"Mozambique - Chizavane is a travellers dream" Xai-Xai by esmarievenier

Needing to get a holiday away from the bustle of Pretoria - I searched the internet and found a gem of a place 800km from out doorstep. We were looking for a safe, beach to relax and laze. Yet in close proximity to sea food. I found this place at Zona Braza on the Praia de Chizavane - Beach at Chizavane. This is about 40kms on the EN1 North of Xai Xai.

Road travel through Zai Xai is not modern.

Our travels took us through the Ressano Garcia border post on the South Africa side. The roads were very good although, on our return trip after rain, potholes were found between the villages with wonderful names such as Manhiça, Magul, Macia – you will realise that this is adventure time.

We did not encounter any of the much proclaimed harassment or bribery on the road. However we kept to the speed limit and enjoyed the colourful people, villages and bustle.

Our "casa" selfcatering, fully serviced house

We stayed in a "Casa" which is a selfcatering house and have a main bedroom with kingsize bed, a loft with single or double beds, bathroom and a kitchen. A “stoep” with built-in braai is overlooking the ocean. All the beds are equipped with cotton linen and mosquito nets. The kitchen is fully equipped, including a gas stove and fridge/freezer. For ZAR500.00 per day for two adults and a child it is a bargain.

The things to do were numerous including,
beach (less than 100 m), boat trips ( within 5 km), restaurant (less than 100 m), whale watching (less than 100 m), rock pools (less than 100 m), bird watching (less than 300 m), fly fishing (less than 100 m), rock and surf fishing (less than 100 m) and snorkelling(less than 100m).

But my favourite were the sunsets.

• Pros:One of the bigger towns in Mozambizue.
• Cons:Busy, cluttered, congested.
• In a nutshell:Not much to do - but 40km away we found a gem of a place