TERRA PROFUNDA > OUR OFFERS > POMENE
WELCOME TO POMENE, MOZAMBIQUE!
POMENE, A WELL KEPT SECRET
A REAL PARADISE FOR EVERYONE, DIVER AND NON DIVER
Pomene Bay Lodge is located about 150 km north of Tofo, in one of the most extraordinary site in Mozambique : a narrow peninsula of white sand, separating the choppy waters of the ocean from the still and clear waters of the estuary and its mangrove. It is the perfect union, in a unique spot, of two worlds where it is possible, in the same day, to admire a sunrise on the ocean and a sunset on the bay.
Because of the remote location and the little local population around, this place has preserved its environment in pristine conditions.
Access is by road transfers (4 hours from Tofo). Since 2010, Mozambique authorities are manning an access control gate into the Pomene Nature Reserve and fee structure is being implemented
ACTIVITIES IN POMENE
SCUBA DIVING
It is a PADI dive center. The way of diving in Pomene is quiet the same than in Tofo. Launches are done from the bay and so, are much easier.The boats : an 8 m and a 5.5 m rubber duck (ribs) are both fitted with Suzuki 4-stroke motors. Two Mariner compressors (unfortunately no nitrox yet). Tanks : 10 liter and 12 liter steel cylinders, DIN or International. Large range of new 5mm wetsuits and other scuba gear.
The big difference with the dives in Tofo is in the fact that there are much more corals and sharks. Whale sharks can be spotted but not like in Tofo. The relief is nicer and there are some dives where the reef is only 6 meters deep. There are 12 dive sites, mainly between 8 and 30 metres deep, on Zambia Shoal (8 – 16 km from the north estuary mouth) and Pomene Point (5 – 9 km from the south estuary mouth).
A diving in the esturary is possible too and highlights on this dive are three species of Seahorse, Pipefish, Razorfish, small Frogfish and a variety of molluscs and crustaceans, and seldom-seen juvenile fish. Not the "Big 5" but very good for a macro photographer. This dive is definitely tide dependant, but if high tide is not during the day, the site is excellent for a casual night dive.
Time table for the dives depends on number of divers and season. Most of the time, you will be a few divers only.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
All the following activities must be booked on the spot:
- Horse riding
- Quad bike
- Walk in the mangrove with a local guide
- Trip to the old hotel
- Fishing
- Canoe in the bay
- Sunset cruise in the bay
ACCOMMODATION IN POMENE
POMENE LODGE
The lodge is advantageously located in the Pomene Bay offering a sheltered haven for swimming. Here one cannot escape the rhythmic sound of the ocean nor miss seeing perfect sunsets over the estuary.
From every accommodation site you are no more than one minute walk from the white beach sand and the warm Indian Ocean.
The main building hosts a reception, a shop, a bar, a restaurant, a swimming pool and a shady terrace facing the bay.
The restaurant offers à la carte menu based on local fresh products but, due to some eventually supply difficulties, some of the dishes may not be available. The waiting time can be long and you do well ordering dinner at lunchtime !
Breakfasts are served from 07:00 am, the first dive starts at 8:00 am.
Any modification (in accordance with the manager of the lodge) is possible.
Electricity power is provided by a generator, working from 07:00 to 10:00 am and from 04:00 to 10:00 pm (to be checked upon arrival !). A torch is very helpful and necessary.
South-African electric plugs are used in Pomene lodge (adapters available at the reception).
Water is pumped from a borehole in the ground and should be used economically. Mineral water on sale at the bar.
The more reliable communication existing in Pomene Lodge is a radio, which is connected to Barra Lodge. Its used for emergencies only. Cellphone can be used depending on availability of the network… Visa Card accepted.
DEN CHALETS
There are 4 cabin style houses at the moment. Floor and walls are built out of concrete, a thatched roof sits on top of the basin. Cabins accommodate 2 people. Each cabin has a main living room with a small integrated kitchen, a bedroom, as well as a bathroom-toilet with a hot shower. The cabins have electricity, cupboards, mosquito nets and towels. They are located at about 500m from the main building.
If the Den Cabins are not available, we book the Chalet "Praia" : There are 10 beach chalets, each being able to accommodate 3 to 8 people. The construction type is the same as the one of the Den Cabins. One bathroom only per chalet. Mosquito nets and towels are provided.
They are not luxurious accommodations !!!
WATER CHALETS
Built on stilts with local materials (bamboo, wood, grass) on the estuary side, these 10 "higher class" chalets are located between the dive center and the restaurant. The perfect place to enjoy the sunset from the veranda.
Spacious and illuminated by huge windows, they all have mosquito nets and a private bathroom. Bath towels are provided. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are taken at the restaurant, about 200 m from the chalets.
