Bemugi's - accommodation, restaurant, boat trips in Santa Maria, Mozambique

Santa Maria FAQ

Getting there

Boat transfers, 4x4 access, reserve gates and fuel for the journey.

  1. 01Where is Santa Maria located in Mozambique?Santa Maria sits at the northernmost tip of the Machangulo Peninsula in southern Mozambique, directly across the Ponta Torres channel from Inhaca Island.Read full guide
  2. 02How do I get to Santa Maria from Maputo?You can reach Santa Maria via a 60 to 90 minute boat transfer from Maputo Marina or a 4 to 5 hour 4x4 drive through Maputo Special Reserve.Read full guide
  3. 03Do I need a 4x4 vehicle to drive to Santa Maria?Yes. A capable 4x4 with low range is mandatory because the route includes thick, soft sand through the peninsula and reserve.Read full guide
  4. 04What are the reserve gate hours if driving through Maputo Special Reserve?Reserve gates open at sunrise and close 30 minutes before sunset. Late entry is strictly prohibited.Read full guide
  5. 05Is there fuel available in Santa Maria?Limited petrol and diesel are available at the local Dumadumana station, but prices are higher than in Maputo and supply can vary.Read full guide
  6. 06What is the best route to drive to Santa Maria from South Africa (Kosi Bay or Komatipoort)?From Komatipoort/Ressano Garcia, take the paved N4/EN4 highway toward Maputo, cross the Katembe Bridge, and follow the EN200 to Bela Vista before entering Maputo Special Reserve at Futi Gate.Read full guide
  7. 07Can I land a private boat or jet ski directly at Santa Maria village?Yes, but you must report to the local maritime authority officer (*Capitania*) stationed at Santa Maria landing to present vessel documentation, pay the local anchorage/launching fee, and register your craft.Read full guide
  8. 08What happens if my 4x4 breaks down or gets stuck inside Maputo Special Reserve?Cell service inside the reserve is intermittent, so you should notify park rangers at Futi Gate or your host lodge of your estimated time of arrival.Read full guide
  9. 09Are there water taxis operating between Inhaca Island and Santa Maria?Yes, local motorized wooden dhows and small fiberglass boats operate informal water taxi services across the Ponta Torres channel between Santa Maria and Inhaca.Read full guide
  10. 10Where is Bemugi's located?Bemugi's is situated in Santa Maria, Machangulo, Mozambique, along the coastline of the Maputo Bay region.Read full guide
  11. 11How do I get to Bemugi's Place?You can reach Bemugi's by boat transfer from Porto de Pesca in Maputo (about 1 hour 15 minutes) or by 4x4 through Maputo Special Reserve (roughly 3 hours on sandy roads from the Futi Gate).Read full guide
  12. 12Is parking available if I drive?Yes, free on-site private parking is available for guests who drive 4x4 vehicles in. Secure parking is also available at the Maputo harbour for a small fee if you arrive by boat.Read full guide
  13. 13Do I need a 4x4 vehicle to drive to Bemugi's?Yes. If you choose to drive overland through Maputo Special Reserve, a 4x4 vehicle is required because of the 60 km of sandy terrain.Read full guide