Barra Lodge

Overview

Location: Mozambique
Accommodation Type: Lodge
Comfort Level: Luxury

Good For: Solo, Couple/Romantic, Family |
In a breathtakingly beautiful area of the northern Mozambique coastline, 485 kilometres north of the capital, Maputo, lies Barra Lodge. Idyllically situated between the warm Indian Ocean and the tranquil Imhambane Estuary, Barra Lodge is a tropical paradise. The lodge nestles amongst coconut trees and opens directly onto secluded, sun-drenched beaches.

This is the quintessential beach lodge, and the ultimate destination for water-sport aficionados.

Barra Lodge can be accessed by road. Alternatively, guests may fly into Inhambane and then transfer to the lodge.

Accommodation

To cater for different needs, Barra Lodge offers a number of accommodation options.

The twenty traditional Casitas, constructed from thatch, brick, and reeds, have a charmingly rustic feel. Some of the units offer seaviews, and all units are located within metres of the beach. These units offer one double and one single bed, as well as an en-suite bathroom. The Casitas offer a dinner, bed and breakfast option.

The self-catering cottages offer two separate bedrooms. The spacious cottages have an open plan living area, bathroom with separate toilet, and kitchen.

The Beach Chalets are situated on the beach. They offer two separate bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other with bunk beds. Each unit has a bar fridge. The chalets open onto a verandah with spectacular ocean views. Guests step directly onto the beach, and are close to all the lodge’s facilities. These units are let on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

The nine luxury self-catering cabanas have three en-suite bedrooms, a lounge area, and a fully-equipped kitchen. These well-appointed units are fully air-conditioned with DSTV and braai facilities. Each chalet has a private infinity pool.

Wildlife

The salt marshes, mangrove swamps, tidal mudflats, woodlands, and river estuary provide diverse habitats for birds and butterflies. The region is home to over 40 different butterfly species and more than 500 species of birds. There is a large flock of greater flamingos and whimbrels, turnstones and many other waders are found in the mud flats. The mangrove behind Barra Lodge is home to egrets, purple-banded sunbirds and mangrove kingfishers. Lilac-breasted roller, Burchell’s coucal and grey and olive sunbirds are sighted in the stretches of dune forest.

The warm waters of the Indian Ocean attract hundreds marine species. These include Whale sharks, Manta rays, Moray eels and Giant lobsters. There are huge shoals of brightly coloured fish, including Dominos, Barred sweetlips, Goldies, Trigger fish and Lion fish.

More Info

Visas

• Please check the visa requirements before your visit.

Documentation

• If driving, it is essential to carry the vehicle registration papers and a valid driving license at all times, as well as insurance papers, letters of authorisation and your passport and/or ID book.

Transport

• The main road passes through numerous towns and villages en-route.

• Guests driving to the lodge are advised to obey all speed limits, drive with caution, and avoid driving at night.

Children

• Barra Lodge accepts children of all ages, and is geared towards catering for families.

Directions

• BY ROAD:

From Johannesburg

• Take the N4 – past Witbank, Mbombela (Nelspruit) and all the way to the Komatipoort border

• Once through the Ressano Garcia border post, follow the main toll road to Maputo

• As you enter Maputo proceed through the toll gate and shortly after take a left turn onto EN1 to Xai-Xai. This is the main coastal road north.

• Pass Villages of Maracuene (28km), Manhica (75km), Macia (143km) and Chissano to the town of Xai-Xai 204km North of Maputo, this is a good place to re-fuel.

• Continue on the North Coastal Road passing smaller villages and towns, including Chidenguele (262km), Quissico (392km) and Inharrime (372km).

• From Inharrime continue for approximately 45km passing Cumbano which has a large radio mast on the left side of the road to LINDELA

• Keep a look out for a sign board on your left saying LINDELA.

• Immediately after this sign the tar road forks, turn right.

• Inhambane is approximately 33km from this turn.

• Once in Inhambane drive to where you see the harbour quay on your left.

• Turn right at Broad Road Ave. DA Independecia (it is possible that there will be no road names up).

• Continue to the large semi-circle, turn right onto the road running at the back of the circle.

• Continue with this road – it bears left as you leave the town.

• Keep on this road, passing the airport turn-off on your left. Continue with this road for 18km.

• As you come over a rise you will find Babalaza Restaurant on your right.

• The tar road bears right and a sand road continues straight. (7kms of sand)

• Keep straight on the sand road and follow signs to Barra Lodge

GPS: 35.3870 (latitude) -23.8689 (longitude)