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Ponta d'Ouro is a popular destination for South African divers and surfers in southern Maputo province, Mozambique. There is a small village, but it is mostly overshadowed by the tourist camps.

[edit] Get in

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. Chapas leave Maputo twice a week. Otherwise, take the ferry to Catembe and then get a minibus to Zitundo. From there sporadic transport goes on to Ponta d'Ouro.

It is possible to cycle from Maputo using a mountain bike, but be prepared to push your bike through 30km of thick sand.

[edit] Get around

Please note that it is now much easier to get to Ponta Do Ouro. The Chapas leaves every day! And the drive is between 2.5 - 3 hours. If you want some help give me a call or visit our website! +258 82 543 7826 www.gamboozini.com

[edit][add listing] See

[edit][add listing] Do

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.

[edit][add listing] Buy

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.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Dolphin Encountours (DolphinCare-Africa), Dolphin Beachcamp Ponta do Ouro (main campsite on the beach), (info@dolphin-encountours.co.za), [1]. 8AM-4PM. A journey of discovery awaits you. Educate yourself, enlighten your life and evolve as you come into contact with the resident dolphins of Southern Mozambique, on their terms. No feeding, no harassment. Just you and the dolphins, face to face in the big blue! 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 dolphin’s terms.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Gamboozini Lodge, [2]. Three hours south of Maputo you will find one of the last spots considered paradise on earth. A place where one can swim with wild dolphins, dive down to reefs from 12 meters to 50 meters packed with sea life, nature walks, deep sea fishing, kayaking, kite surfing and the choice of a busy night life or a quiet night away from it all........welcome to Ponta Do Ouro (Point of Gold) where our lodge, a 5 minute walk from the beach, is situated. Please visit our website or call Mark or Nikel: + 258 82 543 7826 or +258 82 584 6890  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

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.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Coco Rico, Ponta Do Ouro, [3]. The Coco Rico complex is within walking distance of the beach.  edit
• Gamboozini Lodge, Ponta Do Ouro, ☎ +258 82543 7826, [4]. There are many fun things to do in Ponta. World famous for diving you have reefs from 12 meters to 50 meters. Wild dolphin swimming is a must. Deep sea fishing, beach walking and picnics at the lighthouse are amongst many other things to do in Ponta. The Gamboozini Lodge, a 6 minute walk from the beach, can organize all these activities for you.  edit
• Praia de Ouro Sul (5 Star Mozambican resort), Ponta do Ouro (Next to Ponta do Ouro on the beach), ☎ 0025821650062, [5]. checkin: 14h00; checkout: 10h00. Luxurious, on the beach, offers accommodation in either permanent tents or fully-equipped wooden houses. Restaurant, bar, swimming pool, DStv, viewing deck, health and beauty salon. Caters for groups (fishing, diving, adventure), weddings, conference venue. Special packages, fly-in also available. Bi-annual fishing competitions. From R1100. (26 51 05 S,32 53 25 E) edit

[edit] Get out

• 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.