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ZAVORA, SHARK DESTINATION
ZAVORA, SHARK DESTINATION
FOR SCUBA DIVING ADDICTS...
Much like Tofo in its early days, Zavora is primarily known as a fishing destination. At the beginning of 2009, a dive center was built in the bay. Zavora is quite remote and there is hardly any tourism. This is an ideal destination for those you like great diving and quietness.
The airport in Inhambane is a 2 hours drive away and road transfers can be also organized from Maputo (4 hours drive). We recommend Zavora in combination with Tofo or/and Kruger.
ACTIVITIES IN ZAVORA
SCUBA DIVING
The dive center is PADI and IANTD. Zavora has two very long, accessible reef systems. The "deep reef" system runs parallel to the coast approximately 10 kilometers off shore.
Sites vary in average depth from 24 to 45 meters. This reef system is quite literally packed with life, with enormous shoals game fish, Manta Ray cleaning stations and an extremely healthy shark population, including Bull, Tiger, Dusky and Blacktip sharks.
The "inshore reef" system lies just one kilometer off shore, north of Zavora, running parallel to the dunes known as locally as Red Sands and White Sands. The Red Sands area features multiple Manta Ray cleaning stations in 12 to 14 meters, and both parts of this system offer stunning macro life and underwater topography, as well a wide variety of game fish, potato and brindle bass, plus more opportunities for shark encounters. Average depths range from 12 to 18 meters with pinnacles coming up to 6 meters.
More or less in between these two systems, about 6 kilometers off-shore, lays the wreck of the Klipfontein. A Dutch passenger/cargo ship built in 1939, she sank in 1953, after having struck an "unidentified underwater object". She offers some amazing dive opportunities on both parts of the wreck and has formed a stunning deep water artificial reef system.
The seasonal humpback whales migration begins in July and finishes in October. During this period it is common to large numbers of Humpback Whales in the area and with optimal conditions, in water encounters are possible. Other dive highlights include encounters with an extremely healthy turtle population as well as relatively common sightings of the Small Eyed Ray, the world’s largest known species of Sting Ray.
Diving organization (PADI) is similar with the club in Tofo (time of immersion often much longer).
- 1 Zodiac = 12 seats (8 divers maximum) equipped with radio & GPS
- 12 L steel tanks DIN (15 L steel tanks without supplement but availability limited)
- Nitrox available
- From Open Water to Instructor courses – Nitrox certification possible
- Zodiac departure from the beach, no docks or jetty
2 tank dives in the morning or half day dives (depends on schedules and conditions).
ACCOMMODATION IN ZAVORA
ZAVORA LODGE
The lodging was simple and “rustic” but clean and located on the seaside of the dune with a direct view on the Indian Ocean.
Zavora lodge has just built 6 new ensuite rooms. The building was made with ciment and wood and get one of the most beautiful view on the bay. Hot water, mosquito net.
A daily cleaning service is organized, linen and towels are provided.
Important : electricity provided by power generator until approximately 10 pm. Don’t forget to bring a flash light. South African plugs everywhere in Zavora (3 pins). Some adaptors available at the diving club.
All meals are taken at the unique restaurant of the bay which serves food à la carte. The bar/restaurant is located just next to the diving club and its terrace offers a magnificent view of the Zavora reef and its bay.
Plenty of humpback whales are sighted from the deck of the bar during June to November. Dolphins are regularly seen feeding and playing in the bay. There is a pool table and TV at the bar.
DOVELA
Authenticity, nature and peace… these are the words which define Dovela. It is in this preserved environment that 4 French, Alexandra, Sophie-Anne, Frédéric and Thomas, have decided to build the eco-lodge « Dunes de Dovela » in order to share their passion for this magical place.
Here where the landscapes stretch between dunes, forest and the lagoon, Dunes de Dovela offers a unique experience of discovering Mozambican nature and culture.
The Luxurious bungalows Dunes de Dovela offers 3 bungalows on a property of 80 hectares facing the ocean. All the bungalows have their own bathroom, toilet and an outside shower that faces the sea. They are equipped for two people, but up to two additional single beds can be provided on request, as can a cot. From your bedroom, French windows that look out over the ocean allow access to your private terrace.
The tend camp
Set up in the costal forest, the bush camp has 5 separated spaces. Each tent is pitched on a wooden platform which ends up with a privative terrace. Equipped with a double bed, a single bed or 2 stretchers, these tents are perfect to enjoy the beauty and the diversity of the costal forest. Playing with the environment, high established showers and toilets overlook the site, the Indian Ocean …. or the stars !
In order to make the beauty of the site accessible, observation decks and sign posted walking paths have been created. Different circuits are available according to the theme desired (flora, fauna…).
In order to fully enjoy the experience, Dunes de Dovela offers a 3 days package combining walks to the lagoon and the coastal forest, fauna and flora discovering and meeting with the local culture.
