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

Santa Maria FAQ

Health & safety

Practical guidance for malaria, medical care and travelling after dark.

  1. 01Is Santa Maria a high-risk area for malaria?Santa Maria is generally considered a low-to-moderate malaria-risk area, but mosquito precautions and professional medical advice are recommended.Read full guide
  2. 02Is medical care available locally in an emergency?Inhaca Island, a short boat crossing away, has a basic health clinic. Critical emergencies generally require boat transport to Maputo.Read full guide
  3. 03Is it safe to drive at night in Santa Maria?No. Night driving is strongly discouraged because the sand tracks are unlit and there may be dense foliage, people or wildlife on the route.Read full guide
  4. 04Are there sea urchins or jellyfish in the water around Santa Maria?Yes.Read full guide
  5. 05Is it safe to swim in the estuaries and mangroves behind Santa Maria village?While shallow mangrove channels are popular for kayaking and paddleboarding, swimming deep into quiet estuarine channels is discouraged.Read full guide
  6. 06What are the rules regarding collecting shells, corals, or pansy shells?Removing live corals, marine organisms, or protected marine species is illegal under Mozambican conservation law.Read full guide
  7. 07What should I do if I encounter wild elephants inside Maputo Special Reserve while driving?Never block an elephant's path or approach on foot.Read full guide