Santa Maria Mozambique

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Santa Maria Mozambique

Learn more about the beachside getaway of Santa Maria in Mozambique

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Santa Maria is a stunning island-style holiday getaway situated on the eastern coast of the Machangulo peninsula with spectacular views of Maputo and Inhaca Island over the Maputo Bay. Enjoy endless activities and attractions to do close by.

Santa Maria Accommodation

Big Game Deep Sea Fishing

Deep sea fisherman will be excited to hear that some of the worlds best big-game fishing is found off the shores of Santa Maria, claiming a few world records for various shark and big-game fish catches. Trips out to sea on a well equipped fishing boat can be arranged with various lodges offering these charter services. Common big-game catches include Marlin, Tuna, Barracuda, Dorado and Kingfish.

Explore Ponta Torres' Coral Reef

Ponta Torres is a protected coral reef reserve and is situated across the 400m Santa Maria Channel off Inhaca Island. There are beautiful coral reefs perfect for snorkeling and boat excursions around the west coast of Inhaca Island is highly recommended.

Boat Excursions to Portuguese Island

±7km from Santa Maria is the well renowned Ilha dos Portugueses (Portuguese Island) - an uninhabited island where cruise ships dock. During the colonial days it was a major trading post for ivory and was referred to as the Elephant Island. Today, ruins of a once leper colony can be found within the center of the island. Beautiful shallow waters, sandbars and a stunning lagoon is located north of the island.

Snorkeling in the 'Coral Gardens'

For avid diver enthusiasts, the crystal clear waters off the neighboring island of Inhaca offers unsurpassed diving and snorkeling. The Coral Gardens (Barreira Vermelha) and Hotel Reefs are just a short boat ride away where the waters are shallow and warm and perfect for novice snorkelers and divers – The Coral Gardens comprise of a wall which is approximately 400 meters long and covered in hard and soft coral which attract a multitude of colourful tropical fish such as parrot fish, damsels, bannerfish, trigger fish, octopus and lobsters; with the Hotel Reef being fairly flat and having more sandy patches.

Fun Fact:

Find beautiful pansy shells off the beaches of Santa Maria during a spring low tide, full or new moon. Read more about Santa Maria

Maputo Special Reserve

One of the world's most endangered eco-regions, the 24 000 ha Maputo Special Reserve, established in 1960 offers holiday seekers the opportunity to go on an adventurous game drive where elephants, hippos, crocodiles, antelope, zebras, giraffe among others roam in this peaceful reserve of lakes, wetlands, swamp forests, grasslands and mangrove forests flocking with various different bird species, and a stunning coastline of pristine beaches stretching for miles.

Whale Watching in Santa Maria

Migrating whales can be seen breaching off the coast of Inhaca Island between September and October, so keep an eye out for these magnificent creates if you are travelling to Mozambique during this migration period. if you are lucky, you may even spot the rare humpback dolphin specie. Whale watching boat trips can be arranged from Santa Maria.

Trips to Ponta Abril Beach

Located on the Eastern side of the peninsula is another beautiful beach of Ponta Abril which is within the Machangulo Private Nature Reserve. Elevated beach dunes boast stunning ocean views ideal for whale watching when in season (September and October). If your timing is right, leatherback and loggerhead turtles can be seen nesting along these coastal beaches and sights of turtle hatchlings scrambling to shore to begin a new life under the sea.

Machangulo Private Nature Reserve

The natural eco-system of the Machangulo Private Nature Reserve which is now renamed as the Elephant Coast Park is actually being considered for World Heritage Site status. Birdwatchers will be ecstatic to know that there are recordings of over 350 bird species on the Machangulo Peninsula, so don't forget to pack a pair of binoculars. Many travelers to Machangulo Private Nature Reserve report guaranteed sightings of elephants every time they visit. Other game and wildlife sightings in the reserve include giraffe, zebra, monkeys.

Santa Maria Village

Stop over at Santa Maria's Village where there is a little market selling basic supplies, alcohol, fuel station and a 190m long pier to take a leisurely stroll along with beautiful bay views where local fishermen are seen fishing off their dhow boats to trade their daily catch with local markets and to visitors in the area.

Maputo

If you have the time and opportunity, day drives to Maputo is a must to experience city life, beaches, large open markets, restaurants, historical landmarks, Catembe, Xefina Island and lots more. Click here for more information.

Collect Pansy Shells

These beautiful shells can easily be found off the beaches of Santa Maria during a spring low tide, full or new moon.

Santa Maria Accommodation

See Holiday Destinations Near Santa Maria:

Inhaca Island 0.5 km

Inhaca Island is just a stone's throw away from Portuguese Island, an uninhabited island where cruise ships dock! Welcome to Inhaca Island! Located 40km off the Maputo coast line, an inlet of the Indian Ocean at the mouth to Maputo Bay

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Machangulo 20 km

Looking to spend a relaxing holiday surrounded by untamed wildlife, marinelife, birdlife, blue ocean water, spectacular views, long stretches of pristine secluded beaches, lush flora, peace and tranquillity?

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Maputo 188 km

The largest and busiest city - Maputo is the capital of Mozambique. Maputo is a big city with plenty of things to do and attractions close by. Where historical monuments with beautiful architecture still stand and where museums invite you ...

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Santa Maria Reviews thus far:

If you have been to Santa Maria before, we'd appreciate you share your experiences, tips and suggestions. Please rate and write your review below ...

Santa Maria

Santa Maria is a stunning island-style holiday getaway situated on the eastern coast of the Machangulo peninsula with spectacular views of Maputo and Inhaca Island over the Maputo Bay ...

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Other Places of Interest:

Bazaruto Islands

Southern Mozambique

Santa Carolina (One of the Bazaruto Islands) hosted the popular and well known TV Show 'Survivor South Africa' in 2010.

Machangulo

Southern Mozambique

Visitors will be pleasantly treated with a game drive through the Maputo Special Reserve before reaching the Machangulo Peninsula. Spot various wildlife from elephants to giraffes, zebra, antelope, flamingos, crocodiles, hippos, birdlife among others ...

Zavora

Southern Mozambique

Zavora is a beautiful beach renowned for its huge protective reef running 2km parallel and close to the shoreline. This reef acts as a natural tidal pool with shallow, calm waters, perfect for activities such as snorkeling, swimming and fishing

Island of Mozambique

Northern Mozambique

The Island of Mozambique has played an important role since the 10th century in intercontinental trade to the East, in the 16th century is was an established and wealthy trading port for ships sailing on monsoon winds and where cargoes of ivory, gold and slaves were traded for fabrics and spices from India and Arabia.

Tofo

Southern Mozambique

Tofo Bay is ideally situated along the well renowned Manta Coast - a popular dive site region for all levels of diving experience with over 30 dive sites to explore.

Santa Maria

Southern Mozambique

Find beautiful pansy shells off the beaches of Santa Maria during a spring low tide, full or new moon.

Pomene

Southern Mozambique

Ponta Falsa (the tip of Pomene beach) has some great rocky cliff features including the "whole in the wall" and a huge blowhole. Explore the ruins of the Old Pomene Hotel which was once the holiday home of Samora Machel where one can admire beautiful bay views

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Quick Tips
Booking early is crucial !!

If you are serious about planning a holiday in Mozambique for Easter, the school holidays or during the Christmas festive season and New Year, then we highly suggest you start placing enquiries a few months in advance to avoid dissapointment. Eg: Start enquiring no later than October for the December holidays.

Believe it or not, people start enquiring as early as January for the December holidays.

Looking for border information?

Need to know what documents are required at Mozambique's border as well as other important information? Click here (opens in new tab) for all the details ...

The "From" (starting) rates ...

Remember, some establishments charge either per unit or per person sharing. If the rate is per unit, then you'll see we have conveniently divided the rate to what-it-would-be per person sharing on their advert under the "Rates" tab.

Use the Currency Converter tool

Some establishments charge in different currencies such as the US Dollar, South African Rands or Mozambican Meticais (Mt).
So we've provided a handy currency converter tool at the bottom left-hand side of your screen (or under 'Useful Tools' if you're on a mobile device) to convert these currencies into yours.

Explore beyond

Use our Mozambique Pictorial Map to find other amazing places you've never heard of before whether it be close to where you're looking or further beyond. There are so many "hidden gems" in Mozambique than just the usual spots.

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Categories Explained

For better understanding, we have put together a brief summary guide of what each category means and to also give you an idea of what each associated icon refers to when you see them on listings & adverts.

Listed in alphabetical order

Backpackers Lodge:

Those who are on a tight budget should keep a lookout for this category icon. This type of establishment offers dormitory (shared) bedroom accommodation with other "Backpackers" generally using either single beds or bunk beds with a communal kitchen and shared ablutions.

Bar On-Site:

Meaning the venue has its own bar on-site with staff serving alcohol/non-alcohol beverages and perhaps "pub-grub" included. They may offer satellite TV for bar patrons to follow the latest sporting fixtures live and may also host live music on certain days / evenings.

Bed & Breakfast:

If an establishment has this icon, this means they either include breakfast in their rates or offer the opportunity for you to choose to include breakfast during your stay which is usually served to guests in an on-site breakfast room dinette or restaurant. Some B&B's offer basic / light (continental) breakfasts, Full English breakfasts or buffet style breakfast options.

Campsite / Glamping:

Either they offer camping grounds for you to pitch your own tent if on a tight budget and / or they have their own pre-setup tents for you to camp in, some offering private facilities (aka "Glamping") within their tents such as beds, a fridge, sofa and bathroom.

Conference Venue:

This means the establishment has a dedicated hall room specially arranged and equipped with most facilities to host important business meetings, teambuilding events or any other occasion alike.

Disabled Friendly Accommodation:

Goes without saying. Any establishment marked with this icon and listed under this category offers facilities for those who have reduced mobility. They may have basic facilities for these conditions or advanced. Kindly enquire with them directly for more information and/or specific requirements you may need.

Dive Charter:

These are dive centres who are a team of qualified dive instructors (PADI which means Professional Association of Diving Instructors) offering SCUBA diving lessons for clients and excursions to some of the best dive sites in the region for an unforgettable underwater adventure.

Eco Lodges:

Environmentally friendly establishments built by local communities using naturally sourced / non-toxic materials with the objective of protecting the surrounding habitat. These types of lodges range from rustic bush and beach to luxury accommodation. Not only does this movement protect the environment, but it also helps support local families.

Fishing Charter:

This means the associated business offers professional paid-for deep sea fishing charters / outings and excursions for those fishing enthusiasts (and for newbies). They generally have a fully equipped fishing boat and all the fishing gear ready for clients to bait up and cast a line. Their expertize, knowledge and experience will reward you with some of the best fishing spots for an action packed deep sea fishing experience.

For Sale:

If you're looking to invest or buy property in Mozambique, keep an eye out for this category for the latest in the property market.

Full Board Accommodation:

Full Board means breakfast, lunch and dinner (also known as "All Inclusive"). If a venue is listed under this category, then they either offer guests the choice of a full board meal plan during their stay or their rates by default include full board meals. a lot of these establishments will have private personal chefs serving guests top class cuisine.

Group Accommodation:

Because this is a popular search and request amongst many, we have created this specific category for exactly that - group accommodation which is very much the same as our Holiday Homes category. These are establishments that can cater and accommodate for large groups of 8 people and up in the same house / unit offering most self catering facilities as if you are "home away from home".

Guest House:

Similar to a typical B&B, a Guest House is usually a private house offering very few accommodation units all within the main building structure (or some seperately). Some serve home cooked meals within their in-house dining room specially catered to seat all their guests and offer a lounge area where fellow travellers can interact, socialize and share stories.

Holiday Home:

This type of accommodation is usually ideal for large groups of people going on holiday being a "home away from home" with numerous bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen for your self catering needs, lounge, toilets, braai/BBQ area, some with a swimming pool and some offering exclusive privacy.

Honeymoon / Romantic Accommodation:

Very self-explanatory. A venue will be listed under this category if they offer a specific luxury, private honeymoon suite or because our admin has "hand-picked" the establishment to be perfect for such an occasion based on their location and facilities offered. However, you are the best judge when it comes to planning that special getaway with your loved one anyway. Pssst ... and it doesn't have to be expensive either to enjoy, right?!

Hotel:

A hotel is generally a large premises that can accommodate a large amount of guests in many adjacent rooms grading from standard 2 sleeper units to "executive" luxury suites offering more in-room space and facilities. They generally have a restaurant and bar on-site for all day meals and drinks (quite often offered on a buffet dining basis). Other on-site facilities may include a swimming pool, gym, spa, in/outdoor entertainment area for kids, a conference / wedding room for meetings / ceremonies and a small shop.

Restaurant / Personal Chef(s) On-Site:

This indicates that the establishment has a small / large restaurant on-site for their guests (they may also accept walk-ins for non-guests) or they have on-board catering staff serving guests in their own private space or in a designated dining area.

Self Catering:

This type of establishment offers guests facilities required to cater / cook on their own terms whether it be within a holiday home for example or on communal grounds.

Spa:

This means the establishment has spa facilities and services offered to guests who are looking for personal treatments during their vacation.

Tours & Safaris:

These business services can range from swimming with dolphins, horse riding, city tours, boat tours, island tours, dhow tours to game drives and more. You'll have to click on their advert to find out more and what they have to offer.

Wedding Venue:

This means, the venue has all the on-site facilities and catering services to host large or small weddings and ceremonies. Depending on the size of the wedding, some may have enough units to accommodate all wedding guests.