Come Easter, the hoards head to the Pontas: but there’s still a way to beat the crowds in southern Mozambique. I went on an investigative trip with my pops to find the perfect holiday in Ponta do Ouro and Ponta Malongane for the March issue of Getaway. We ate, drank, swam, fished and dived our way through the points on this pretty coast, and found our favourite spots.
Here’s why it’s worth the trip
- It’s just across the border from South Africa and luckily for Durbanites, it’s just a six-hour road trip.
- There’s no need to fuss about changing currency.
- The cost of a Mozambican holiday is still reasonable. Six days, including 4×4 hire, meals, fuel (beers and diesel) for dad and I came to about R15000.
- Mozambique is on New York Times’ 52 places to go in 2016.
- The best – the very, very best – peri-peri chicken.
If that’s not enough to convince you, these photos should do the rest.
6. Big bays and sun-lit beaches where turtles like to bury their eggs.
7. Fresh and enormous prawns caught up the coast at Santa Maria.
8. Tropical mangoes growing beside restaurants, and cold local lagers.
9. And right next door, you can find zebra and red sand dunes perfect for stargazing.
10. Classic R&Rs: a cheerful mixture of rum and a splash of raspberry.
11. Gorgeous pools for when the sea doesn’t tickle your fancy that afternoon.
12. Cashew nuts and hand-carved crafts.
13. Old-school camping spots that are a little run-down, but shady, quiet and have great locations.
14. Potent historical reminders and authentic peri-peri chicken, flame-grilled the proper way.
15. Plenty of smiles.
16. Boardwalks that lead straight onto postcard-perfect beaches.
17. Sea-coloured restaurants with excellent fare, and candle-lit tables in the sand.
Read the comprehensive guide to the Pontas and find out where to eat, stay and play in the March 2016 issue of Getaway magazine.
Our March issue is packed full of affordable holiday ideas for 2016. Get your copy today.
This article, Photoblog: 17 reasons to head to the Pontas in Mozambique, was originally posted on the Getaway Blog by Melanie van Zyl.