Safari Beach Resort - Machangulo
Discover the extraordinary at Machangulo, where the calming rhythm of the Indian Ocean blends with untamed adventure. Alongside Tanzania, it's one of the few places on earth where you will be living in a safari reserve that has beach access to some of the most pristine waters Africa can provide.
Machangulo, a remote peninsula in southern Mozambique, is famous for its azure waters, natural forests, and variety of activities. Along with pristine beaches and marine reserves, it offers opportunities for rock angling, deep-sea fishing, and saltwater fly fishing. The area is also a birdwatcher's paradise, home to a wide variety of pelagic, forest, and wader species. Divers and snorkelers can enjoy the year-round average water temperature of 26 degrees Celsius. The peninsula serves as a sanctuary for leatherback and loggerhead turtles during the season by providing them with valuable nesting shores. Machangulo's natural beauty and conservation philosophy make it a unique destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
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 30 minutes. You must drive through the Maputo Special Reserve via the Futi Gate, the park's sole entrance, in order to reach Machangulo by car. We will also have a dock that pulls right up to the estate.
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The resort can be accessed either by car or boat.
By car, the journey takes about 2.5 hours from Maputo City.
This route passes through the Maputo Special Reserve, offering the chance to see elephants, giraffes, and other incredible wildlife.
The preferred option is by boat, which takes only 30 minutes.
During the boat ride, you’ll experience breathtaking views of the ocean and the peninsula just off Maputo City.
The resort is close to an airport that only accepts private chartered flights.
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Location:: Maputo Province, Southern Mozambique
5 hectares of land for the resort.
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: Your private access to abundant coral reefs and marine reserves right outside your door.
Fishing: World-class fishing at your fingertips, with excellent options for deep-sea, rock angling, and saltwater fly fishing.
Big Five & Wildlife Safari: Unparalleled access to traditional safari experiences in the nearby Maputo National Park. Witness large mammals like giraffes, zebras, and elephants in the park, and spot semi-aquatic life like hippos and crocodiles in the Machangulo area.
Birdwatching: A Birder's Paradise Awaits, offering a variety of forest and coastal species visible from the community and nearby reserves.
Beach Exploration: Miles of pristine shoreline for your daily leisurely strolls, photography, or tranquil relaxation.
Adventure Travel: Seamless Access via a short, picturesque boat ride from Maputo, a chartered flight to a private airstrip, or a stunning 4x4 track through Maputo Reserve
Living at the Resort
Your home purchase grants you direct, unobstructed access to miles of exclusive beach, where you can enjoy a variety of water sports right from the shoreline.
As a resident, you will benefit from on-site amenities including:
A full-service restaurant and café for convenient dining and refreshments.
State-of-the-art community facilities are available for your use, including spaces for working out, entertaining guests, barbecuing, and gaming, fostering a relaxed and social atmosphere among residents.