Pomene Activities & Attractions, Mozambique

Activities & Attractions:

Somewhere around 1960, a ship called the Berea was shipwrecked on the South Beach of Pomene. Parts of the ship were still on the beach when The Shipwreck Lodge was being built a few years ago. Pomene was initially discovered when a road was built to recover the valuable sugar cargo on the Berea. This event in turn led to the development of the Old Pomene Hotel, also once known as the holiday home of Samora Machel.

This remote location on the east coast of Africa is the perfect place for keen fishermen, eco-tourists and divers to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Also known as the Jewel of Mozambique, these parts of Mozambique are hidden away and undoubtedly hold some of the most diverse and unspoilt waters along the east coast of Africa. Through sustainable utilisation, community development and conservation we are able to hold on to the natural heritage and invite people from around the world to experience the ultimate adventure. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy everything from the coastal dune forests, the estuary, the mangroves, to the rocky shores and silver beaches.

The wide range of activities in the area will keep you busy and leave you satisfied after every day. There is something for everybody whether it's bird watching, photography, water sports (you are welcome to bring your jet ski, kites or whatever you like), spearfishing, snorkelling and scuba.

The point of the bay is ideal for fishing off of the rocks, the old ruins of the once vibrant and popular "Old Hotel" is also on this point. The hotel was abandoned in 1974 during the civil war in Mozambique, only 6 years after it was built and it has never been rebuilt or used since. Legend has it that on the very point of the rocks, there was once a fighting chair bolted into the rocks where fishermen could fight large fish from, including marlin.

Deep Sea Fishing Charter:

Fishing in these parts proves to be quite the challenge, we therefore invite any fellow adventure seekers to come and hunt the deep sea with us in Pomene, Mozambique. World class big game fishing is renowned in Pomene, common catches include: Wahoo, Kingfish, Tuna, Blue and Black Marlin, Sail fish, Couta, Green Job fish, Rainbow runner, Bonito, Dorado and many more.

In this particular area, the launch method most commonly used is called a "DROP"; it is very practical and also very exciting. After everybody gets onto the boat (while the boat is still on the trailer and the Land Cruiser is hooked on facing the boat), the Land Cruiser drives the boat and trailer into the water whereby the boat will slip off of the trailer and drop into to water. After dropping we do a quick turnaround either by hand or by using the motors, we will then find a gully and move towards the open sea.

When fishing we must keep one thing in mind: "A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work " Enjoy the ocean, have a good sense of humour, and just have a great time even if the fish are less active that day.

Upon our exit from the sea, we use another exciting method called a "BEACH"; here we find a suitable wave to ride on the back of, after reaching the shallower waters through the gully. It's very important for the captain not to overshoot the wave and he must also take care that the following wave does not catch up and dump into the boat. The boat is equipped with a beaching kit that makes the engines lift up as soon as they hit the sand, so the captain gains enough speed and drives the boat right onto the beach.

The Captain will give a few commands to ensure a safe beach, the most important of them being that the crew hold on tight and also to make sure that the deck is cleared of all objects that might fall around or get stepped on, particularly sharp objects.

Fishing:

Fishing at Pomene is very good and offers easy access by boat from Casa Ray. On a receding spring tide at dawn or dusk, excellent surf fishing can be had at the mouth of the estuary. Pomene is one of the prime fishing venues on the Mozambique coast. Species frequently taken are King Mackerel, Queen Mackerel, Tuna (several species), Kingfish (several species) and Wahoo. Assist us to preserve Pomene as a world class angling venue by limiting your catch to what you can eat during your stay. Catch and release whenever possible.

Diving & Snorkeling:

Zambia South reef is a famous dive site as is Raapies Playstation off the point of the old hotel. Bring your own equipment or visit the dive centres in the vicinty. Snorkelers, don't miss the downed timber in the estuary where an impressive variety of reef dwellers can be seen. There is an accessible reef for snorkelling on the North Beach.

Kayaking:

Take a boat ride or kayak up the estuary into the mangroves. Dolphins are often seen inside the estuary as well as the rare dugong. Fishing from fishing skiis is also done in the estuary and a number of good sized fish have been caught here.

Mozambique:

A holiday to Mozambique means getting to know an authentic part of Africa which also has a strong Portuguese influence.It is a land which can mutate in just a few kilometres, from its white sands with the coral reef of the Indian Ocean, to its plateaus and mountains which almost reach 3000 metres, or to the legendary Rift Valley, the cradle of the human race, which lies in the center of the country. Here, the population is cheerful and hospitable. The territory is shared by colonial cities and villages made up of huts and mangrove forests, unspoilt archipelagos and great natural reserves.

Beach Walks:

There are lots of A frame beach breaks, rock and clay points along the coast at Pomene. The wave is fun and maneuverable, lots of dolphins in the water, beaches are deserted so great for exploring as well as awesome footage opportunities available. The water is ALWAYS warm so bring boards shorts.

Birding:

The broad range of habitats in the vicinity of the Ridge makes this an exciting (and hitherto unexplored) venue for birders.

Activities:

The choice of the day's activities is entirely up to you - swimming, snorkeling, surfing, canoeing, estuary and deep sea fishing, hunting for treasures, reading, sleeping...

A vast labirynth of mangrove inlets offer magnificent bird and marine life in and around the estuary. Many an hour can be spent exploring these fascinating ecosystems.

Pomene Hideaway is an angler's paradise, a bird watchers dream and is an ideal location for family holidays with pristine coral reefs that are excellent for diving and snorkeling. You may find yourself literally having a whale of a time, swimming with ever present whale sharks, humpback whales or manta rays.