1) If the numbers end up being in the 40 range, are there other lodges close by that could accommodate extra people? Would their rates be the same as yours?
We have 6 barracas (sleeps 2 x 6=12) and 5 casas (sleeps 4 x 5=20) available for the requested period. We can accommodate a total of 32 people. Nascer do Sol is right next to us, I don’t know what their rates are.
2) Is it possible to get there from JNB /iz PTA without a 4x4
Yes, you can reach us by normal car, but to utilize all facilities 4 x 4 or 2 x 4 is required.
3) Alternative travel for the guys in CTN, PE, EL. Are there fly-ins possible to Xai Xai? Which Charters or Operators? Would you be able to collect from airport?
No fly-ins to Xai XAi, no collections in Maputo. Fly-ins to Maputo, you can rent AVIS car.
4) A few guys may bring ski-boats up. Is there good launch areas?
The launch is 3 km from us, easy to reach, easy and safe launch.
5) Are there off-shore charters that can be arranged?
Yes, takes 4 people at a time – tariff R1850 for the boat.
6) For self catering, should we bring food etc from SA, or can we purchase perishables close by? Access to Manica, and DosM shouldn’t be a problem?
It is better to bring your own food from SA, especially meat, cheese, butter. There is a new Shoprite in Maputo, you will travel past it on your way to Xai Xai, the prices is a bit higher than in SA. You are allowed to bring R500 per person worth of groceries through the border. 2M and Manica, no problem (it is Mozambique!).
7) Is the restaurant at the lodge open yet?
Yes. If you guys want, we can arrange for fixed menu on breakfasts and dinners, otherwise you can order from the menu.
8) Over this time period, what are the good species for R&S, Fly, Drop Shot etc? What gear is recommended?
If the weather permit - east wind and warm water
Fly and drop shot:
· All Kingfish species, from big eye to GT
· Blacktail, stumpnose, lizardfish, flagtail, garfish, etc
R&S:
· All Kingfish species
· Sharks: Lemon, Blacktip, Greys, Giant Sandsharks (unfortunately, sometimes we catch them in holes that I call nice story, no photo holes)
· Biggest Couta from beach – 32kg in middle October
· Biggest Kob from beach – 40kg in middle September
· Stumpnose – 6,3kg
· Speckle Snapper 6,8kg
· Rubberlip 5,5kg
· Plenty Sharpnose Brown rays 34kg
· Eagle rays 50kg plus
· Honeycomb rays 50kg plus
9) Is bait readily available?
Order your bait from me in advance, I can pick it up in Maputo – chokka, carrapau, prawns. Will dive for crayfish if the weather allows. Best bait for GT is obviously live mullet, shad or else contact Arno de Wet
We have 6 barracas (sleeps 2 x 6=12) and 5 casas (sleeps 4 x 5=20) available for the requested period. We can accommodate a total of 32 people. Nascer do Sol is right next to us, I don’t know what their rates are.
2) Is it possible to get there from JNB /iz PTA without a 4x4
Yes, you can reach us by normal car, but to utilize all facilities 4 x 4 or 2 x 4 is required.
3) Alternative travel for the guys in CTN, PE, EL. Are there fly-ins possible to Xai Xai? Which Charters or Operators? Would you be able to collect from airport?
No fly-ins to Xai XAi, no collections in Maputo. Fly-ins to Maputo, you can rent AVIS car.
4) A few guys may bring ski-boats up. Is there good launch areas?
The launch is 3 km from us, easy to reach, easy and safe launch.
5) Are there off-shore charters that can be arranged?
Yes, takes 4 people at a time – tariff R1850 for the boat.
6) For self catering, should we bring food etc from SA, or can we purchase perishables close by? Access to Manica, and DosM shouldn’t be a problem?
It is better to bring your own food from SA, especially meat, cheese, butter. There is a new Shoprite in Maputo, you will travel past it on your way to Xai Xai, the prices is a bit higher than in SA. You are allowed to bring R500 per person worth of groceries through the border. 2M and Manica, no problem (it is Mozambique!).
7) Is the restaurant at the lodge open yet?
Yes. If you guys want, we can arrange for fixed menu on breakfasts and dinners, otherwise you can order from the menu.
8) Over this time period, what are the good species for R&S, Fly, Drop Shot etc? What gear is recommended?
If the weather permit - east wind and warm water
Fly and drop shot:
· All Kingfish species, from big eye to GT
· Blacktail, stumpnose, lizardfish, flagtail, garfish, etc
R&S:
· All Kingfish species
· Sharks: Lemon, Blacktip, Greys, Giant Sandsharks (unfortunately, sometimes we catch them in holes that I call nice story, no photo holes)
· Biggest Couta from beach – 32kg in middle October
· Biggest Kob from beach – 40kg in middle September
· Stumpnose – 6,3kg
· Speckle Snapper 6,8kg
· Rubberlip 5,5kg
· Plenty Sharpnose Brown rays 34kg
· Eagle rays 50kg plus
· Honeycomb rays 50kg plus
9) Is bait readily available?
Order your bait from me in advance, I can pick it up in Maputo – chokka, carrapau, prawns. Will dive for crayfish if the weather allows. Best bait for GT is obviously live mullet, shad or else contact Arno de Wet