By Amilda Boshoff

Ponta Do Ouro & Ponta Malangane: twice as nice! 

Ponta do Ouro & Ponta Malangane is two dive sites situated at the Southern tip of Mozambique. One will have to cross the South African border at Kosi Bay or also known as the Farrazela Border Post. There is a nicely tarred road to the border post but once you are on the other side, numerous small sand roads lead you to Ponta Do Ouro, Ponta Malangane and Ponta Mamoli. There is even one that lead you to Maputo. You will just have to figure out which one it is or even better, ask the officials at the border post which is the best road to take. The sand road to Ponta do Ouro is approximately 11 km long and the one to Ponta Malangane is approximately 15 km long.  

Mozambique has a interesting history and to understand the conditions and the people it is wise to know that there was a bitter civil war for over 26 years, with the result that there was no diving in the area for all this time. The rural areas are very poor and infrastructure is very limited. Slowly but surely the government is trying to undo 26 years of violence and destruction.
Diving in Southern tip of Mozambique is the same type of diving conditions as Sodwana Bay where boats launch directly into the surf from a small bay like area. The launch is usually fairly easy with smallish waves and an easy ride to the dive sites. Ponta do Ouro & Ponta Malangane is approximately 5 km from each other but both of them dive the same reefs. The reefs along this area is known for the beautiful coral, invertebrates and the game fish that frequent the area as well as whale sharks, hammerhead sharks and big potato bass.

The trip to ‘another country’ makes this one of the nicest dive sites in Southern Africa. The climate and surroundings is so much the same as the Sodwana Kosi Bay area but as soon as you want to find out something from the locals the Portuguese accent and language can catch you off guard, reminding you that you are indeed in another country. The whole experience is an adventure - through the border post, the manoeuvre through the sand roads just to get to the beautiful beaches and to experience the true Mozambican style of foods and drinks. Make sure you ask for an R&R, ever tasted Rum and Raspberry???

Ponta Do Ouro

Ponta Do Ouro is (as the crow fly) just 5 km from the North Eastern South African border. In the summer when the sun sets over the point, the rocky outcrops of the point shines like gold and from there the name Point of Gold or Ponta do Ouro.

At Ponta, as it is known by the locals one will find different types of accommodation like lodges, hotels, guest houses self-catering chalets and a campsite situated near the beachfront. Some of the charters have casitas with a sea view, so close to the sea that you can smell it!

In the town itself there is a Petrol Station (Petrol/Diesel), two very basic Café’s and three local restaurants. A local delicacy is the well-known poa (bread roll), dipped in balsamic vinegar and spread with the famous Ponta Chilli sauce (not for the faint hearted but yummy once you get the hang of it!). It is enjoyed as a starter because the food is made fresh, thus DON’T be in a hurry, it’s Africa with a time of it’s own. There is also numerous Curio Shops and little curio stalls along the road with hand crafted items as well as beadwork.

Ponta Malangane

Ponta Malangane is situated at the Southern tip of Mozambique, just 10km (as the crow fly) from the North Eastern South African border and is also known as Place of Children. A holiday resort nestled in the most beautiful undeveloped bay along a pristine coastline with long beaches and the most beautiful blue sea.

At this beautiful dive site, one has a choice of chalets and a campsite with community kitchens and fridges. The chalets are all self-catering. Near the charters there is also log cabins and a tent camp with already assembled tents with mattresses and ablution facilities. There is a communal kitchen and fridges available for people living in the tent camp and log cabins.

There is a shop, which can supply you with some of the necessities like fresh bread, long-life milk, margarine, cool drink, rice, sweets, ice etc. The shop although does not sell meat, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, so it is wise to bring your own along.

 

NON-DIVING ACTIVITIES

• Snorkelling can be arranged with some of the charters and dolphin watching as well as snorkelling with dolphins can be arranged with charters catering especially for the purpose at Ponta do Ouro.
• There is also an Elephant Reserve for the people not so keen on diving and water related sports.
• 4x4 trips can be taken and lots of fun can be had and skills tested on the loose sand tracks.
• Quad biking is one of the things that can keep the young ones busy.
• Kite surfing is a popular sport nowadays, so bring it along and test the waves.
• Fishing can be arranged with charters for a day or an early morning trip, weather depending and availability depending.

Diving Ponta Do Ouro & Ponta Malangane

You can dive all these sites form Ponta Do Ouro & Ponta Malangane and all the dive charters will take you there. The dive sites already discovered cater for all dive certification levels and vary in depth from 10 meters to 40 meters. The water temperature ranges between 20-26 degrees Celsius.

Diving is very popular here between the months of October to April but that doesn’t mean that the winter months aren’t just as good. It is cooler than the blazing summer months and the mozzies doesn’t bother that much.

Equipment rental is available for hire should you require it but it is strongly recommended that you book dives and any rental gear when booking your accommodation to prevent disappointment.

Reefs

Atlantis

Atlantis is one of the deeper reefs with a reef structure that reminds of a sunken under water city with the huge square boulders; whip coral growing out of the crevices. Green coral trees with swarms of small fish and the numerous triggerfish, potato bass and other reef fish that frequent the area. The average depth of this site is 35 meters with a maximum of 48 meters.

Doodles

This is quite a small reef and consists of several rock formations scattered around. The bigger part has a wall on the one side that is almost 2 meters high and flattens to the other side. This reef "Rocks"! We saw 3 huge Honeycomb Rays nestling in the sand and I was in awe of these big round flat creatures. The Devil fire fish; just hanging about looking like fairies with their featherlike fins. Round Ribbontail Rays and a couple of Blue Spotted Stingrays frequent the area. An Octopus was peeping out of one of the holes and we had to look hard to spot it between the coral and rocks. This area also has the most beautiful shells with Hermit crabs occupying it. We also saw some Heart Urchin shells, which are very fragile, and are seldom seen as an unbroken shell. This reef also has its own resident Potato Bass and Eels that are found here on a regular basis. A White tip Reef Shark is said to be seen here a number of times. The average depth of this site is 14 meters with a maximum of 16 meters.

 

Steve’s Ledge

If you want to explore and see ledges, sand gullies, plate coral and a variety of fish life especially rays and scorpion fish then this is the reef to experience. A prospect not to be missed where there are huge amounts of fish life - black cheek moray eels, honeycomb morays, lionfish and large rays are just some of the examples. Also have a lookout for Blue spotted rays, Potato bass and the very well camouflaged Paper fish. This dive is for all levels of scuba divers. The average depth of this site is 15 meters with a maximum of 17 meters.

Checkers

Big blocky boulders covered in coral with sandy patches in between. The marine life encountered on this reef included the odd shaped Frog fish, Ribbon eels, Potato bass, Scorpion fish, Mantis shrimp, Paper fish, and beautiful Spotted rays. The coral life includes various types of hard and soft corals, sponges and anemones. It is an interesting dive for any level of scuba divers. The average depth of this site is 16 meters with a maximum of 19 meters.

Creche

A shallow reef with various sandy patches. It has been named crèche due to the abundance and wide variety of juvenile fish that can be seen. Apart from the numerous juveniles found on the reef also have a look out for Honeycomb moray eels in the crevices, Paperfish as well as Green Turtles. Crocodile fish camouflage themselves in the sandy patches. Various reef fish like Banner fish; Triggers and Butterfly fish are amongst the regular inhabitants of this reef. This dive is ideal for student & novice divers or those people who would like to dive a shallow reef. The average depth of this site is 12 meters with a maximum of 14 meters.

Fingers

A reef with numerous gullies, crevices and sandy patches. A prospect not to be missed where there are huge amounts of fish life - black cheek moray eels, honeycomb morays, lionfish and large rays are just some of the examples If you want to explore and see pinnacle rocks, sand gullies, plate coral and a variety of fish life especially rays and scorpion fish then this is the reef to experience. This reef is suitable for all levels of divers. The average depth of this site is 12 meters with a maximum of 14 meters.

Three sisters

This reef looks like a big rock placed in the middle of a huge sand patch. The reef has a ledge on the one side and flattens to the other side. The wall along one of the sides is almost 3 meters high. The resident Potato Bass was on his post and kept an investigating eye on all the visitors to this reef. The fish life on this reef consists largely of Goldie's, Rockcod, Chocolate Dips, Dominoes, Kingfish and big schools of Coachmen. This reef is known for the Garden Eels found at the foot of the reef. The coral life on this reef is unspoilt and consist of hard and soft coral.There is also Black coral found on this reef and the rare Longnose Hawkfish is sometimes spotted here. This dive spot is for the Advanced Diver and is very beautiful when the sun's rays penetrate the deep water and light up this rocky reef. The average depth of this site is 19 meters with a maximum of 25 meters.

 

Shallow Malangane

This is a flat reef with scattered pieces of rock formations that has a lot of holes and ledges. Sand patches are found along the edges of the reef and in between certain parts of it. Once again the Redfang Triggerfish directed traffic on the ocean floor, being very territorial, they sometimes keep you out of a certain part of the reef. Hawksbill turtles, Octopus and a great number of Nudibranchs were found on this reef. The common reef fish and lionfish were spotted. We also saw a vast amount of Eggshell Cowries sitting on the sponges and soft coral. The coral in this area consist of Soft Fleshy coral in soft pastel colours as well as hard corals. Anemones with Clownfish are to be seen and sometimes it looks like the Dominoes also keep watch over the Anemones. There is enough to keep you busy and interested on this reef. The average depth of this site is 11 meters with a maximum of 14 meters.

Ancor

Not only do you get the joy of exploring the anchor on the southern end of Kev's Ledge that gave this reef its name but also 2 parallel ledges with an abundance and variety of reef fish. The reef life includes the numerous game fish passing by, Turtles sleeping under the ledges and beautiful coloured Nudibranchs. Reef fish like Butterfly; Batfish, Damsels, Anemone fish and Trumpet fish are resident on this reef. Beautiful Starfish as well as Feather Stars are also found on this reef. The coral life in this area consist of small plants, Seaweeds, Sponges and Whip coral. Beautiful coloured soft corals and Anemones. This reef is for the advanced scuba divers. The average depth of this site is 18 meters with a maximum of 21 meters.

Paradise

For the chance to experience paradise under the sea, beautiful corals, moray eels, tremendous gullies, and overhangs await you not to mention the wide variety of reef fish. Reef fish like Butterfly; Batfish, Damsels, Anemone fish and Trumpet fish are resident on this reef. Beautiful Starfish as well as Feather Stars are also found on this reef. The coral life in this area consist of small plants, Seaweeds, Sponges and Whip coral. Beautiful coloured soft corals and Anemones. This reef is suitable for all levels of scuba divers. The average depth of this site is 12 meters with a maximum of 18 meters.

The Ridge

Here is the chance to discover a ledge that is approximately 4m high with plenty of magnificent corals. Also discover the cave on this reef. The marine life is plentiful and you have a chance to spot large schools of Kingfish. The marine life on this reef includes Turtles, Scorpion fish, Rays, Eels and soft corals. Plate corals are found in abundance with the Christmas tree worms in the bright colours. Other regulars on this reef include Wrasse, Butterfly fish, Knifejaws, Surgeons and Triggerfish to name just a few. This reef is suitable for all levels of scuba divers. The average depth of this site is 12 meters with a maximum of 16 meters.

 

Kev’s ledge

The many and varied crevices of a 6m rocky ledge is heaven and is yours to explore with its wide and varied marine life. It is similar to a wall dive. The reef life includes the numerous game fish passing by, Turtles sleeping under the ledges and beautiful coloured Nudibranchs. Reef fish like Butterfly; Batfish, Damsels, Anemone fish and Trumpet fish are resident on this reef. This is a dive spot for the advanced divers. The average depth of this site is 22 meters with a maximum of 24 meters.

Bread loaf

This reef have a vast amount of small caves, overhangs and even have a few rock formations that almost look like pinnacles with huge plate coral growing out from the side making it look like a genuine table where you can be seated. This reef also have a few sand patches in between and is encircled by sand. Bread loaf reminded me of a coral garden with a great number of different types of hard and soft coral, really a feast for the eye. The marine life on this reef are quite scared and was hiding in the cracks and crevices and underneath the ledges. We saw a big Marbled Electric Ray camouflaged under the sand in one of the sand patches between the parts of the reef. Anemone fish, Coachmen, Triggerfish, Rockcod and Emperor fish are just some of the fish that have been spotted on this reef. Various species of Nudibranchs have been found on this particular reef, it might be because of the many different kinds of coral found here. Dolphins aren't uncommon in this area and have been spotted playing near the reef. The average depth of this site is 12 meters with a maximum of 14 meters.

Waynes world

If you want to explore and see ledges, sand gullies, plate coral and a variety of fish life especially rays and scorpion fish then this is the reef to experience. A prospect not to be missed where there are huge amounts of fish life - black cheek moray eels, honeycomb morays, lionfish and large rays are just some of the examples. Also have a lookout for Fire coral, numerous Rock cod and green Paper fish. Frogfish, Pipefish, Red Anemones and Leaf fish to name but a few, make for an exceptionally interesting dive. Leopard Shark and the occasional Zambezi have been sighted and large Speckled Snappers and Blue Emperors cruise in the distance. This reef is suitable for the advanced scuba divers. The average depth of this site is 20 meters with a maximum of 24 meters.

Rianna's Arch

Your dream of swimming through an awesome arch with a rich and spectacular variety of fish is possible on the northern side of Kev's Ledge. Reef fish like Butterfly; Batfish, Damsels, Anemone fish and Trumpet fish are resident on this reef. Beautiful Starfish as well as Feather Stars are also found on this reef. The coral life in this area consist of small plants, Seaweeds, Sponges and Whip coral. Beautiful coloured soft corals and Anemones. This reef is for the advanced scuba divers. The average depth of this site is 18 meters with a maximum of 24 meters.

 

Texas

As the name indicates this is one of the larger reefs. For the adventurous diver, central to this reef is a large gully with a swim though, overhangs and arches. The marine life on this reef includes Turtles, Scorpion fish, Rays, Eels and soft corals. Plate corals are found in abundance with the Christmas tree worms in the bright colours. Other regulars on this reef include Wrasse, Butterfly fish, Knifejaws, Surgeons and Triggerfish to name just a few. This dive is suitable for all levels of scuba divers. The average depth of this site is 10 meters with a maximum of 16 meters.

Maverick's

One of Malongane's deeper dives. In the middle of the sand is an awesome pinnacle rock that is 20m across & 30m long. The reef life includes the numerous game fish passing by, Turtles sleeping under the ledges and beautiful coloured Nudibranchs. Reef fish like Butterfly; Batfish, Damsels, Anemone fish and Trumpet fish are resident on this reef. Beautiful Starfish as well as Feather Stars are also found on this reef. The coral life in this area consist of small plants, Seaweeds, Sponges and Whip coral. Beautiful coloured soft corals and Anemones. This reef is for the advanced scuba divers. The average depth of this site is 25 meters with a maximum of 28 meters.

Bass City

A series of five rocky outcrops covered with forms of algae, this reef attracts a vast amount of marine life. Appropriately named with the number of Bass and Basslet varieties found, Bass City is an awesome dive loved by those wanting to see lots of fish. The star attraction is a big Potato Bass who accompanies divers down to the reef and remains with them for the duration of the dive, lapping up the special attention. Lionfish and Eels are everywhere and a wide variety of Rays are found. Batfish and Dusky Sweepers swarm like bees sometimes making it difficult to see any reef below. Boxfish in bright yellow with black spots, Garden Eels, Tropical Flounders and shrimp cleaner stations are in abundance. Frogfish, Pipefish, Red Anemones and Leaf fish to name but a few, make for an exceptionally interesting dive. A special highlight is a most unusual Harlequin Shrimp with 'sandwich pack' Starfish close at hand to snack on. Leopard Shark and the occasional Zambezi have been sighted. Beautiful Starfish as well as Feather Stars are also found on this reef. The coral life in this area mostly consist of small plants, Seaweeds, Sponges and Whip coral. There isn't as much coral like on the other reefs, but this reef is exclusively for the fish lovers. In calm conditions, it is a very nice dive fish wise! Not much coral. The average depth of this site is 20 meters with a maximum of 22 meters.

Pinnacles

Imagine being able to dive on the edge of a continental shelf with sharks! On some days there are hundreds of Hammerheads; Zambezi and Dusky sharks and not to mention large game fish and Manta rays in the area. We also saw a big Potato bass keeping a watchful eye on the pinnacles. With a limited bottom time one will do a great part of the dive as a big blue. Always remember to check your surroundings, as you never know what can come to inspect the divers in the water… Summer is the ideal time to dive this reef. It is best to do this dive early in the morning if you want to witness the sharks. For experienced, advanced divers only. The average depth of this site is 28 meters with a maximum of 45 meters.

Travelling tips & fact file

• You need a 2x4 with difflock or a 4x4 after the border post to get to Ponta Do Ouro & Malangane. Rather drive 2 vehicles in case you get stuck in the loose sand. Have a towrope with you and remember to let down your tyres before you take on the sandy roads. They are really soft at some places.
• If you have a car you can organise with the dive charters to come and pick you up at the border post and there is safe parking to leave your car.

Car Lock-up

Available on the South African side of the border @ R20.00/R30.00 per day per vehicle.
All vehicles are under 24-hour guard.

VISAS

You don’t need any Visa’s to enter Mozambique but still need to pay road insurance. Border Time: 08h00 - 17h00

Needed at the Border

• Passport
• Vehicle and trailer registration papers (If taking a vehicle through the border)
• R12 Immigration Fee per person
• R12.50 Mozambican Road Tax per vehicle.
• R120.00 Mozambican 3rd Party (Not required if you have proof of insurance in Mozambique.)

• No driving is allowed on the beach.
• No micro lights allowed taking off and landing on the beach.
• Bring mosquito repellent and seasick tablets, sun block, and your own beverages as well as drinking water.
• Malaria prophylaxis is required.

CASH ONLY -RECOMMENDED

Travellers Cheques, Credit Cards and Cheques are not accepted anywhere in Ponta. All payments for Meals, drinks, extra dives, etc. must be made in CASH ONLY.

The normal currency in the area is South African Rand, but US Dollars are also accepted.

If you have to leave your car unattended, take care to lock away all valuables out of sight. Ensure that equipment on open-vehicles are tied down, as several incidents of children jumping on the back of slow moving vehicles and stealing the equipment has been reported. Police officers often request visitors to show travel documents and passports and therefore visitors should always have it available.Abide by the traffic rules!!!

< Prev		Next >