Dunes De Dovela Mozambique

Situated between the sea and an inland lake, the Dovela dunes are a diverse and unique environment. Spread over 80 hectares, discreet wooden platforms have been constructed in strategic locations interconnected by marked paths. The inland lake is a habitat favoured by birds (African fish eagle, cormorants, king fishers) which can be spotted on foot, from the bird hides or from a canoe on the lagoon. The coastal forest is full of life: small mammals (antelopes, monkeys, bush babies, mongooses), birds, butterflies, insects, trees and flowers.

You can admire the dramatic sunsets from the summit of a dune and in the evening, gaze at the southern hemisphere stars. Each day, guided walks on different themes (flora, animals, birds) are led by Thomas Bruneau, who is passionate about nature and a qualified guide (FGASA Field and Trail Guide, Level I, South Africa).

Accommodation at Dunes De Dovela

Built on 80 hectares, our priority has been to combine the site’s beauty and calm in order to provide you with a peaceful and comfortable stay. All ten forecasted chalets are well spaced and have been integrated into the surrounding vegetation so as to preserve the ecosystem.

Reception
Having left your vehicle in the car park, you will walk up to the reception which comprises a welcome area, a shop and the hotel office. A wooden staircase will take you down to the restaurant and the shaded patio with views of the sea and the dunes, the bar and comfortable living area, the conference room and the washrooms.

Luxurious Bungalows
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 architecture of the bungalows and their location will give you unrivalled views of the sea and dunes whilst enjoying the cooling sea breeze and being close to nature.

Bush Camp
Set up in the costal forest, the bush camp has 5 separated spaces. Each tent (bow 3*3) is pitched on a wooden platform which ends up with a private 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 !

The Site
From your accommodation, you will be able to explore the beautiful surroundings on foot. A network of shady marked paths lead you from your bungalow or your tent to the restaurant (between 40m and 80m), to the sea (300m), to the viewing platforms, through the forest, to Dongane lagoon (1.5 km) and to the villages of Chume (4km) and Dovela (6km).

Features of Dunes De Dovela

Attractions / Activities At and Nearby To Dunes De Dovela

Other Attractions / Activities At and Nearby To Dunes De Dovela
Situated between the sea and an inland lake, the Dovela dunes are a diverse and unique environment. Spread over 80 hectares, discreet wooden platforms have been constructed in strategic locations interconnected by marked paths.
The inland lake is a habitat favoured by birds (African fish eagle, cormorants, king fishers...) which can be spotted on foot, from the bird hides or from a canoe on the lagoon.

The coastal forest is full of life: small mammals (antelopes, monkeys, bush babies, mongooses), birds, butterflies, insects, trees and flowers. You can admire the dramatic sunsets from the summit of a dune and in the evening, gaze at the southern hemisphere stars.

Discovering the Chopé way of life
Coconut palms, cashews, Natal mahogany and other tree species are grown and used by the Chopé people. Visits to their farms and villages on the shores of the lagoon are fascinating and provide an opportunity to meet local people.
You will experience the warmth of the Chopé community and learn about their way of life : their agriculture, crafts and cuisine.

Life in Dovela also involves the sea. Fish, lobsters, crabs and shellfish (mussels, oysters) are all important in the local diet. You can join in the fishing activities if the tides permit.

The sea
The beach is deserted and a rocky barrier forms a tidal pool where you can swim protected from the waves. You can borrow a mask and snorkel from the lodge in order to explore the colourful underwater life on the reef.
This part of the Indian Ocean is inhabited by dolphins all year round. Between June and September, humpback whales also visit these waters. From a platform on the summit of a dune you can watch these magnificent mammals.

Where is Dunes De Dovela?
The Dunes of Dovela are located half way between the Bazaruto and Limpopo National Parks (the latter is linked to the Kruger in South Africa).

The GPS coordinates for the “Dunes of Dovela” are:
24°25.995 S
035°15.004 E

How To Get To Dunes De Dovela

By air: the closest international airport to the “Dunes de Dovela” is Inhambane (contact us for transfers from the airport to the lodge).

By car:
From Maputo: (430 km, 7h): Take the N1. 20 km north of Inharrime turn right at a blue concrete road sign with “Inhacoongo” written in yellow. The “Dunes de Dovela” are at the end of a 12.5 km sand piste of which 4 km are only possible in a 4x4.
300m after the turning from the N1, there is a hangar. To your right you will find the first sign saying “Dunes de Dovela”. Follow the bushbaby trail signposts – the paw prints are drawn in white on small wooden signs.

From Inhambane: (90 km, 1h30 mn) :
At the Lindela crossroads, turn left onto the N1. After 35 km going south, turn left at a blue concrete road sign with “Inhacoongo” written in yellow. The “Dunes de Dovela” are at the end of a 12.5 km sand piste of which 4 km are only possible in a 4x4.
300m after the turning from the N1, there is a hangar. To your right you will find the first sign saying “Dunes de Dovela”. Follow the bush baby trail signposts – the paw prints are drawn in white on small wooden signs.

Cars that do not have 4x4 drive can be left in a secure location close to the N1. Please contact us for the transfer to the lodge.

By Public Transport:
All buses and shared taxis can leave you at the junction of our piste with the N1. The junction is marked by a blue concrete road sign with “Inhacoongo” written in yellow. The piste starts on the right hand side, 20 km north of Inharrime, or on the left 35 km south of Lindela. Please contact us to arrange a transfer to the lodge.

By Taxi:
The team at the “Dunes de Dovela” can also organise your transfer to the lodge from Inharrime, Maxixe and Inhambane.

Email Dunes De Dovela enquiries and reservations bookmozambique@madbookings.com