Ponta d'Ouro
Get in[edit]Ponta d'Ouro is 120km south of Maputo along a new tar-road. You no longer need a 4WD. Getting there on public transport has now become a lot easier thanks to the new road and the bridge replacing the ferry. The journey takes around 2 hours. 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. Get around[edit]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. Walking through the thick sand in the village is strenuous. If you wake up not knowing why your legs hurt - this will be it. You can also hire a quad bike which seats two people to drive around in. Useful, especially on very hot days. See[edit][add listing]Do[edit][add listing]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. Do[edit][add listing]
Buy[edit][add listing]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. Eat[edit][add listing]Drink[edit][add listing]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 resturaunts 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. Sleep[edit][add listing]
Get out[edit]
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.
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