Pomene October 2016: A pictorial report

[John F]

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[John F]

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[FishStyx]

Thanks for another wonderful report Marcos. Pomene is one place I have yet to see. I've wanted to get there for a long time now.


Sad about the accommodation neglect. I guess this is why some lodges change hands often. I've stayed in many places in Moz and while I completely understand the difficulties experienced by owners when it comes to laying out some infrastructure in remote areas, but OH SO OFTEN... it comes down to sheer laziness and a DGF attitude.

[John F]

Lost boats

I noticed quite a few "lost" or abandoned boats either left hidden in the mangroves or under the coconut trees. Not really sure about their origins (I bet each must have a story to tell), but I heard that the yellow one for example got stuck in the mangroves. The owner took the outboard and said to a local "if you take it out, it's  yours". No need to say it twice!!! The trailer looks good.

I saw a Kei Marine Scorpion 24 in the estuary being operated as a artisanal boat. Paintend in grey, they installed a diesel motor with a long exterior shaft and a prop!!!! I didn't have a camera/cellphone with me and I'm still kicking myself for not having a pic of that boat! Would really like to know the story behind her.

By the way if anyone can ID the large hulls below I'd appreciate it.

[ianf]

Pomene is without doubt, one of the most beautiful locations I have seen. The big problem for resort owners is its inaccessibility. While this appeals to a certain portion of the tourists, who will make the effort to get there because of that, I think it is just too much out of the way for mainstream tourists, who provide the bulk of any resorts income. I think the average SA tourist has in the back of his mind that Inhambane is far enough, and it is only the determined (and those who know better) ones that go further. This will always lead to a resort running down (not enough income, which leads to cutting corners on maintenance), and I think this is also the reason no-one has ever rebuilt the hotel - it's just not financially viable. Overall, it's nice for us who go their occasionally, to see the unspoilt beauty, and to dream of doing up the old hotel.

[John F]

The pool & the Suiss cheese rockyshore

Rocky shores and rocky pools are usually interesting places. They are great to take kids exploring and usually  (at least at low tide) are pretty safe. The Old Pomene Hotel has its own secluded "water fall" pool with plenty of fish and great snorkeling.

The most striking for me was the rocky platform itself. Amazing formation with plenty of vertical holes in various stages of development and some large enough to "engulf" a grown man. It is very unusual and interesting. Also quite dangerous to kids! The incoming tides and waves produce amazing water effects in these holes... magical stuff!

[John F]

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[John F]

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[REEFMAN]

Amazing pics John F! 

[DownUnder]

Amazing.
I wonder what you'd get fishing with a light outfit in those pools and gullys?

[Prego]

Geets come into that opening at high tide and feed on the wolf herring that are just off that break in the rocks.

December 2013 I was on the ledge casting a small spoon and catching those wolf herring when 2 geets came cruising not 5m from the ledge and into that white water machine. It was a sight to be hold.   

[WalkersKiller]

Looks amazing!!!! Wow!!!!

[DJ]

I have been to Pomene Lodge for quite a number of years.

If you are geared for camping, this is probably one of the best spots where you can go in Mozambique!!

Without a doubt the best of both worlds.

Advantages:
1. Launching out of the estuary makes life a little bit easier especially the fact that you can anchor and leave your boat in the water
2. Estuary fishing from the shore as well as from the boat gives you options. When the sea is unpleasant you can always chase some GT's
and River snapper in the estuary, even Cuta if you are lucky.
3. A number of reefs with good fishing although Zambia is a bit far (20km from Launch site)
4. Fishing at the point from the cliff at the old hotel can be spectacular with Live bait.
5. Scuba Diving reefs are plentiful and even finding Sea Horses in the estuary is exciting.
6. The fact that you have the Lodge with a great setting, wooden decks and swimming pool makes its attractive for the girls. At least they can get the sand from their feet every now and then is a plus.
7. The early morning and late afternoon walks are fantastic as well as the option just to cruise to a nice spot for a picnic on the estuary shore is special.
8. The friendly locals and the fact that you do not have any hawkers in and around the Lodge is a plus. They only come early in the morning by boat from across the estuary to sell their fruits and veggies and then depart again.
9. Fishing was great at Zambia Reef (unfortunately about 20km out from the lodge) and other reefs around the point and straight out to sea from the first mouth.
10.Pomene View Lodge is just to far from the beach and a little run down.
11. The driving from the EN1 (54km) kan be difficult when there is rain and when really hot with the loose sand in places. 4x4 is a must
12. Pomene Lodge only has 10 2 sleeper villas and a couple of Rustic cottages (Mostly privately owned) with ONLY 16 CAPSITES spread along the peninsula with baraccas and fairly good ablution facilities.
13. The Lodge is also helpful in assisting with supplies from "town" whenever they go through

I definitely recommend Pomene Lodge!!



I will definitely recommend

[WalkersKiller]

I have been to Pomene Lodge for quite a number of years.

If you are geared for camping, this is probably one of the best spots where you can go in Mozambique!!

Without a doubt the best of both worlds.

Advantages:
1. Launching out of the estuary makes life a little bit easier especially the fact that you can anchor and leave your boat in the water
2. Estuary fishing from the shore as well as from the boat gives you options. When the sea is unpleasant you can always chase some GT's
and River snapper in the estuary, even Cuta if you are lucky.
3. A number of reefs with good fishing although Zambia is a bit far (20km from Launch site)
4. Fishing at the point from the cliff at the old hotel can be spectacular with Live bait.
5. Scuba Diving reefs are plentiful and even finding Sea Horses in the estuary is exciting.
6. The fact that you have the Lodge with a great setting, wooden decks and swimming pool makes its attractive for the girls. At least they can get the sand from their feet every now and then is a plus.
7. The early morning and late afternoon walks are fantastic as well as the option just to cruise to a nice spot for a picnic on the estuary shore is special.
8. The friendly locals and the fact that you do not have any hawkers in and around the Lodge is a plus. They only come early in the morning by boat from across the estuary to sell their fruits and veggies and then depart again.
9. Fishing was great at Zambia Reef (unfortunately about 20km out from the lodge) and other reefs around the point and straight out to sea from the first mouth.
10.Pomene View Lodge is just to far from the beach and a little run down.
11. The driving from the EN1 (54km) kan be difficult when there is rain and when really hot with the loose sand in places. 4x4 is a must
12. Pomene Lodge only has 10 2 sleeper villas and a couple of Rustic cottages (Mostly privately owned) with ONLY 16 CAPSITES spread along the peninsula with baraccas and fairly good ablution facilities.
13. The Lodge is also helpful in assisting with supplies from "town" whenever they go through

I definitely recommend Pomene Lodge!!



I will definitely recommend

Great interesting info there DJ 

[Mal Hannes]

Based on your report I want to go.

Tell us a bit about your work there. Is the eco systems healthy?

I really loved the photos and want to know more.

[ianf]

Don't even think about not going!! JUST GO. You will never regret having made the decision to go there. Looking forward to seeing your pics in this report!!