Activities & Excursions

Mamasita Charters

Mamas lodge has her own 16ft Ski Boat, Mamasita. The boat has 2x Outboard 4 Stroke engines and is a highly capable boat for fishing, snorkelling and spear fishing excursions within the inshore waters of Maputo Bay.

Please note: All day trips are whether dependant and Tigo, our highly qualified skipper and manager, will notify you if an excursion has to be cancelled or moved to another day. All day excursions are to be paid in cash (Meticals).

 

Day Trips and Sunset Cruises

Portuguese Island (3000MT)

Take a short trip to the uninhabited, neighbouring Island, where the snorkelling is incredible, the beaches are endless and the search for Pansy Shells and other natural wonders will keep you occupied for hours. See for yourself why so many cruise liners stop off the Island to show tourists what a true, tropical deserted Island Experience is all about. Take lunch for the day and enjoy!

Santa Maria (6500MT)

Whether you are being collected at Santa Maria to come to the Island after adventuring through the, Maputo Elephant Park, or simply going for a day trip to visit the markets, fish market and a lovely lunch at Bemugis, our Skipper can run you across the Bay to Santa Maria. Take the time to walk along the estuary to the mouth of the infamous, Hell’s Gate and enjoy the natural beauty of this incredible water course. There is so much to do, taste and experience. Santa Maria is a 30-40 minute boat ride from the Lodge.

Whale and Dolphin Watching (4500MT)

Join Captain Tigo on a cruise around the waters of Inhaca and Portuguese Island looking for Dolphins and Whales. During the months of July through to the end of November, migrating Humpback Whales and the occasional Southern Right Whale frequent the shores of Inhaca to mate, give birth and nurture their offspring before making their long and arduous journey back to the Antarctic to feed. These large mammals and their smaller cousins need to be seen and heard from the water to truly appreciate their incredible beauty and grace.

Pack your cooler box, take a picnic and join Tigo as he shows the wonderful waters and our incredible wildlife of the Inhacan waters.

Snorkelling the Coral Gardens (1000MT)

Just a short boat ride from Mamas Lodge is the Coral Garden Marine reserve. You can literally spend hours, exploring the reefs, checking out coral, giant clams, starfish and hundreds of different fish varieties. This is one of the best places in Mozambique to enjoy snorkelling over coral reefs in very calm and easy conditions. Please note you may have to pay the Marine Reserve Fee of 200MT per person.

(Please Note we have some basic snorkel gear available, but it is suggested to bring your own.)

Snorkelling Santa Maria (6500MT)

A 30-40minute boat trip from the Lodge brings you to the sleepy village of, Santa Maria, nestled behind Hells Gate and the entry to Maputo Bay. The waters around Santa Maria are rich with Marine biodiversity and it is a fantastic venue for snorkelling. This location is well within the Lagoon and a great place for younger children and less confident swimmers to learn how to snorkel.

The boat ride takes you along the western shores of Inhaca and around Ponta Penduine where your experienced skipper will follow the winding channel past sleepy fishermen villages and mangrove swamps where flocks of Flamingos gather and Pelicans ply their trade close to the sandy tidal shores.

Be sure to be on the lookout for Whimbrils, Giant Egrets, a variety of Kingfishers, including the rare Mangrove Kingfisher, Yellow billed Kites, Herons, Storks, Crowned Hornbills and the occasional Fish Eagle!

Ponta Torres is a protected Marine coral reef and Reserve, which affords some quite incredible snorkelling opportunities on the incoming tide when the clearer waters are being pushed in – do not miss the huge schools of Bigeye Kingfish and Natal Moonies amongst the proliferation of reef fish and colours that are on show – this is truly a veritable paradise!

You can walk the stunning, deserted beaches along the coral rock formation until you reach the edge of the Island with Machangulo Peninsula and the mainland in front of you, separated only by a few hundred meters by an area notoriously known as Hells Gate, due to its rough and tricky exit to the Indian Ocean.

Please be advised that there is a charge of 200.00mtn per person for snorkelling at the Ponta Torres Reserve, payable to the Marine Park Guards on duty.

Please ensure that you do not touch any coral, rocks or marine life in any manner or form – no shells or other such souvenirs may be taken from any Reserve Area on Inhaca Island. Take only your photographs and leave only with your memories!

(Please Note we have some basic snorkel gear available, but it is suggested to bring your own.)

Fishing and Spearfishing Trips (2000MT Boat fee and 200MT per litre fuel used.)

The waters around Inhaca Island are rich with hundreds of species of Fish. From the big hitters such as GT, Tuna and King Mackerel to smaller game species such as Bone Fish. There is literally something for every type of fisherman. Our Skipper knows the inshore waters of Inhaca and Portuguese Island well and will take you to the best locations for your target species. Inhaca Island is also an incredible location for Salt Water, Fly Fishing and many a GT have been landed in the waters right in front of Mamas Lodge. Please note you will have to bring your own gear for both fishing and spearfishing (The Lodge does have 2x Trolling Rods and 4x Spinning and Jigging Rods – we do suggest bringing your own tackle and lures. Tigo will be much appreciative if you are bale to leave him with and extras you don’t want to take home.) Spearfishing Gear is highly specialised and you will need to bring your own.

This is one of the best locations for Fly Fishing for Game Fish in the world! Many come to test themselves against the Mighty GT on a light fly rod. Fly Fishing equipment will need to be brought by yourself and the prime season for GT (Right in front of the Lodge) is between October and November.

Tigo or our staff will gladly assist you with obtaining Bait.

Mamasita and our friendly skipper, Tigo, are ready to welcome you to the vibrant and beautiful waters of, Maputo Bay. (Please be aware that any fishing, requires a permit to be paid to the Marine Services on the Island. Ask our managers to assist you.)

For those wanting to head out into the Deep Ocean to chase Large Game Specie, please see the list of Deep Sea Charters below:

Richard (Number 1 Boat Charter): +258846774438 Website: HERE

Elton: +258840748174 – Boats for larger groups.

Marçio: What’s App: +258862666983

Scuba Diving

Although Mamas Lodge does not offer Scuba, you can book with our local Dive Company.

Ocean Echo Scuba (Santa Maria): +258841749744

Check out their Website HERE

Massage

At Mamas Lodge, Inhaca Island, guests can unwind with exceptional massage services designed to rejuvenate body and mind. 

The offerings include:

Full Body Massage (1hr 15min) for 2400 Mets

Half Body Massage (45min) for 1200 Mets

Head Massage (45min) for 1200 Mets

Foot Massage (30min) for 900 Mets. 

Whether you’re seeking relaxation or relief, the skilled therapists at Mamas Lodge provide a tranquil experience amidst the island’s beauty. Book your massage with Lodge Manager, Tigo, for a truly soothing retreat. 

Inhaca 4×4 Tours:

Mamas Lodge has its own “Game Viewer” style 4×4 (Ford Ranger), for taking you on excursions around the Island (Up to 8 Adults). You get to check out the local villages, Mangrove Swamps, buy fresh bread at the local bakery, check out the view from Inhaca Lighthouse and of course see all the incredible beaches on the Eastern Side of the Island. Once again, Captain Tigo will be your driver and Tour Guide – having grown up on Inhaca, he knows all the stories, history and people of Inhaca, making him the perfect person to introduce you to our wonderful Island.

The Village – Restaurants, Shops and the local market. (500MT) per trip return)

Ponta Torres – You can go to the Marine Reserve  to snorkel (Excludes the Marine Fees os 200MT), via vehicle (3000MT)

Inhaca Lighthouse – Take a trip to the Northern Part of Inhaca and its historical lighthouse. The Lighthouse is called, Farol de Inhaca, constructed in 1894, it is a historic navigational aid for ships along Mozambique’s coast. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean and landscape, including neighbouring, Portuguese Island. A trip to the Lighthouse takes you across the Island, its many small villages and you will get to see incredible beaches. (2500MT)

Inhaca Museum – Take a drive along the stunning western shores of Inhaca to the museum at the Biology Station – a large variety of well preserved and pickled marine life as well as a complete skeleton of the highly endangered Dugong amongst a whole array of other interesting items make this journey one well worth taking.The Museum is run by the University of Eduardo Mondlane in Maputo and there is also a Research Station attached to the Museum (Kindly note that there is a small fee of approximately $1.00 to pay for adults entering the museum and we highly recommend that you take along enough water with you as there is no shop or facilities at the destination (1200MT)

Pickups & Drop Offs

The Lodge can collect/drop off guests to and from from the Maputo Ferry (Free).

Pick Ups and Drop Offs at Villa Martins (2500MT)

Inhaca Walking Tours

Archie: +258851349607