Mozambique’s Hidden Paradise.

The remote southern Mozambican peninsula of Machangulo is well-known for its natural forests, azure waters, and range of activities. It provides opportunities for rock angling, deep-sea fishing, saltwater fly fishing, and immaculate beaches and marine reserves. With a diverse array of waders, forest, and pelagic species, the region is also a birdwatcher's paradise. With year-round average water temperatures of 26 degrees Celsius, visitors can enjoy diving and snorkeling. During the season, the peninsula offers valuable nesting shores for leatherback and loggerhead turtles, making it a sanctuary for these turtles. Machangulo is a special place for adventurers and nature lovers because of its natural beauty and conservation philosophy.

Location

With more than 20 km of fine sandy beaches and calcarenite dunes, it spans more than 10,000 hectares. Machangulo, which is near Inhaca Island and divided by the Santa Maria Channel, is bounded to the west by Maputo Bay and to the east by the Indian Ocean.

With geographic coordinates of 26°12'59" South and 32°52'24" East, it is located in Maputo Bay, next to Inhaca Island and the Portuguese Islands.

From Maputo Marina, the area can be reached by boat; the trip takes about an hour. You must drive through the Maputo Special Reserve via the Futi Gate, the park's sole entrance, in order to reach Machangulo by car.

    1. From Maputo, drive south to Katembe Bridge and then on to Maputo National Park's Futi Gate.

    2. Enter the Maputo Special Reserve: Once inside the park, stay on the main roads and proceed to Machangulo or Santa Maria. For this trip, a 4x4 vehicle is required, and for improved traction, it is advised to reduce your tire pressure to 1.2 bar.

    3. Drive through the reserve: Spend about five hours driving through the reserve, taking in the beautiful scenery and the possibility of seeing zebras, giraffes, and elephants.

    4. Arrive at the Machangulo gate: You can continue to your destination from the Machangulo gate once you have driven through the reserve.

    • A 4x4 vehicle is needed. This trip requires a 4x4 vehicle with tires that are capable of handling 180 kPa or less.

    • Roads with sand and dirt: Be ready for difficult terrain and possible delays.

    • Pay attention to electrical poles: You can get a better sense of direction by following the electricity line through the reserve.

    • Verify directions: For comprehensive directions from Futi Gate, check with the reservations staff.

    •  Location:: Maputo Province, Southern Mozambique

    • Geographic coordinates: 26° 12’ 59’’ S, 32° 52’ 24’’ E 

    • Coastline over 20km along the Indian Ocean 

    • Adjacent landmarks include Inhaca Island, Portuguese island, and Maputo Bay.

Marine Life and Conservation

Marine reserves along the coastline safeguard endangered species, such as loggerhead and leatherback turtles, which lay their eggs there from October to March. In the Machangulo coastal dune and forest ecosystem, there is a wealth of marine life, including whales, sea turtles, dolphins, vervet monkeys, and numerous beautiful birds.

To ensure that the reserves will remain in place for many years to come, several conservation initiatives are underway. The Leatherback Turtle Research Project, which aims to conserve the Loggerhead and Leatherback marine turtles, is one of their largest initiatives.

Maputo National Park, the newest conservation area in Mozambique, was created to save the last coastal elephants in southern Africa. More than 4,000 cheetahs have been introduced to the park as part of the rewilding initiative. Nearby reserves provide traditional safari experiences, such as seeing giraffes and elephants, and Machangulo's lakes and forests are home to a variety of local species and birds.

Maputo is twenty minutes away by plane from the breathtaking Machangulo Nature Reserve. It is being considered for World Heritage Site status because of its incredible natural ecosystem. With valuable wildlife and marine life navigating its shores, this magnificent 5,700-hectare reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna along its Indian Ocean coastline. Here, hundreds of bird species can be seen in the sky, and you can get up close and personal with humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins. Even the most vulnerable species are protected thanks to the efforts of environmentally conscious businesspeople who share their values.

The Reserve

The Machangulo peninsula is home to a wide variety of animals, including antelopes (such as reedbuck and duiker), giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, cheetahs in the nearby Maputo National Park, and elephants. Marine life, including reef fish, dolphins, whales, and turtles, can be found along the coast. Large Mammals: Zebras, giraffes, and elephants are visible. Smaller Mammals & Antelope: Seek out antelope species such as kudu, duiker, and reedbuck. Carnivores: Although they are frequently elusive, cheetahs exist. Mammals that are semi-aquatic include crocodiles and hippos. Marine Life: Common sightings include dolphins, marine turtles, and seasonal humpback and southern right whales.

Apart from Machangulo's numerous research initiatives, Maputo National Park has a remarkable history of its own. Since its founding in 1932, it has created a conservation initiative that links and sustains lakes, mangrove forests, grasslands, and wetlands in order to safeguard and maintain this fragile ecosystem. Wildlife such as nocturnal spotted genets, hair bush babies, birds, bats, insects, and reptiles can be found in abundance on the verdant dunes that encircle your villa because of this initiative. These conservation projects' committed stewards are allowing ardent tourists to experience a divine region of Africa while guaranteeing its continued appreciation for many years to come.

The Weather

All year long, our tropical weather is hot and sunny. Rarely do temperatures drop below 20 degrees Celsius; they are typically in the upper 20 to low 30 degree range. The water is warm, with a temperature range of 24 to 30 degrees. The weather is pleasant and tropical in April, May, and June. During this time, you will enjoy the baking sun and cool off in the water. The days are warm and the evenings are cool in July, August, September, and October. Don't forget to pack some warm jackets and summer clothing. We can see humpback whales traveling thousands of kilometers from Antarctica to East Africa to give birth during this time of year. There are hot days and unexpected downpours in November, December, and January. Don't forget to bring an umbrella and any items you'll need for protection. During this time, you will also witness the loggerhead and leatherback turtles laying their eggs on the beaches. March brings warm days and evenings with sporadic showers. You should consider the season you are visiting if you want to see a specific kind of wildlife. Do extensive research to determine the best time to see that specific fauna at its peak.

Seek out Santa Maria

In the 1980s, Machangulo, our very own slow-down town, was just a small neighborhood with one simple place to stay—a rustic campsite known as Camp Carlos. It is a thriving center today. Santa Maria, Machangulo's village, is located on the busier western side of the peninsula. Due to lodges catering to weekenders on a jaunt, there is typically more activity here as a result of growing tourism. Nonetheless, fishing continues to be the main village activity. You can purchase basic necessities in the town, which is accessible via dirt tracks. You can find traditional bakeries and small shops selling airtime, seasonal vegetables, sweets, and, if you're lucky, fuel by following the aroma of freshly baked pao. Fishermen and trading dhows stop by the Santa Maria harbor to unload goods that are brought in from Maputo, which is always bustling.

Sail over to Inhaca Island

Take a dhow ride through history. Inhaca Island is isolated from the Machangulo Peninsula by a narrow channel, which is known as Hell's Gate because of the tidal water that rushes in and out of Maputo Bay.The most accessible of Mozambique's numerous offshore islands, this island was once a trading post for valuable ivory from the region in the 1500s. Today, it serves as a popular weekend escape from mainland Maputo. Thanks to decades of conservation, this area has a typical tropical island vibe, with nice beaches and vibrantly colored reefs off the west coast. Large areas of the island and its surrounding waters were declared a marine reserve in 1976. Visitors can visit the area by barge, dhow, or ferry for day trips where they can snorkel, kayak, or just take a stroll. Don't forget your binoculars! The island is home to more than 300 species of birds.

Activities & Attractions

For those who enjoy the outdoors and adventure, Machangulo is a paradise:

  • Snorkeling and diving: It's a great place to explore the water because of its abundant coral reefs and marine reserves.

  • Fishing: There are excellent fishing options, ranging from deep-sea and rock angling to salt-water fly fishing.

  • Birdwatching: With a variety of forest and coastal species, this location is perfect for bird watchers.

  • Beach Exploration: Savor expansive, nearly empty beaches that are ideal for leisurely strolls, taking pictures, or just relaxing.

  • Adventure Travel: Reached by a chartered flight landing on a private airstrip, a strenuous 4x4 track through Maputo Reserve, or a picturesque one-hour boat ride from Maputo.

Accommodation

The Machangulo Beach Lodge Machangulo Beach Lodge is a noteworthy lodging option that provides "barefoot luxury" in this unspoiled haven.

• Design & Location: Situated on a remote peninsula, offering unhindered views of the dunes and ocean. Enjoy amenities like a restaurant, spa services, WiFi, air-conditioned rooms, a private beach, and a swimming pool.

A Curious Chapter: The “Machangulo Affair”

When Dutch Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima invested in a sustainable resort project in Machangulo in 2009, it made headlines. The royal couple chose to sell the property in late 2009 amid political, local, and transparency issues.

Visa

Visa Holders of most Southern African Development Community (SADAC) passports and the following countries do not require a visa:

Citizens of the countries Canada, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Israel, USA, Russia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Great Britain, Korea, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Finland, Indonesia, Ireland, Singapore, Ghana, Senegal, Germany, France, Italy, China, Portugal and Ukraine

Citizens of the countries above are authorized to travel to Mozambique for a duration of a maximum of 30 days without prior registration and must, upon entry, pay a fee equivalent to 650 meticais (approximately 9 USD) and submit the three documents usually requested. These are;

  • A passport valid for at least six months,

  • a round-trip flight ticket (for those travelling by air),

  • And a confirmation of accommodation, which can be arranged through hello@machangulovillas.com.

All other nationalities have to apply for a visa online via https://evisa.gov.mz/. This will take approximately 7 business days and cost a minimum of $50.