Ponta d'Ouro

Ponta d'Ouro is 120km south of Maputo along a sandy road. You will need a 4WD.
Getting there on public transport is time-consuming. Take the ferry to Catembe - several chapas run daily to Ponta d'Ouro along the mostly sandy road. The journey takes 3-4 hours plus numerous breakdowns. It is best to get their early as chapas only leave when they are full and the most demand is early. If you get there at 7am you will probably wait less than one hour for a chapa to fill up, if you arrive in the afternoon you may wait many hours.
A couple of tour operators do transfers to Ponta D'Ouro. These transfers are not cheap and are best to do in groups of at least 4 people. If you have the budget this transfer can save a very difficult ride, especially when returning, as chapas leaving from Ponta D'Ouro to Maputo generally only leave early in the morning.
It is possible to cycle from Maputo using a mountain bike, but be prepared to push your bike through 30km of thick sand.

Getting around in Ponta is generally only done on foot unless you have a 4WD. Most lodges will be able to help you out if you need a lift anywhere but the village is very compact so most can be done on foot.

One of the most perfect waves in the world, when it works that is. And keep an eye out for sharks
The Dolphin experience is not to be missed. Run by a team of passionate conservationists, the chance to swim with the dolphins will change your life! Learning more about how they are threatened in the wild will also broaden your understanding of the need to protect these magnificent creatures.
Be aware that many of the activities offered, such as jet skiing, quad-biking and 4x4ing on the beach are either not permitted, although not strictly controlled, and/or can be very environmentally destructive and disturbing to the animals. When offered the opportunity to do activities such as viewing nesting turtles and going to see dolphins, try and make sure that this does not disturb the animals and is not destructive to the environment.
Partake in a Shebeen (name for local pubs) tour along the road from Ponta Malangane and Ponto D'oura. There are about 6 -7 rustic pubs a stone throw away from each other along a stretch of rough road. Bring small change though as they won't be able to break large notes.

• Dolphin Encountours

  address: Dolphin Beachcamp Ponta do Ouro
  You can come into contact with the resident dolphins of Southern Mozambique, on their terms. No feeding, no harassment. Dolphin Encountours initiated Africa's first dolphin swim program in 1995. The co-founder’s embarked on establishing Africa's first Dolphin Swim and Research Center. A strict code of conduct was developed based on advise and guidelines from international and local marine mammal experts, resulting in a program that allows close interactions on the dolphins' terms.

• Elephant Reserve SafariThe long drive to Ponta can be an arduous one. It can be broken up with a guided tour through the Maputo Special Reserve (Maputo Elephant Reserve). Mozaic Travel can provide transfers to Maputo via the Reserve with trained guides who have the highest success rates in encountering the Reserve's elephant herds, hippos, crocodiles, monkeys etc., and extensive bird life.

There is an ATM (BCI bank) next to Fishmonga Restaurant.
Carvings in all shapes and sizes-mostly in hard wood. Stay away for the shells-although they are beautiful, they were probably stolen off a reef to supply the tourist trade.

Drink the local beer, 2M and Laurentina, which arguably (very arguably) rivals world famous beers. Also indulge in the famous Tipo Tinto Rum which is locally produced and tastes slightly of Vanilla. It goes best with Pineapple or Raspberry juice which is available from the local market. Order an R&R (Rum and Rasberry) one of their most popular drinks from one of the restaurants or bars. Make a stop at Pintos Place. It is the local disco located just before the markets. It is quite a lively night club where you can dance to some of the best dance beats or hang out around the back and have a couple drinks.

• Turrgane Estate

  phone: +258 73 907-4227
  address: Ponta do Ouro
  Horizon, francois, kurt and william rooms all equipped with air-conditioning, refrigerator and lounge area. Facilities and services are bar, restaurant and swimming pool.

• Coco Rico complexThe Coco Rico complex is within walking distance of the beach.

• Gamboozini Lodge

  phone: +258 82543 7826
  The Gamboozini Lodge can organize activities for you.

• the Waves Lodge

  phone: +258-846159328
  address: Ponta d Ouro
  10 luxury apartments(sleeps 4-5), with air-con, living room with Dstv, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, veranda and private braai-area. Pool area has a bar, fireplace and shop. Generator for power failures and laundry-area with 3 washing machines and a dryer (small extra charge, the girls will wash for you). Paragliding, diving, malongan tours, elefant-reserve trips, border pick up etc.

• South Africa - getting across the border (10km south) will need a 4WD for the rough road. There are lots of little restaurants that you can have a very nice meal at and they not to expensive either. There is a pizza place for those who don't enjoy seafood. If you want to take a day trip along the coast is Ponto Malangane which will take you about half an hour in a car but you will need 4WD.