Ponta do Ouro
A seaside resort town at the southernmost tip of Mozambique, famous for swimming with wild dolphins, reef diving and surfing, right beside the South African border.
Ponta do Ouro sits at the southernmost tip of Mozambique, next to the Kosi Bay border post in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province. It is a small seaside town in Matutuine district, Maputo Province, and its Portuguese name means 'Golden Point'. The town itself is tiny, with a few sandy roads lined by beach bars, dive shops, campsites and holiday homes. Its main draw is the sea. Part of a marine protected area stretches about 100 km north from the South African border, with coral reefs, resident wild bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles. Humpback whales migrate through from June to October, and in summer, large fish such as bull sharks can be seen around the deep reefs.
Areas to explore: The bay in front of town is good for swimming, surfing and boat trips. Further north, in order, are the quieter bays and dune headlands of Malongane, Mamoli and Techobanine. You need a 4WD or a lift from your accommodation to reach them.
Season: April to November is the dry season, with mild weather, and it is the best time for diving and swimming with dolphins. December to March is hot and humid, but the water is warm and sea turtles lay their eggs. South African school holidays (December and Easter) bring a surge of visitors, so book accommodation early.
Getting there: From Maputo, take the new road via the Catembe Bridge. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Entering from South Africa through the Kosi Bay border post is the most convenient option, and it is about 10 km from the border to town. Inside town and along the northern coast, the roads are mostly deep sand, so a 4WD is strongly recommended.
Suggested stay: 2 to 4 days. Note that boat trips are affected by wind and waves, so allow a spare day. Bring enough cash (meticais or rand), as ATMs in town are limited. Protect yourself against mosquitoes, as this is a malaria-endemic area.
Top sights
- Ponta do Ouro Beach – A crescent of golden sand fronting the town. The southern headland has a well-known right-hand wave, and the beach is the hub for swimming…
- Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve Dolphin Swim – Head out by boat into Mozambique's first marine protected area to swim with wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, the town's signature exp…
- Pinnacles Reef – A deep-water reef dive site offshore beyond the reserve, famous for bull sharks, hammerheads, and large migratory fish schools. Suited to a…
- Ponta Malongane – A quieter beach about 6 km north of Ponta do Ouro, with dune forest behind camps and dive lodges and far fewer people than in town.
- Ponta Mamoli – A remote bay about 15 km north of Ponta do Ouro, with a reef-sheltered lagoon good for snorkeling and turtle nesting in season.
- Ponta Techobanine – A headland with high dunes north of Mamoli, offering views over an almost empty coastline and tidal pools good for snorkeling.
Where to eat
- Love Café and Deli – A landmark café on the main road entering Ponta do Ouro, with an extensive menu ranging from coffee and lasagna to seaf…
- Mango Tropical Café – A rooftop café hidden among mango trees, known for fresh tropical fruit, smoothies and healthy light meals. It consiste…