Ponta do Ouro

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.

Get in

Ponta d'Ouro is the most southern town in Mozambique bordering South Africa Kwazulu Natal entering the Kosi-bay border post and 120 km south of Maputo along a tar road crossing the longest suspension bridge from Maputo and is easy accessible via the same stretch of tar road that leads from Maputo to the Kosi-bay border post into Mozambique from Kwazulu-Natal South-Africa. You will need a 4WD driving in Ponta d'Ouro and surrounding towns with the main road leading into Ponta d'Ouro tarred that ends at a 4-way crossing leaving all other roads sand roads only accessible with 4WD or high clearance vehicle with differential lock.

Getting there on public transport is no longer time consuming making use of the tar road. Several chapas run daily to Ponta d'Ouro and back with the journey taking about 1 and half an hours. The trip from Maputo to Ponta d'Ouro will take the passenger/driver over the largest suspension bridge in Africa over the Port of Maputo, through the Maputo Elephant reserve and on a scenic road.

A couple of tour operators do transfers to Ponta D'Ouro from the Kosi-Bay Border and Maputo and price of these transfers might differ from tour operator to tour operator but mainly remains in the same class range.

Get around

Getting around in Ponta is generally only done on foot unless you have a 4WD or high clearance vehicle with differential lock. 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.

See

Ponta d'Ouro is a little gem with lots to see and do. The beautiful turquoise ocean waters and beaches stretch into the Ponta d'Ouro bay, and on low tide, those keen to walk on the beaches can walk around the Point of Gold to the other side leading to the SA border and the Kosi-bay mouth. Walking north the enthusiast can walk to Ponta Malongane which is the next town following Ponta do Ouro. Dolphins and whales (during whale season from July - November) can be seen bridging and swimming up and down the coast line. During turtle egg-laying season turtles and turtle tracts can be seen going up the beach, and during hatching season small baby turtles will be seen going back to the water from their nests.

Do

One of the most perfect waves in the world, when it works that is. And keep an eye out for sharks.

Ponta d'Ouro has plenty to do including Scuba diving, Ocean safaris, swimming with dolphins, surfing and body-boarding, fishing from the boat/kayak or from the beach, kite surfing, quad bike booze cruise and visiting the local markets, handmade jewellery store, pubs and restaurants and game drives to the near Maputo reserve

From novice to experienced technical divers will love scuba diving in Ponta d'Ouro, with various dive charters that offers courses and scuba diving to each serve each and every diver from those that only want to try scuba diving to technical scuba diving, and for those who cannot or do not want to dive an alternative option is doing an ocean safari/snorkelling safaris or boat ride, showing the enthusiastic Ponta d'Ouro from the ocean side, border between South Africa and Mozambique up to Malongane or further up north to the Techobanine reef. Ponta d'Ouro dive sites includes the famous Doodles reef and Pinnacle Shark reef ranking number 8 in the world where over 20 species of shark can be viewed on the dive, our very passionate charters are also involved with conservancy and divers/snorkelers are swimming in a partially marine protected conservancy.

The Dolphin experience is not to be missed. Run by 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 crew.

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

• Dolphin Encountours Research Center (DolphinCareAfrica) (main campsite on the beach), ☏ +258843303859, connect@dolphinencountours.org. 08:00-16:00. You can come into contact with the resident dolphins of Southern Mozambique, on their terms. No feeding, no harassment. Dolphin Encountours initiated Africa's first dolphin swim program in 1996. The co-founder’s embarked on establishing Africa's first Dolphin Swim and Research Center. A strict code of conduct was developed based on advice and guidelines from international and local marine mammal experts, resulting in a program that allows close interactions on the dolphins' terms. (updated Dec 2019)
• Elephant Reserve Safari. The long drive to Ponta can be an arduous one. It can be broken up with a guided tour through the Maputo Special Reserve (Maputo Elephant Reserve). Mozaic Travel can provide transfers to Maputo via the Reserve with trained guides who have the highest success rates in encountering the Reserve's elephant herds, hippos, crocodiles, monkeys, etc., and extensive bird life. 

Buy

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.

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. Order an R&R (Rum and Rasberry) one of their most popular drinks from one of the restaurants 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

• Turrgane Estate, Ponta do Ouro, ☏ +258 73 907-4227. Horizon, francois, kurt and william rooms all equipped with air-conditioning, refrigerator and lounge area. Facilities and services are bar, restaurant and swimming pool. From 1,100 South African rand. 
• Coco Rico complex (6 minute walk from the beach). The Coco Rico complex is within walking distance of the beach. 
• Gamboozini Lodge, ☏ +258 82543 7826. The Gamboozini Lodge can organize activities for you. 
• the Waves Lodge, Ponta d Ouro (http://www.rchelicam.co.za/preview/Tri_M_Waves/Tri_M_Waves.html), ☏ +258-846159328. 10 luxury apartments (sleeps 4-5), with air-con, living room with Dstv, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, veranda and private braai-area. Pool area has a bar, fireplace and shop. Generator for power failures and laundry-area with 3 washing machines and a dryer (small extra charge, the girls will wash for you). Paragliding, diving, malongan tours, elephant-reserve trips, border pick-up, etc. 1600 SA rand/apartment/night. 

Go next

• 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.