Machangulo Beach Lodge

I wish there was a 6-star option because five stars simply aren’t enough to describe how incredible this paradise-like lodge is. From the breathtaking views, perfect private beach, delicious food, gorgeous rooms, amazing adventure options and beyond wonderful staff, expectations are exceeded from the moment you step foot off the boat and onto the exquisite beach. I’d like to give a big shout out to the people who made this holiday all the more special. Thank you to Jose, Paulo, Claudio and Lidia - you made us feel so at home and we couldn’t be more grateful for your kindness.

A true piece of paradise a short flight and a boat trip from Gauteng. The flight is a hour, short transfer to the marina en then a boat trip for about 70 min. The lodge has very friendly staff. Great food. Portions are not big but right sized. Great pub and restaurant. Rooms all have a sea view. Lots of steps to move around, but worth the while. We will definitely come back.

Stayed at this resort for 3 nights following a safari in the Kruger and was a great place to stay to chill out by the beach after a busy week on safari. Lovely spacious rooms built on a hill with beautiful views down to the beach below, out to sea and across to Inhaca Island on the other side of the channel. Due to the greenery around they were also very private. As the resort is south facing, we could also watch the sunrise in the morning from our huge terrace and if you walked up the hill you could watch the sunset in the evening. We were full board, and all meals were good although we had to pick our menu choice at breakfast time which wasn’t easy as you didn’t really know what you’d fancy first thing in the morning. The staff were also very friendly and helpful. We did go on a snorkelling trip across to Inhaca Island booked through the hotel but wouldn’t recommend it as the current was too strong and most of us didn’t feel safe swimming in the current. The best things about the resort are the location and views. The resort is very remote so almost no one else around so some beautiful, quiet walks around the sand dunes but be aware of the tides as you can get cut off at times. Our main negative other than the snorkelling trip was the boat transfer from Maputo to the resort which took 1.5 hours and as only the front of the small boat was covered half of us were soaked by the time we got there and very cold. Be aware also that due to its location there are a lot of stairs to climb. Did we enjoy our stay – yes just for the location alone but would stay again? Probably not as stayed in other hotels in Mozambique which we preferred which are reached easily by road.

Do not drive through the National Park to reach Machangulo Beach Lodge unless you have a strong 4X4 and you are very adventurous. Going by boat is much faster and easier. By car only for the experience 4X4 drivers and if you want to have a real African experience.