Inhaca trip.

[dugong]

After many trips up to the Inhambane area over the last 23 years I have been mulling with the idea of a 'closer' trip to Inchaca/Santa Maria for some time.  Hookandcook's and Hammer's recent trips have sparked my interest and now with the bridge complete this seems even more attractive.

What is the deal with this trip, what arrangements are put in place for vehicle/trailer/fuel/food/drinks/permits/boat etc.......any input would be appreciated

[HooknCook]

Howzit Dugong, I have been going to Inhaca for a long time and some of my mates been going for 25years. I like it as its easy, there is plenty options for fishing and the Island is awesome in my Opinion. The fishing can be tough but on the whole its always decent, however you need to put in the time to understand what happens where and when. With the new road into Maputo its also a easy trip from Natal.

Planning is easy, you need your border docs for Car/Boat and passports and you good to go. I only buy a little Groceries in sA and stick within the limits and have never had 1 min trouble at the border. I buy my Fuel in Maputo to simplfy the border. I buy all fresh stuff(Tomatoes,Onions, Potato's etc), Beers and Rum etc all on the Island, I really urge others to do this, the people on the Island are seriously hard up and I believe in supporting them, its the right thing to do and means they can make a living!! I know its a bit more expensive but it also means a lot to them. I have a fantastic Chap that works for me on the Island and he does everything for me. I give him a shopping list before I arrive and during my stay and when I get back from fishing, The Beer is in the Fridge and he meets us with a RnR after a hard days fishing.

Accommodation, there are quite a few options. Ross Ramos, Manico and Camp Mad Marlin are more orientated towards fisherman. Nayheeni and Chamfuti more for upmarket and the Family, Santa Maria has many options.

You need to get a Nav License in Maputo, this isnt to difficult! You need a couple extra items for Safety compared to SA. Tides, I always plan around a spring tide and find a New Moon much better than a Full Moon! Plan to arrive with a Hightide around 1500, you can only launch about 2,5hrs either side of the tide in Maputo. Also your launches at Inhaca revolve around this if you stay at the above Camps.

Fishing, there are a lot of Options at Inhaca, you have a reeef System that Runs North to South in the 40-60m for probably 30km or so....you have a good Marlin fishery in the Deep, and couple good places to fish in the Shallows behind Portugeuse Island and along the Shipping Channel in the Bay.

When planning, do think about the Tides, these have a huge effect in a area like Inhaca. Springs are best but they can make the Sea very cheeky around Portugeuse and through Hells Gate. A out going tide against a NE wind is not your friend, becareful!

Anyway hope this bit of Gen helps you make a trip, if you have anymore questions just ask, Marcos is based there and i am sure he would answer and help as much as he can, he has helped me a lot!

[dugong]

Thanks!!
I have a few questions(possibly a lot )

1. what about the car/trailer in Maputo
2. and how long to get across
3. are all those places self catering?
4. boat mooring/parking

[Hammer]

Thanks!!
I have a few questions(possibly a lot )

1. what about the car/trailer in Maputo
2. and how long to get across
3. are all those places self catering?
4. boat mooring/parking

Hi Dugong

I launch from Escola Nautica and leave the car and trailer in their yard for a fee, which is safe.
It takes about a hour to cross, depending on the weather. It is about 34 km's.
They mostly are self catering, which is better. There are 2 restaurants in the town if you don't feel like cooking.
I park my boat right in front of the camp, when the tide goes out it is on the sand. Where Charles stays, they just walk it deeper when the tide goes out. The gillies are good and look after it.

Send me your number and I will send you more pic's

[Serra Moz]

Besides Escola Nautica, there are 2 more clubs / launches available in Maputo Cidade


(1) Clube Naval - you  can leave your vehicle + trailer there - I cannot recall the fees for parking, depending on the size of your boat you will be able to launch anytime, they will aslo assist you with launching - Speak to JohnF (Marcos) he is a member


(2) Clube Maritimo - you will only be able to launch on H/Tide, you can arrange for your vehicle as well. - Not sure of the fees


Now, we started a "Ski Boat Club" at Macaneta - called "Macaneta Ski Boat Club"  (Facebook) - parking can be arranged, and you will launch through the Incomati (Komati River) - I am a member of this club - Macaneta / Marracuene -/+ 35 kms from Maputo.


For driving  + document related tips / updates / realtime info - Join "DriveMoz" on Facebook, there's several Facebook pages that you can get 1st hand info from such "Mozambique for All" - "Moz Forum" - "Moz Pesca"

[Serra Moz]

Forgot to add, I usually stay at Camp Manico, purely because I know the owner, they can arrange bait / ghielie ...

[UmdlotiOnDad]

Anyone know if the new bridge is open?

[dugong]

Anyone know if the new bridge is open?

If it isn't it must be close, last date I got was 1st October 

[dugong]

Thanks for the input, much appreciated. 
I sort of know whats what, just need to find a slot.....possibly April/May and look at the options wrt the lodges/accommodation, the wife is keen on Nhoxani but that's only going to happen if we get mates to share as its quite pricey.

[HooknCook]

Bridge will be opening on the 10th November. Nhoxani is very very nice and it's lovely for a geoup or maybe 2/3 family's.

[Serra Moz]

Bridge will be opening on the 10th November. Nhoxani is very very nice and it's lovely for a geoup or maybe 2/3 family's.

Suppose to open.....

[Serra Moz]

Thanks for the input, much appreciated. 
I sort of know whats what, just need to find a slot.....possibly April/May and look at the options wrt the lodges/accommodation, the wife is keen on Nhoxani but that's only going to happen if we get mates to share as its quite pricey.

Good time to go... starting to get cooler. I guess the bridge (Maputo / KaTembe) will be done by then, there's daily updates and delays on the bridge, yes it will be an easy drive, but keep in mind there's still 60 km/h limits through the reserve etc. However you will miss Swaziland's potholed patches + no meat ban.


Contact "Manie Snyman" on Facebook, he is the owner of ManicoCamp on Inhaca, surely after Easter there will be 'slots' - also the "Inhcaca Challenge" is usually in May, so check  your dates, as the Island gets filled to the brim.


If I may, albeit a bit further up the coast, try Chidenguele (+/- 290kms North from Maputo) - good all round fishing, and there's a spot for beach launching.

[Prego]

Santa Maria is definitely the more comfortable option for the ladies. If you are going with your boat, I would consider towing it through the reserve. Unless you're dates are flexible and you can leave a day or later than proposed. That bay is no joke with a 20-30km blow so in a small mono it will not be fun.

[dugong]

Thanks for the input, much appreciated. 
I sort of know whats what, just need to find a slot.....possibly April/May and look at the options wrt the lodges/accommodation, the wife is keen on Nhoxani but that's only going to happen if we get mates to share as its quite pricey.

Good time to go... starting to get cooler. I guess the bridge (Maputo / KaTembe) will be done by then, there's daily updates and delays on the bridge, yes it will be an easy drive, but keep in mind there's still 60 km/h limits through the reserve etc. However you will miss Swaziland's potholed patches + no meat ban.


Contact "Manie Snyman" on Facebook, he is the owner of ManicoCamp on Inhaca, surely after Easter there will be 'slots' - also the "Inhcaca Challenge" is usually in May, so check  your dates, as the Island gets filled to the brim.


If I may, albeit a bit further up the coast, try Chidenguele (+/- 290kms North from Maputo) - good all round fishing, and there's a spot for beach launching.

Been to Chidenguele a few times on stop overs going north but I have only launched once, nice place but not a nice base to fish from, and there are better launch spots  and if you have heavy seas for 3-4 days then its just
The 290kms is also a factor and frankly I would rather push on to Barra/Pandine/Zav, the Inchaca trip with one less border trip and the bridge is just so much more accessible.

[dugong]

Santa Maria is definitely the more comfortable option for the ladies. If you are going with your boat, I would consider towing it through the reserve. Unless you're dates are flexible and you can leave a day or later than proposed. That bay is no joke with a 20-30km blow so in a small mono it will not be fun.

Thanks, been advised against towing it through, the boat is not too small at 18' so should be ok (also quite big to drag through sand for hours) I am also pretty flexible so won't take chances if the winds clubbing it.

[Serra Moz]

Santa Maria is definitely the more comfortable option for the ladies. If you are going with your boat, I would consider towing it through the reserve. Unless you're dates are flexible and you can leave a day or later than proposed. That bay is no joke with a 20-30km blow so in a small mono it will not be fun.

Thanks, been advised against towing it through, the boat is not too small at 18' so should be ok (also quite big to drag through sand for hours) I am also pretty flexible so won't take chances if the winds clubbing it.

Just hearsay, I agree on not towing there. I have heard any recent news or incidents.

[HooknCook]

I wouldnt tow unless its something like a Ski vee or Jetski and its on a very very well built trailer!! I have driven that road a few times to Santa Maria/Chemucane/Milli and towed a couple Jetskis and 15.6 Vidal Cat. and its not that bad, but there are a couple places that can be very tricky! The most important thing is the width of your trailer, if its not as wide as a average 4x4, you will have a couple issues!

[UmdlotiOnDad]

I wouldnt tow unless its something like a Ski vee or Jetski and its on a very very well built trailer!! I have driven that road a few times to Santa Maria/Chemucane/Milli and towed a couple Jetskis and 15.6 Vidal Cat. and its not that bad, but there are a couple places that can be very tricky! The most important thing is the width of your trailer, if its not as wide as a average 4x4, you will have a couple issues!

I hear you. We towed a 19ft Mallards Swift through the reserve. Left ponta at 10am and got to SM around midnight absolutely shattered. Destroyed one wheel and rim completely  and had to continuously realign trailer axel. Best part was that because the journey getting there was so hectic, it was decided that come time to leave, boat must go back via sea. I picked the short straw and ended up skippering her back down. What a trip

[UmdlotiOnDad]

Besides Escola Nautica, there are 2 more clubs / launches available in Maputo Cidade


(1) Clube Naval - you  can leave your vehicle + trailer there - I cannot recall the fees for parking, depending on the size of your boat you will be able to launch anytime, they will aslo assist you with launching - Speak to JohnF (Marcos) he is a member


(2) Clube Maritimo - you will only be able to launch on H/Tide, you can arrange for your vehicle as well. - Not sure of the fees


Now, we started a "Ski Boat Club" at Macaneta - called "Macaneta Ski Boat Club"  (Facebook) - parking can be arranged, and you will launch through the Incomati (Komati River) - I am a member of this club - Macaneta / Marracuene -/+ 35 kms from Maputo.


For driving  + document related tips / updates / realtime info - Join "DriveMoz" on Facebook, there's several Facebook pages that you can get 1st hand info from such "Mozambique for All" - "Moz Forum" - "Moz Pesca"

Hi Serra Moz got some questions if you can assist pls:


Is there a slip at Macaneta?


Any accommodation in the area?


Is there a fee for parking and is it safe?


Planning a trip to the island.


Thanks in advance.
Nic

[Serra Moz]

Besides Escola Nautica, there are 2 more clubs / launches available in Maputo Cidade


(1) Clube Naval - you  can leave your vehicle + trailer there - I cannot recall the fees for parking, depending on the size of your boat you will be able to launch anytime, they will aslo assist you with launching - Speak to JohnF (Marcos) he is a member


(2) Clube Maritimo - you will only be able to launch on H/Tide, you can arrange for your vehicle as well. - Not sure of the fees


Now, we started a "Ski Boat Club" at Macaneta - called "Macaneta Ski Boat Club"  (Facebook) - parking can be arranged, and you will launch through the Incomati (Komati River) - I am a member of this club - Macaneta / Marracuene -/+ 35 kms from Maputo.


For driving  + document related tips / updates / realtime info - Join "DriveMoz" on Facebook, there's several Facebook pages that you can get 1st hand info from such "Mozambique for All" - "Moz Forum" - "Moz Pesca"

Hi Serra Moz got some questions if you can assist pls:


Is there a slip at Macaneta?


Any accommodation in the area?


Is there a fee for parking and is it safe?


Planning a trip to the island.


Thanks in advance.
Nic

Good morning....LOL... it's not an island, I suppose it's sounds more idylic, and back in the day people use to cross the river via / with a ferry - now there's a bridge (Lets say one can call Macaneta a Peninsula at best) - yet lodge / camp owners loves to market the place as "an island"... marketing gimmick ? I have seen and heard of very mad / sad & disappointed people expecting a tropical island - still a nice place - my local hang out.


OK, let me give you some info as requested:


1) Slip yes, a legal one at the club that I belong to, it's called the "Macaneta Ski Boat Club" - nothing fancy yet, we are just started a 2 years ago, it's in the river and you will 'sail' out the river's mouth called the Incomati (Komati in SA)


2) Accommodation - plenty - depends what you are looking for? - Horse riding ect - Best will be to join some Moz Pages - and you can connect with the people / owners.


3) Yes parking available at launch with guard and there's bar so there's always people around - parking area is walled, and vehicles are fully visible - no strangers will be lurking around


4) There will be a launch fee I think it's 200mtn? Can find out, I should know I am a club member....LOL. but I pay yearly


5) When are you planning on visiting?


NB, I don't do much forums anymore, as you know the likes of FB / W/app killed most forums sadly, in a sense it's like watching paint dry.


You may inbox me and I can further assist.


Cheers