Rating: Deluxe
Escape to stunning unspoiled coastal wilderness in southern Mozambique.
Machangulo Beach Lodge, south of Maputo, nestles in dunes of the Santa Maria Peninsula overlooking the Indian Ocean and Inhaca Island. It is very close to the channel between the island and the mainland. As well as the sand dunes, there are vegetated dunes, and of course there are miles of secluded beaches.
The lodge’s rooms are stylishly furnished and each has a private deck from whjch you can take in views of the Indian Ocean and Inhaca Island. Interiors benefit from both fans and air conditioning, keeping them pleasantly cool even on the hottest of days.
During your stay you need do nothing more than relax on the beach or by the pool. If you feel more energetic there are many activities you can consider, mostly linked to the water which is perhaps no surprise given its enviable position! Try fishing, snorkelling (including to a wreck!), diving, kayaking and whale watching (June to November). On dry land you can go for walks along the beach and in the dune forest, take a guided tour of Santa Maria, and go birdwatching, and rockpooling. Staff are happy to arrange special picnic lunches on Machangulo Beach.
Open: Machangulo is open all year.
Location: The lodge is on the Santa Maria Peninsula in the very south of Mozambique, about a 1 hour speed boat ride east of Maputo. Boats depart from Maputo Marina which is about a 20 minute drive from the airport. The boat generally departs Maputo Marina around 13:00, though it is tide and weather dependent. (The reverse journey from the lodge to Maputo Marina usually leaves around 11:00). There is no jetty at Machangulo, so you may need to walk through ankle-deep water at the shore.
Rooms: There are nine ocean view rooms. All are cooled by air conditioning and ceiling fans, and can be arranged as doubles or twins. Amenities include minibar, safe, hairdryer and en-suite bathroom, Every room has a private terrace facing the ocean. The rooms can sleep up to two adults and two children under 12 years of age.
Activities: Relaxation is to the fore at Machangulo, on the beach or by the pool. Swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking and fishing are all available. Lodge staff can arrange tours of Inhaca Island, and picnic lunches if you are going to be out all day. The sandy beach at Machangulo is ideal for long walks. The lodge is close to nature and marine reserves and wildlife activities such as seasonal whale watching (June to November), turtle nesting (late spring), and birdwatching are popular. Non-motorised and guided activities are free, while others are payable locally.
Facilities: There is a swimming pool, and the lodge owns two boats which can be hired for a variety of activities such as mentioned above. The spa offers beauty treatments such as facials, body scrubs and wraps, as well as several types of massage. The beach bar supplies drinks and snacks and has the lodge's sole TV. The lodge offers a complimentary laundry service.
Dining: The lodge serves two-course lunches, and three-course dinners in the dining room and light meals and snacks in the Villa Restaurant on the deck by the pool and overlooking the ocean. There is a wide choice of wines to accompany the food. Meals are eaten at individual tables.
Children: All children are welcome at the lodge. There is a nanny service, a play area, and children’s activities are available. There is a Kiddies Club with a programme of children’s activities. The lodge has a children's menu. Family villas and beach villas provide ideal family accommodation.
Health: This is a malarial area.
Communication: There is free high speed broadband internet and wifi and a mobile signal.
Note: Machangulo accepts payment in cash Mozambique Metical, US Dollar and South African Rand, and cards Visa and MasterCard only.
Experience the pristine coast and dunes of the Santa Maria Peninsula in southern Mozambique.
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0"Remote, wild, secluded and beautiful. Our room def had the best position - perched on high overlooking the Indian Ocean and Inhaca Island. The many staff (with few visitors during our stay) were friendly and helpful and the food was great - VERY fresh fish every day and a wonderful picnic lunch when we went on the island trip."