Plan your trip
GETTING THERE
Mango flies to Durban from Joburg for about R1 300 return, and from Cape Town for about R2 000 return. flymango.com. Transfers from Durban (with Detour Trails) to the Kosi Bay/Farazela border (seven hours’ drive) cost R750 pp return.
THE TOUR
Detour Trails’ Maputaland Amble is 80 kilometres of fatbiking over four days. We were on the maiden recce, so only rode the outbound route (three days). Details have also changed slightly – now Tartaruga Maritima luxury tented camp in Ponta Malongane is the base, and there is only a stop in Ponta do Ouro for lunch. It also includes a boat trip to see dolphins, a night cycle and heads further north along the beach from Ponta Techobanine. The next tour is scheduled for 17 – 20 November (turtle-nesting season on this coastline). detourtrails.co.za. There is plenty of flexibility based on people’s interests and the group dynamic. If you have a specific location in mind, or cycling abilities you’d like catered for, Rohan is happy to advise and tweak. TOUR COST It costs R10 500 pp, including three nights’ accommodation, breakfast each day, two dinners and one lunch (the rest of the meals are at restaurants for your own account). Basic trail snacks, water and support crew are provided during the rides. The price includes the boat trip and taxi back to the border. It does not include compulsory emergency evacuation insurance (about R500 pp), personal beverages, eating out and transfers in SA to/from the Kosi Bay border. Fatbike rental costs R600 per day (helmet R25 per day), or you can bring your own bike.
NEED TO KNOW
The daily cycling distances were manageable, even for a novice like myself, but a basic level of fitness will make it more enjoyable. Bring your choice of cycling gear: padded shorts, cycling gloves, helmet (or peak cap) and cyclefriendly shoes with grip are all advisable. Also a two-litre hydration bladder, sunglasses and sunscreen. Don’t forget your snorkelling gear, swimming cozzie and towel. South Africans do not require a visa to visit Mozambique.
DO THIS Eat peri-peri chicken
at Sunset Shack (+258-84-2756746) or Jillie’s Chicken in Ponta Malongane. Find other traditional local foods at the back of the market. Go bar hopping along the beach – there are at least four options, all similarly laid-back.
Treat yourself to pasteis de nata
or one of the other delicious treats at the Doce Vitória bakery in Ponta do Ouro. +258-84-301-9387
Chill at Ponta Beach Bar,
next to the sea in Ponta do Ouro. Great any time of day, for cocktails, beers, burgers and pizza. We had breakfast, but now the tour stops here for lunch. +258-84-398-8364 *Prices correct at time of going to print