Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There's also camping (hot and cold water), and a restaurant/bar. Diving, quad-bike rental
and estuary boat trips can be arranged, as can transfers to/from Barra Lodge.
LODGE
Pomene View $$
( 84-465 4572;
www.pomeneview.co.za
; 5-/6- person chalets US$152/182; )
Pomene
View, on a rise amid the mangroves and coastal vegetation on the mainland side of the es-
tuary, is small and tranquil, with its own special appeal and wide views. Accommodation
is in self-catering brick-and-thatch chalets, and there's a bar and restaurant. Take the sign-
posted turn-off north of Massinga, and then follow the Pomene View signs. Transfers
across the estuary to the beach are easily arranged, as are mangrove excursions and fish-
ing charters.
Getting There & Away
Pomene is on the coast about halfway between Inhambane and Vilankulo off the N1. The
turn-off is about 11km north of Massinga (which is the best place to stock up) and is sign-
posted immediately after the Morrungulo turn-off. From the turn-off, which is also the end
of the tarmac, it's about 58km (1½ to two hours) further along an unpaved road to Pomene
Lodge, and about 54km to Pomene View (branch left at the small signpost). In the dry
season, it's possible to reach Pomene View in a 2WD with clearance. For Pomene Lodge,
you'll need 4WD. There's an airstrip for charter flights from Inhambane and Vilankulo.
Via public transport, there are one or two
chapas
weekly from Massinga to Pomene vil-
lage (Mtc120), which is a few kilometres before Pomene Lodge. Most locals prefer to
take a
chapa
from Massinga to Mashungo village (Mtc100, daily) on the north shore, and
then a boat across the estuary to Pomene Lodge and village. However, the chapa
departs
Massinga about 3pm, reaching Mashungo about 8pm or 9pm. There is nowhere in
Mashungo village to sleep, although you could try your luck asking locally for permission
to camp.
