Mozambique showcases tourism potential at Africa's Travel Indaba, in Durban
ACTIVITIES & THINGS TO DO IN BILENE BEACH
9:45 CAT | 9 May 2016
A variety of fun activities and water sports to do in Bilene, include: Windsurfing, Kite surfing, Parasailing, Wake Baoding, Jet Skiing, Kayaking, Slalom, Knee Boarding, Canoeing, Snorkeling, Volleyball and more. The lagoon is shallow and the waters are calm, making it safe for swimmers which is ideal for parents and families who have small kids.
Deep Sea Fishing
Fishing enthusiasts will be delighted to hear that Bilene gives anglers the option to not only go Deep Sea Fishing, but to also exploit their fishing skills within the Lagoon and on a number fresh water lakes North and South of Bilene, including unspoiled lakes such as Lake Sauce, Lake Gire, Lake Chissura and Lake Pab. A scenic 4×4 or Quad Bike drive is all that’s needed to get to these lakes.
On the oceans side of Bilene, shallow reefs close to shore attract schools of Big Game Fish which ultimately gives the Deep sea fisherman plenty of action. Every year, the Mozambican locals open up the Lagoons mouth which allows migrating fish to swim up and into the lagoon, creating yet another great fishing spot. So make sure your rod and reel are the first items packed before you leave to go on your holiday!
4×4 & Quad Biking
Enjoy a scenic drive through and around the edge of the entire Lagoon. The surrounding area of Bilene is also scored with many dirt roads leading to and from different beaches, lagoons nearby, villages nearby, up to the Limpopo River Mouth of Xai Xai beach and beyond.
Jet Skiing
A popular activity thoroughly enjoyed by visitors is Jet Skiing on the Lagoon. It’s a great way to explore the entire lagoon right from the doorstep of the lodge you’re staying at. Find your way out of the lagoon mouth and onto the ocean to discover un-spoilt beaches North and South with opportunistic sightings of whales, Sea Turtles, Zambezi Sharks and dolphins.
Kite Surfing
Bilene’s Lagoon allows for excellent Kite surfing conditions without too much fuss of wind direction. Inexperienced Kite surfers can arrange an experienced kite surfing instructors in Bilene to give you the lessons needed to getting started whilst on your holiday.
Restaurants & Bars
After a long day of activities, you will no doubt be interested in relaxing with a cold beer and a dish of delicious local cuisine. Bilene has over 10 walk-in beach bars and restaurants for you to indulge at. Beach bars have a great vibe and get busy on the weekend with good music, dancing and one of Mozambique’s most popular drinks, Tipo Tinto Rum and Raspberry which is often referred to as R&R as well as Mozambique’s popular beer choice of Laurentina and 2M pronounced “dosh M”.
Hiring, Trips and Paid Activities
There are numerous exciting activities and things to do in Bilene and if you don’t have the necessary equipment, then take a look at what trips you can go on and what to hire / rent:
- Canoes
- Skiing/Tubing
- Para-sailing
- Fishing Rods
- Deep Sea Fishing Charters
- Tents and Camping equipment
- Lagoon to Beach and back Transfers
- Local village Cultural tours
- Boat Trips
- Sunset boat trips
- Cruises
- Guided Walks
Directions to Bilene
Johannesburg to Bilene:
Directions from Johannesburg or Pretoria (Gauteng) to Bilene, Mozambique:
Download + print detailed Directions and Map
From Gauteng, take the N4 to (or N12 that merges onto the N4) straight to Komatipoort and the Komatipoort Border Post in which you should pass Witbank and Nelspruit along the way.
Distance to cover from Gauteng to Komatipoort Border Post (approx.): 467km
BORDER GATE TIMES: 06H00 – 24H00 / 7 days a week. Tel: +27 (0)13 – 793 7311
(kindly phone and confirm before leaving)
Once you Processed everything at the border and back on the road again you will immediately be on the EN4.
Follow the EN4 for approximately 85kms until you get to a T-junction where you will turn left onto the EN2 towards Maputo.
Distance to cover from Komatipoort Border Post to Maputo (approx.): 95km
As you Enter the town of Maputo, turn left onto the EN1 highway (follow Xai-Xai signs) and travel North for approximately 150km to a town called Macia. When travelling through Macia, look out for the sign that says “Praia do Bilene” and turn right towards Bilene which is approximately a 32km drive.
Distance to cover from Maputo to Bilene (approx.): 182km
Total Distance from Gauteng to Bilene (approx.): 716km (10 – 11 hour Journey)
Durban to Bilene:
Directions from Durban to Bilene, Mozambique:
Download + print detailed Directions and Map
From Durban, take the N2 to straight to Golela Border Post going into Swaziland in which you should pass Richards Bay and Mtubatuba along the way.
Distance to cover from Durban to Golela Border Post (approx.): 362km
BORDER GATE TIMES: 07h00 – 22h00 / 7 days a week (holiday season: 06h00 – 22h00)
Tel: +27 (0)34 435 1070
(kindly phone and confirm before leaving)
Once you Processed everything at the border and back on the road again you will immediately be on the MR8.
Follow the MR8 for approximately 70kms and turn right onto the MR16. Follow the MR16 for about 38km and turn left at the T-junction which continues to be the MR16. Follow the MR16 for about 4km and turn right at the T-junction onto the MR3. Continue along the MR3 for about 52km until you reach the Naamacha Border Post going into Mozambique.
Distance to cover from Golela Border Post to Namaacha Border Post (approx.): 164km
BORDER GATE TIMES: 07h00 – 22h00 / 7 days a week (holiday season: 06h00 – 22h00)
Tel: +27 (0)34 435 1070
(kindly phone and confirm before leaving)
Once you Processed everything at the border and back on the road again you will immediately be on the EN5. Follow the EN5 which becomes the EN2. Follow the EN2 highway to Maputo.
Distance to cover from Namaacha Border Post to Maputo (approx.): 76km
As you Enter the town of Maputo, turn left onto the EN1 highway (follow Xai-Xai signs) and travel North for approximately 150km to a town called Macia. When travelling through Macia, look out for the sign that says “Praia do Bilene” and turn right towards Bilene which is approximately a 32km drive.
Distance to cover from Maputo to Bilene (approx.): 182km
Total Distance from Durban to Bilene (approx.): 790km (11 hour Journey)
Below is close up Map of Bilene. The Town sits near the edge of the Uembje Lagoon which stretches 13km along side the Mozambique coast. Depending on where you have booked accommodation, you may have to park your vehicle (if you aren’t travelling in a 4×4) in Bilene where the lodge will pick you up.
What to Bring to Bilene
When Travelling to Mozambique, there are a few things that we recommend that you take:
- Petrol canister for extra fuel, especially when travelling long distances as some petrol stations run ‘dry’ though the busy holiday seasons and you do not want to run out of fuel for you inconvenience.
- Spare tire incase you get a puncture or blowout
- Wheel Jack and Wheel Spanner
- First Aid kit
- Sun protection
- Hat or peak to cover the sun
- Bathing or Beach Towels
- Toilet paper
- Extra cash in hand incase you cannot draw or are not near an ATM
- Bring meat from South Africa if you are planning to have a braai (barbeque) in the first few nights.
- Cooler box to keep meat / cool drinks cool and fresh
- Cell phone charger
- Washing powder
- Dishwashing liquid
- Refuse Bags
- Mosquito Coils, Tabard, and other Prophylactics
- Lots of bottled water as some taps in Mozambique could be contaminated or is not fresh.
- Camera and binoculars for all the good times spent in Mozambique
Source: http://www.bileneaccommodation.co.za/
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