 to 1900) from Marracuene or by road. It is located on the other side of Maputo Bay, over looking the Capital

Catembe and Macaneta are good choices for a short break

Bilene to Zongoene

Bilene is on the South of Gaza Province, North of Maputo

This whole area is blessed by many lakes and lagoons. The waters of Lake Uembje (Bilene Lake) spreads 17km long and 1km wide and has a seasonal connection with the Indian Ocean, developers are constantly trying to open a channel linking ocean and lake. At the time of our visit the passage was closed. The real impact of this man-made channel is unknown but locals believe it brings life and proliferation of fish. When the passage is closed activities such as scuba diving become difficult outside of the lagoon

Bilene is a busy holiday resort and it is dotted with a wide range of accommodation, bars and restaurants. There are some lovely off road routes around the lake system with some more discreet and isolated accommodation to choose from (see accommodation for this sector)

Portuguese and Mozambicans have enjoyed the stunning shores of Lake Uembje for many years

Zongoene Village is very small, the road leading to the beach is beautiful and here the Limpopo River cuts its way through the plains and opens up into the sea. During the great floods of 2000 the natural bay formed between the river and the ocean was taken away

From the Bela Vista lighthouse you can see the huge Limpopo Estuary cutting through the sand dunes into the ocean. This is a great spot to watch the sunset

Services:

Cell phone reception is good around Bilene and Zongoene

There is no internet service available to the public

The nearest ATM machines and banks are in Xai-Xai, the Capital of the Province

There is a nice little market in Bilene, with a few carvings and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Zongoene is a very small village with little to offer in terms of shopping

Emergency Contacts:

• Police: +258 (0) 282 25364 / +258 (0) 282 25310
• Hospital: +258 (0) 282 25111
• Airport: +258 (0) 1 465827/9