Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
getaway, but if you're touring and want some sand, head further north to the beaches
around Inhambane or south to Ponta d'Ouro.
Unlike most of Mozambique's other coastal lakes and lagoons, Uembje gets influxes of
fresh water via a narrow channel to the sea, so conditions vary with the seasons. In gener-
al the winter months are best, with breezes and waves.
In the 19th century the area around Bilene served as capital for the Gaza chief, Soshan-
gane. During colonial days Bilene was known as São Martinho, and the saint's feast on 4
November is still celebrated, often with processions, singing and dancing in the upper part
of town away from the beach.
Sleeping & Eating
Complexo Palmeiras $
( 82-304 3720, 282-59019;
http://complexopalmeiras.blogspot.com
;
campsite US$6,
plus per person US$5, 4-person chalets US$97)
At the northern edge of town on the
beach, it has camping, no-frills chalets with fridge,
braai
facilities and a restaurant. Bring
your own towels, linens, pans and cutlery. It's about 500m past the market and transport
stand: follow the main road into town to the final T-junction, then go left for 1km.
CAMPGROUND
Praia do Sol $$
( 82-319 3040;
www.pdsol.co.za
; s/d US$67/133, chalets per person US$67; )
About 4km south of town along the beach, this place has a collection of spacious two- and
four-person A-frame chalets overlooking the lagoon, plus some double rooms. There are
also larger four- and five-person self-catering chalets (per chalet US$218/266) and a
restaurant-bar, as well as diving, canoeing, snorkelling and quad-bikes, plus boat trips
across the lagoon to the ocean. Turn right onto the beachfront road and continue for about
3km, staying right at the fork. Prices for the rooms and non-self-catering chalets include
breakfast.
RESORT
LODGE
Complexo Aquárius $$
( 82-301 9000, 282-59000;
www.aquariusbilene.co.mz
;
r Mtc2500; )
Just to the
right (south) of the main T-junction on a nice, semi-shaded section of beach, with red-
roofed stone chalets and a restaurant featuring seafood grills and Portuguese cuisine.
Café O Bilas $
CAFE
