Information

Ponta du Oura means place of Gold, given this name because of the golden sunrises over the bay. It is a quaint little town in southern Mozambique just 10km from the South African border. A mere 4 hours from Durban and 10 hours from Johannesburg (currently due to road works) it’s the perfect spot for weekend get-aways or long lazy holidays. You will find beautiful beaches, dune forests, awesome diving and ever stretching deep blue seas. The town is a buzz of activity with a traditional market of food and crafts. Visit the small cantinas and indulge your taste buds at some of the local restaurants. The town has a small super market, bottle store, fish shop and bakery so most things are available in the town, bottled water and ice are also available. Cell phone reception is available on international roaming or in limited spots on normal SA signal. As Ponto da Oura is a low risk Malaria area we recommend you speak to your doctor about appropriate medication but we always advise to come prepared with good insect repellant.
Mozambique is 4×4 territory so you will need a suitable vehicle. Border transfers can be arranged at R160.00 per person return.

What you need to prepare for the border

• Valid passports
• A pen
• Car registration papers have to be produced at the border
• R0 per SA passport and R545 per foreign passport including children
• Drivers license
• R10 for car registration
• R150 for compulsory car insurance and R80 per trailers
• If you have your log book you should bring it with you or if not a letter from the bank to say you can take the car over the border
• It is also advisable to tell your insurance company you are taking your car out of the country.

When you arrive at the border the SA passport control is on your left. One person can take all the passports. They will ask you where you are going (Ponto) and what your car registration number is. Then go across to the Mozambique passport control. There you will have to fill out a small white form (the pen) and pay R0 per SA passport and R545 per foreign passport. Take the right change it you can as they often don’t have. The driver can in the mean time pass through the gates. Once you are on the Mozambique side you will need to go to the car registration which is the first building on the left. You will fill out a form and pay R10. They will give you a copy of this form which you will take to the insurance huts to get your compulsory third party insurance, cars R150 & trailers R80.00. Once you have your insurance you can let you types down and get on your way.

Directions to Phambuka

Once across the border you will pass through a second gate turn right here and head towards the coast. look out for the small white signs with blue writing and a yellow sun on and says “Paire da Oura Sol” (this resort is next door to Phambuka), these boards are all along the road so follow them.

Don’t worry about all the different roads splitting and joining just follow the white “Praire da Oura Sol” signs. You will head towards the coast for a while and then parallel to the coast for a while. Eventually you will come to an “intersection” on the right there will be a big yellow house, keep following the road to the right.

Continue following white “Praire da Oura Sol” signs. You will eventually come into Ponto town, on the left you will pass the market and Fernando’s pub (it is advisable to stop here for a cold beer).

Shortly after the market you will get to an intersection (the only bit of tar road in the town). At this intersection turn right. You will pass the police station on the right. Continue to follow the white signs along this road. Shortly after the police station the road will fork take the left road. The road will continue and double back a bit, just keep following the white boards.

You will soon come to a big green board on the right with “Phambuka” on it, turn right into this gate. As you pass through the entrance turn right immediately and follow the road around and down to the reed wall. Park here you have arrived!! Well done.

I know it sounds like a treasure hunt but no one has got lost following these directions….yet!

Mozambique cell number: [ 25 884 6033658 ]

GPS co-ordinates

S 26 degrees 51.183’
E 32 degrees 53.274’
Elevation 24 metres

Local Activities

Snorkeling

Snorkeling at the main Ponto bay is very popular and fun for the whole family or snorkeling trips on the Phambuka dive boat to a shallow reef can be arranged at the camp.

Dolphin & Whale watching

Ponto bay is very fortunate to have regular visits from dolphins, whale sharks & seasonal hump back whales. Viewing trips on the Phambuka dive boat can be arranged at the camp.

Beaches

Phambuka camp has direct access to a beautiful unspoilt beach. Just a 5 minute walk through the bush will bring you to a quiet stretch of breath taking coast line. The main Ponto bay has a fantastic beach which is sheltered most of the time and ideal for swimming and snorkeling. If you want to explore further take a drive north of Ponto and discover the many beaches perfect for picnics swimming and snorkeling.

Deep Sea fishing

Deep sea fishing is a very popular sport in Ponto da Oura. You can bring you own boat but be sure to get a launch certificate from the harbour master before you launch. Deep sea fishing trips can be arranged through professional local fishing charters.

Shore fishing

You can shore fish alone most beaches in Ponto da Oura except at the main swimming beach. The quite beach accessed from Phambuka camp is ideal for fishing.

Surfing & Kite surfing

Ponto Da Oura main beach is very popular for surfing, on good days the waves are long and consistent. When the wind picks up the kite surfing is outstanding along the long stretch of beach from the bay. Surf boards and kayaks can be hired from the main beach.

Jet Skiing

Jet skiing is permitted in the Ponto da Oura main bay however you must obtain a launch certificate before you launch. There are also very specific rules pertaining to jet skis.

Game parks

There are several great game parks with in a reasonable driving distance of Ponto da Oura. The Maputo elephant reserve about 50 km north of Ponto . Tembe Elephant Park is about 1 hour away in South Africa and just passed Tembe is Ndumo game reserve which is a real treat for game and bird life.

Restaurants, Cantinas & pubs

Ponto da Oura has a wonderful selection of local restaurants and pubs which offer a tasty selection of cusine and interesting local drinks.

• Florentines
• Motel da Mar
• Bula Bula
• Beach Bar
• Fish Mongor
• Come to see bar
• 360 Degrees
• Fernando’s Pub
• Carlos Bar
• The Sharks Bar
• The Blue Bulls pub